I consider myself very lucky in that I really enjoy my work. And, of all of the things that I look forward to each year, working on our annual CPO Rising research study ranks right at the top. As such, I am very pleased to announce to you today that Ardent Partners’ CPO Rising 2017: Tools of the Trade report is now available at this link (registration required).

Over the coming days, weeks, and months, we will highlight key findings, present new case studies, offer deep insights, and examine the report in depth (writing about the report on the CPO Rising website is another favorite thing that I do). Today, I will simply provide a brief overview of the report and share its table of contents. Before I do that, however, I wanted to thank the 300+ Chief Procurement Officers and other procurement leaders who participated in the survey. Your participation and support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

CPO Rising 2017: Tools of the Trade

This twelfth annual CPO-themed report, CPO Rising 2017, is part of an ongoing dialogue that my team has had with CPOs and other procurement leaders for more than a decade (I began writing a version of this report in 2006). The report examines the general competencies and capabilities of procurement organizations today and highlights the management strategies and tactics that leading CPOs use to get the most from their teams. It also presents a comprehensive, industry-wide view into what is happening in the world of procurement and captures the experience, performance, perspective, and intentions of 313 CPOs and other procurement executives. The report includes benchmark statistics, analysis, and recommendations that procurement teams can use to better understand the state of procurement today, gain insight into best practices, benchmark their performance against the Best-in-Class, and ultimately improve their operations and performance.

Here is the Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The State of the CPO

Take a close look at the role of the CPO and the level of engagement and alignment this leader has within the enterprise today as well as the key drivers and challenges that have shaped and will shape CPOs’ priorities and plans in 2017 and beyond. Key sub-headings: Bridging the Gap // Complacency Kills // The CPO’s Agenda 2017

Chapter 2: The State of Procurement

Gain a detailed view of the typical procurement operation by analyzing the current capabilities in the areas of people, process, and technology. See how key strategies, processes, and technologies will enable procurement to improve its performance in the years ahead. Key sub-headings: The Procurement Mindset // Tools of the Trade // Procurement Hurdles

Chapter 3: Procurement Performance

Find procurement performance and operational statistics to use as benchmarks for your organization. Learn what defines Best-in-Class procurement performance, and get insight into the strategies, processes, and technologies that enable Best-in-Class performers to maintain their competitive advantage. Key sub-headings: The Procurement Campaign // The 2017 Procurement Benchmarks // Best-in-Class Performance

Chapter 4: Strategies for Success

Discover a series of recommended strategies and approaches for CPOs and procurement departments that want to improve their operations and results. Key sub-headings: Agility in Action // The Adoption Conundrum (End Users) // General Recommendations // Conclusion

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