Procurement and Purchasing

Code School Level Credits Semesters
BUSI4613 Nottingham University Business School China 4 10 Spring China
Code
BUSI4613
School
Nottingham University Business School China
Level
4
Credits
10
Semesters
Spring China

Summary

Strategic sourcing concepts, Supplier management, Supplier segmentation, Category management, Negotiation, Retail buying, Services sourcing, Compliance, Sustainability, Procurement organisation

Target Students

Optional module forMSc International Business (Supply Chain Management)

Classes

1.5 hours per week lectures x 10 weeks, supplemented by 5 x 1 hours of seminars

Assessment

Educational Aims

This module introduces students to the topics of sourcing, procurement and purchasing. It provides students with an appreciation and understanding of strategic sourcing, and the issues, decisions and techniques purchasing managers should be familiar with, in particular: Costs related to sourcing decisions, and how to compare different sourcing alternatives. Behavioural factors and the impact of incentives in sourcing and dealing with suppliers. Organisational forms for purchasing and controlling of this function, centralisation of purchasing and maverick behaviour. The relationship with suppliers and the involvement of suppliers. Factors to consider when preparing for negotiations and conducting them.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives & Outcomes Please tick all that apply - including at least one under each heading
Knowledge and understanding: This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:

The management of the supply chain

The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness 
of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or 
an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective.
Markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services 

The management of resources

The management of operations

The management of procurement

The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges 
and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.

Strategic management - the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing environment
 
Intellectual Skills: This module develops:

Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately

Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions

Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills

Professional Practical Skills: This module develops:

Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management.  Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring

The ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices


Transferable (key) Skills: This module develops:

High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict  resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience

Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 09/01/2025.