Extended Procurement Education

Trend Definition 

What is the essence of this trend? What is its impact? 

• Essence: Extended procurement training involves training both within and outside the organisation, as well as extending the scope of this training
• Impact: The training fosters a culture of cost-consciousness, supplier-buyer management, and environmental responsibility, leading to enhanced organisational competitiveness, efficiency, compliance, and resilience against workforce shortages

Trend Drivers 

Why is this trend emerging now? What’s changing? 

• Expanding Role of Procurement in Strategic Decision-Making: As procurement increasingly influences strategic decisions, there's a growing need for all employees and partners to understand its impact on the broader business objectives, like sustainability goals and risk management
• Interdepartmental Dependency in Procurement Decisions: Modern procurement involves multiple departments (e.g., IT, HR, Marketing), requiring staff in these areas to have a basic understanding of procurement to make informed decisions that align with procurement strategies and goals

Use Cases 

How to apply this trend? 

• Integration of Sustainability in Trainings: Increasing sustainability knowledge through training
  Example: Volvo Cars offers training for its procurement employees to sensitise them for sustainability matters in the procurement process due to the high complexity of the automotive industry
• Trainings across the Value Chain: Educate suppliers to maximise efficiency and improve sustainability
  Example: Volkswagen also includes their suppliers in training, aiming at an increased sustainability awareness, transparency, and efficiency in procurement processes

Procurement Relevance & Response Strategies 

How should Procurement adapt its Processes, Organisation, and Strategy?

• Targeted Training Modules: Develop tailored training modules for different departments and partners to emphasise and develop their importance in procurement processes
• Integration with Role-Specific Goals: Align training objectives with the specific goals and KPIs of various roles aiming at procurement efficiency and compliance improvements