This course breaks down the distinctions between purchasing, procurement and supply management. In providing a comprehensive grounding in the differences between strategic and tactical aspects of purchasing, it covers the procurement process and the role of the procurement function within the organization. This Course gives you the tools to determine “make or buy decisions,” and to conduct effective price and cost analysis. Critical issues in supplier selection and evaluation are addressed as are emerging and established technologies in e-procurement. The characteristics of services procurement that differentiate it from product procurement are also examined.