International Buying Best Practices

Effective international buying is essential to the success of the modern business, government and military materials management operation. This programme will focus on the best practices for locating, utilizing and managing global suppliers. Techniques for improving supplier performance, lowering prices, improving quality, shortening lead times, reducing inventory levels and eliminating unnecessary costs will also be carefully considered. In addition, we will also examine the impact of the internet on global buying activities.

International procurement is a complex process, which has the potential to provide many benefits to the organization in the form of lower prices, higher quality and improved supplier performance. In this programme, you will learn how to locate, evaluate and manage international sources and implement best practices in international procurement. You will also understand how to effectively draft an international procurement contract and manage the international movement of materials.

Participants in this programme will:

• Examine how to locate and evaluate new sources internationally
• Consider the impact of the internet on purchasing operations
• Review best practices in international purchasing
• Analyze ways of managing suppliers more effectively
• Study new concepts in inventory management
• Enhance their negotiating skills
• Understand the proper drafting of international contracts
• Plan for effective international transportation management

• Buyers and purchasing agents
• Materials management personnel responsible for international supply chain management operations

Participants will learn by active participation during the programme through the use of programme materials, exercises, video presentations and discussions on “real life” issues in their organizations.

Pre & Post-course assessments will be used to measure the effectiveness of this training.