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Procurement Fundamentals

The procure-to-pay cycle end to end: writing specifications, choosing sourcing routes, evaluating bids beyond price, purchase order basics and the controls that keep buying honest. For anyone who requests, buys or approves goods and services.

52m
Total time
4
Competency levels
12
Lessons

What you'll learn

  • Explain each step of the procure-to-pay cycle and why the order of steps matters
  • Distinguish functional from technical specifications and choose the right one for a purchase
  • Select an appropriate sourcing route (catalogue, RFQ or competitive tender) for a given need
  • Evaluate offers on total cost of ownership, quality, delivery and HSE — not lowest price alone
  • Describe the purpose of purchase order terms, approval limits and segregation of duties
  • Recognise maverick (off-contract) buying and explain the harm it causes

Curriculum

Progress through each competency level in order.

1

Awareness

  • The Procure-to-Pay Cycle
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Controls: Who Does What, and Why Going Around the Process Hurts
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Awareness Check: The Procurement Basics
    Assessment
    7m
2

Knowledge

  • Writing Good Specifications
    Knowledge
    2m
  • Choosing the Sourcing Route
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Knowledge Check: Specifications and Sourcing
    Assessment
    8m
3

Skill

  • Evaluating Offers Beyond the Lowest Price
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Assignment: Run a Documented Purchase Evaluation
    Assignment
    3m
  • Skill Check: Evaluation Judgement
    Assessment
    8m
4

Mastery

  • Purchase Order Terms and Guarding the Process
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Assignment: Audit and Improve a Live Purchasing Process
    Assignment
    3m
  • Mastery Assessment: Procurement Judgement Under Pressure
    Assessment
    8m

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