Whether you’re just starting out in procurement or have extensive experience, these books are essential for anyone looking to improve their procurement knowledge. As an expert in supply chain and logistics, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 procurement books that you should read this year.
From the basics of sourcing processes and best practices to insider tips and strategies, this list of the top 10 procurement books will help you gain valuable insights into the industry in 2023 so that you don’t have to spend your time this extensively trying to find the best procurement books all on your own.
First Things First – Is ‘Purchasing’ also considered the same as ‘Procurement’?
Often used interchangeably with purchasing, procurement is considered an umbrella term which is defined as ‘a sequence of steps involved in the acquiring (procuring) of a product with purchasing being one of the steps of the procurement process’.
Therefore, based on the above definition, procurement is a complex process and purchasing is just one of the steps in the procurement process, which includes planning, determining the product, value analysis, and price negotiation. The ultimate goal of procurement is to acquire a product that is not only successful but also meaningful and profitable.
This is one of the more fascinating and complex processes within a supply chain that has many branches of specialisms within its own right, all of which must ultimately lead to the procuring of a product, that reflects what the company stands for, and how it determines the consequential stages of your supply chain.
10 Best Procurement Books of 2023 To Look Out For
Whether you are a student, a practitioner of procurement, or simply interested in the topic, these books will help you develop a solid foundation and better understand the concepts to be your own boss.
So, without further ado, here are the top 10 procurement books you need to read in 2023:
1. Procurement, Principles & Management (11th edition)
Author: Peter Bailey, David Farmer, Barry Crocker, David Jesson and David Jones
Why we recommend: This book is divided into three parts that cover the objectives of procurement, issues that can arise, and different types of applications, making it easy to navigate and zero in on the chapters you need. It is very easy to read and understand and since it has been updated and re-published over a period of over 50 years, to say the authors understand how procurement and supply chain has evolved and changed and use that knowledge to better explain methods and practices is an understatement. This strategic procurement book offers a wealth of knowledge as well and an understanding that all will benefit from.
2. The Procurement and Supply Manager’s Desk Reference – 2nd Edition
Author: Fred Sollish, John Semanik
Why we recommend: The first chapter alone is worth the read, as it covers key terms such as finance, understanding procurement, and time of performance, all from a procurement perspective.
This chapter sets you up for success by providing a solid foundation of knowledge that you can apply almost immediately in the real world. The easy-to-read approach makes this book accessible for newcomers to the field, while the in-depth knowledge provides valuable insights for professional practitioners.
I highly recommend giving this procurement book a try, as it strikes the perfect balance between an engaging introduction and practical knowledge. After reading the first chapter, you’ll be excited to continue on and devour the wealth of knowledge this desk reference has to offer. With this book by your side, you’ll be able to make a real impact in the success of your company’s future. So don’t hesitate, pick up a copy and start your journey to becoming a procurement expert today!
3. Spend Analysis: The Window into Strategic Sourcing 1st Edition
Author: Kirit Pandit & H. Marmanis
Why we recommend: To ensure that your company makes effective and profitable purchases that align with your ethos, it’s crucial to conduct a spend analysis. This analysis provides a forecast of a particular product and helps determine whether it still meets all the necessary requirements.
If you’re a specialist in procurement and particularly interested in the branch of spend analysis, then this strategic procurement book is an absolute must-have. It’s a brilliant resource that’s easy to understand, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner.
The book starts with a comprehensive history of the subject before diving into the mechanics and principles of how to conduct spend analysis. The inclusion of case studies really helps to put the concepts into perspective and provides valuable insight into real-world applications.
In short, this is one of the best procurement books on spend analysis and has the potential to save your business a considerable amount of money. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from this fantastic resource and take your procurement skills to the next level.
4. Supplier Evaluation & Performance Excellence
Author: Sherry R. Gordon
Why we recommend: In procurement, it’s crucial to not only make a purchase, but to also ensure that your supplier delivers as promised. This is where supplier evaluation comes in, allowing you to manage and measure supplier performance. That’s why Sherry R. Gordon’s book on supplier evaluation is a must-have for any procurement specialist looking to achieve performance excellence.
This comprehensive guide is titled exactly as intended, covering all you need to know about supplier evaluation. It provides a solid foundation for building a supplier performance management program by offering an exhaustive set of metrics and guidelines. The step-by-step approach and easy-to-read content make it highly recommended. Consider adding this procurement book to your collection of procurement-related titles to help you manage and measure supplier performance for the success of your organization.
