Maria Del Carmen Franqueira Q. Cesiban

3 Procurement Trends We’re Expecting in 2025 With the yearly shifting demand, supply management needs to keep up the new trends, revamp practices, and secure solid business progression to sustain efficiency. 2025 has just started and yet technology advancement is making another leap for a far more comprehensive and gap-bridging procurement management process. Streamlined Process of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning The advancement of technology has paved AI to improve work practices. It specifies complex tasks into a much simpler one and through human assistance and expertise, it helps the procurement process come easy. And with the emergence of new AI tools, it is quite evident that the AI procurement process will be more polished and streamlined reducing the trial and error phase. Some procurement areas' problems will be addressed correctly and proper alternatives will be given. 1. Optimized Contact Management BOTs Traditional software has developed glitches that derail productivity and efficiency. The introduction of BOTs in contract lifecycle management lessens repetitive tasks like contract status, order status, shipment, delivery, payment, and etc. And they prompt the workplace in focusing strategic initiatives instead. ●​ Improved Supplier Relationships through Supplier BOTs With end-to-end data, informed parties make business transitions run smoothly since everyone is aware of their due diligence. Performance evaluations, and risk identification are apprehended early to avoid big business impact but promotes enhanced business operation. ●​ Saving Opportunities with Spend BOTs Data calibration and analysis will shed light on the organization's expenses fare every year and therefore provides data spending forecasts so the company can recognize anomalous fund management like unauthorized transactions or policy violations. Through this method, it allows the organization to allocate certain amounts for specific purposes. The optimized AI procurement doesn't necessarily mean human replacement but an active collaboration between the two which opens new fields of expertise and productivity in the procurement processes. 2. More Sustainable Sourcing The talk of global warming has been an open book for almost a decade now. As part of corporate social responsibility, companies must ensure that products and services are obtained in a responsible and ethical manner. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 and beyond to pave the way for sustainable procurement practices. The global pandemic, emerging markets, demand management, and supplier relationship management; these are the few denominators in procurement strategy and sustainability. Companys' environment, social, and governance footprint lies heavily with suppliers and the procurement organizations have a significant role in balancing ESG. While others succeeded in their sustainable approach, others failed mainly in the environmental and social standards. Leading by example The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games promotes sustainable procurement through "Innovating to Purchase for a Purpose" campaign. Aiming for a responsible purchasing strategy, they are sourcing to explore potential markets giving opportunities to small, medium- sized businesses, and social enterprises. Using data, analysis, and a holistic approach to new ESG, we can boost a solid economy while following social responsibility. 3. Diversity and Inclusion It all started in the 1960s and has come a long way until it is widely recognized today. Diversity and inclusion are not only limited to employment status nowadays; it also means innovation and network expansion. ●​ Diversified Procurement Portfolio The idea of cost-saving opportunities is one of the many benefits in Diversity and Inclusion. It can spark creative partnerships and innovation between companies and vendors, expand access to high-quality products and services. Working with diverse entities opens the possibility of bringing their creativity to the international stage and making a name for the minority. Both parties work hand-in-hand in improving brand reputation. ●​ Access to New Markets and Opportunities Diverse suppliers can provide access to new customers' markets making the company thrive in the competition. In return, it also creates employment opportunities in the local community, A good symbiotic relationship that represents the market share group. Overall, in 2025 and beyond, procurement trends will come with flexibility, innovation, and personalization while building a robust foundation with the purpose of improving quality of life. 10 Menopause Statistics in 2025 While awareness is improving, menopause is still considered taboo in some ways. Menopausal women shy away from opening their symptoms because of cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and personal discomfort. This silence greatly affects women’s quality of life and productivity because of untreated symptoms. This article focuses on 10 menopausal statistics data, from population demographics, symptoms, healthcare availability, and workplace issues. 1. According to the United Nations data approximately 1.1 billion women will be menopausal or postmenopausal in 2025. Women born during the baby boom period -) are now reaching 60 years old and above. This means that most of them are menopausal or postmenopausal. This shifting demographics require menopause healthcare availability evaluation, particularly to disadvantaged countries. 