Profiling purchasing skills by purchase type : a survey of buyers in Taiwan

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an empirical study of purchasing skills and how they vary by type of purchase. Building on the purchasing portfolio approach, purchase type was defined using 10 internally oriented, product- related dimensions, and 8 externally oriented, supply-related dimensions. Based on these dimensions, experienced purchasing personnel described a specific purchase and profiled the skills required for effective performance in purchasing that item. Cluster analysis of the 72 valid responses provided three distinct groups of purchasing situations, which were labelled strategic, tactical and routine purchase types. Of the 33 skills identified from prior literature, 24 were found to differ significantly (p>0.05) across purchase type clusters. For each cluster, the purchase situation and skills profile are described. Results show that, as product and market complexity and risk increase, both more purchasing skills are needed, and their importance for successful performance increases. Further analysis through pairwise comparisons of the clusters reveals more detailed insights. Suggestions for refining this survey tool and for its potential application in companies are discussed.

Event Title: IPSERA 2012 21st International Conference
Event Type: Other
Event Location: Naples
Event Dates: 2012-04-30 - 2012-05-02
Last Modified: 23 Oct 2019 12:30
Date Deposited: 04 Dec 2012 09:39
Published Date: 2012
Authors: Tu, Yi-Hsi
Knight, Louise

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