Must-Read Books for Supply Chain Professionals in 2024
What topped your reading lists this year? Well, as we head into our Top 3 articles of 2024, it’s clear that this one was a favourite. And what a coincidence that it involved what should be on your reading list! But not to worry if you haven’t added these books to your Christmas list, there’s still time this year to cram in a couple of books around the holiday. Here are our recommendations.
Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of traditional supply chain principles or seeking guidance on navigating the complexities of modern, technology-driven supply networks, there is a wide variety of must-read books available for procurement and supply chain professionals.
But with all the titles, authors and decades-worth of materials available, where do you even start?
We’ve compiled a list of must-read books, including both recent publications and timeless classics, specifically curated for supply chain professionals in 2024. Each book contains a treasure trove of knowledge to support your role and has been chosen for its relevance, practicality, and ability to offer new perspectives on supply chain management.
Books for Building Foundational Knowledge
Some of the best reads for if you’re looking for insights and strategies around the core principles of supply chain management and procurement.
Leading Procurement Strategy: Driving Value Through the Supply Chain
Authors: Carlos Mena, Remko van Hoek, and Martin Christopher
Year: 2014
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of procurement strategies and how they drive value throughout the supply chain, this book takes a deep dive into the procurement strategies of major companies like IKEA, NASA, Tesla and Nike, offering a blend of academic theory and practical case studies. Make sure you grab the third edition that includes updates around the progression towards digital processes and the increasing importance of environmental and social considerations in procurement strategies.
The New Supply Chain Agenda: The 5 Steps That Drive Real Value
Authors: Reuben Slone, J. Paul Dittmann, and John T. Mentzer
Year: 2010
Emphasising the importance of having the right people, technology, and collaborative efforts with suppliers and customers, this trio of experts draw on a wealth of real-life examples to provide a roadmap for transforming your supply chain into a powerful competitive advantage. Expect to be challenged to evaluate whether your company’s product delivery aligns with customer expectations in terms of timing, location, pricing, availability, and cost efficiency. Released back in 2010, the book largely remains relevant for its strategic content.
Books for Managing Risks
Books that are packed with advanced insights into risk management, so you can develop the strategies and tools to build resilience within your supply chains.
Supply Chain Risk Management: How to Design and Manage Resilient Supply Chains
Author: John Manners-Bell
Year: 2020
An essential read for those who want to understand and mitigate the risks in supply chains. Author Manners-Bell lays out a practical framework for enhancing supply chain resilience, addressing various threats, and using real-world case studies to illustrate effective management strategies.
Books for Understanding Big Data
Top-selling books to guide you through the intricacies of big data, and the latest methodologies and tools to leverage analytics for strategic decision-making in the supply chain.
Data Science for Supply Chain Forecasting
Author: Nicholas Vandeput
Year: 2021
A must-read for those aiming to transform their supply chains into predictive, agile, and competitive assets in the modern digital economy, this guide stresses the integration of data science and technology within supply chain processes. Vandeput’s work provides a detailed exploration of how big data, analytics, and tech innovations can significantly enhance forecasting accuracy, and will be a valuable text to share among your wider team.
Futureproof Supply Chain
Author: Jason Schenker
Year: 2019
Schenker, a leading futurist, examines the critical task of fortifying supply chains against future challenges and managing technological disruptions, with automation and robotics being key examples. The book provides a forward-looking analysis, identifying over a dozen potential risks that could impact the supply chain in the future. The focus is on proactive preparation and strategic resilience, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate all that is coming next.
Books Around the Nuances of Negotiation
Negotiation is an art form that requires a blend of psychology, timing, strategy, and communication. These books provide a deeper understanding of how to reach agreements that are beneficial for all parties involved while maintaining positive business relationships.
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
Authors: Roger Fisher
Year: 1981, revised 2011
The book’s enduring influence is anchored in its practical, step-by-step strategy for achieving amicable and mutually beneficial agreements across a wide spectrum of conflicts. Its principles, derived from the Harvard Negotiation Project, are not just theoretical, they’re actionable and proven too. The author’s focus on principled negotiation – a method where parties look beyond their positions to their underlying interests – aligns perfectly with the complexities of supplier relationships where long-term partnerships and value creation are so important.
The Art of Persuasion: Winning Without Intimidation
Author: Bob Burg
Year: 2019
Burg’s refreshing take on negotiation and persuasion, advocates for kindness and mutual respect over aggressive tactics and will resonate with those who prefer collaborative and ethical negotiation methods. His conversational tone, clear arguments and often humorous style make it a great read for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills in both personal and professional settings.
Books about Transforming the Supply Chain
Whether you’re looking to stay updated on the latest trends or ready to implement transformative strategies in your operations, these books are providing a deep dive into the future of supply chain management.
The Supply Chain Revolution: Innovative Sourcing and Logistics for a Fiercely Competitive World
Author: Suman Sarkar
Year: 2023
Rooted in real-world success stories from well-known brands and industry experts, this book offers an insider’s view of the procurement strategies and approaches that lead to success. Filled with practical solutions to common pitfalls in supply chain management, Sarkar avoids outdated strategies and instead focuses on innovation and strategic simplification that will resonate with current industry challenges. It’s particularly useful for those looking to enhance their knowledge on modern supply chain strategies and practices.
Supply Chain: The Insights You Need from Harvard Business Review
Authors: Willy C. Shih, Christian Shuh, Wolfgang Schnellbacher, Daniel Weise
Year: 2024
In an era marked by frequent disruptions – from supply and demand shocks to labour shortages and international trade conflicts – this encourages supply chain professionals to reassess and innovate their operations. Providing a multifaceted look at global supply chain dynamics, readers will learn how to spot risks, build resilient networks, adapt to business changes and prepare their companies to navigate future transformations in technology and society.
Flow: How the Best Supply Chains Thrive
Authors: Rob Handfield PhD, Tom Linton
Year: 2022
A critical examination of supply chain dynamics in the wake of global disruptions, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-authored by Tom Linton, with his extensive background in procurement and supply chain management, the book lays out the importance of ‘flow’ in supply chains and the consequences that arise when this flow is interrupted. By leveraging data, technology, and innovation, Linton proposes methods to enhance supply chain speed and efficiency – all key to overcoming the inertia of outdated practices.
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