2. Johns Hopkins University study showed that 75% of menopausal women experience hot flashes and night sweats. As women approach menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, causing body temperature changes. These hormonal imbalances cause the blood vessels near the skin to widen because more blood flow is brought closer to the skin's surface. It transfers heat from the body's core to the surrounding environment, making the skin warmer as the body regulates temperature by releasing excess heat. As a result, women experience sudden heat (hot flashes) and sweating (night sweats). Additionally, bad lifestyle factors contribute to the severity of vasomotor symptoms. For example, women who smoke will likely experience intense hot flashes and night sweats because nicotine affects hormone conversion, particularly estrogen levels. 3. Mayo Clinic's study showed that 13.4% of menopausal working women reported decreased productivity because of the symptoms, with 10.8% missing work days annually. Poor concentration, tiredness, poor memory, feeling depressed, and low confidence are the common reported symptoms from menopausal working women. These symptoms influence their work quality, affecting career advancement opportunities. 4. The British Menopause Society study revealed that 70% of menopausal women feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms to healthcare providers. Cultural stigma and the lack of understanding and recognizing menopause symptoms keep women from sharing their conditions to their doctors. Most women know that they are menopause but they lack the proper guidelines on how to open a conversation with their doctors. Conversely, some doctors are quick to dismiss or misdiagnosed symptoms into another. It makes women think that a visit is a waste of time. 5. The International Menopause Society survey showed that 60% of women felt their doctors did not provide adequate information or support for menopause management. Some researchers suggest that many doctors are underprepared to handle menopause-related issues. This is supported by the North American Menopause Society study. It found that only 20% of medical residents felt confident in managing menopausal symptoms. This data indicates that residency programs and training should be evaluated and aligned according to the needs of menopause patients. 6. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and BUPA study showed that 72% of menopausal women felt unsupported at work and nearly 36% experienced stigma discussing menopause in their workplace. While some companies lead the way by introducing menopause-friendly work spaces, offering flexible work schedules, and giving menopause-inclusive benefits, others still lack menopause working guidelines and benefits. The absence of support results in resignation, increased absenteeism, and lower job satisfaction. 7. The British Journal of General Practice revealed that approximately 10%-20% of menopausal women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) globally. The scare comes from the potential health concerns of long-term HRT use. This includes breast cancer, blood clot, heart disease, and stroke. Additionally, some doctors still follow the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study from 2002 (an outdated guideline). As a result, women seeking for HRT treatment are often dismissed or prescribed with other medications. 8. A study published in the National Library of Medicine stated that 50.5% of menopausal women used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for their symptoms. Some menopausal women choose natural alternatives because they want holistic approaches to improve their quality of life, enhance physical function, and relieve sleep disorders. Herbal medicine, acupuncture, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques are common CAM therapies. 9. The Oregon Health and Science University noted that 24%-41% of menopausal women experience low libido. Menopause comes with vaginal dryness because of declining estrogen levels that result in vaginal thinning and drying of its walls. This greatly affects a woman’s sexual desire and arousal because of low sex drive. 10. The World Economic Forum report in 2025 noted that 20% of the global workforce includes menopausal women. The growing number of menopausal women in the workforce brings out the resilient nature of women in their different life stages. Most of them have important roles in the office as they are into leadership and management. Overall, these figures show the pressing health, work, and medical concerns menopausal women face. Also, it gives an idea how important it is for the medical and workforce executives to re-evaluate and align goals and practices according to the needs of menopausal women. Sources https://bjgp.org/content/66/653/597?form=MG0AV3 https://www.weforum.org/publications/blueprint-to-close-the-women-s-health-gap-how-to -improve-lives-and-economies-for-all/?form=MG0AV3 https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-04/Libido-prevalence-Brief_FINAL.pdf?for m=MG0AV3 6 HRT Statistics in 2025 Doctors and menopausal women have varying opinions about Hormone Replacement therapy. The Women’s Health Initiative information influences women’s attitude toward HRT. Its published associated risks, like breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clot make women hesitant in using HRT for menopause treatment. Doctors lower their HRT prescription because of its related health risks. This translates to lower usage of the treatment despite newer research results of its efficacy to younger menopausal women with appropriate risk assessment. This article highlights the present and emerging statistics about HRT. How product developments provide less health compromise to menopause women, and how proper education and awareness influence medical choices. 