Future Strategic Challenges for the Profession (L6M4)

1.0  Understand the changing needs and requirements for procurement and supply

1.1  Assess what the future strategic procurement and supply function will look like

• Alignment with the organisation – internally, vertically and horizontally
• Recognise and exploit supply chain opportunities
• New approaches and requirements 
• such as:
• Agility
• Flexibility
• Legality
• Dealing with complexity - Supply Network Strategies
• Interpreting the current approach to procurement
• Formulating objectives on the supply side
• Determine the basic network strategy
• Calibrating the strategy
• Restructuring the supply network
• Proactive planning and design of supply networks – anticipate, respond and adapt
• Risk vs. resilient supply chains and networks

1.2  Contrast the future skills and expectations of strategic procurement and supply leaders

• Switching focus from internal operational to external customer interface
• Functional knowledge
• Interpersonal skills
• General management and strategic skills – appreciate and promote the strategic value of procurement and supply
• Internal and external relationship management
• Ethical and sustainable management and leadership – environmental issues and challenges

1.3  Contrast the influence of emerging business and markets on the procurement and supply function

• Volatile global environment – threatens traditional concepts of international trade
• Wider influence on market identification, development and creation
• Future risks and challenges

2.0  Understand the future challenges for the procurement and supply profession

2.1  Evaluate the emerging role and influence ofinnovation and technology on the profession

• Disruptive influence on traditional operations
• Organisational uptake and leveraging opportunity
• Automation and changing roles for the profession
• Opportunities that arise and associated skills sets and challenges
• The profession driving the agenda to realise value adding benefits and competitive edge

2.2  Assess the changing boundaries and shape of the profession

• Stretch and blurring of boundaries between traditional organisational disciplines
• New ways to achieve competitive advantage through the supply chain
• Interdisciplinary working and knowledge
• Growing influence of the profession
• Collaborative and supportive – maintaining the standard
• Advisors and guardians of the profession

2.3  Evaluate future challenges for the profession

• The increased use of common business language across the organisation
• Develop a greater understanding of other business functions
• Develop and promote a greater understanding of the profession within other business functions
• Broaden professional reach to add value where others cannot
• Embed good practice through collaboration with other professions
• Cross-skilling those from other disciplines

Select a module below for more information:

Choose three ELECTIVE module to make up the final 18 remaining credits.