5. Law of Purchasing and Supply – Third Edition
Author: Margaret Griffiths and Ivor Griffiths
Why we recommend: It’s important to have some knowledge of the legal aspects of procurement to avoid common pitfalls and protect your rights as a buyer. This book on procurement law is an excellent resource that is easy to read and understand. Even if you’re not a legal expert, you’ll find it engaging and accessible, with clear explanations and practical examples that make the concepts easy to grasp. One of the most valuable features of this book is the end-of-chapter quizzes, which help reinforce what you’ve learned. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced procurement professional, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their understanding of procurement law.
6. Essentials of Negotiation – 6th Edition
Author: Roy Lewicki, Bruce Barry and David Saunders
Why we recommend: Having excellent negotiation skills is key to getting the best deal for a product. I highly recommend this book, “Essentials of Negotiation,” which provides superb illustrations of the concepts being described, thereby adding to your understanding of the multi-dimensional art of negotiation.
This procurement book will help you develop your negotiation skills with ease and efficiency, building your confidence in the process. It is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills and achieve better results in their procurement activities.
7. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
Author: William Fisher, Willian L. Ury & Bruce Patton
Why we recommend: Having excellent negotiation skills is key to getting the best deal for a product. I highly recommend this book, “Essentials of Negotiation,” which provides superb illustrations of the concepts being described, thereby adding to your understanding of the multi-dimensional art of negotiation.
This procurement book will help you develop your negotiation skills with ease and efficiency, building your confidence in the process. Just like the book before, it is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills and achieve better results in their procurement activities.
8. The Technology Procurement Handbook: A Practical Guide to Digital Buying – 1st Edition
Author: Sergii Dovgalenko
Why we recommend: In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in every aspect of business. As such, procurement managers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively purchase technology services that will drive innovation, revenue, and customer satisfaction.
The Technology Procurement Handbook by Sergii Dovgalenko provides a structured and logical approach to the digital buying process. The book covers everything from managing digital demand to preparing sourcing strategies, analyzing costs and benefits, and negotiating and implementing comprehensive agreements. What’s more, this procurement book includes practical advice and case studies based on the author’s experience from recent procurement projects, providing readers with invaluable insights into real-world scenarios. With a chapter on modular contracting for the US market and extensive coverage of ITIL service lifecycle data, PMI project management, and cloud and software contract provisions, this book is a must-read for all procurement specialists looking to master the art of digital buying.
9. Bad Buying
Author: Peter Smith
Why we recommend: If you want to avoid becoming one of the statistics in the recent report showing that over 90% of procurement projects fail, then “Bad Buying” by Peter Smith is a must-read. This book is an eye-opening and hilarious account of some of the worst procurement scams in history.
It offers practical advice on how to avoid making embarrassing mistakes, minimize needless waste, and make sound and strategic procurement decisions for your next initiative. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, the insights and examples provided in this book will help you to become a more effective and successful procurement manager.
10. The CPO: Transforming Procurement in the Real World 1st ed. Edition
Author: Christian Schuh
Why we recommend: This novel follows the journey of Thomas Sutter, a procurement manager who is hired to transform the procurement practices of a major food company in the U.S. While the book is a work of fiction, it offers real-life challenges and practical solutions for transforming procurement, as well as providing insights into innovative procurement and leadership methods.
Written by a global thought leader in procurement and supply management, The CPO offers best-in-class, actionable methods to turn procurement into a function that can save billions and improve the bottom line. In addition, the book uses a fun and engaging format to teach essential lessons in procurement and change management, making it an enjoyable read for anyone looking to improve their skills and knowledge in the field!
Nothing beats a good book.
In conclusion, these are the top 10 procurement books that you should read in 2023. Procurement is an essential aspect of supply chain management, and these books will help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject. So, pick up a copy and start reading today!
About the Author- Dr Muddassir Ahmed
Dr MuddassirAhmed is the Founder & CEO of SCMDOJO. He is a global speaker, vlogger and supply chain industry expert with 17 years of experience in the Manufacturing Industry in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia in various Supply Chain leadership roles. Dr. Muddassir has received a PhD in Management Science from Lancaster University Management School. Muddassir is a Six Sigma black belt and founded the leading supply chain platform SCMDOJO to enable supply chain professionals and teams to thrive by providing best-in-class knowledge content, tools and access to experts.
You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram