ISM survey finds changes in supply management

The recent ISM Membership Needs Survey 2006 illustrates the changing makeup of the world’s largest supply management organization, the Tempe, Ariz.-based Institute for Supply Management.



Trends detailed in the Oct. 6 report could, in some cases, forecast emerging trends throughout the supply-management profession, the ISM said.



The group conducts the survey to determine member opinions and perceptions about programs, products and services, as well as to gather data about program topics, methods of delivery and demographics of ISM membership. The survey had an actual sample size of 6,952 and a sample response rate of 11.4 percent.



Among the report’s findings:
 

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  The percentage of Hispanic members in the ISM rose from 2.6 percent in 2003 to 3.5 percent in 2006.
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  The percentage of Asian ISM members also rose from 1.4 percent in 2003 to 4.2 percent in 2006.
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  The percentage of female members dropped from 43.1 percent to 40.8 percent.
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  Technology/E-Commerce/Auctions showed the biggest increase in degree of interest, as shown by member responses, compared with responses in 2003.
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  The percentage of members with graduate degrees increased from 23.2 percent to 27.6 percent.
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  The topic of supplier relationship management (SRM) moved up one ranking, from fifth to fourth most popular, among supply management professionals indicating interest in education/training. The top three topics, unchanged from the ISM’s 2003 Member Needs Survey, were: Negotiations, Cost/Price or other Financial Analysis and Strategic Sourcing.
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  Fewer respondents cited purchasing as an “area of involvement” in their own jobs; they fell from 96 percent in 2003 to 86.2 percent in 2006. Most still perform purchasing activities, the ISM said, but many also report new areas of involvement, such as strategic sourcing and services.
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  Fewer respondents were employed in manufacturing, though ISM members continued to work in a variety of industrial sectors. Those employed in manufacturing industries fell to 38.8 percent, from 42.4 percent in 2003, and considerably below the 50.4 percent reported in 2000.
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  Employers continued to value certification, the survey shows. Respondents holding the Certified Purchasing Manager certification report higher annual compensation than those who are not certified. Of respondents holding a CPM, 73.7 percent report an income of $65,000 or more; of those not certified, only 49.5 percent earn more than $65,000.