MIDDLE EAST team to make it easier for people to develop through the ranks . We had a lot of entry positions and a few high grades , but now we ’ ve squeezed the pyramid so candidates are not competing against – say – 15 others . They ’ re up against four or five , which makes development more achievable . We want our staff to feel like they can rise through the ranks with us .”
With the team now in a stable function , members have been reaching out to other organisations to enable the sharing of best practices . This has led to KAUST working other Saudi institutions and organisations , such as Saudi Aramco , King Abdullah Medical City and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals ( KFUPM ). “ We see the next stage of our development is to encourage our suppliers to trade similarly with other Saudi companies , as we are often the sole client they have here ,” says Harvey .
Having developed the procurement and supply chain functions to such an extent , Magthum says that the key role for the teams is now to
make the university competitive in what is a tough economy .
“ The goal currently is to save the institution money . We know that with the world and local economies as they are , we have to be as efficient as possible . We have to invest time with our key suppliers and build them as partners so that the relationship is strong and the service is right .
“ Regarding the future , this will almost certainly involve incorporating global best practices and up-todate technologies ,” he adds .
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