Hi The Top 50 Electronics Distributors Home.

Hi The Top 50 Electronics Distributors Home.

GlobalPurchasing’s editors rank the largest distributors by sales volume and interview leaders from the top companies to get take the pulse of the electronics distribution market.

For the fourth straight year, Avnet Inc. takes the top spot on Global Purchasing’s annual Top 50 Electronics Distributors list, with sales of $26.7 billion worldwide in 2013. Nearly $11 billion of that total comes from sales to customers throughout the Americas, where the global giant sells electronic components and technology solutions to a wide range of end users. Avnet and its chief rival Arrow Electronics—which ranks second on our list for the fourth consecutive year at $21.4 billion in sales—are the biggest companies on our list by far, dwarfing their nearest competitor by $13 billion and $7 billion, respectively.

Download the Top 50 Distributors as a .PDF.    *This file includes the Top 50 article, The Methodology Behind The Survey, 5 Questions With Avnet, and the Complete 1-50 List of the Top Distributors.

Hi Top Tips for Measuring Procurement’s Contribution to the Bottom Line:

Hi Top Tips for Measuring Procurement’s 

Contribution to the Bottom Line:

Numerous procurement professionals in the mining industry in order to understand the challenges faced on a daily basis, but also to get insights into what teams across Australia are doing in order to overcome those challenges. 

2015 is due to be a better year for most resources in terms of prices, but the companies who move ahead in that market will be those who are aggressive with their procurement practices in the back half of 2014.

We’ve researched with and heard from companies such as Vale Australia, Oz Minerals, Thiess, Rio Tinto, Alcoa, Hatch, Fortescue Metals Group, Orica and many, many more over the last 12 months in order to bring you this series of articles providing insights on what your peers are doing right now across 3 business and department-critical areas:

1. Cost Optimization.
2. Staff management and up-skilling.
3. Measuring (and delivering) procurement’s contribution to the company bottom line.

Part Two: Measuring Procurement’s Contribution to the 

Bottom Line

With procurement scrutinising spend by other departments it’s only natural that there is an increased focus on demonstrating the value the function delivers to the wider business and the bottom line. However, departmental savings are often credited to those functions rather than procurement, so how else can you ensure your procurement team are not under-valued and under-appreciated in the wider organisation?

Luiz Sapucaia, Procurement Manager, Vale Australia:

We have implemented KPIs to measure efficiency and improvements in the procurement area. In my opinion, the KPIs have to be aligned with operations requirements and client satisfaction is key for the success of procurement functions.

Jeff Bowman, Manager, Category Management Group,Thiess

Very simply: undiscounted spend on contract X savings factor = savings benefit. We report this monthly. We also measure sourcing share across all categories under management as well as have goals on % of addressable spend under management, however, these only indirectly impact the bottom line whereas the savings benefit is direct.

Richard Morgan, Principal, Aspec Engineering:

Reduction in cost due to intelligent use of competition between suppliers.

Andrew Edgecomb, Contracts Officer, OZ Minerals

Recording all cost savings achieved with each contractor/supplier and reporting this as part of my department’s KPIs to operational and senior management.

Lauro Azambuja, Principal Advisor, Procurement, CQUniversity Australia:

By defining the right modus operandi and the ideal point of cost (of the procurement team) versus benefit (cost/savings of the deliverables). This is a tuning process and each organization has its own point. It includes:

1. Transition the buying process from an isolated and transitory transaction to a sustainable and participative planned process, which includes procurement team , buyers (or budget stakeholders) and finance sharing equivalent responsibilities. In particular, by moving the buyers (or budget stakeholders) from the “audience” to the “stage”.
2. Operational excellence by all involved.
3. Mitigate legal and financial risk (contracts and strategies).
4. Identify opportunities to reduce costs and expedite the process.

Hi 'UAE Top Ten Construction Companies in Dubai!'.

Hi 'UAE Top Ten Construction Companies in Dubai!'.

