Episode 1: the anatomy of disputes

Commercial conflicts are increasing, taking longer to resolve and costing more. And it is procurement and supply professionals on the frontline of supplier disputes. Episode one delves into this critical challenge facing the profession. We unravel the common causes behind supplier disputes and ask whether this is a result of bad practices, or simply an inevitability of complex commercial contracts...

CIPS fellow and experienced global trainer in conflict management and negotiation, Kurt Warren, joins us for the first episode of this three-part series, alongside Joanna Ingram, chief revenue officer at resolutiion. Both guests underline the evolving role procurement practitioners are playing in conflict management and why effective resolution helps professionals demonstrate true value to their organisations.

Episode 2: mastering resolution skills

Part two of the CIPS Futures navigating supplier disputes mini-series puts conflict resolution skills and capabilities in the spotlight. We're once more joined by CIPS trainer, Kurt Warren, as he reveals the foundational strategies that procurement and supply professionals must hone to better manage commercial conflict. Realignment of responsibilities and expectations, understanding your "walk away point" and a strong grasp of accurate data are all critical, he advises.

Plus, how do you spot the signs of a dispute early? Fayola-Maria Jack, CEO and founder of resolutiion and experienced dispute negotiator reveals the key indicators to watch out for.

Episode 3: dispute intelligence with AI

Is AI the answer to resolving disputes with your suppliers? Yes... and no - as we find out in the final instalment of this mini-series. While the human input and experience of professionals remains critical to forging and maintaining supplier relationships that keep businesses running, we explore where AI is reshaping procurement roles when it comes to negotiation, contract management and resolving conflict.

Hear from resolutiion's Fayola-Maria Jack and Katarzyna Hewelt on how AI is reducing costs caused by disputes by up to a third, and making contract management faster and more accurate at identifying risks - removing future sources of conflict at source. Acting as a co-pilot, AI gives procurement the time to focus on the strategy and relationships that drive true value for their organisations, explain our guests. 

Additional reading:

• Download: CIPS & resolutiion Breaking the Deadlock report
• Read: CIPS Intelligence hub - supplier relationship management
• Watch: Leveraging AI to improve conflict management in procurement
• Read: Interview with resolutiion CEO, Fayola Maria-Jack on how AI is benefitting procurement and supply

This podcast mini-series is brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), in partnership with resolutiion.