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Article: Half the battle is knowing what skills to acquire. (purchasing careers)
- Article from:
- Purchasing
- Article date:
- December 14, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. (US). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The skills to be a buyer, purchasing agent, or purchasing manager have never been clearly defined. In addition, a new PURCHASING survey of purchasing pros reveals that factors such as downsizing, computerizing, and new demands are changing, yet again, what it takes to be competitive in the purchasing field.
Did anyone mention a PO? Most respondents say their primary responsibility is still procuring materials and supplies. Many say additional responsibilities evolved, but the main function has stayed the same. For example, Bob Zimmerman, PM at Metcom Inc., Cookeville, Tenn., says, "Today I research, buy, evaluate production and sources, analyze patterns and trends, ...