This course explores the evolution of purchasing from a transactional function into a strategic discipline known as supply management. Learners examine essential concepts and practices used to source, evaluate, and manage suppliers while addressing challenges across the supply chain. Through a modular, self‑paced format, the course covers supply management fundamentals, strategic and ethical sourcing, sustainability, and supply chain leadership, along with the profession’s transformation driven by the Internet and emerging technologies.
Module 1: Evolution of Supply Management
Transition from transactional purchasing to strategic supply management.
Module 2: Supply Management Basics
Core concepts, roles, and functions within modern supply management.
Module 3: Strategic Sourcing
Strategic approaches to supplier selection, sourcing decisions, and cost management.
Module 4: Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing
Integrating ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability into sourcing practices.
Module 5: Supplier Relationship Management
Managing suppliers, collaboration, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation.
Module 6: Supply Chain Leadership and Integration
Aligning sourcing, communication, and management strategies across the supply chain.
Module 7: Technology and Emerging Trends in Supply Management
Impact of the Internet, digital tools, and emerging technologies on the supply management profession.
Upon completion, learners will be able to:
Explain the transition from transactional procurement to strategic supply management
Apply sourcing and supplier‑management strategies across the supply chain
Incorporate ethical and sustainable practices into supply management decisions
Align sourcing, communication, and management strategies with organizational goals
Recognize the impact of technology and emerging trends on the supply management profession
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.