Cambridge
Academy
In London

Introduction:

In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, procurement has evolved from a transactional function to a strategic driver of value, efficiency, and sustainability. This course provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical tools to enhance procurement performance, manage supplier relationships, mitigate risks, and align procurement strategies with broader organizational goals. Through real-world case studies, analytical frameworks, and interactive exercises, participants will develop the skills needed to thrive in a modern procurement role.

Target Audience:

• Procurement professionals and purchasing officers
• Supply chain managers and logistics specialists
• Finance and operations managers
• Contract and vendor managers
• Business owners and entrepreneurs
• Professionals transitioning into procurement roles

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the strategic role of procurement in organizational success
• Apply procurement planning and sourcing strategies effectively
• Evaluate and select suppliers using objective criteria
• Manage procurement contracts and supplier relationships
• Mitigate procurement-related risks and ensure compliance
• Use procurement analytics and technology to drive performance

Course Content:

Unit 1: Introduction to Procurement and Its Strategic Importance

• The evolution of procurement: from operational to strategic
• Key procurement functions and responsibilities
• Procurement vs. purchasing: differences and integration
• Strategic sourcing and organizational competitiveness
• Aligning procurement with corporate strategy
• Case study: Procurement transformation in multinational corporations

Unit 2: Procurement Planning and Spend Analysis

• Defining procurement needs and objectives
• Category management and demand forecasting
• Spend analysis techniques and tools
• Budgeting and cost estimation
• Procurement planning in the public vs. private sector
• Case study: How effective spend analysis saved millions

Unit 3: Supplier Sourcing and Evaluation

• Market research and supplier identification
• Developing and issuing Requests for Proposal (RFPs)
• Supplier evaluation criteria and scorecards
• Prequalification and due diligence
• Local vs. global sourcing considerations
• Case study: Strategic sourcing for sustainable procurement

Unit 4: Negotiation Strategies and Techniques

• Preparation for procurement negotiations
• Key negotiation tactics and behavioral strategies
• Win-win vs. win-lose negotiation approaches
• Handling difficult negotiations and resolving conflicts
• Cultural considerations in global negotiations
• Simulation: Live negotiation role-play

Unit 5: Contract Management and Legal Aspects

• Types of procurement contracts and their uses
• Key contract clauses and legal considerations
• Managing contract performance and service levels
• Contract amendments and dispute resolution
• Compliance with procurement laws and regulations
• Case study: Legal pitfalls in international procurement

Unit 6: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Importance of building long-term supplier partnerships
• SRM models and implementation frameworks
• Supplier segmentation and performance management
• Managing supplier risk and dependency
• Joint development and supplier innovation
• Case study: Collaborative supplier innovation in the tech sector

Unit 7: Risk Management in Procurement

• Identifying and assessing procurement risks
• Risk mitigation strategies and contingency planning
• Managing geopolitical and supply chain disruptions
• Supplier financial stability and fraud prevention
• Business continuity planning for procurement
• Real-world examples: Procurement crises and recovery

Unit 8: Sustainable and Ethical Procurement

• Principles of sustainability in procurement
• Social responsibility and environmental impact
• Ethical sourcing and anti-corruption practices
• Green procurement policies and standards
• Certifications and supplier audits
• Case study: Ethical procurement in the fashion industry

Unit 9: Procurement Technology and Digital Tools

• E-procurement platforms and automation
• E-auctions, ERP systems, and digital RFPs
• Use of AI and analytics in procurement decisions
• Blockchain and transparency in supply chains
• Data security and system integration challenges
• Future trends in procurement technology

Unit 10: Measuring Procurement Performance and Driving Improvement

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in procurement
• Procurement dashboards and reporting
• Benchmarking and continuous improvement
• Procurement maturity models and assessments
• Aligning metrics with strategic goals
• Final activity: Create your procurement improvement plan