Construction companies in Dubai are the lifeblood of this state. Dubai cannot survive without construction companies. Dubai is the place, which has the largest number of construction projects in the world. Here is a review of major construction companies in Dubai.

ACTCO

ACTCO is a local company operating in the UAE, belonging to a group of multinational shareholders. Since its establishment in 1975, ACTCO has prided itself on an impressive record of successfully completed projects, and has enjoyed the reputation of meeting its schedules and doing so within budget and to the highest client satisfaction.

ACTCO currently employs over 3300 employees in various disciplines and activities over a wide spectrum of civil turn-key projects in industrial developments, infrastructure/ utilities, power plants, desalination plants, oil and gas projects, industrial buildings, airport facilities and commercial/residential buildings.

Arabian Construction Company (ACC)

ACC has been operating since 1967, through a comprehensive regional network throughout the Middle East. From power generation and desalination plants, to factories, hotels, hospitals, and intricately sophisticated smart buildings, ACC's track record is a prestigious list of efficiently delivered projects.

Established contacts in the region, a dedicated workforce and an exacting standard for completion have gained the company a competitive edge well recognized in the industry. ACC benefits from a working network in many areas in the Middle East which allows it to mobilize rapidly throughout the region.

ACC offers full contracting services and has the flexibility to assist the client by securing additional expertise for feasibility studies, preliminary designs, financing opportunities and joint venture partners for optimum project delivery.

Dutco GroupThe history and development of the Dutco Group of Companies is inextricably interwoven with that of Dubai itself. The establishment of Dutco, as the company is generally known, dates back to 1947, when a leading local businessmen Mr. Yousuf Baker established Dubai Transport Company.

From these beginnings, the company has grown steadily and today it is one of the largest construction companies in Dubai. There is virtually no aspect of Dubai's infrastructure development in which the Dutco Group does not play a part, with successes extending well beyond Dubai and the UAE.

Activities include large-scale civil engineering works, mechanical and electrical engineering, Piling & soil improvement, civil engineering, dredging, survey and reclamation, pipeline engineering, information technology and telecommunications, shipping and freight services, trading and luxury hotel operations.

Nakeel Group
Nakheel is the largest property developer in Dubai. They are responsible for mega projects such as The Palm Island project, The World island project etc.

Emaar

Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world’s largest real estate companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. A Dubai-based Public Joint Stock Company, Emaar is listed on the Dubai Financial Market and is part of the Dow Jones Arabia Titans Index.

In Dubai, Emaar is extending its expertise in creating master-planned communities to international markets. Simultaneously, Emaar is developing new competencies in hospitality & leisure, malls, education, healthcare and financial services, which have evolved from its integrated approach to customer service and property development.

With six business segments and more than 60 active companies, Emaar has a collective presence in over 36 markets spanning the Middle East, North Africa, Pan-Asia, Europe and North America. The company has established operations in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, USA, Canada and United Kingdom.

DAMAC

DAMAC Properties is part of DAMAC Holdings. DAMAC properties was established in 1995 and has grown into one of the most successful residential, leisure and commercial developers in Dubai and the Middle East, and is expanding rapidly into North Africa, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Far East.

DAMAC Properties manage all their projects from start to finish, the company’s diverse range of expertise allows them to control land purchase activity, appointment of architects and designers, construction and sales and after sales service. In addition to support services provided by their Dubai headquarters, the company’s comprehensive Customer Care Program provides solutions through its vast regional network with offices in the UK (London, Manchester, Reading, Leicester, Birmingham and Glasgow), Ireland, Italy, UAE, Russia, Jordan,Lebanon, Egypt, KSA, Pakistan and Qatar.

Al Naboodah

Established in 1975, Al Naboodah Contracting Company- Civil Engineering Division has achieved a notable record in the field of civil construction.

This is one of the most respected locally owned construction companies in Dubai.

Their construction projects are part of the landmarks that symbolise the development of United Arab Emirates.

