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Procurement & Sourcing Introduction

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 1,442 ratings
see reviews
Don Klock

After a warm Welcome to the Global Procurement and Sourcing Specialization, I will provide a brief introduction to the specialization and its courses covering the following:

-Instructor Biography

-Who should take this course

-Flow of the course

Read more

After a warm Welcome to the Global Procurement and Sourcing Specialization, I will provide a brief introduction to the specialization and its courses covering the following:

-Instructor Biography

-Who should take this course

-Flow of the course

Following the introduction, the student will get the opportunity to learn about some of the current challenges facing procurement and sourcing professionals today through reading ten current articles ranging from what is procurement to how to collaborate with suppliers. These articles/knowledge will be a foundation for later courses on how to use tools, processes and improve skills to address many of these opportunities. There will be a brief assessment (true/false) of your knowledge gained from these articles.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers essential procurement concepts relevant to industry professionals
Introduces current challenges facing procurement professionals, providing context for further learning
Guides students through foundational articles on procurement, building a knowledge base

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Foundational procurement & sourcing overview

According to students, this course offers a solid introduction to procurement and sourcing, particularly beneficial for beginners or those exploring the field. Learners consistently praise the curated selection of articles, finding them highly relevant and providing valuable insights into current industry challenges. While many found it an excellent foundational piece for the larger specialization, some also noted it felt more like a guided reading list rather than a traditional course, occasionally lacking deeper practical examples or structured lessons beyond the readings and a basic assessment. Despite this, it's largely seen as a concise yet thorough overview.
The selection of articles is highly relevant and insightful.
"The articles were highly relevant and provided a solid foundation for understanding current industry challenges."
"The selection of articles was insightful, covering various aspects of procurement. It really highlighted the dynamic nature."
"The recommended articles are gold – they really opened my eyes to the complexities and opportunities in modern procurement."
"Perfect for a quick yet thorough introduction. The selection of articles is exceptionally curated, covering essential themes."
Provides a strong starting point for beginners in procurement.
"This course was a fantastic introduction to procurement and sourcing. The articles were highly relevant and provided a solid foundation..."
"A good starting point for anyone new to the field. It really highlighted the dynamic nature of the profession."
"Excellent concise overview. For someone with some prior business experience but new to procurement, this was perfect."
"Provides a solid conceptual framework for procurement. It's excellent for theory."
The true/false assessment is noted as very basic.
"The true/false assessment was a good quick check."
"The assessment was very basic."
"The true/false quiz reinforced key concepts well."
Some learners desire more than just articles and a basic quiz.
"I felt it was a bit too surface-level. I was hoping for more practical examples or deeper dives..."
"Honestly, I was underwhelmed. It's essentially a list of articles and a quiz. I could have found similar information online for free."
"It's okay as an intro. The focus on articles is unique but might not suit everyone's learning style. I personally prefer video lectures."
"I felt it lacked the depth expected from a university-published course. It's more of a high-level overview."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Procurement & Sourcing Introduction with these activities:
Review introductory procurement courses
Review previously learned procurement and sourcing concepts to refresh your memory in preparation for this course.
Browse courses on Procurement
Show steps
  • Go over your old lecture notes and assignments
  • Review some of the old textbooks if needed
  • Go online and search for procurement and sourcing articles
  • View some free online videos on procurement and sourcing
Organize and Review Course Materials
Improve retention and understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials regularly.
Browse courses on Note taking
Show steps
  • Organize course materials into a logical structure.
  • Review materials regularly, identifying key concepts and summarizing ideas.
Procurement Case Study Discussion
Learn from and share insights with peers by discussing real-world procurement case studies.
Browse courses on Procurement Best Practices
Show steps
  • Read a case study and identify the key issues.
  • Discuss the case study with a peer group, sharing different perspectives and potential solutions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Procurement Plan
Apply the concepts of procurement planning to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Identify the procurement needs of an organization.
  • Develop a procurement strategy to meet those needs.
  • Create a detailed procurement plan.
Contribute to an Open Source Procurement Platform
Gain practical experience and contribute to the procurement community by participating in open source projects.
Show steps
  • Find an open source procurement platform to contribute to.
  • Identify an area where you can make a contribution.
  • Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project.
Negotiation Simulations
Develop and practice negotiation skills in a simulated procurement environment.
Browse courses on Negotiation Skills
Show steps
  • Prepare for a negotiation by researching the supplier and identifying your objectives.
  • Engage in a negotiation simulation with a peer or mentor.
Procurement Hackathon
Challenge yourself and collaborate with others to develop innovative procurement solutions.
Browse courses on Innovation
Show steps
  • Form a team and identify a procurement challenge.
  • Develop a solution and create a prototype.
  • Present your solution at a hackathon.

