Buyers of chemicals always need to know what’s happening in their markets, and more importantly what will happen, to make informed purchasing decisions. The problem is that forecasting chemicals markets is more of an art than a science, and well-structured (but subsequently erroneous) predictions have made some of the best analysts look like novices [...]

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This week, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) released their manufacturing and services numbers for December. The non-manufacturing (services) number came in at 50.1%, which was right around expectations. While it did move slightly into the “growth” region (above 50), it certainly did not blow away the street and indicate that all is on the [...]

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While the past 12 months represent the most trying economic climate since the Great Depression with hardships experienced seemingly around every turn, from a strategic sourcing perspective, the recession can best be summed up in one word - opportunity. With commodity prices plummeting almost across the board and suppliers desperate for business, the strategic [...]

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The Sunday New York Times reported on a surge in temp labor hiring. Indeed, the November temporary labor hiring numbers were relatively strong. To quote the Times:
“Last month 52,000 temps were added, greater than the number of new workers in any other category. Not even health care and government, stalwarts through the long recession, did [...]

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Another interesting take-away from Chris Sawchuk’s presentation at the Boston Spend Management Day earlier this week was his insight into what’s in store for most companies in 2010. According to Chris, the Hackett Group’s interviews with procurement pros have revealed that the vast majority of companies (I believe he said around 80%) reported they’ll have [...]

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