An exploration of the methodologies and theory behind category management over the course of two days, focusing in particular on how to generate and mitigate the loss of value through this process.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, delegates will be equipped with:

• An overview of the category management process from end-to-end, looking at the various activities and theories that comprise said process. The delegate will also develop a keen understanding of how vital the category management process is and will be able to reinforce this in the eyes of their stakeholders.
• An understanding of how a category manager influences and drives this process, focusing on how the individual can deliver value to the group though the appropriate application of their understanding.
• Critical knowledge and confidence around how to engineer plans for category development, factoring in complexity and responding accordingly.
• A grasp of the strategies behind category management that can assist driving towards the desired outcomes when contending with supplier performance and demand.
• The skills to delineate between different types of category management relating to procurement, purchasing, and sourcing, as well as awareness around how to mitigate potential risks surrounding role conflict and wrongheaded stratagems.

Understand the end-to-end process and gain a toolkit of practical procurement techniques

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Understand the basic fundamentals of the procurement cycle and how each phase contributes to the effective management of the supply chain function, enabling you to do your job better
• Identify when to apply a range of purchasing tools and techniques
• Understand the need for the involvement of procurement in specification development and build a basic understanding of the category sourcing process
• Understand the importance of supplier appraisal, post-tender appraisal and developing relevant tender documents
• Describe the difference between performance and supplier relationship management

How to construct legally binding contracts

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate increased awareness of the fundamentals of contracts and contract law within the procurement function
• Appreciate the potential risks relating to the formation of contracts and how best to address them
• Demonstrate increased understanding of the role and significance of specific core clauses in the contract and how they can provide robust positions when entering contractual relationships with suppliers
• Understand the role played by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Supply of Goods & Services Act 1982 in implying contractual duties on the supplier
• Appreciate the procedural options available when attempting to resolve disputes with suppliers and their relative strengths and weaknesses
• Understand the available legal remedies for breach of contract

A two-day overview of the essentials of procurement from end-to-end, exploring the various ways that each process can add value.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, delegates will be equipped with:

• An understanding of the procurement process from end-to-end, with a particular focus on how value is added with each component. Within this, delegates will also understand how the role of procurement is far more intensive than straightforward transactional purchasing.
• A look at appropriate demeanour and approach when going out to tender and dealing with suppliers, and how to mitigate potential risks posed by supplier behaviour.
• The ability to identify and separate the tools used to engage the market, such as Requests for Information and/or Proposals, and ultimately the usage of those systems.
• An understanding of how expertise in the procurement field is ultimately essential, particularly around how that expertise is applied.
• The ability to demonstrate and define value by implementing a variety of evaluation tools and theories.