NOBLE

By HELEN ZULU-
THE Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) has established the global standard for procurement and supply which sets out the skills and abilities required for each of the five levels of procurement competency.
It provides a comprehensive competency framework to enhance individual and organisational procurement performance.
CIPS group chief executive officer David Noble said the standard offered consistency in behaviour and improves the knowledge of the excellence in supply chain practice.
Mr Noble said the standard was a point of reference for organisations and individuals to measure their own performance levels in the field of procurement and supply and was an objective framework that could offer a wealth of benefits.
He said the standard could enhance organisational performance and help produce a detailed analysis of what needed to be in the procurement plan.
This is done by benchmarking the procurement professionals against the competencies, identifies gaps in team capability and corresponding development needs.
“These are the building blocks on which business can stand and succeed. I urge boards, chief executive officers and stakeholders across all African countries to keep this resource on hand to understand the value of the profession and its importance and sphere of influence.
“This is the first of its kind and is a much needed resource if we are to approach the new age of procurement and supply management with confidence and rigour,” Mr Noble said.and shareholders,”he said.