Sourcing Operations Training

Sourcing Operations Training

Sourcing management is concerned with purchasing and arranging inbound movement of materials, parts and finished goods from suppliers and is therefore the opposite side of the coin from distribution which has a focus on outbound activity. The efficiency of the sourcing function, and therefore all downstream activity within the supply chain, is only as good as the efficiency of the supplier and therefore the sourcing function has a strong bias upstream and out of the company supply chain.

Who should participate?
The Sourcing Operations Master Class is designed for people who have (or who aspire to) an operational management role with responsibility for developing enhanced relationships with suppliers.

What will they learn?
Participants will complete the programme with an understanding of the sourcing function including resource planning, supply sourcing, negotiation, order placement, inbound transportation, receipt and inspection. Further, they will be given proven practical skills and techniques for application in the workplace.

Participants will also learn how to compile an analysis of the sourcing function and how to investigate current and future requirements. Next, they will develop options for functional improvement, finally recommending the optimum improvement to be implemented.

How will they learn?
Participants will learn by using the learning system developed by People Development Group. SCILworld is a simulated environment containing a simulated company called SCIL plc.

During the Sourcing Operations Master Class, the participants take on the role of a newly appointed purchasing controller in this fictitious company. Their specialist coach takes on the role of their manager and sets the learner a challenging task, asking the learner to explain how they would complete the task within the simulated environment. The learner completes the task by submitting a series of reports, the coach being on hand should the learner require guidance.

Participants will be required to develop a detailed knowledge of:

1. The current processes and future needs of the simulated business.

2. How the effective management of the sourcing operation can positively impact on company profitability and customer service.

This approach challenges the learners' thinking and their normal response to everyday situations. It allows them to try new ways of working and to solve problems in a risk free environment, giving them the confidence and competence to apply their learning in the real world.

Fees and learning methods
Sourcing Operations Master Class is available as a faceto- face event, by distance learning or by a blend of the two. For an additional fee, face to face courses can be put into context to reflect a particular company's operation and culture. As the blend of learning will vary, depending on the needs and styles of the learners, there is no set fee.
Please telephone +44 (0) 1530 276590 for details.

Face-to-face tuition
Classroom based, ideal for people who benefit from a participative inter-active approach

Distance learning/Blended learning
A coach supported private study option where learners can work where and when they wish

Course Content

The 'learning by doing' approach requires the learner to complete a major task which is broken down into the following components:

. Analyse the Existing Process
Submit a report analysing the role that sourcing has to play and its impact through the supply chain, recommending improvements which would raise the profile and status of the sourcing function. Identify the current sourcing strategies in place and recommend any changes and additions.
Identify the upstream and downstream relationships that need to be developed and explain their importance to the sourcing process. Explain how these relationships need to be ethically managed.
Review the current market and cost analysis recently undertaken by the company and identify the benefits and risks associated with current practices. Recommend plans and procedures.
Review current spend captured and controlled by purchasing controllers, identifying uncontrolled spend that should be within their responsibility.
Conduct an internal audit of the sourcing process, preparing analyses from a quantitative and qualitative perspective.

. Investigation of Requirements
Developing the ideas from the analysis of the existing process.
Analyse and recommend any necessary changes to current contracts and bid processing.
Analyse the data captured on supplier performance and identify the advantages and disadvantages of the current practices.
Write a short report recommending the main areas for improvement, guarding the company against risk and improving supplier relationships. Relate your findings to how sourcing supports the company in gaining competitive advantage.

. Developing Options
Recommend how a formal expediting procedure could be linked to payment based on contractor performance. Report on the issues and problems arising out of current supplier relationships. Suggest improvements. Consider the location of sourcing, analysing and drawing conclusions.
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the various contracts in use. Recommend an alternative approach and suggest plans to be put in place, pre and post contract.
There are various views within the company on working more closely with customers and suppliers. Report on the opportunities, highlighting where the company should be cautious in pursuing them.
Consider the information systems in use and whether the company is making best use of them. Recommend improvements. What are the implications of bringing in products from overseas?
Recommend a set negotiation process, listing the variables that could be used to create movement and improve agreements.

. Selection and Implementation
Summarise your findings and present your recommendations in one sourcing plan, identifying the priority you would give to each action. Express the benefit to the company in cost terms and in improved customer service.
Provide a report detailing how you would implement your recommended course of action and how you would implement your ideas. Include your plan of how you would overcome any major challenges.
Prepare a presentation on current and future sourcing activity.

Below is a list of courses that Logistics Learning provide.

• Supply Chain Fundamentals Training
• Sourcing Fundamentals Training
• Inventory Fundamentals Training
• Production Fundamentals Training
• Warehouse Fundamentals Training
• Transport Fundamentals Training
• Supply Chain Operational Training
• Sourcing Operational Training
• Inventory Operational Training
• Production Operational Training
• Warehouse Operational Training
• Transport Operational Training
• Supply Chain Planning Training
• Inventory Planning Training
• Production Planning Training
• Warehouse Planning Training
• Transport Planning Training