CIPS takes e-procurement to the Middle East

Taking place on 8 - 9 May 2006, at the Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Dubai, 'The Inaugural Middle East e-sourcing & e-procurement Conference' is aimed at helping specialists in the field of procurement and supply chain management understand the key issues in the world of 'e'.

The conference is being held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Economy and Planning, UAE

The conference, chaired by Duncan Eaton, Chief Executive of NHS Purchasing & Supply Agency, brings together a host of senior procurement experts from both the UK and the Middle Eastern region.

International speakers include:

• Robert Carolina, specialist in technology and e-commerce law, Origin Ltd UK

• Dr Mickey Howard, Lecturer in Operations & Information Systems at the University of Bath.

• Steven Pink, General Manager, IT & Indirect Procurement, British Airways plc, UK

• Kim Godwin, Former CPO Barclays Bank plc and CIPS Past President, Barclays Bank plc; UK

• Michael Killin, eEnabled Solutions Manager, Department of Works and Pensions, UK

Complimenting the internationally based speaker faculty will be a number of regionally based experts who represent companies at the forefront of purchasing and supply chain management in the region. Middle East experts include:

• Omar Hijazi, CEO, Tejari , UAE

• Saeed H M Al-Ameri, Commercial Manager, Zadco

• Ibrahim Yacob, Director of Contracting and Purchasing, Dubai Municipality, UAE

• Saeed Mohammed, Senior Vice President, Procurement and Logistics, Emirates Airline, UAE

Running over two days plenary presentations on topics such as Constructing with 'e' and commercial software agreements will be followed with case study presentations from organisations such as The Department of Work & Pensions and Middle Eastern based Jumeirah.

Panel discussions will also feature in the programme with procurement professionals from well-known Middle-Eastern organisations discussing how e-procurement has been successfully integrated into businesses in the region, sharing insights into the implementation of an e-procurement system and the factors required to make it a success. The panel will also debate the future of 'e' in the region.

Michael Campbell, director of business development at CIPS said;

"We have been working in the middle-east for some considerable time now, working with organisations who are striving to put in place standards of excellence in procurement. The use of e-procurement is growing rapidly and there is a real need for a better understanding and greater knowledge of this topic to ensure organisations can continue to reap the benefits that excellent procurement can offer."

'The Inaugural Middle East e-sourcing & e-procurement Conference' will be sponsored by leading spend management solution provider Ariba and Te'jari, the Business-to-Business e-Marketplace.