This edition of the monthly newsletter provides information about the CAPS Research documents that are now available at the CAPS Research public web site (www.capsresearch.org). Please note that all first-time visitors need to create a user login profile to access the research documents.

Newly Published Resources at www.capsresearch.org

Focus Study: Supply Management's Strategic Role in Environmental Practices
Most companies realize that environmental sustainability performance is a critical issue. Fortunately, the supply management function has the opportunity to engage heavily in these programs, but many professionals are unsure of what their role might be for strategic contribution. This study, based on a series of focus group interviews, provides guidance for those wanting to implement environmental practices and supply management strategies within their organizations. It discusses the business case requirements; top management support requirements; the complexity of defining "success" in this area; the need for standard definitions; barriers such as costs, metrics, and resources; the supply base's role in new technologies; and the overall expanded role of supply management.

• Click here to access the Focus Study, "Supply Management’s Strategic Role in Environmental Practices."

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Practix: The Greening of Expedited Packaging-A U.S. Postal Service and Supplier Collaboration
This article discusses one U.S. Postal Service sustainability initiative: the "green" redesign of expedited packaging. Leadership and collaboration drove the success of this initiative. The results of the project included a change in packaging design, reduction in the types of packages and estimated savings of 15,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually at no cost increase. A cradle to cradle design protocol was used to access the materials used in the products and production processes. Postal services employees are working to expand environmentally friendly business practices and accelerate energy conservation.

• Click here to access the Practix report, "The Greening of Expedited Packaging-A U.S. Postal Service and Supplier Collaboration."

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Benchmarking Report: Print Services Market Basket
This report provides the average costs for 24 different print services jobs identified as being small (2,000 copies), medium (25,000 copies), or large (up to 20 million copies). Each of the 24 line items in the report has a unique item description, and while at first glance some of the descriptions look the same, there are differences throughout. The previous report mean data is also provided. It's interesting to note that the total market basket costs for this 2009 report ($942,283) are less than the 2008 report ($958,933).

• Click here to access the Benchmarking report, "Print Services Market Basket Jan. 2009."

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Benchmarking opportunities:

• Utilities Industry Sustainability Benchmarking: The Electric Utility Industry Sustainable Supply Chain Alliance (The Alliance) has partnered with CAPS Research to develop a Supplier Sustainability Survey. The Alliance was formed to work with suppliers to improve performance and advance sustainable business practices. The group plans to develop supply chain practices that focus on environmental stewardship and also provide value for customers and shareholders. The survey is scheduled for release in March 2009.
• Industry Advisory Committee Meetings:
  - Utilities Industry - Feb 17 & 18, 2009 at CAPS Research in Tempe, AZ.
  - Metals & Mining Industry - March 5 & 6, 2009 at CAPS Research in Tempe, AZ.
  - Petroleum Industry – March 10 & 11, 2009 in Houston, TX.
• Survey Release Dates:
  - Aerospace/Defense Survey: Scheduled for release on February 24, 2009.
  - Automotive Parts Manufacturing Survey: Scheduled for release in early March.
  - Investment Recovery Survey: Scheduled for release on March 3, 2009.

Do You Want To Benchmark? If the answer is 'Yes,' you should contact the benchmarking team at CAPS Research to get your company added to the list of companies who will be asked to provide data for the 2009 Cross-Industry Report of Standard Benchmarks. Just send an email to metrics@capsresearch.org asking for more information about benchmarking opportunities.

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Other News:

• Let's discuss the value proposition of CAPS Research sponsorship! Contact the marketing team, email: research@capsresearch.org.
  
  
• Are you ready to facilitate your organization's transformation to excellence? CAPS CAPS Research released the Executive Assessment questionnaire on Jan. 27, 2009. This highly regarded and effective assessment process helps supply management leaders determine the importance placed on their organizations critical supply strategies. The assessments are designed to help senior executives facilitate their organization's transformation by validating the current implementation state of their critical sourcing and supply chain strategies. For information on how to participate, send an email to dmaciejewski@capsresearch.org.
  
  
• The 20th Annual International Executive Roundtable will be held April 15 - 17, 2009 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year we celebrate 20 years of hosting Executive Roundtables for chief purchasing officers. The theme is, “Supply Management: Strategies for Superior Results in Turbulent Times.” Amid unprecedented business uncertainty, there is no better time to gain insights into successful strategy steps. This is a CAPS Research Sponsor event. If you would like more information regarding this event, email researchevents@capsresearch.org.
  
  
• The CAPS Research 2008 Annual Report provides a financial summary, a listing of the Board of Trustees, and a listing of all CAPS Research sponsor organizations as of December 31, 2008. Click here to access the 2008 CAPS Research Annual Report.

Knowledge Central:
The following reports and information are now published on www.capsknowledge.org which is a sponsor-only searchable archive of CAPS Research studies, leading-edge practices, benchmarking reports and best practices presentations:

• CPO Insights: Flow of Documents Related To Engineering and Construction Services
• CPO Insights: Strategies for Leveraging Cost Savings from Current Softness in Supply Markets
• Executive Assessment: 2009 Template

Please note that only CAPS Research sponsor organizations have full access to Knowledge Central. If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to click on Knowledge Central Overview for a short, five-minute guided tour of our Sponsor web site, Knowledge Central.

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For more information about CAPS Research programs and products please contact us at Research@capsresearch.org.

Sincerely,
Phillip Carter, D.B.A.
Executive Director
CAPS Research

CAPS Research is a global research organization jointly sponsored by the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, and the Institute for Supply Management™.

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