Strategic Sourcing Course

Lesson 1 • The Strategic Sourcing Process Overview

Introduces the end-to-end sourcing cycle as a repeatable framework. Provides the structural map students will apply throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Defining Strategic Sourcing

Clarifies what strategic sourcing is, how it differs from transactional buying, and why it matters. Sets the conceptual baseline for the entire course.

Lesson 3 • Key Sourcing Metrics and KPIs

Introduces the performance indicators used to measure sourcing effectiveness. Establishes a measurement mindset applied in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Spend Classification and Taxonomy

Teaches how to classify spend into meaningful categories using standard taxonomies. Proper classification enables like-for-like comparison and opportunity sizing.

Lesson 2 • Market Intelligence for Categories

Introduces external market research methods to complement internal spend data. Students learn to assess supply market dynamics for each category.

Lesson 3 • Collecting and Cleansing Spend Data

Covers data sources, extraction methods, and cleansing techniques for spend analysis. Accurate data is the prerequisite for all subsequent category work.

Lesson 4 • Spend Segmentation and Prioritization

Applies Pareto and portfolio analysis to rank categories by strategic importance. Students identify high-impact areas to focus sourcing resources.

Lesson 1 • Risk Assessment in Category Strategy

Integrates supply, financial, and operational risk into the category strategy. Risk-adjusted strategies are more resilient and defensible to leadership.

Lesson 2 • Portfolio Analysis Models

Applies the Kraljic matrix and similar tools to position categories by risk and value. Positioning determines the appropriate sourcing strategy for each quadrant.

Lesson 3 • Defining Category Objectives and Scope

Establishes clear goals, boundaries, and success criteria for each category strategy. Precise scope prevents overlap and ensures stakeholder alignment.

Lesson 4 • Documenting and Presenting the Strategy

Structures the category strategy into a concise, decision-ready document for stakeholders. Effective presentation skills accelerate approval and implementation.

Lesson 1 • Supplier Research and Long-Listing

Covers methods for identifying potential suppliers across domestic and global markets. A broad long list reduces the risk of missing high-value supply options.

Lesson 2 • Requests for Information

Teaches how to design and issue an RFI to gather structured market intelligence. RFI responses inform shortlisting and RFP design in the next phase.

Lesson 3 • Supplier Market Engagement Strategy

Develops a plan for communicating with the supply market before formal tendering. Proactive engagement improves bid quality and supplier interest.

Lesson 1 • Managing the Tender Process

Addresses the operational steps of running a fair and compliant tender process. Process discipline protects the organization and builds supplier trust.

Lesson 2 • Shortlisting and Award Recommendation

Guides students through shortlisting, best-and-final-offer rounds, and award documentation. A well-structured recommendation accelerates internal approval.

Lesson 3 • Designing Effective RFPs and RFQs

Covers the structure, content, and evaluation criteria of high-quality tender documents. Well-designed documents attract comparable, evaluable bids.

Lesson 4 • Bid Evaluation and Scoring

Applies structured scoring methodologies to compare bids objectively and consistently. Rigorous evaluation supports defensible award decisions.

Lesson 1 • Closing and Documenting Agreements

Covers techniques for reaching closure and capturing agreed terms accurately. Proper documentation prevents post-negotiation disputes.

Lesson 2 • Multi-Variable Negotiation

Expands negotiation beyond price to include terms, service levels, and risk allocation. Multi-variable deals create more value for both parties.

Lesson 3 • Negotiation Tactics and Techniques

Covers a toolkit of proven negotiation tactics applicable to sourcing contexts. Students practice applying and countering common supplier tactics.

Lesson 4 • Negotiation Preparation and Planning

Builds a rigorous pre-negotiation plan covering objectives, BATNA, and concession strategy. Preparation is the single greatest predictor of negotiation success.

Lesson 1 • Contract Structure and Key Clauses

Reviews the essential components of a commercial contract and the purpose of each clause. Understanding contract anatomy enables sourcing professionals to negotiate terms effectively.

Lesson 2 • Contract Formation and Execution

Covers the process of finalizing, signing, and activating a contract correctly. Proper execution prevents enforceability gaps and delays.

Lesson 3 • Performance Monitoring and Scorecards

Establishes systems for tracking supplier performance against contracted obligations. Regular monitoring enables early intervention before issues escalate.

Lesson 4 • Contract Compliance and Risk Management

Identifies common compliance failures and the controls needed to prevent them. Proactive compliance management protects financial and reputational value.

Lesson 1 • Managing Supplier Risk in Relationships

Addresses how relationship dynamics affect supply risk and how to manage concentration risk. Balanced dependency protects continuity without sacrificing partnership depth.

Lesson 2 • Collaborative Value Creation

Explores joint value creation initiatives beyond cost reduction, including co-innovation. Collaboration transforms suppliers into strategic partners.

Lesson 3 • Supplier Development and Capability Building

Covers techniques for improving supplier performance and expanding their capabilities. Supplier development creates competitive advantage through the supply base.

Lesson 4 • SRM Principles and Segmentation

Defines SRM and explains why differentiated treatment of suppliers drives better outcomes. Segmentation ensures resources are invested where they generate the most value.