The recently published "Global Chief Supply Chain Officer Strategy Report 2011-12" reveals stark insights into the perceived value of supply chain management, and the career outlook for industry executives during and after the debt crisis.

The report, released by supply chain and logistics business intelligence provider eyefortransport, is based on a survey of over 300 supply chain and logistics executives from manufacturers and retailers.

Some of the findings include:

• 89% of supply chain executives globally feel that the business value of supply chain has increased since the economic crisis hit

• 56% of respondents report that either there is a seat on the board for supply chain in their company, or there will be within the next two years

• Nearly half of all companies (49% overall, and 51% in Europe) report that they are currently recruiting supply chain staff, up from 35% overall, and 30% in Europe, in 2010

• By far the biggest challenges reportedly driving the supply chain agenda are demand variability, cost containment and reduction, and escalating customer expectations

"This year's survey results take some of last year's findings even further: we're hearing more and more about the central role that supply chain management plays in the growth plans of companies in these turbulent economic times," said eyefortransport's executive director, Katharine O'Reilly.  "The debt crisis is a trial, and one of the best weapons companies have is their supply chain, and the people who run it.  Their views are always of note to smart business owners."

Click here to download a full complimentary copy of the report with graphs, statistics and analysis.

The report has been released in preparation for the 2nd Chief Supply Chain Officer Forum to be held Nov. 21-23 in Antwerp, where the findings will be discussed and debated by senior manufacturer and retailer supply chain executives. More information on the forum is available here.

Source: eyefortransport