The document discusses key elements of supplier measurement, focusing on quality, delivery, and price while highlighting the complexities involved. It quotes David Atkinson on the importance of a process-focused approach to supplier relationship management over interpersonal skills. Additionally, it addresses the need for distinguishing supplier performance measurement strategies before and after contract execution.

1. 1. The key elements of supplier measurement are quality,
delivery, and price. On the surface this appears to be a simple
matter, but what are the complicating factors?
2. David Atkinson, the founder and Managing Director of Four
Pillars, a management consulting and training company, states
that “supplier relationship management is . . . process-focused.
It’s a lot more about how the organization systematically plans,
than it is about an ’interpersonal’ skill set of the procurement
person or relationship manager.” Do you agree or disagree with
this statement?
3. Supplier performance measurement is an essential lever for
successful supplier management that encompasses both pre- and
post-contract management. From this vantage point, how would
you distinguish the focuses of supplier performance
measurement undertaken pre-contract stage versus post-contract
stage?