Procurement Management

The course will focus on rationale and principles of Procurement management; Definition and understanding Procurement and purchasing, Critical Supply Strategies – the unnecessary need for RFQs, Definition of Category Management to facilitate Procurement, Models used in Category Grouping Strategy, Developing Spend Profiles and the ABC Analysis, Skill sets For Purchasing of the future; Implementing Internal Controls to Reduce Fraud Risk Principles and standards of purchasing practice, Developing, monitoring and evaluation systems – generating critical reports Identification and the prevention of Procurement Fraud, Developing Company Purchase Price Index, Developing Key Performance Indicators (KPI) For Procurement, Ethics and codes for purchasing personnel and Improving the Image of Procurement The Most Common Procurement Fraud Schemes and their Primary Red Flags, 6 common procurement fraud schemes, The seven global procurement fraud challenge, Procurement frauds and its effects, Basic Issues in Corruption and Fraud Prevention, 10 ways to control procurement fraud, Increasing the Level of Procurement Professionalism.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Establish KPIs: Set up Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for procurement within an organization.
2. Develop Fraud Strategies: Create strategies for effectively managing procurement fraud.
3. Understand Global Challenges: Recognize and address the seven global procurement fraud challenges.

The aim of this course is to expose students to the concepts and applications of contract law and alternative dispute resolution in procurement settings. The area of coverage of includes; contract law covering the formation, validity, and enforcement of agreements between businesses and individuals. It covers purpose and standard components of a contract. It is also concerned with contract enforcement, legal obligations under common contract law and sales contracts. While Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) will cover the legal and theoretical framework of ADR, Negotiation, Mediation, Early Neutral Evaluation, Ethics and Settlement, Expert Determination and Arbitration.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand Contract Formation: Grasp the process of contract formation and distinguish between different types of contracts.
2. Explain Agreement Essentials: Articulate the concepts of validity, formation, and enforcement of agreements.
3. Apply Dispute Resolution Techniques: Demonstrate familiarity with alternative dispute resolution techniques and processes.

This course aims to develop the level of research skill required to undertake a thesis and technical report writing. It includes research theory identification and development, market research, sources of research information, assimilation and synthesis of research information, literature reviews, literature synthesis and theory development, research methodology, hypothesis generation and evaluation, data collection and processing techniques, referencing systems/styles and effective ways for writing abstracts. The course utilizes advanced research techniques to explore problems in the area of procurement. In addition, the course teaches students the use of advanced research techniques to investigate empirical issues in procurement. Some of the topics to be covered, among others include advanced research designs, qualitative and quantitative methods of research, advance measurement scale, multidimensional scaling, complex sampling approaches, meta-analysis, conjoint analysis. Specifically, the course aims to expose students to contemporary, but not common, research methods that are relevant for understanding and solving general business management problems. Students are to be exposed to scholarly works in journals and textbooks utilizing relevant advanced research techniques.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate Scientific Knowledge: Understand the nature and methodology of scientific inquiry for knowledge discovery.
2. Comprehend Research Principles: Grasp foundational principles and methodologies for conducting scientific research.
3. Describe the Research Process: Outline the research process and key tasks in advanced scientific investigation.
4. Develop a Research Proposal: Create proposals addressing issues within the procurement field of inquiry.

At the end of this course, students will be able to understand and conduct cost accounting for materials, labour, overheads and equipment; demonstrate knowledge of types and methods of costing; and demonstrate knowledge of the nature and use of accounting ratios. The course shall cover the nature, scope and functions of cost and management accounting; Principle underlying the preparation and presentation of cost accounts for various types of businesses; The elements of cost; Cost accounting for materials, labour, overhead and equipment; The different meaning of costs, namely; historical, marginal, average etc.; Costing methods, job and process cost accounting, element of marginal costing and budgetary control, double entry accounts for budgetary control; Nature and use of accounting ratios; and some current problems and issues.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain Accounting Principles: Articulate the principles and elements of accountancy and finance in the built environment.
2. Understand Cost Accounting: Comprehend cost accounting concepts and the use of accounting ratios.
3. Apply Costing Methods: Interpret and implement costing methods for materials, labor, and equipment.