Maritime Industrial Services

Established in the Middle East since 1979, Maritime Industrial Services Co. Ltd. Inc. (MIS) enjoys continued success in the petroleum-related construction and services industry.

MIS is one of the leading contractors in the Middle East, providing a full line of engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, safety, operating, and maintenance services to the oil, gas, petrochemical, power generation, marine, and heavy industries.

DCC

DCC is a leading international construction company in Dubai. Right from its inception in 1962, DCC has been committed to achieving the highest standards in its field.

DCC offers a wide range of services ranging from turnkey projects to construction and service contracts.

With an eye to the future, DCC established early alliances with leading architectural, design and engineering firms, and it began to build a network of companies which, though launched in the United Arab Emirates, soon rose to global prominence.

Today, after four decades of achievements that constantly raised the bar for excellence, the company's reputation is well established in the skylines of some of the world's most modern cities.

Kanoor

Kanoor contracting is leading Civil and Electro-Mechanical construction company in the G.C.C. for more than two decades. Kanoor is a leading contractor for oil and Gas, Industries, Refineries, Cement, Fertilizer, Steel and Aluminum Plant and Power Plants, Infra-structure, Villas, Warehouses etc. in the Gulf Countries - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and U.A.E.

Kanoor Contracting (LLC) established in U.A.E. in the year 2001 with an aim to cater booming local Industrial, Civil & Electro Mechanical Industry. The company has played a significant role in the industrialization with well-qualified and experienced Managers, Engineers and Workforce.

Hi Social Media Plays 'A Key Role' In Employment in Saudi Arabia.

In Hi' summary: "Social Media"

Social media is significantly impacting entrepreneurship and helping create employment opportunities in the Arab world, according to the first ever comprehensive study on the connection between social media and Mena employment, launched this week.

Close to 5,000 respondents from around the region contributed to the Dubai School of Government (DSG) report titled "Social Media, Employment and Entrepreneurship - New Frontiers for the Economic Empowerment of Arab Youth", which indicated that social media is playing a key role in promoting social advancement, job creation and business growth in the region, particularly in terms of supporting SMEs and facilitating start-ups.

"It is critical that companies use social media to engage both existing and aspiring employees.

Harnessing value from the flow of big data generated from social media is critical for driving greater operational efficiency, cutting costs, boosting profits and unlocking new routes to innovation," said Sam Alkharrat, Managing Director of SAP Mena, who was a partner in the study.

Nearly 80% of those surveyed agreed that social media, and associated technology, helps provide access to important job market data, allowing users to both advertise and locate job opportunities, with 75% agreeing that a new 'virtual job market' has emerged as a result of engagement with social platforms.

While perhaps being weaker in terms of case studies and quantitative research on how social media engagement is leading to successful entrepreneurship, the study did cover the range of uses for social media.

"Of course this is just based on peoples' perception and it doesn't necessarily translate onto the ground yet," Racha Mourtada, Research Associate with Dubai School of Government told AMEinfo. "But we do know that people are willing to utilise social media to create enterprises and promote job creation, so the willingness is there as well as the realisation of the benefits of social media."

"It's mostly been a qualitative approach, but we did have a few questions about peoples' actual experience with social media. We specifically asked entrepreneurs what they use social media for - mostly promotion and outreach. We're not quite at the stage where [social media] is used as more of a collaborative tool for crowd sourcing and crowd funding."

Report shows enthusiasm toward social media in business:

Close to 5,000 respondents from around the region contributed to the Dubai School of Government (DSG) report titled "Social Media, Employment and Entrepreneurship - New Frontiers for the Economic Empowerment of Arab Youth", which indicated that social media is playing a key role in promoting social advancement, job creation and business growth in the region, particularly in terms of supporting SMEs and facilitating start-ups.

"It is critical that companies use social media to engage both existing and aspiring employees.

