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This course will cover strategic procurement in the public domain, including procurement of complex projects, goods and services by government (ministries, municipalities, international agencies and state-owned enterprises) and health-related organizations (hospitals, social care providers, and international charities). Students will learn about the key aspects of commissioning projects and acquiring goods and services in settings where the core purpose of the organization is to serve communities and wider society, rather than deliver profit to shareholders.
The context is public and health sectors, but most of the topics (eg market dynamics, integrity and corruption in procurement, purchasing services and contracting for infrastructure) are relevant to any student interested in a career in procurement.
Learning outcomes
On completing this course, MSc students will be able to
- Discuss the role and impact of P&HC procurement:
- Explain the procurement function's role and activities, from strategy, policy and operational perspectives
- Describe key similarities and differences in the stakeholder and regulatory environment across sectors, and their implications for procurement priorities
- Describe key processes and issues in designing and developing effective procurement
- Undertake appropriate analyses of needs, sourcing strategies, markets, suppliers
- Apply supplier relationship management techniques and practices
- Critically evaluate market competitiveness
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P&HC procurement in it strategy and policy context.
Stakeholder expectations, in normal times and during crises.
Leveraging procurement spend for innovation, sustainability and transformation. Impact on public sector and health outcomes. How requirements vary by organization, and over time. Procurement maturity.
Trends in specific sectors, e.g. value based healthcare, private finance in construction, outsourcing support services.
Governance
(EU) procurement legislation for tendering; procurement fraud and ethics.
Types of contracts and incentives
Structure and organization of procurement, including group purchasing.
Procurement process
Acquiring goods and services - stages of the procurement cycle: needs specification; supplier certification; sourcing strategies and contract types; tendering and contract award; contract management; evaluation.
Managing strategic suppliers – portfolio analysis; supplier partnerships; supplier development; power and trust.
Business intelligence, markets and competition
Category Management – intelligence, analysis, strategy.
Market structure and competitiveness. Market dynamics, risk and concentration.
Delivery
The course is centred around:
- Lectures (c.8 x 2hours)
- Guest speakers – experienced procurement personnel from various sectors
- Real cases of (un)successful procurement as reported in the mainstream and professional media (e.g. ventilator procurement during the pandemic)
- Recent research, including by the lecturer team (e.g. on public procurement in the pandemic, supplier relations, and market competitiveness)
- Practical examples of tools and techniques – e.g. contracts, certification, evaluation
- Peer-reviewed student presentations
Assessment
40% on a peer-reviewed presentation (in mini-conference format, or recorded and asynchronous if necessary)
60% on open book, essay based examination
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It is anticipated students will have a Bachelors degree with a significant amount of business/management studies, ideally with an introductory purchasing course.
Students without this background can join the course, but should factor in time for additional, independent study. Advice can be provided on recommended reading.
Students are welcome to contact Louise Knight, with any questions about this or other aspects of the course. |
| Master Business Administration |
| | Required materialsCourse material| Academic articles and other recommended readings. (No single textbook) |
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Recommended materials-Instructional modesTestsExam and Assignment
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