The course commences with the history and development of project management up to the present day, and places this development in the context of the overall industrial and commercial development over the same period. This course covers project management concepts, the roles and responsibilities of project managers and organisational structures within which project management operates; and uses the relevant construction project management practice standards and bodies of knowledge as detailed in the BS6079, ISO 140001, RICS, CIOB, APM and PMI BOK to determine appropriate PM services. It also considers project implementation; project teams; project leadership; project communication; relationships with clients; users and funding bodies; client briefing; network analysis; resources; computer aided project planning; relationships between time, cost and quality and the risks of project time and cost overrun. The course also considers both the human (organizational structures, internal versus group interaction and decision making, team building and leadership) and technical (time, cost and quality planning and control) aspects of project management. Comparison of international project management best practices (emphasis on Europe, USA and Japan).

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand Project Management Foundations: Grasp the origins, practices, and developmental roles of project management.
2. Master Core Competencies: Comprehend key project management areas, including cost, schedule, quality, and scope management.
3. Apply Project Management Concepts: Utilize core competencies to address and manage project-related challenges effectively.

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for an understanding of financial management and reporting, both at project and company level, and its impact on decision making in business, cash flow forecasting, contractor strategies, corporate analysis and preparation of final accounts from the contracting perspective, preparing and modifying a developers’ budget, discussing the factors to be considered in the preparation of competitive bids, understanding and analysing cash flow schedules and financial statements, preparing a cash flow projection, discussing the factors which trigger insolvency in the construction industry.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the process involved in financial management and reporting.
2. Understand Project and Organisational level financial management.
3. Prepare and modify developer’s budget.
4. Appreciate financial issues relating to insolvency.

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for an understanding of financial management and reporting, both at project and company level, and its impact on decision making in business, cash flow forecasting, contractor strategies, corporate analysis and preparation of final accounts from the contracting perspective, preparing and modifying a developers’ budget, discussing the factors to be considered in the preparation of competitive bids, understanding and analysing cash flow schedules and financial statements, preparing a cash flow projection, discussing the factors which trigger insolvency in the construction industry.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the process involved in financial management and reporting.
2. Understand Project and Organisational level financial management.
3. Prepare and modify developer’s budget.
4. Appreciate financial issues relating to insolvency.

Provided by the KU Institute of Education, this programme is available by distance learning, allowing you to study flexibly while balancing work and personal lifes.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Critically analyze advances in project and programme management; and
2. Understand and apply big data analysis and virtual technologies in logistics development

Provided by the KU Institute of Education, this programme is available by distance learning, allowing you to study flexibly while balancing work and personal lifes.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Critically analyze advances in project and programme management; and
2. Understand and apply big data analysis and virtual technologies in logistics development

Critical evaluation of global logistics and supply chain to an organisation competitive advantage; Sustainable approaches to supply chain management; Global trends impacting on the sustainability of supply chains; Strategies to improve the performance of supply chain against the triple bottom line (i.e. environmental, social, and economic/technological implications).

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the concept of global logistics and supply chain management in an organisation.
2. Understand the concept of sustainability and supply chain.
3. Reconcile Supply chain with environmental, social and economic trends.