1. The percentage of menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy declined yearly by 0.23%. Menopausal (1.8 %) and postmenopausal (4.7%) women posted a decrease in use of hormone replacement therapy. According to Stephanie S. Faubion (MD, MBA, NCMP, IF, Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health director and The Menopause Society medical director), misinformation is the top reason why women are hesitant in taking HRT. Additionally, the availability of updated HRT research across online and offline resources will educate women about the pros and cons of this treatment. 2. HRT leads all compounding therapeutic areas in the US, with a market value forecasted to reach over 67 billion over the next 10 years. The US experiences the rise of an aging population. The Population Reference Bureau projected that Americans ages 65 and older will increase by 47% in 2050. Also, innovation in medical research and changes in regulatory guidelines will drive the HRT market to grow at a compound annual growth of 6% in 2030. The growing importance of aging quality life encourages women to look for menopause medical interventions. Moreover, the country is dominated by major pharmaceutical companies that continuously invest in research and development to provide better health and life care for women. 3. Women using bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) increases by 5%-10% yearly. Bioidentical hormone therapy is processed hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) from plants. These hormones mimic natural hormones so the body will recognize them the way it recognizes natural hormones. According to the Natural Institutes of Health research, women favor this treatment because it’s natural and prescribed as biomedical. Also, the clinical approach of providers offer menopausal women holistic treatment of their symptoms. However, bioidentical hormone therapy has risks. Women with or at high risk of blood clotting disorders, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and stroke are not allowed to take. 4. Women using transdermal estrogen increases by 6.8% yearly. Transdermal estrogen therapy is used to treat moderate to severe menopause symptoms. It’s available as patch and gel and applied directly to the skin. Patches are changed once or twice a week (depending on the brand) and gel is applied daily. Women prefer this type of treatment because it provides more consistent estrogen levels and doesn’t affect the liver compared to oral estrogen. More importantly, transdermal estrogen therapy has flexible dosing options and is easy to use. 5. 80% of menopausal women reported that they heard HRT, with 55% receiving information from physicians. Menopause discussion and its treatment are less talked about in clinical and social settings. As a result, most menopausal women’s information about HRT comes from personal research or through the media. Also, limited patient-doctor communication and the patient’s uneasiness or difficulty in describing their symptoms create an information gap. Moreover, according to study, HRT discussions are frequently initiated by female physicians. This means that women are more comfortable sharing their symptoms and exploring treatment options to people who have similar experiences with them. 6. 20%-30% of menopausal women express fear or hesitation in using HRT because of its potential risks and side effects. Apart from its potential health issues, misinformation and outdated medical advice from doctors, media, and peers make women avoid HRT. Additionally, some women fear the side effects, like weight gain or mood swings and others believe menopause is a natural phase that doesn’t require medical intervention. Sources​ ​ https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/-?form=MG0AV3#google _vignette https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/menopau se-ensuring-a-tranquil-transition https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/bhrt-vs-hrt?form=MG0AV3#effectiveness https://www.bmj.com/content/382/bmj-?form=MG0AV3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC-/ https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/risks-and-benefits-of-mht-hrt?for m=MG0AV3 Calcium Prices Explained Calcium prices posted bearish trends in the market as multi-element product value fell in the market. The weakening calcium silicon prices added negative sentiments to the commodity. On the supply side, calcium metal production slowed due to the decline of raw aluminum ingot prices. However, continuous innovation in the battery industry will potentially revive calcium’s downward market. Why are calcium prices fluctuating? 1. Global Economic Conditions The slowing global macroeconomic conditions dominate the market. This represents a downside risk to the metals and mining sector as many commodity prices slide and equity market support weakens. These conditions led to narrowing margins for producers and tighter financing conditions for exploration. For instance, China's tight monetary policies limited manufacturers in buying metals which affected calcium production and consumption. 2. Energy Transition The global efforts to decarbonize drive the rollout of technologies which increases the demand for raw materials. This brings about near-term challenges in the commodities sector. For many commodities (including calcium metal), the increasing consumption will outstrip the mining industry’s ability to ramp up supply. For example, calcium is important in producing hydrogen (one example of green energy transition) through thermochemical water splitting. Hydrogen is a clean fuel used to generate electricity or power vehicles. Overall, this utilization contributes to metal deficits that lead to calcium price increases. 