Tim Wilms answers a few questions

Could you please explain the VIB thesis award? What was the topic of the thesis?

Tim: The professional supply chain association Vereniging Inkoop & Bedrijfslogistiek (VIB) is an association in Belgium for purchasing and logistics managers from various sectors of industry, commerce, services, and the public sector. VIB promotes the professional interests and offers training and continuous education for all those involved in the supply chain. By organizing seminars, conferences and workshops, the Association provides continuously updated information. The mission of VIB is to VIB create a platform for the development, deployment, and ongoing training of everyone involved in the “Supply Chain.”

The Award is intended for an individual master’s thesis that was submitted to the higher education institutes in Dutch, French, or English during the academic year October 2010 - September 2011. The writer of the thesis, which is selected as VIB Prize winner obtains €1000. Both student and promoter receive an award certificate.

Why did you win the award?

Tim: My thesis was about “Green Purchasing,” and investigated the reasons why companies do or do not choose to purchase green products or services. The thesis consisted of two parts. The first part was a literature study where I explained what green purchasing is and how it is placed in the supply chain. Using a total of 120 scientific articles I made an overview of all the drivers and inhibitors that companies experience for using a green purchasing strategy.

Next to this I used these articles to compare models that describe the development that companies go through when using green purchasing strategies. This was supplemented by commonly used green purchasing strategies and activities. An overview and comparison was made for implementation processes and I derived my own implementation model. The literature part of the thesis concluded with some managerial methods to implement and use green purchasing within an organization.
The second part of the thesis was a practical study where I compared the literature with the real world. This was done by studying the purchasing behavior and strategy of seven companies, SKF Group (Tongeren), Ford Motors Company (Genk), Lear Corporation (Genk), Atlas Copco Airpower (Wilrijk), TDS Office Design (Liège), DSM (Sittard), and JLG (Maasmechelen).

The goal of the study was to compare companies that were in different stadia with regards to development and usage of green purchasing strategies. Using the information received from these companies and interviews with purchasing managers and directors, case studies were written about the green purchasing strategies and methods used by these companies and the drivers and barriers they experienced. Furthermore, I compared the implementation models from the literature with the steps used by the studied companies.
Using the results found in my thesis and the survey that was developed in the thesis, there will be further research in cooperation with the VIB and the University of Hasselt to search for descriptive characteristics for green purchasing in business markets. The research will deal with the attitude businesses have towards green purchasing and the reasons why they do or do not use it. The goal is to get a better insight in the purchasing behavior of businesses and the drivers and inhibitors that exist for green purchasing.

How will this award motivate you to perform better at work? How does this add to your “CV” – that is how does this award make your CV stronger?

Tim: During the study I did for this thesis, I came in contact with different companies and a variety of directors and managers within these companies. The contact with them got me even more interested in the world of doing business and motivates me to try and reach a high level of performance so I can grow to a high grade within Capgemini.
During the intake I had for my current project, the customer noticed the mentioning of the award on my CV. He asked me about the content of my thesis and how the study was performed. He especially liked the contact I had with the different companies, because his project also required contact with large companies. For this reason, I think, it is important to mention your thesis or other publications on your CV.

Please tell us a little about your role and designation at Capgemini Belgium? How long have you been with Capgemini Belgium? How long have you been with Capgemini Belgium? Which SBU and Division have you been assigned to?

Tim: For the moment I am a Young Professional at Capgemini Belgium for Financial Services, Apps One. I started in August 2011 and immediately started on a big project for a large bank in the Netherlands. After a brief period of 3 weeks on the bench, my people manager found a new opportunity for me with another large bank in the Netherlands. This highlights the international possibilities Capgemini offers, and the high status Capgemini has in the market.

What do you feel about Capgemini Belgium as an organization? Could you tell us a little about your experience?

Tim: Capgemini is a very open organization with many opportunities for Young Professionals and more experienced employees. I think the reason for this is the variety of companies that Capgemini has as clients and the many different projects this brings forth. This opens the door for big, interesting projects, nationally and internationally. The contact you have with your colleagues is great and is enhanced by the activities Capgemini organizes. This helps you create a big network, not only locally, but also at the global level.

Congratulations, once more, Tim. We wish you success for all your future endeavors. For more information, you can contact .