Procurement Foundations & Business Alignment

•       Purchasing’s role in business strategy
•       Objectives of business and purchasing
•       Purpose and functions of procurement management
•       Policies and procedures in purchasing
•       Centralized vs. decentralized purchasing structures
•       Practical Application

Organizational Management & Legal Environment

•       Organizational structure and purchasing authority
•       Duties of management in procurement
•       Business, industrial, and organizational psychology in supplier interaction
•       Purchasing and the law: UCC, contract formation, terms & conditions
•       Human resources and the law (hiring, discipline, termination in procurement roles)
•       Practical Application. 

Ethics, Diversity, and Buyer Development

•       Ethical issues in procurement: conflict of interest, fairness, confidentiality
•       Diversity and inclusive sourcing practices
•       Selecting and developing procurement professionals
•       Writing effective job descriptions for buyers
•       Buyer training, supervision, and performance management
•       Practical Application.

Quality, Service, and Supplier Evaluation

•       Quality Management principles in purchasing
•       How to define and measure service levels from suppliers?
•       Supplier selection and evaluation metrics
•       Procurement’s role in managing product quality and delivery consistency
•       Handling supplier performance problems
•       Practical Application

Financial and Inventory Control in Procurement

•       Accounting basics relevant to purchasing (budgeting, ledger, cost tracking)
•       Payment methods (terms, early payment, credit options)
•       Managing inventory: JIT, EOQ, safety stock, turnover
•       Purchase vs. lease analysis and decision-making
•       Inventory security, loss prevention, and compliance
•       Practical Application

Supplier Relationships & Global Procurement

•       Building long-term supplier partnerships
•       Supplier communication and dispute resolution
•       Global sourcing and international trade regulations
•       Cultural differences in supplier negotiations
•       INCOTERMS and shipping logistics
•       Practical Application. 

Negotiation Mastery & Communication

•       Stages of negotiation: preparation, engagement, closing
•       Types of negotiation (competitive vs. collaborative)
•       Tactics, ethics, and body language
•       Internal communication with stakeholders and departments
•       Vendor communication and contract enforcement
•       Practical Application

Technology, Math, and Tools in Procurement

•       Mathematical skills: markups, discounts, pricing formulas, ROI
•       Procurement KPIs and dashboard tracking
•       Cost-benefit analysis and total cost of ownership (TCO)
•       Procurement technology: e-sourcing, e-auctions, ERP systems
•       Using procurement software to automate workflows