Career center

Learners who complete Procurement & Sourcing Introduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Procurement and Sourcing Manager
Procurement and Sourcing Managers are responsible for managing the procurement and sourcing function for their organizations. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that products and services are delivered on time and at the right cost. This course can help Procurement and Sourcing Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Procurement and Sourcing Managers to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Procurement and Sourcing Manager
Procurement Specialist
Procurement Specialists are responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods and services for their organizations. They work with suppliers to negotiate contracts, manage inventory, and ensure compliance with regulations. This course can help Procurement Specialists by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Procurement Specialists to make better decisions and improve their efficiency.
See salaries and explore the career path for Procurement Specialist
Supplier Relationship Manager
Supplier Relationship Managers work with suppliers to build and maintain relationships. They work to ensure that suppliers are meeting the needs of the organization and that the organization is getting the best possible value from its suppliers. This course can help Supplier Relationship Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Supplier Relationship Managers to build stronger relationships with suppliers and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Supplier Relationship Manager
Sourcing Analyst
Sourcing Analysts work with organizations to identify and qualify suppliers. They develop and manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts. This course can help Sourcing Analysts by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Sourcing Analysts to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sourcing Analyst
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing Managers are responsible for overseeing the procurement of goods and services for their organizations. They work with suppliers to negotiate contracts, ensure quality, and manage inventory. This course can help Purchasing Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Purchasing Managers to make better decisions and improve their efficiency.
See salaries and explore the career path for Purchasing Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers are responsible for overseeing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that products are delivered on time and at the right cost. This course can help Supply Chain Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Supply Chain Managers to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers are responsible for planning and coordinating the movement of goods and services. They work with suppliers, carriers, and customers to ensure that products are delivered on time and at the right cost. This course can help Logistics Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Logistics Managers to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of their organizations. They work with employees, suppliers, and customers to ensure that products and services are delivered on time and at the right cost. This course can help Operations Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Operations Managers to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course can help Project Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Project Managers to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including procurement and sourcing. They work with clients to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions. This course can help Consultants by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Consultants to provide better advice to their clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with organizations to identify and solve business problems. They use data analysis and other techniques to develop solutions that improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course can help Business Analysts by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Business Analysts to better understand the procurement process and develop solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement compliance programs. This course can help Compliance Officers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Compliance Officers to better understand the procurement process and develop programs to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and assess risks to organizations and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. They work with stakeholders to ensure that risks are managed effectively. This course can help Risk Managers by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Risk Managers to better understand the procurement process and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with procurement.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
Auditor
Auditors review and evaluate financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. They work with organizations to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions. This course can help Auditors by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Auditors to better understand the procurement process and develop solutions that improve the financial performance of their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide advice and guidance to organizations on financial matters. They work with clients to identify areas for improvement and develop solutions. This course can help Financial Analysts by providing them with a foundation in the principles of procurement and sourcing. The course covers topics such as supplier selection, contract negotiation, and inventory management. This knowledge can help Financial Analysts to better understand the procurement process and develop solutions that improve the financial performance of their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Procurement & Sourcing Introduction.
Purchasing & Supply Chain Management
Save
Comprehensive guide to purchasing and supply chain management. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Purchasing & Supply Chain Management
Paperback
Check
Purchasing & Supply Chain Management
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Supply Chain Management
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management. It covers the key concepts and models used in the field, and it provides practical examples of how these concepts can be applied in the real world. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Supply Chain Management (5th Edition)
Hardcover
$$$$
Supply Chain Management: Strategy@@ Planning@@ and...
Paperback
$$$$
Supply Chain Management, 4th Edition
Hardcover
$$
Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and...
Hardcover
$$$
Supply Chain Management 5e
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Supply Chain Management Best Practices
Save
Provides a practical guide to procurement and supply chain management. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for practitioners and researchers.
Supply Chain Management Best Practices
Hardcover
$$
Supply Chain Management Best Practices
Hardcover
$$
Supply Chain Management Best Practices
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Leading Procurement Strategy
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the supply chain management field. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Leading Procurement Strategy
Paperback
Check
Leading Procurement Strategy
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the procurement and supply chain management field. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: A...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Transforming Supply Chains
Save
Provides a practical guide to supply chain management. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for practitioners and researchers.
Transforming Supply Chains: Realign your business...
Paperback
$$
Transforming Supply Chains: Realign Your Business...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
Save
Provides a strategic overview of the procurement and supply chain management field. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
CONSTRUCTION PURCHASING & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Kindle Edition
$$
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management (The Mcgraw...
Hardcover
$$
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
Kindle Edition
$$$
Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
Hardcover
$$
[(Purchasing and Supply Chain Management )] [Author...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
(Türkçe) Satin Alma ve Tedarik Zinciri Yönetimi; Purchasing...
Paperback
$$
Purchasing And Supply Chain Management
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Supply Chain Management
Save
Provides a global overview of the supply chain management field. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Supply Chain Management: A Global Perspective, 2nd...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Definitive Guide to Manufacturing and Service...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Supply Chain Management: A Global Perspective
Paperback
$$$$
Supply Chain Management: A Global Perspective
Hardcover
$$
Supply Chain Management: A Global Perspective
Paperback
$$$$
Supply Chain Management by Sanders, Nada R....
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Supply Chain Management
Save
Provides a cross-industry overview of the procurement and supply chain management field. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management: Twelve...
Paperback
$$$$
Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management: Twelve...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Handbook of Global Supply Chain Management
Hardcover
$$$$
Supply Chain Management
Unknown Binding
$$
Handbook of Global Supply Chain Management
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Supply Chain Logistics Management
Save
Provides a textbook overview of the supply chain management field. It covers all aspects of the field, from strategic planning to operational execution. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and researchers.
Supply Chain Logistics Management
Paperback
$$$

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Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
Approx. 4 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Instructor
Don Klock
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Global Procurement and Sourcing. It's comprised of seven courses:
  1. Procurement Negotiation
  2. Procurement & Sourcing Introduction (viewing)
  3. Procurement Basics
  4. Supplier Management
  5. Strategic Procurement and Sourcing Conclusions
  6. Supply Market Analysis
  7. Strategic Sourcing
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers essential procurement concepts relevant to industry professionals
Introduces current challenges facing procurement professionals, providing context for further learning
Guides students through foundational articles on procurement, building a knowledge base
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
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