Modern supply chains are enjoying new opportunities for innovation and growth. Build competitive advantage, optimize cost and encourage ethical business practices with the process of strategic sourcing.
Effective Strategic Sourcing brings together tools and techniques to develop comprehensive sourcing strategies and drive performance and margin improvement in an ethical, environmentally responsible way. From supplier research and risk analysis to category management and cost modelling, it answers key questions around make versus buy, outsource versus insource and RFI versus RFP.
Top supply chain leaders from a range of industries offer their insights and experience in interviews covering the challenges inherent in modern strategic sourcing. The book also focuses on how supply chain and procurement professionals can address sustainability concerns by thinking globally and acting locally and aiming for net-zero carbon footprint sourcing. Learn from the experts and thrive in the 'new normal' with this essential guide to maximising the benefits of strategic sourcing.
About the Author
Patrick Barr is the owner and Managing Partner of Barr Performance Coaching, based in Greater Dublin, Ireland. He has over 30 years' international experience in supply chain operations, strategic sourcing and strategy management, and previously held senior supply chain roles at Microsoft, Diageo and British Airways. His current clients range from micro SMEs to major multinationals. He is a Faculty member at the Irish Management Institute and is also the author of The Successful Career Toolkit, published by Kogan Page.
Industry Reviews
"The writing style makes it very easy to read and digest. I particularly liked the practical advice to support procurement professionals at all levels cover the breadth of topics that is now required when developing a strategy or new supplier relationship. This practical approach also suits people looking to develop themselves further in procurement." * Piers Grumett, Operations Director, Megger *
"It was an easy read and I like the Tips and Tricks section at the end of each section, they are easy steps to follow and can help you get started quickly. Overall a great read." * Eamonn O'Casarlaigh Director/Global Supply Chain Lead, Microsoft *
"It is extremely comprehensive, every time I thought of something I would add I found it was covered later. Also I was really pleased to see the sustainability & circular economies covered. I would find this an invaluable tool, enabling me to create checklists and give me confidence in my approach. Additionally it would help understand why my leaders were requesting certain pieces of information or better pre-empt what they need to see." * Karl Clarke, VP Business Development, Georlyn *
"What a great book, so well put together! I really enjoyed the flow and how the pattern was the same within each chapter, which made it very easy to follow. I found the tips and tricks and summary at the end of each section to be really helpful. It's almost like a cheat sheet for buyers to help them really start thinking strategically. I would recommend this to any procurement leaders who want to really understand why each of these areas are important and to help educate their teams on strategic sourcing. I also like the fact that it held all meaningful information in one place, so very handy!" * Fiona Lowbridge, VP Client Success, Alom *
"Thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Really enjoyed the blend of latest research and cutting edge thinking on soft skills on leadership and culture along with the practical tips to advance core processes such as Supplier Performance Management and Sales & Operational Planning. Post pandemic we have found having totally rethink our entire structure and relationship with global strategic partners and the innovative thinking on how to make the most of supplier collaboration was extremely useful to help develop new frameworks and strategies in this space. Overall a book full of new strategic insights and one that wont just sit on the shelf now as it be a good reference point for numerous strategic initiatives we are working on over the next number of years." * David Aherne, Senior Director Head of Business Strategy, Alexion Operations *
"Effective Strategic Sourcing by Patrick Barr is the Bible for those working in Supply chain and a must-read for those that want to take advantage of Patrick's work experience and knowledge in this area. The complex concepts such as cost modelling, decision making processes, risk management and many others are explained in a very practical manner and leaves the reader enriched with solutions and ideas." * Sean Conway, Managing Director, Dutec *
"It's a book that covers a broad number of topics on Supply Chain and Strategic sourcing and a key read for anyone stepping into this field." * Suzanne O' Toole, COO Vodaphone Procurement *
