Purchasing managers must be able to review the purchasing function objectively and determine whether its current structure and system of operation fills the needs of the company, as well as the needs of purchasing. In such an analysis, such matters as purchasing policies, job descriptions, operational procedures, and departmental structure must be considered with care. Worldwide competitive pressures require greater contribution from the purchasing and physical supply functions and suppliers to improve the organization's relative position on quality, price technology, and responsiveness - that doesn't mean sitting around and waiting for it to happen!

Program Agenda

Top Management Philosophy and Expectations from Purchasing

• Top Management

• Strategic Purchasing Management

• The New Way of Doing Things

• Seven Key Areas for Purchasing to Excel

Organizational Concepts and Relations

• Factors Affecting Purchasing

• Organizing the Department
• Selection and Education of Purchasing Personnel
• Guide for Developing Job Descriptions
• Steps in Appraising Performance

The Environment of Purchasing Planning

• Environmental Considerations

• Setting Goals and Objectives
• Illustrated Index of Purchasing Manual
• Role in Purchasing Planning

Increasing and Improving Supplier Utilization

• Know Your Supplier

• The Supplier Qualification Process
• Measuring and Evaluating Supplier Performance
• Managing Supplier with Incentives and Penalties
• Strategies for Improving Supplier Performance

Strategic Physical Supply Management

• J.I.T.: Principles, Risks, and Benefits

• Supplier Partnerships and Strategic Alliances
• Winning a Vendor's Cooperation

Purchasing and the Computer

• Computerizing the Procurement Process

• Modules of a Purchasing System
• Data and Information Requirements
• EDI Implementation

Specialized Purchase Instruments and the Contracting Process

• Purchase Agreement

• Types of Purchasing Contracts
• Pricing Strategies, Choices, and Alternatives
• Price and Cost Analysis
• Lease-Purchase Considerations

Reporting and Evaluating Performance

• Performance Reports and Purchasing

• Appraising and Controlling Purchasing Performance
• Sample Types of Reports

Who Should Participate
This program has been to give purchasing agents, supervisors, managers, directors, and vice-presidents a two-day concentrated course in effective purchasing management. If you make decisions and develop strategies within the purchasing function, you should attend this seminar.