Course Methodology

This course uses a variety of interactive learning methods such as group discussions, videos, team exercises, individual exercises, case studies and questionnaires.

Course Objectives

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

• Gain an understanding in the importance of purchasing function
• Use all the skills required to be a successful buyer
• Utilize the best practices in purchasing strategies and processes
• Apply the purchasing process, and understand logistical considerations
• Improve communication skills required for successful buying
• Build better partnerships with suppliers, and introduce negotiation skills

Target Audience

Junior buyers, intermediate buyers, purchasing department personnel and other personnel from other departments who need to understand the buying function.

Target Competencies

• Introducing purchasing methods
• Improving communications with suppliers
• Using logistics methods
• Improving materials sourcing
• Developing long-term relationships with suppliers
• Applying negotiation principles

Introduction to purchasing

• Definition of purchasing
• Purchasing steps
• The role of the purchasing function
• Centralized versus decentralized purchasing
• Evolutions in buying strategies

Buyer roles and responsibilities

• Duties of a buyer
• Buyer's Job Description
• Skills and qualities of a successful buyer
• Purchasing hierarchy
• Limitation of authorities

Purchasing methods and strategies

• Purchase requests and orders
• Conventional purchase blanket orders
• Consignment purchasing
• Forward buying
• Outsourcing
• Stockless Buying
• Leasing versus buying

The purchasing process

• Generic Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process
• Request for Information, Quotation and Proposal (RFI, RFQ, RFP)
• Purchase order
• Supplier selection
• Logistical considerations

Optimizing the communication cycle

• Communicating better with suppliers
• Communicating better with end users
• Communicating better within the purchasing department
• Active listening techniques
• Non-verbal behavior

Partnerships and negotiation

• Partnership with suppliers
• Partnership requirements
• Building good relationships with suppliers
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Negotiation principles
• Strategies for negotiation