The course aims at exposing students to the various aspects of sustainability. It covers issues such as: Globalization And Its Implications: Globalization and its implications; Thinking globally, acting locally; The new organizational paradigm; Some Global Strategies; Globalization drivers - Why Companies Go Global; Consequences Of Globalization; Managing the supply chain of the future. Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management: - What is supply chain; Supply Chain Structure; Critical Factors in Successful Partnership Relations; Supply Chain Management; Historical developments in supply chain management; Globalization era; Global Supply Chain Management; Network of Relationships; Types of International Sourcing Strategy; Global SCM Factors; Competencies Needed for Efficient Global SCM. Network Design in the Supply Chain: - The critical need for new and improved logistics/supply chain networks. Factors to redesign a logistics/supply chain network. Multi-echelon networks; Structure an effective process for supply chain network design; Types of Relationships in Supply Chain. Global Supply Chain Planning and Sourcing: - Supply Chain Planning Processes; Supply Chain Planning Decisions; Strategic global sourcing; Motives of buying overseas; Challenges on international souring. Global Site Location: - Strategic Roles of a Facility; Key locational determinants on prospective locational alternatives; A strategic framework for facility location; Types of modeling approaches used in location decision making. Transportation In The Global Supply Chain: - The role of transportation in the supply chain; Factors affecting transportation decisions; Modes of transportation and their performance characteristics; Design options for a transportation network; Trade-offs in transportation design; Tailored transportation; Routing and scheduling in transportation; Making transportation decisions in practice. Global Supply Chain Measurement, Audit And Benchmarking: Measuring supply chain performance; Eliminating Sources of Waste in Supply Chain; Balanced Score Card; SCOR Model; Integrated Supply Chain Metrics; Approaches to Benchmarking; The Responsibility For The Audit. Global Supply Chain Risk Management: - Global SC Risk Management; Factors Impacting Exposure to Risks; Managing the Unknown-Unknown; Managing Global Risks; Global Integration Implementation. Information Technology Issues in GSM : - Global Information Systems Infrastructure; The Impact of Information Technology on Transnational Firms; Country Diversity; Issues in the National IT Environment; Corporate Factors; Transnational IT Policy Issues; Alignment of Global Vision with IT using Global Drivers; The Major Dimensions of Global IT Management; Global Considerations for IT; Technology Appraisal Programme. International Humanitarian and Emergency Procurements: - Global demand for humanitarian assistance; Challenges bringing Humanitarian Aid; Consequences of slow Custom Clearing Process; Major Trends in the International Humanitarian System; Why Manage For Emergencies; Types of Emergencies; Emergency Procurements. International Quality Standards: - Understanding The ISO; Certification and Accreditation; ISO 9001 certificates; Quality Management from ISO 9001:2000 perspective; Environmental issues from ISO 14001:2004 perspective; Business Case For Quality. Issues in Global Supply Chain Management: International vs Regional Products; Local Autonomy vs Central Control; Green Supply Chain Management; Miscellaneous Dangers; Ethical Issues in the Global Arena. Environmental protection, social progress and ethics, step by step approach to sourcing sustainable products from suppliers; Green procurement and sustainable development goals.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course. students should be able to:

1. Explain the concept and principles of sustainable procurement
2. Appreciate various international regulatory framework for Sustainable procurement (such as the international environmental and labour conventions/agreements, international trade agreements/regional economic integration schemes)
3. Integrate sustainability considerations in the procurement cycle right from preliminary stages such as procurement planning, requirement definition, evaluation and award up to compliance monitoring stage.
4. Develop action plans for the implementation of sustainable procurement at organisational level.

This course examines the philosophy of value management, value management applications and potential and the essential components of the process. This includes the value management study, the theory of functional analysis, cost components, value mismatch identification and lifecycle applications. The course will relate the theory of value management and value engineering to construction project briefing, evolving procurement strategies, supply chain management and partnering. This course also examines how to put risk into perspective, risk and uncertainty, risk management system, decision theory, game theory, utility and risk attitude, multi-criteria decision-making models, simulation, risks and the construction project – money, time and technical risks, contracts and risks

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course. students should be able to:

1. Functionality: Understanding essential functions to determine value.
2. Cost Efficiency: Reducing costs without compromising quality.
3. Stakeholder Involvement: Encouraging collaboration for creative solutions.
4. Continuous Improvement: Ongoing evaluation and enhancement of processes.

