Case Studies in Australian Procurement

Magnetized Markets is an Australian firm that creates procurement software and Beyond Referrals will be hosting their Managing Director, James Leathem of Melbourne Australia for a breakfast presentation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on Tuesday February 9th. Details are available here.

James will be presenting research as well as two case studies from the governments of Victoria and New South Wales on their use of the Magnetized Markets ifindconsultants and vendorpanel software.

CMC Canada 2009 Industry Study Highlights Procurement

The 2009 Canadian Management Consulting industry study was released by CMC Canada recently and it identified "the professionalization of procurement" as one of four industry challenges (the other three challenges were talent scarcity, low barriers to entry and preserving public confidence/demonstrating value. Offshoring was declared both a challenge and an opportunity.).

Comments from the consulting industry reflect a frustration with the RFP process as a costly and time-consuming process for both vendors and buyers - "a tick the box exercise, more focussed on price than value".

The complete study can be purchased from CMC Canada (www.cmc-canada.ca) for $300 CDN (non-members) and $150 (members).

This very informative research project was completed by Carolyn Vose and Associates and based on the response of over 400 management consultants to an online survey as well as select executive interviews and other data.

One ironic twist - CMC Canada selected Carolyn Vose and Associates to complete the study via an RFP process.

The RFP Discussion Continues Around The Globe

On May 14th I announced that I had agreed to publicly debate my RFP philosophies during a US e-broadcast. Since that time I have had several dates deferred, then cancelled because two different debate opponents have dropped out of site. Is this evidence of limited support for the RFP even from advocates of its use? I'm not sure but I am sure that I will announce the availability of this podcast once it does finally happen.

On other consulting RFP fronts you can expect some lively debate in Columbus Ohio on Sunday September 13th as I present "A Decent Proposal: How to Buy Professional Services" to the American Public Works Association (APWA) conference.

Based on that upcoming presentation, an international peer reviewed journal has solicited an article on the subject from Beyond Referrals and we hope to see it published in early 2010.

And finally, if you have any interest in the consulting or consulting procurement business in Manitoba we are hosting another Consulting RFP Round Table Discussion at The Manitoba Club Friday September 25th in the morning. We'd love to see you there - it's almost at capacity but feel free to contact us about a "place at the table".