* Transition to Strategic Sourcing: Moving from traditional procurement to strategic sourcing involves a focus on long-term partnerships, total cost of ownership, and continuous improvement.
* Importance of Six Sigma and Quality Competencies: Six Sigma methodologies and quality management principles help in identifying inefficiencies, reducing variability, and improving overall supply chain performance, which are critical in a strategic sourcing model.
* Enhancing Strategic Value: Acquiring these competencies enables supply chain professionals to contribute strategically to the organization by driving process improvements and achieving significant cost savings.
* Communicating with Senior Management: While financial and technological skills are also important, Six Sigma and quality competencies provide a direct impact on operational efficiency and effectiveness, aligning well with strategic goals.
* Reference: The benefits of Six Sigma and quality management in strategic sourcing are well-documented in supply chain management literature and resources such as "Lean Six Sigma for Supply Chain Management" by James William Martin and the American Society for Quality (ASQ).