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. | Center for Advanced Purchasing
Studies Over the past decade, the development of the CAPS Research as a respected research organization has run parallel to a fundamental shift in the perceived role of the purchasing profession. Just a few years ago, purchasing was popularly viewed as a function of secondary importance in the completion of specific projects. Today, purchasing is widely viewed as an essential element in almost any organization's overall strategy for success. It is certainly no secret in recent years that management has placed increasing importance on achieving increased efficiency and cost savings while improving product quality and customer service. Purchasing professionals have answered this challenge by providing management with recommendations about total quality management, cost modeling, reliable forecasting techniques and other best purchasing practices. CAPS has provided these same professionals with the critical research data necessary to provide a solid basis for their recommendations. Clearly, CAPS has many ties to Arizona State University and a worldwide network of researchers. However, we also regard CAPS as an arm of the Institute for Supply Management--the association for professional purchasers. To that end, we encourage the active involvement of a variety of corporations in the ongoing mission of CAPS. As an independent research organization, CAPS provides companies and purchasing professionals with research and data from a perspective outside the normal business realm. We make this information available to our colleagues in purchasing as well as to their suppliers. By making this information available to all, we believe CAPS' research will benefit the widest audience over the long run. By distributing this information widely, CAPS enables organizations to avoid duplicating research activities across the profession. Our supporters, through their participation in CAPS, help the center's research activities remain focused on relevant information for senior management and purchasing professionals at all levels. For their continuing input and financial support, we are very grateful. |
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- Association for Purchasing &
Supply
