97% of organisations agree—project management is critical to business success. Businesses invest heavily in project finance modelling to stay on budget, yet projects continue to overshoot. So, where is the disconnect? The hidden trade-off: Does a focus on accuracy come at the cost of agility? Three of the biggest reasons for project failure are: Even […]
Summary The procurement landscape is evolving, with stricter regulations reshaping business operations. The regulatory shift: What is changing? Businesses must now prioritise transparency, ESG reporting, and digital transformation. What are the biggest challenges in procurement management? Companies face supply chain risks, compliance burdens, and the struggle to balance costs with regulatory demands. How to stay […]
Summary Sustainable procurement is no longer optional—businesses need to thrive in an evolving marketplace. The shift from cost-cutting to value creation is clear, as companies realise the long-term benefits of sustainable practices. However, the challenges of why businesses struggle to adapt remain, with businesses struggling to balance sustainability goals with cost pressures and complex supply […]
Summary AI is enhancing procurement operations management by providing capabilities such as automation, predictive analytics, and real-time risk assessment. However, there are several things AI cannot do in procurement operations management, like handling negotiations, understanding context, and making ethical decisions. As the role of procurement operations management is shifting from transactional tasks to strategic decision-making, […]
Summary Sustainable procurement involves making purchasing decisions that benefit both the environment and business performance. Key principles of sustainable procurement include energy efficiency, waste reduction, low-carbon alternatives, and ethical sourcing. What is the relationship between cost and environmental impact? Green procurement can lead to long-term savings by reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and optimising supply […]
Summary Understanding project finance modelling is essential for businesses aiming to manage large-scale projects effectively. However, the case for over-budgeting raises questions about whether modelling practices encourage inflated budgets through overly cautious risk assumptions and contingency buffers. This can lead to financial strain, resource misallocation, and reduced profitability, highlighting why over-budgeting can be harmful to […]
Procurement plays a crucial role in ensuring that the right materials and services are obtained at the right price, quality, and time, supporting the overall success and efficiency of the business. Procurement can involve purchasing raw materials, equipment, or even outsourced services, and it works closely with other departments like finance, operations, and marketing to […]
Summary A procurement risk assessment matrix is a strategic tool that helps organisations identify, assess, and prioritise risks within their procurement processes. However, common misconceptions: the box-ticking mindset can undermine its effectiveness, reducing it to a compliance task rather than a strategic asset. Unlocking the real value of the procurement risk assessment matrix involves aligning […]
Summary Procurement spend analysis is the process of examining an organisation’s expenditure data to uncover insights for better decision-making and cost management. The promised benefits include cost savings, supplier performance optimisation, risk mitigation, and improved compliance. The case for the hype includes success stories where spend analysis has driven significant value, particularly with the help […]
Julie Brand
A part of Kronos Group’s team since 2018, Julie is a leader who has honed her specialisation in business transformation and utilised her expansive financial expertise to power business strategy and add value to what we do. She has amassed experience (Pfizer, Sony, AXA, SMEC, Tradelink) all over the world in strategy, project management, analysis, and supply chain.