The Cool Factor is Critical

Photo: Chevrolet Volt Plug-in

As supply management professionals consider environmental issues, obviously a knowledge of environmental laws and regulations is a must. Such professionals would be wise to mitigate risk by legally transferring the responsibility for environmental compliance to their suppliers where it makes sense to do so. (1)

It is in the area of Ethical Issues where responsibility becomes more of a voluntary process, but in many regards, no less of an important one. Best practice organizations make investments in renewable resources and employ recycling programs. In addition, selecting suppliers that use environmentally friendly technologies as well as recycle is another way supply management professionals can improve their company's ethical awareness. Any time companies can successfully re-use product within the organization rather than leave it as waste is a sign of ethical prudence. (1)

Consider a recent 3-day conference in Detroit where plug-in hybrid vehicles were all the rage. In this forum, business leaders from multiple automobile companies certainly realize the ethics behind environmentally friendly products. But they recognize that making such products fun to use, fun to drive, and in general fun to have is the real obstacle. With noticeably higher sticker prices than similar gas-engine cars, many recognize that the fun factor better be huge.

Maybe someday, buyers and consumers will opt for a more ethical purchase, without regard to price. But until that happens, in order for consumers to be green, per Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director for General Motors' Chevrolet Volt, the "cool factor is critical."

(1) CPSM Study Guide 1: 1-D-2 Establish and monitor environmentally responsible and compliant programs throughout the supply chain and life cycle.

Money Money Money

For many of us college graduation day marked the end of our studying and the beginning of our careers. Or so we thought. At some point we came to realize that the need for continually studying and learning did not terminate with a cap and gown ceremony, but rather is something that will remain with us throughout our careers.

In a highly competitive job market, the need for continued learning and certification is even more relevant. And as a supply management professional an effective way to increase your marketability is to obtain a CPSM certification.

The 2009 ISM Salary Survey results are in and there is positive news for those seeking the CPSM designation: CPSMs earn 13% more than those without the designation.

So do it for the love of learning, do it for the distinction, do it for your career, or do it for the money: set a goal to obtain your CPSM today!

The CPSM Exam: What's all the Hoopla?

hoop-la [hoop-lah]
-noun Informal
1. bustling excitement or activity; commotion; hullabaloo; to-do; ballyhoo

Perhaps your co-workers are planning to take their CPSM Exam. Maybe your manager is asking you to make obtaining your CPSM your newest objective. Certainly, procurement literature is chock full of information on obtaining the newest and most prestigious professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management. But is it right for you? Is it really necessary in your career?

Consider the following:

• The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM®) qualification is designed to lead the profession by emphasizing the major components of supply management.
  
• Endorsed by business leaders and thought-leaders across the globe, the knowledge, skills and abilities represented in the CPSM reflect the expanded education, skills and experience needed to excel in strategic supply management.
  
• Demand for strategic supply professionals is on the rise.
• Since the early 1990s, the profession has witnessed a growing focus on accomplishing strategic goals related to cost and value.
• In order to be professionally competitive, supply managers must acquire the necessary strategic skills that add value and enable effective alignment with key business functions at the senior management level.
• Organizations have communicated to ISM that they value the C.P.M. as evidence of a solid baseline of purchasing knowledge.
• The CPSM® qualification will also recognize individual competencies in the broader area of supply management.
• The CPSM® will emphasize major segments of the supply management profession; holders of the qualification will attain a greater understanding of their organization's supply network and have the skills to make more accurate and profitable decisions.
• The CPSM® qualification will enable professionals to gain a clear understanding of their organization's supply operation and enable managers to take an active role in critical decisions.
• Current evolution of the procurement profession dictates that a strategic level qualification is needed for professionals to effectively implement innovative supply strategies throughout their entire organization.
• The CPSM® will be a milestone for those professionals who take ownership of their careers.
• Surveys indicate those with professional designations report higher annual compensation than those without certification.
• Pursuing your CPSM® qualification is your chance to leverage your knowledge and experience into career advancement.
  

Source: CPSM® EXAM INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

Why are you considering taking the CPSM exam? Already have your CPSM - why did you pursue that distinction?