ART - OVERCOMING DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS from The Journal of Public Procurement 2005

The document discusses the importance of strategic clarity and efficiency effectiveness in supply chain management for businesses. It highlights the factors that can impact supply chain management, such as volume, geographical focus, substitutability, information asymmetry, buyer switching costs, and reputation effects. The document also emphasizes the need for knowledge of sourcing options and understanding internal demand management problems. It suggests that NHS Trusts should develop a mechanism for collecting demand management information and establish a central database to consolidate spend and improve value for money. The document further recommends improved reactive and proactive supply management at the first-tier or total supply chain level, as well as disintermediation within the supply chain to eliminate suppliers and utilize internal expertise. It emphasizes the importance of better demand management and coordination of design, specification, and supply management across Trusts. The document includes several references to relevant literature on logistics, supply chain management, and business relationships.