Introduction to Purchasing

Unlock the doors to the fundamentals of purchasing with our comprehensive Introduction to Purchasing course. Designed for beginners and professionals alike, this course equips you with a thorough understanding of essential purchasing principles and processes. Whether you're just starting or seeking to enhance your skills, our curriculum will empower you to make strategic decisions and drive your organization's success.

Objectives

• Define the concept of purchasing and its significance in organizational success.
• Differentiate between direct and indirect purchasing.
• Identify various categories of purchases within an organization.
• Discuss criteria for selecting and evaluating vendors.
• Explore the impact of vendor selection on overall business performance.
• Define and differentiate between purchase orders and contracts.
• Analyze the different cost components associated with purchasing.
• Discuss the ethical considerations in the purchasing process.
• Develop strategies to mitigate and manage risks effectively.
• Discuss the relationship between purchasing and inventory management.
• Explore the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable purchasing.
• Develop strategies for effective global procurement.
• Discuss the importance of continuous improvement in the purchasing process.
• Explore methodologies such as Six Sigma and Lean in the context of purchasing.

Outline of Modules and Course Content

• Unit 1 - Purchasing Cycle
• Unit 2 - Supplier Selection
• Unit 3 - Contracts and Legal Ethical Considerations
• Unit 4 - Financing
• Unit 5 - Personnel

Prior Learning

This noncredit course is beginner-friendly, with no prior expertise required. However, to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online courses.