The Vendor Management Office: Unleashing the Power of Strategic Sourcing (Perfect Paperback)

~ Stephen R. Guth (Author), Esq. (Author)
Key Phrases: marketplace research, traditional purchasing department, finalist vendor, Sourcing Consultant, Estimated Date, Customer Exec (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Negotiating the lowest possible price is no longer enough. Internal customers now demand more: they need business advice, guidance, and expertise to manage their sourcing requirements. They need an organization that focuses less on price and more on the value that vendors can provide. The organizational key to unleash the potential of strategic sourcing is the Vendor Management Office. It is an over-arching organizational concept of strategically managing procurements and vendors to maximize business investments in key commodities. Resulting from over 10 years of real-life experience implementing VMOs, this book introduces the concept of a VMO and the VMO philosophy that cost is not always a factor. The book is much more than conceptual: concrete and practical tools considered necessary to launch a newly formed VMO are explored in detail. Additionally, appendices contain materials that can be easily adapted for use by any VMO.

About the Author

Stephen R. Guth, Esq. has provided negotiation services, as both a customer and a vendor, to multi-national companies such as Ryder System, Dell Computer, and Aflac Insurance. He has implemented ground-up VMOs at Ryder System, Aflac Insurance, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He has been featured in CIO Magazine for his concept of vendor relationship management and he has authored articles on contract negotiations and patent law. He is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, received a Masters from George Washington University Commercial Contract Management Program, and is a summa cum laude graduate of Saint Leo University. Mr. Guth holds the following certifications: Certified Purchasing Manager, Certified Technology Procurement Executive, Certified Commercial Contract Manager, and Fellow of the Life Management Institute. Mr. Guth also served in the military under the United States Special Operations Command. Mr. Guth is a frequent speaker at purchasing-related industry events, and also provides training on various topics in purchasing.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Lulu Press, Inc.; 1st edition (November 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1435703839
• ISBN-13: 978-1435703834
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #251,125 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great "How To" with Rationale Attached, March 2, 2008

By	Interested Vendor "Interested Vendor" (Atlanta, GA, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a great read for anyone interested in becoming a part of a VMO, improving a VMO, selling the business on the need for a VMO or working better with a VMO during the life of a contract.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Concept, Great Book, November 25, 2007

By	Timothy R. Davis - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have worked with the author, Stephen Guth, and I can say for a fact that his Vendor Management Office concept works. His main objective is to drive value-add from vendors, and cost savings are much lower on the priority scale. However, in the process, I have witnessed him negotiate big savings. Even better, both parties feel like the deal was fair and equitable. Ultimately, the vendor is comitted to making the relationship work and delivers. Whether you're familiar with the VMO concept or not, this is a great book with actionable steps that you can take to create or refine a VMO. There's really no fluff in the book, but Stephen does take some shots at traditional purchasing departments, so that makes the book a little on the controversial side.

4.0 out of 5 stars Unleashing in unveiling-, April 10, 2009

By	Cynthia A. Head (Beltsville, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great read for all levels- whether you're considering the world of vendor management and procurement or already involved. The ROI is unquantifiable!