by Janice Marquardt | Feb 17, 2026 | Creative Solutions, e-Auctions, Processes
This week was the week of shifting sands. I’m not sure why this was the week, but multiple e-auctions I’ve been involved with had last-minute changes, unexpected challenges, and a bit of a scramble. This is a learning opportunity for how to deal with very specific...
by Janice Marquardt | Jan 27, 2026 | Definitions, Processes
After filling out first day paperwork and sitting through more cybersecurity training than anyone thought possible, the first thing a procurement professional is asked to do is run a bid. Also known as a “tender” in Europe, a bid is fundamental to procurement –...
by Janice Marquardt | Dec 16, 2025 | Creative Solutions, Processes
First, there was the procurement department. Six months later, someone said, “We should do a procurement transformation!” (probably). If you’ve been in or worked with a procurement department for any amount of time, you’ve likely been through a procurement...
by Janice Marquardt | Nov 18, 2025 | Definitions, Org Chart, Processes
I once had a supervisor who was obsessed with what he called “the 4-box model” of procurement. His version graphed supply chain complexity/risk on the y-axis and supply chain cost on the x-axis, classifying suppliers into one of the four resulting quadrants. Low cost...
by Janice Marquardt | Oct 21, 2025 | Creative Solutions, Processes
People often tell me starting their own business is their dream. They imagine a world with fewer meetings, more control over their own schedule, and being their own boss. While all these things are somewhat true, there’s definitely a “the grass is greener” effect in...
by Janice Marquardt | Oct 14, 2025 | Contracts, Processes, Uncategorized
There are multiple reasons to attend conferences: networking, being visible in your professional community, and especially learning new things. If you’re like me previously in my career and can’t attend conferences for various reasons, I can bring back at least a...
