Peters addresses visit to Cranfield

Supply Management, Apr 24, 2008

BRANCH EVENT

Beds and Herts branch will join forces with neighbouring Chilterns branch for a visit to Cranfield University next month.

Members will learn more about the latest research into performance management in supply chains carried out by the University's Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

In his presentation, "The changing face of logistics outsourcing", Melvyn Peters (pictured), director of MSc admissions and senior lecturer in logistics and supply chain management, will explore the challenges for organisations and question whether the market is adjusting to meet those needs. He points out that, while the logistics outsourcing market is mature - at least in Europe - many companies still complain about the level of cost reduction achieved. These organisations also voice disappointment about the lack of innovation shown by their logistics service providers. Add increasing globalisation of the supply chain and problems of geographical and service scope also arise.

Peters' particular research interests are logistics outsourcing and freight efficiency and he will also draw on his research with consultancies Mercer Management and Accenture, and the European Commission.

Colin Masters, events co-ordinator of Beds and Herts branch, says: "There will be an opportunity to discuss problems you may be encountering with supplier management, so please bring some issues along for discussion."

"The changing face of logistics outsourcing" will be on 22 May, opening at 7pm with refreshments before a 7.30pm start. The venue is the Cranfield Management Development Centre, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire. Book your free place with CIPS customer response centre on 0845 8801188 or e-mail crc@cips.org.