Columns

Keep the Momentum Going

Author(s):

John Yuva, Editor

January 2013, Inside Supply Management^® Vol. 24, No. 1, page 4

From the Editor
World events over the last several years have been a springboard for supply management professionals to elevate their prominence in organizations.

On beginnings, T.S. Eliot once said, "What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." It's a fitting quote in light of the new calendar year, the start of a second U.S. presidential term and the changes ahead for ISM. With most beginnings there's a combination of excitement and apprehension. What does the future hold? How will events and decisions impact us?

Regardless of what unfolds, the perseverance of supply management professionals is an asset organizations can and should leverage. Who else is going to grab the reins when a tsunami, strike, geopolitical incident or myriad other disruptions affect the supply chain? Whether in times of stability or volatility, it's supply management that organizations look to for solutions.

In my 13.5 years of writing for ISM's member publication, I've had the privilege of covering major milestones in the supply management profession. The transition when purchasing evolved into supply management set the tone for the profession's strategic outlook. The expansion of sourcing into Asian markets opened the door to new partners and global risks. And the greatest financial crisis since the Depression brought greater attention to and reliance on supply management professionals.

Despite these significant milestones, supply management remains a young, growing profession. Unlike other professions that reach maturity, supply management is only a few stories tall in its rise to great heights. It's been an exciting journey thus far. The editorial staff of Inside Supply Management^® looks forward to continuing its coverage of emerging trends and pursuing issues most pertinent to you, our readers.

Within our first 2013 issue, we have several articles that inform and entice — many of which revolve around the topic of risk. With the world population growing ever so steadily, concerns surrounding water and food resources are top-of-mind. Read our cover story, Planting Seeds for the Future, on page 18, to learn about Land O' Lakes' efforts around sustainable food supplies.

When a supply disruption occurs, it often results in a supply-demand imbalance. Regaining alignment requires an allocation strategy that ensures customer order fulfillment. In Handling a Demand Dilemma, on page 12, a case study provides such a strategy.

During supplier negotiations, price often trumps most other contract considerations. Does this always have to be the case? In the article Through Cost, Comes Value, on page 22, a cost perspective provides several advantages from a relationship and operational standpoint.

As President Obama begins his second term, most of us have economic questions. Our article, Uncertainty Takes an Economic Toll, on page 34, examines forecasts in housing, labor and financial markets. Check out our other valuable articles in this issue, as well.

While the future is uncertain, we do know that with 2012 behind us, the Mayan calendar continues on and much work is left unfinished. Let's get to it!

John Yuva
Editor

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