Procurement Demystified



Overview

This course shows you how to strengthen supplier relationships, reduce costs and align procurement activity with your organisation’s goals. 

You’ll explore how modern procurement practices are grounded in long-standing trading values – trust, integrity, curiosity and collaboration – and how to apply these principles across today’s complex, global supply chains. Using real-world examples and hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to: 

  • Work with suppliers to save time, cut costs and strengthen reputations 

  • Ensure suppliers deliver on their promises without damaging relationships 

  • Use procurement to support sustainability goals 

  • Contribute to your organisation’s wider strategic objectives 

You’ll also explore core procurement concepts and tools, including: 

  • Market forces and pricing strategies 

  • The psychology of negotiation and supplier behaviour 

  • Kraljic’s matrix for supplier segmentation 

  • Mendelow’s stakeholder power and interest model 

  • Porter’s value chain framework 

Designed for senior professionals, project managers, charity trustees and anyone interested in the strategic role of procurement, this course builds the skills to create ethical, commercially effective supplier relationships that deliver long-term value. 

Programme details

Session 1: Ethics and fundamentals of procurement and supply

An exploration of the ethical principles underpinning procurement and supply activities. A review of the importance of ESG (Economic, Social and Governance) sustainability factors influencing procurement and supply decisions.

Session 2: Value

An assessment of how value is created through the procurement process and consider how negotiation and effective supplier management can enhance value throughout the contract. Followed by negotiation practice.

Session 3: Context analysis

An exploration of a variety of ‘tools’ to help you explore and analyse operating environments and assess how operating environment impact procurement and supply strategy and decisions.

Session 4: Procurement processes

A review of the procurement process: you will consider how you can help to assess risk, develop effective contracts and support improved decision making.

Attending Your Course

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, which will include registration information. 

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within five working days of the course start date.  

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information

Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate, as well as share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £685.00

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunch. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the 'Book now' button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or organisation, please email us to request an online enrolment form. Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer.

Course aims

  • Identify ways you and your procurement/buying teams can add value to your organisation.
  • Identify actions that contribute to achieving sustainability goals.
  • Appreciate the importance of ethics and integrity, curiosity, communication and collaboration in getting the best from suppliers.
  • Grow your network of contacts of support as you implement value-adding changes in your organisation.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click 'Ask a Question' at the top of this page.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support