Online course · 8 modules · 100% free
Mastering Your First Strategic Sourcing Event
From Category Analysis to Value Creation - The Practitioner's Complete Guide
Start for free →- 8 modules
- 24 lessons
- 40 quiz questions
- 1 certificate of achievement
Course programme
Every module ends with a validation quiz. The certificate is issued once all modules are completed.
01Strategic Sourcing Overview25 min
Understand what Strategic Sourcing is, the 7-step process, and how to define clear objectives for each sourcing event.
Objectives
- Distinguish strategic sourcing from tactical buying on the 4 dimensions
- Describe the 7 steps and justify their sequence
- Formulate a SMART sourcing objective validated with stakeholders
Lessons
- What Is Strategic Sourcing?
- The 7-Step Strategic Sourcing Process
- Objectives of a Strategic Sourcing Event
02Planning, Timeline & Best Practices25 min
Master the timeline of a sourcing event, learn the dos and don'ts, and understand what separates sourcing excellence from mediocre execution.
Objectives
- Build the retro-planning of a medium-complexity event (4-9 months)
- Apply the 8 best practices
- Identify legally/ethically risky behaviours and their countermeasures
Lessons
- Typical Sourcing Event Timeline
- Best Practices - What to Do
- Common Mistakes - What Not to Do
03Category Profiling & Spend Analysis30 min
Learn how to collect data, build a robust baseline, and choose the right savings calculation methodology - the foundation of every sourcing event.
Objectives
- Structure data collection (Pareto 80/20)
- Build a finance-validated baseline
- Choose and defend a savings calculation methodology
Lessons
- Data Collection
- Building the Baseline
- Savings Calculation Methodology
04Market Analysis & Strategy Development25 min
Apply Porter's Five Forces, position categories on the Kraljic Matrix, and develop sourcing strategies tailored to each quadrant.
Objectives
- Analyse a supplier market with Porter's 5 forces
- Position a category on the Kraljic matrix and derive the sourcing strategy
- Build a weighted evaluation grid and prepare a negotiation (BATNA, BAFO)
Lessons
- Supply Market Analysis
- Sourcing Strategy by Kraljic Quadrant
- Evaluation Framework & Negotiation Principles
05The RFx Toolkit30 min
Master the four types of RFx (RFI, RFQ, RFP, Reverse Auction), understand when to use each, and learn how to build professional RFx documents.
Objectives
- Select the right RFx format (RFI/RFQ/RFP/auction)
- Judge when a reverse auction is appropriate or contraindicated
- Assemble a structured RFx document with a mandatory pricing model
Lessons
- RFI & RFQ - Discovery and Pricing Tools
- RFP & Reverse Auction - Comprehensive and Competitive Tools
- Building the RFx Document
06Stakeholder Management & Communication25 min
Learn how to manage internal stakeholders and supplier communications throughout the sourcing lifecycle with professionalism and transparency.
Objectives
- Map the stakeholders of a sourcing event
- Run fair and transparent supplier communication
- Execute the phase-by-phase communication plan
Lessons
- Internal Stakeholder Management
- Supplier Communication & Professionalism
- Phase-by-Phase Communication Plan
07Common Pitfalls & Anatomy of an RFP25 min
Identify and avoid the 14 most common sourcing pitfalls, and master the anatomy of a professional RFP document section by section.
Objectives
- Diagnose the 14 common pitfalls and apply their countermeasures
- Assemble a complete professional RFP
- Steer award and supplier transition
Lessons
- The Top Pitfalls That Derail Sourcing Events
- Anatomy of a Professional RFP
- Contract Award & Transition
08Performance Management & Value Creation30 min
Master KPI frameworks, the Quarterly Business Review (QBR), continuous improvement techniques, and structured escalation when performance fails.
Objectives
- Define SMART KPIs during the event (not after)
- Run a structured QBR
- Apply the escalation ladder and continuous-improvement techniques (gainsharing, Kaizen)
Lessons
- KPIs & Performance Tracking
- The Quarterly Business Review (QBR)
- Continuous Improvement & Escalation