Institute For Supply Management™

Founded in 1915, the Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) is one of the most respected professional organizations in the United States.  ISM is a communication link with more than 50,000 purchasing and supply management professionals.  ISM is a progressive association with a mission to provide national and international leadership in purchasing and materials management, particularly in the areas of education, research and standards of excellence.  Through various resources and a network of more than 176 affiliated organizations, ISM provides opportunities for expansion of professional skills and knowledge.  ISM is a not-for-profit association with over 50,000 members worldwide.  ISM offers a wide range of educational products and programs.

ISM Mission:  To Lead Supply Management.

As a member of ISM you receive:
Inside Supply Management™, the monthly award-winning publication featuring the latest trends and information for the purchasing and supply management professional.  Included in each issue of the magazine is the Manufacturing ISM Report on Business®, a long-established purchasing survey and indicator of economic trends, noted for its accuracy. The report is considered by many to be the most reliable near-term economic barometer available.  Also included in the magazine will be the new Nonmanufacturing ISM Report on Business®.  This report debuted June 3, 1998 and is an economic forecaster for the non-manufacturing sector.

Access to the Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies (CAPS), the first and only research center in the nation dedicated to the purchasing arena. NAPM members receive a free copy of all CAPS research upon written request.

Access to the Members Only area of the ISM Web site which provides job-related information and the employment database.

ISM's Principles and Standards of Purchasing Practice, first adopted in 1923, which remains one of the outstanding ethical statements in modern business.

Networking opportunities during ISM sponsored seminars and conferences, and with your peers in your local affiliate.

Discounts of up to 50% on ISM sponsored programs, products, and annual conference.

Certified Professional in Supply Management Program
Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) announces the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) program. The CPSM, which will debut in 2008, is slated to be the qualification that supply management professionals strive to obtain. It will be relevant internationally and reflect the expanded education, skills and experience needed to be a successful supply management professional.

Certified Purchasing Manager Program

ISM established the Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) program on June 1, 1974.   The establishment of the program identified procurement as a professional function with high educational standards and measures of ability and performance.  Among the academic and the business communities, it has earned the recognition of, and respect for, purchasing as a key management team member.

  Accredited Purchasing Practitioner Program

A.P.P. stands for Accredited Purchasing Practitioner.  This program, established by ISM in 1995, is designed to serve entry-level buyers who are primarily engaged in the tactical and operational side of purchasing.  The A.P.P. is also designed to serve persons who work outside of an organization's purchasing/materials management department, but nevertheless have definite procurement responsibilities. 

If you would like additional information about the Certified Purchasing Manager or the Accredited Purchasing Practitioner programs, please go to the www.ism.ws or call (800) 888-6276, extension 401 or write to:

ISM
Attn: Customer Service
2055 E. Centennial Circle
P.O. Box 22160
Tempe, AZ 85285-2160

Principles & Standards of Purchasing Practice

Loyalty to your organization, Justice to those with whom you deal, Faith in your profession

From these principles are derived the ISM standards of purchasing practice. (Domestic and International)

1. Avoid the intent and appearance of unethical or compromising practice in relationships, actions, and communications.
2. Demonstrate loyalty to the employer by diligently following the lawful instructions of the employer, using reasonable care and only authority granted.
3. Refrain from any private business or professional activity that would create a conflict between personal interests and the interests of the employer.
4. Refrain from soliciting or accepting money, loans, credits, or prejudicial discounts, and the acceptance of gifts, entertainment, favors, or services from present or potential suppliers that might influence, or appear to influence, purchasing decisions.
5. Handle confidential or proprietary information belonging to employers or suppliers with due care and proper consideration of ethical and legal ramifications and governmental regulations.
6. Promote positive supplier relationships through courtesy and impartiality in all phases of the purchasing cycle.
7. Refrain from reciprocal agreements that restrain competition.
8. Know and obey the letter and spirit of laws governing the purchasing function and remain alert to the legal ramifications of purchasing decisions.
9. Encourage all segments of society to participate by demonstrating support for small, disadvantaged, and minority-owned businesses.
10. Discourage purchasing's involvement in employer-sponsored programs of personal purchases that are not business related.
11. Enhance the proficiency and stature of the purchasing profession by acquiring and maintaining current technical knowledge and the highest standard of ethical behavior.
12. Conduct international purchasing in accordance with the laws, customs, and practices of foreign countries, consistent with United States laws, your organization policies, and these Ethical Standards and Guidelines.

ISM Antitrust Policy

It is the express policy and intention of ISM to comply at all times with all existing laws, including the antitrust laws, and in furtherance of this policy, no activity or program will be sponsored or conducted by or within ISM or any association affiliated with ISM which in any manner whatsoever will represent or be deemed a violation of any existing law, including the antitrust laws. This statement of policy will be implemented by the publication of the "Principles for Antitrust Compliance," "Standards for ISM Activities," "Standards for Membership and Professional Self-Regulation" and "Standards for Conduct & Use of Surveys" which are available to all members of the association upon request.