Procurement People of Tomorrow: placement pack

Monday (Day 1)

Introduction to Procurement

Introductory Challenge

This challenge aims to demonstrate the variety of approaches and resources involved in sourcing, the overall supply chain and its potential sustainable impact; and the key role played by Procurement and Supply Chain Management (SCM) professionals.

We all buy different goods or services in our everyday lives … food, clothing, mobile phone, movies, games, streaming services. But how much thought have you given as to how the favourite things you buy are produced or delivered?

That's where Procurement and Supply Chain professionals play a key role. They work to:

• Source the raw materials or services to meet their needs
• Negotiate for the best price and terms
• Coordinate logistics to get goods to their destination
• Manage supply to maintain stock levels and meet customer demand
• Build supplier relationships

Introduction to Procurement

Your Brief

You are tasked with creating a Case Study on a supplier of your choice, and the products or goods they provide.

Your Case Study should address the following points:

1. What resources they use to create and deliver the goods and/or services they offer?
2. How they source the resources needed (e.g raw materials, paople)?
3. What key factors they consider in selecting the resources or suppliers they use?
4. What logistics might be used in the process, from source suppliers to end customers?
5. What their supply chain consists of a high level (e.g growers, logistics, retailers)?
6. What Sustainability goals or Social Impact does the supplier commit to?
7. What are the key responsibilities that might be undertaken by Buyer, Supply Chain Planner and Contract Manager?

You will need to present your Case Study in a 5-minute presentation to your placement host, explaining how you approached the challenge and the Case Study's key findings. Additionally, you must also submit 2 key lessons learned by completing the challenge.

Earn bonus points by providing a link to a Sustainability or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Statement for your chosen supplier, and examples of where carbon emissions may be a risk within a supply chain.

Stage 1 – Planning

Time to brainstorm!

You will first need to explore different suppliers before deciding which one you want to use for your Case Study.

Quickly write down the big brands or local businesses, services, or products that you use most.

Which could make a good case study? Perhaps...

They sell interesting products or services.

You already know some interesting info about them.

They matter to their customers.

It will be easy to find info.

The supply chain could be interesting to research.

Info is available online, or you know an expert.

There is no single correct answer to this so capture whatever you think.

Consider why you think that supplier would make a good and interesting choice for the audience.

High Level Plan

• Who are the potential suppliers?
• What makes them & their supply chain sustainable, or offer social value?
• How will you decide & prioritise what you need to do?
• What do they sell and to who?
• Where can you find information & resources?
• When will you start to create your Case Study or capture Lessons Learned?

Taking your notes, use them to sketch out a rough outline plan of activities, their likely order & possible owners. Don't forget to note any dependencies you may have on each other.

Stage 2 – Plan in Action

You're now ready to start the challenge. Use your plan to manage activities.

Research the supplier, gather information on their products &/or services, and supply chain. Remember to ensure you address the points listed in the brief.

What supplier, products or services will you write about?
What sustainability or social value do they commit to?
When were the products or services first launched?
How and where do they make or provide their products or services?
Where can you find their Sustainability or CSR Statement?

How can you find out about the job roles identified?
What examples can you find of carbon emissions risks within supply chains?

Plan your approach to gather your Case Study findings and lessons learned for your presentation.

What points will you need to cover?
Do you know how to use any software needed?
What supporting info, graphics or props might you use?

Learn how to use any tools you need and design the layout 'look and feel' of your finished output.

Gather & collate information on your selected supplier, products or services.

Step 3 – Reach Your Case Study Findings

Review the information gathered to determine what messages and content you want to include in the Case Study, including any graphics.

What makes them interesting, as well as sustainable? What are the responsibilities for the job roles identified? How do they address the challenge criteria? What conclusions did you reach? What makes your case study findings compelling?

Give evidence why they best meet the criteria & explain your key findings, including the sustainability and social impact they provide.

"Social Impact can be difficult to define. It is often understood as the effects on people and communities that happen as a result of an action, activity, project, programme or policy." - Communities Channel Scotland

Explain why the products & supply chain are sustainable or offer social impact, using any images or props which make your findings easier to understand.

Create your Case Study presentation – Remember to include your approach to the challenge as well as your Case Study key findings.

Test your presentation with an audience - Is your recommendation concise & easy to understand? Was it impactful?

Stage 4

Capture 2 key learnings to share with your placement host. What went well? What would you do differently? What was the most important thing you learned?

Stage 5

Submit or present your Case Study to your placement host making sure to include your 2 key lessons learned.