Harnessing value from the flow of big data generated from social media is critical for driving greater operational efficiency, cutting costs, boosting profits and unlocking new routes to innovation," said Sam Alkharrat, Managing Director of SAP Mena, who was a partner in the study.

Nearly 80% of those surveyed agreed that social media, and associated technology, helps provide access to important job market data, allowing users to both advertise and locate job opportunities, with 75% agreeing that a new 'virtual job market' has emerged as a result of engagement with social platforms.

While perhaps being weaker in terms of case studies and quantitative research on how social media engagement is leading to successful entrepreneurship, the study did cover the range of uses for social media.

"Of course this is just based on peoples' perception and it doesn't necessarily translate onto the ground yet," Racha Mourtada, Research Associate with Dubai School of Government told AMEinfo. "But we do know that people are willing to utilise social media to create enterprises and promote job creation, so the willingness is there as well as the realisation of the benefits of social media."

"It's mostly been a qualitative approach, but we did have a few questions about peoples' actual experience with social media. We specifically asked entrepreneurs what they use social media for - mostly promotion and outreach. We're not quite at the stage where [social media] is used as more of a collaborative tool for crowd sourcing and crowd funding."

Report shows enthusiasm toward social media in business

The landmark report excels in providing vital clues to the mood of young professionals - the majority of those surveyed were in their twenties. The research team from DSG had a specific profile in mind to reflect the demographics and gender breakdowns on which the study was focussed, which was about a 60% male and 40% female, leaning more towards younger people under 30. Respondents were mostly within the private sector, but generally all were social media savvy.

"We were pleasantly surprised about the overwhelmingly positive view that social media can impact entrepreneurship and employment," explained Mourtada.

The big surprise is due to the fact that, for young Arabs, the job market outside of the public sectors of wealthy GCCmember states is not at all bright. A UN survey released earlier this year referred to Arab youth unemployment as 'disturbingly high', while noting that Middle East and North African countries had the highest unemployment youth rates in in the world in 2011 - at 26.2% and 27.1%, respectively.

However, DSG's report tells a sunnier tale, hailing social media as a vital component for start-ups in the Arab world, with 86% of respondents agreeing it contributed to success. Among the reasons cited were the multifaceted marketing potential (90%), a capacity to tap into wider markets (86%), substantial customer engagement options (85%) and its overall potential to raise awareness and instill entrepreneurial mindsets (84%).

Social media is significantly impacting entrepreneurship and helping create employment opportunities in the Arab world

Fadi Salem, Director of the Governance and Innovation Program, DSG, and co-author of the report, said in a statement: "Despite having few stable economies in the region today, the most active part of the Arab population; the youth, is increasingly feeling empowered. Our on-going research over the past two years has shown that close to 50 million Arabs are actively connected to social media and primarily use the platforms to change social and political realities in their countries.

Finding the balance between the UAE public, private sector

Salem chaired an expert panel at the launch of the report in order to facilitate discussion around where the responsibility lies in facilitating employment and business growth, in the context of an increasingly digital environment.

Speaking after the discussion, Mourtada admitted there was 'a bit of a way to go': "The panellists have been very candid about what needs to be done, their weaknesses and what issues need to be addressed - it seems from what's been discussed that the public sector is carrying a lot of the burden for job creation and the private sector needs to step up. So, I think just recognising this is an important step," she said.

It may be true that the government route may be a safety net for many, particularly in the UAE, though there is no shortage of incentives. The emirates are peppered with Free Zones, where businesses can be established at very limited cost, though Mourtada pointed to a shift in attitude being the real key.

"In the UAE there hasn't been that much of a hunger or need to succeed, because things are provided on so many levels, which is another contributing factor. It's about creating public-private partnerships. I think both have a lot to shoulder, but both need each other in order to create any sustainable initiatives."

"I think the government has been a bit of a safety net for a lot of people. A lot of youth expect to finish school and go into a stable government job, but now a lot of young people are changing and a lot of people want to create their own jobs and be their own boss. That's a big step forward," she continued.