3. Industry Demands The demand for calcium metal from its top industry consumers will continue to grow. For instance, the data processing and power generation industries which rely heavily on copper and aluminum expect significant growth in 2024 and beyond. Similarly, the use of calcium carbide (CaC2) for the desulfurization of iron and as a fuel in steelmaking drives the calcium acetylide market growth in Europe. As these industries continue to grow, so does the demand for calcium metal and prices. 4. Innovation Researchers developed a prototype calcium (Ca) metal rechargeable battery capable of 500 cycles of repeated charge-discharge. This new innovation will provide efficient and low-cost power sources for solar and automotive industries. Also, this translates to the commodity’s market expansion which will drive demand for rechargeable batteries. Which variables impact the price of calcium? ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ Global Economic Conditions Energy Transition Industry Demands Supply Performance Geopolitics Currency Rates Where does calcium come from? Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and it is found in different compounds, like calcium carbonate (the main component of limestone, marble, and chalk). Other calcium compounds include gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) and fluorite (calcium fluoride). Calcium metal production is a complex process because this commodity isn’t found in its pure metallic form. Generally, calcium metal has 2 production methods: 1. Calcium Chloride Electrolysis Calcium chloride preparation - Limestone or calcium carbonate is turned into calcium oxide or quicklime through calcination. Quicklime is mixed with hydrochloric acid to produce calcium chloride. Electrolysis - Molten calcium chloride undergoes electrolysis in a specialized cell. This technique produces calcium metal by passing a direct electric current through the molten salt, reducing calcium ions into the cathode. Purification - The produced calcium metal is purified through vacuum distillation to remove impurities and pass the standard manufacturing process. 2. Aluminum Reduction Reaction - Calcium oxide is reduced with aluminum in a high-temperature process. This method yields calcium metal and alumina (aluminum oxide). Vacuum distillation - This technique is similar to the electrolysis method. The produced calcium metal is refined through vacuum distillation to achieve high purity. After these manufacturing processes, calcium metal is cast into ingots or any desired shapes (the shapes vary according to industry demands). As a precaution, the storage facility temperature of this metal should be ‘chemically inactive’ to prevent fire or explosion because this commodity is a highly reactive element. What are the uses of calcium metal? Despite its high reactivity and expensive storage costs, calcium finds extensive application in many industries, particularly in the manufacturing of batteries. 1. Deoxidation and Desulfurization - Calcium’s capacity to remove oxygen and sulfur impurities from molten metals is important in the steel industry as it enhances the metal's quality and properties. 2. Alloying Agent - Calcium is added to certain alloys to improve their characteristics. For example, it is used in aluminum alloys to refine grain structure and enhance mechanical properties. 3. Calcium Carbide Production - When combined with carbon in an electric arc furnace, it produces calcium carbide. This chemical is important in industrial processes, like generating acetylene gas, and as an artificial fruit ripening agent. 4. Reducing Agent - Thorium and uranium productions use calcium to speed the reaction process of reducing metal oxides to their pure metal form. 5. Getter - Calcium acts as a getter substance that removes unwanted gasses from a sealed system. In specialized lighting applications, manufacturers use calcium to maintain a desired atmosphere within the lamp. 6. Electronics - Calcium oxide is essential in making electronic ceramics, like capacitors, transistors, and insulators. These ceramics are the foundation of electrical and mechanical devices. What is the future price of calcium? The growing demand from the construction engineering, industrial, and medicine sectors steers calcium prices across trading platforms. Also, the slow but steady calcium market in APAC end-user industries and its rising utilization in battery manufacturing provide profitable market expansion in the coming years. For instance, the tight competition between EV companies and the concentrated location of its raw materials made automotive research and development sources affordable and uncompromising materials. A research group at Tohoku University, Japan developed a prototype calcium metal rechargeable battery capable of 500 cycles of repeated charge-discharge. Compared to lithium batteries, calcium takes the crown when it comes to manufacturing costs and abundance. Additionally, this metal accelerates ion transport and diffusion in electrolytes and cathode materials, an advantage over lithium, magnesium, and zinc alternatives. Overall, this technological innovation will propel its market in the coming years and even the unstable source materials in the battery industry. The rough price estimate of calcium metal in 2030 will be between $10 and $15 per kilogram, with a market size growing at a CAGR of 3.9% in 2029.