Purchasing and Supply Management: Trends and Changes Throughout the 1990s

Understanding the changes and trends affecting purchasing requires replacing anecdotal evidence with research‐based observations. Using data collected annually from leading firms worldwide, this article details the real and projected changes and trends that have affected and will continue to affect purchasing and sourcing professionals. These changes and trends appear within seven areas: (1) performance improvement requirements, (2) supplier and purchasing/sourcing importance, (3) organization, (4) systems development, (5) performance measurement, (6) supply base management, and (7) purchasing responsibilities and activities. A lack of awareness concerning these trends by purchasing professionals limits their ability to anticipate change and respond in a way that will create competitive advantage for their organization.