When it comes to ordering valves there are a number of elements that purchasers need to consider if they want to save time and money, as well as boost their vessels’ performance. In this briefing paper, Atlas Marine Valves share their expertise with purchasers and explain what they need to focus on to ensure they are getting the best parts for the job.

Making the best decision when purchasing marine lubricants and fuels needs more than just an assessment based on price. In this best practice paper, Exxonmobil explains how purchasers can make better decisions about the products they’re choosing, by looking at everything from engine protection to stability and compatibility issues.

As the shipping industry evolves, and global trade continues to grow, so does the amount of port agents on offer to shipping companies. As a consequence, choosing the right one is more important than ever. In this article, Jesper Steenbuch, Managing Director of Wave Shipping, gives us his recommendations on what to look for when choosing a port agent to always ensure a successful call.

Today’s shipping vessels operate with a constant flow of diverse fluids, moving inside and through different machinery and systems for numerous purposes. A pump supports virtually every major machine and/or operation on board a ship. In this paper, ARO Pumps gives purchasers the lowdown on choosing the right marine pumps for longevity, performance and reliability.

Under SOLAS regulations, ships certified to sail in cold climates must have enough immersion suits for all the crew and guests they are licensed to carry, and to stay within safety guidelines they need to be repaired or replaced regularly. In this easy-to-follow Q&A guide, Viking Life-Saving Equipment outlines all the details you need to know to decide whether to continue to service suits or get them replaced.

Sourcing reliable, good quality, engine parts is a tricky business, especially when they have to be transported half way around the world. In this how-to guide, Chiefmar shares its knowledge and insight, and outlines a number of things purchasers need to watch out for when specifying purifiers and selecting a supplier.

Emma Scott, representation manager at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply outlines a strategy to avoid the huge consequences of corporate fraud.

Rob Scharff, general manager purchasing and logistics, explains why partnership is the key to smarter procurement for Rotterdam-based Stolt- Nielsen Transportation Group, one of the world's top parcel tanker operators

Relationships are all around us, whether it's on a personal basis or in a business context. Some of us are better at managing them than others and some hold them in a higher esteem than others – but the problem with relationships is that no two are the same and therefore can become harder to manage.

Following up on a major theme at the IMPA 2007 conference, supply relationship management is analysed by Roy Ayliffe, director of professional practice at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply.

Innovation is the key to unlocking opportunities for value, according to speakers at PMMS Consulting Group's annual strategic purchasing forum.

Emma Brooks, Senior Procurement Specialist for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply explains why and how buying-side professionals should play a strategic part in minimising supply chain risks.

You've completed your tender round, seen a short listed few in the beauty parade, negotiated the best deal and sealed it with a contract. So the hard work is over - or is it? How do you now ensure that what was agreed is now in fact delivered?

The deal may be done but the job is far from over with close performance monitoring...

Negotiation is all about communication - with the objective of reaching an agreement by means, where appropriate, of compromise. In this Best Practice article Helen Adler, Senior Procurement Specialist at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, asks the question – Are you a winner, or a loser?

There can't be many organisations left on the planet that haven't heard of 'sustainability' but do they think it's simply a buzzword or a business imperative?

Helen Adler, Head of Public Relations for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, explores how green procurement can benefit business, as well as society at large...

The economic climate is fast moving and organisations have to change just to keep pace...

Emma Brooks, senior procurement specialist at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, explains how procurement professionals can ease the pressure of global change by demonstrating their potential at the heart of company management.

The tell-tale signs of a supplier in difficulty need to be recognised and acted upon without delay, as detailed by Mike Brookes, senior practice specialist at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply

Trudy Salandiak public relations officer at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply asks the question: Does sustainable mean uncommercial? And why make the effort when you're fighting just to survive?

It's time to consider the compelling business benefits...

With all the trials and tribulations of recent years, the landscape of business has changed dramatically. We are living in a world with more uncertainty and increasingly challenging conditions.

Trudy Salandiak, public relations officer at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply offers a survival course that could save suppliers – and their customers – from going under...

Emma Scott, representation manager at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply explains why procurement professionals need to tread carefully through the sourcing minefield.

With prices falling across many sectors, organisations are starting to feel the pressure. For many this means looking again at their pricing structure, analysing the overall package they have and reviewing what customers are willing to pay.

Emma Scott explains the intricacies of pricing strategies and the need for flexibility in ever-changing markets.

Mike Brookes, product development manager at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply explains how fair-minded procurement professionals can motivate supply partners for mutual advantage.

The issue of cost has never had such a great focus. Irrespective of sector, size or situation, the economic downturn has driven cost high up organisations' agendas. Paul Livingston and Mike Fogg explore this ever-important issue...

As a procurement professional, you spend many hours with your suppliers in several different ways. Yet, most of the time, these forums do not afford the opportunity to understand and gauge what suppliers think of your company. Most will not express what they truly feel and experience in their relationship with your organisation, its employees and specifically its buyers.

So, what do your suppliers really think of you?

One successful and powerful tool that can help you to find out is a supplier opinion survey and this article looks at this important measurement tool in more detail.