About the IFPSM

Within this circle, about 250,000 Purchasing Professionals can be reached.

IFPSM facilitates the development and distribution of knowledge to elevate and advance the procurement profession, thus favorably impacting the standard of living of citizens worldwide through improved business practices.

The term procurement is taken to embrace purchasing, materials management, logistics, supply chain management and strategic sourcing.

IFPSM is a non-political, independent and non-profit oriented International Organization.

Our Vision
IFPSM is recognized as the international federation that facilitates the development and sharing of the practice of the purchasing and supply management profession, wherever it is practiced, through our network of member organizations.

Our Mission
To increase the ability of IFPSM's network of member organizations to be more effective in serving our members and the profession.

Our Core Values
Dedicated to the service of our member associations.

A conviction that ethics lies at the heart of the profession of purchasing and supply management.

Ready and willing to work in partnership with other organizations that share our objectives and core values.

Commitment to methods of working which are non-bureaucratic and respect the sovereignty of our member associations. Specifically:

• Not doing centrally those things which can be better done by member associations.
• Recognizing that IFPSM statements in fields such as ethics will normally be produced as models for member associations to use as a basis for their own standards and procedures.

Striving to build consensus and to resolve differences between us in a constructive manner, including:

• Maintaining a working environment that is conducive to member associations working together.
• Understanding that member associations may be at the same time allies, customers, suppliers, and competitors and that this may pose difficulties when one member association is working in the country of another. In such situations member associations are asked, as far as domestic and international law and regulations allow, to:
• Keep each other informed of their activities.
• Avoid criticism of a fellow member association in sales and marketing processes and materials.

Our activities

• Professional Development
• Global Education and Training
• Membership Development
• Public Relation and Publications
• Certification Programmes
• Research Centers
• World Summits and Regional Conferences
• Federation Awards

 

Strategies 2008-2011

i. Increase the IFPSM membership, both geographically and by volume, by 15%.

• Mapping Exercise – geographic, economic, reach (1).
• Define the role and value proposition clarification for IFPSM (1)
• Identify target associations (1)
• Develop a “marketing” package (2)
• Re-activate sleeping/previous members (3)

ii. Create best in class hub to deliver best in class knowledge (with a view to possible charter status in time).

• Create effective networks, connecting people/expertise (1)
• Identify the need – association management, professional practice, harmonization, access (1)
• Define Body of Knowledge (1)

iii. Increase the ability to execute and resource.

• Identify the appropriate 21st Century technology opportunities – web, skype, webinars etc (1)
• Change practice of IFPSM forums to capitalize on technology opportunities (1)
• Develop a performance measurement model for IFPSM (1)
• Develop a financial model to enable assistance to associations to build capacity (2)
• Increase revenue – new sources, clarify “invisible” sources (3) iv. External use of the IFPSM brand for the benefit of member associations.
• Define the IFPSM brand internally and externally (2)
• Identify the target “agencies” and the purpose to be achieved (3)
• Develop appropriate marketing packages (3) v. Support local associations to cope with globalization
• Understand the breadth and depth of the impact of globalization on associations and determine the choices that associations might have to consider

(The numbers in brackets indicate the priority afforded to each strategy for completion over a three year timescale.)

 

IFPSM Code of Ethics
Members shall not use their authority or office for personal gain and shall seek to uphold and enhance the standing of the purchasing and supply management profession and the Federation by:

 

Guidance
In applying these precepts, members should follow the guidance set out below:

1. Maintaining an unimpeachable standard of integrity in all their business relationships both inside and outside the organizations in which they are employed;
2. Fostering the highest standards of professional competence amongst those for whom they are responsible;
3. Optimizing the use of resources for which they are responsible so as to provide the maximum benefit to their employers;
4. Complying with the letter and the spirit of:
   1. The laws of the country in which they practice;
   2. The Federation's 'guidance' on professional practice as outlined below and as may be issued by the Federation from time to time; and
   3. Contractual obligations.
5. Rejecting and denouncing any business practice that is improper; and
6. Enhancing the proficiency and stature of the profession by acquiring and maintaining current technical knowledge.
   1. Declaration of interest. Any personal interest which may impinge or might reasonably be deemed by others to impinge on a member's impartiality in any matter relevant to their duties should be declared to their employer.
   2. Confidentiality and accuracy of information. The confidentiality of information received in the course of duty must be respected and should not be used for personal gain; information given in the course of duty should be true and fair and not designed to mislead.
   3. Competition. While considering the advantages to the member's employer of maintaining a continuing relationship with a supplier, any arrangement which might, in the long term, prevent the effective operation of fair competition, should be avoided.
   4. Business gift. To preserve the image and integrity of both the member and the employer, business gifts should be discouraged. Gifts, other than items of very small intrinsic value should not be accepted.
   5. Hospitality. Moderate hospitality is an accepted courtesy of a business relationship. However, the recipients should not allow themselves to reach a position whereby they might be or might be deemed by others to have been influenced in making a business decision as a consequence of accepting such hospitality. The frequency and scale of hospitality accepted should not be significantly greater than a recipient's employer, through the recipient's expense account, would be likely to provide in return.
   6. When in doubt of what is acceptable in terms of gifts and hospitality, the offer should be declined or advice sought from the member's superior.