Title: A study of contemporary procurement strategies: insights from European experts using a Delphi study approach

Authors: Božidar Lenarčič; Armand Faganel

Addresses: Faculty of Organisation Studies, Ulica Talcev 3, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia ' Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Izolska Vrata 2, 6000 Koper, Slovenia

Abstract: In today's evolving organisational landscape, procurement function plays a crucial role in responding to contemporary trends through strategic management of purchasing categories. This study delves into modern procurement strategies within contemporary strategic procurement, using the well-established Kraljic matrix as a guiding framework. Through the Delphi method, we engaged 28 participants from 19 organisations across seven EU countries, uncovering 114 innovative procurement strategies. Our analysis provides an overview across strategic, leverage, bottleneck, and non-critical materials, validated through statistical consensus. The research emphasises procurement's importance in both risk mitigation and profit optimisation, offering valuable insights into the diversity of procurement strategies across organisations. By drawing on empirical data from insights with European procurement experts, this study enhances understanding of key strategic procurement components.

Keywords: procurement function; purchasing; modern procurement strategies; strategic procurement; internal customers; Kraljic matrix; Delphi method; category management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2025.145942

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2025 Vol.23 No.2, pp.209 - 230

Received: 25 Feb 2024
Accepted: 08 Mar 2024
Published online: 30 Apr 2025 *

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