Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Category Management is a technique used to understand markets, analyze spending, and make purchasing decisions that save money. It can mean the difference between accepting mediocre goods and services at high cost and effective supply management that delivers real value. By altering how goods are categorized and supplied, this management tactic helps shift purchasing from being an error-prone transaction to lowering costs for the business.Using case studies and practical examples, Jonathan O'Brien provides a step-by-step guide to category management implementation and use that companies can readily apply to their overall business strategy. The third edition is updated with pragmatic advice for smaller businesses, details on how category management can work together with other approaches (such as Supplier Relationship Management), revised sections on supplier management, and new information on governance, supplier and supply chain tools. This practical book allows readers to analyze complex sourcing situations quickly and develop innovative and creative solutions. Category Management in Purchasing is the perfect companion to Jonathan O'Brien's other books, Negotiation for Purchasing Professionals and Supplier Relationship Management, both published by Kogan Page. Used together, they provide a complete and powerful strategic purchasing toolkit. "-- Provided by publisher.

"ategory Management in Purchasing is a comprehensive guide to strategic category management, providing a step-by-step guide to its implementation and use. This book provides the necessary tools, techniques and applications that will enable the reader to implement this cost saving purchasing method. The 3rd Edition of Category Management in Purchasing has been rigorously updated to reflect latest thinking in the field. Jonathan O'Brien shows how a strategic approach needs to work effectively together with other approaches, such as Supplier Relationship Management. He has added important sections on governance, included more supplier and supply chain tools, and introduced a pragmatic route for smaller businesses or those who need step-by-step advice. The book provides case studies of real companies, including: IKEA, The Body Shop, NHS, Heinz, Cardiff Council, and GlaxoSmithKline"-- Provided by publisher.