This course requires students to apply the theoretical content of Procurement Management theory and practice to a case study focusing on a range of issues on procurement. These issues should cover the entire lifecycle of procurement (pre-bidding, bidding and post bidding) for goods, works and services. A specially designed capstone procurement project capturing a variety of procurement related issues shall be created and given to the students to manage. Problems related to needs analysis, procurement planning, preparation of solicitation documents, advertisement, tender management, bid evaluation and reporting, contract management, etc. shall feature among the broad range of issues to be addressed in the project

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course. students should be able to:

1. Analyse procurement issues given in various contexts
2. Provide solutions the procurement challenges

Research work carried out by graduate students. The work should be original and tailored towards advancing knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course. students should be able to:

1. Identify research problem in procurement
2. Apply relevant procurement theories to solve the problems

The course will create a fundamental understanding of e-Procurement implementation system as a tool to improve public Procurement Standards, through the automation of all underlying processes. The course is composed of; understanding electronic procurement and developing a framework for establishing e-GP, as well as features and modules of e-Procurement systems

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course. students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate clear understanding of the concept and benefits of Electronic Procurement (e-procurement).
2. Explain the various models for the adoption of e-procurement.
3. Analyse procurement context and identify various modules required to develop e-procurement systems.

The nature of the firm and corporate objectives; Implementation of the firms’ goals for choice among alternative investment projects (Capital budgeting problems), marketing evaluation of non-assets under uncertainty and implication for capital budgeting, analysis and illustration with problems of alternative investment criteria, alternative approaches to value of the firm and the cost of capital, discussion of corporate financial problems such as leasing, mergers, acquisitions and issuance of securities.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be familiar with:

1. The concept of corporate planning and strategy.
2. Basic principles of financial planning and budgeting.
3. Corporate financial problems.

This course will examine the growing prevalence of PPPs used by federal, state and local governments to transfer risk and responsibility to the private sector in exchange for financial or other incentives. The syllabus below is broken out into the multiple contexts in which public-private partnerships have been utilized, including in transportation, infrastructure, education, and public health. Here, we’ll look at whether multi-stakeholder partnerships are an effective means to relieve financial burdens on communities, when it is most appropriate for public entities to utilize private sector expertise, and when shared risk makes fiscal sense for both the private and public sectors. Discussions will also emphasize the inherent management challenges within multi-stakeholder partnerships and their impact on performance in the delivery of public services.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate clear understanding of the concept and application of Public Private Partnership (PPP) as an option for procuring public infrastructure.
2. Explain the concept of multi-stakeholder partnership in relation to PPP.
3. Understand management challenges embedded in multi-stakeholder partnerships.

This course will examine the growing prevalence of PPPs used by federal, state and local governments to transfer risk and responsibility to the private sector in exchange for financial or other incentives. The syllabus below is broken out into the multiple contexts in which public-private partnerships have been utilized, including in transportation, infrastructure, education, and public health. Here, we’ll look at whether multi-stakeholder partnerships are an effective means to relieve financial burdens on communities, when it is most appropriate for public entities to utilize private sector expertise, and when shared risk makes fiscal sense for both the private and public sectors. Discussions will also emphasize the inherent management challenges within multi-stakeholder partnerships and their impact on performance in the delivery of public services.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate clear understanding of the concept and application of Public Private Partnership (PPP) as an option for procuring public infrastructure.
2. Explain the concept of multi-stakeholder partnership in relation to PPP.
3. Understand management challenges embedded in multi-stakeholder partnerships.

This course will examine the growing prevalence of PPPs used by federal, state and local governments to transfer risk and responsibility to the private sector in exchange for financial or other incentives. The syllabus below is broken out into the multiple contexts in which public-private partnerships have been utilized, including in transportation, infrastructure, education, and public health. Here, we’ll look at whether multi-stakeholder partnerships are an effective means to relieve financial burdens on communities, when it is most appropriate for public entities to utilize private sector expertise, and when shared risk makes fiscal sense for both the private and public sectors. Discussions will also emphasize the inherent management challenges within multi-stakeholder partnerships and their impact on performance in the delivery of public services.