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

Training Methodology

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.

Programme Summary

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.

DAY ONE - The Modern Buying Function

• Globalization and its effects
  
• Utilizing the internet for procurement
• Modern buying practices
• Assuring supplier performance
• Methods for determining price
• Procurement’s role in the organization
• Procurement performance measurement
• Long term contract pricing formulas

DAY TWO - International Buying

• International buying operations
  
• International counter-trade
• Achieving the benefits of global procurement
• Overcoming the difficulties of international buying
• Utilizing the learning curve
• Ensuring the quality of material deliveries
• International buying and inventory management
• Reducing costs in inventory management

DAY THREE - International Supplier Sourcing

• Preparing to move beyond domestic sourcing
  
• Global sourcing
• Locating international sources
• Determining the type of supplier to utilize
• Single source vs. multiple source policy
• Source evaluation criteria
• Managing exchange rate risk
• Dealing with issues of ethics

DAY FOUR - Negotiation and Contract Preparation

• Insights into the negotiation process
  
• Characteristics of the effective negotiator
• Preparing to negotiate
• Negotiating techniques
• Obtaining the benefits of supplier partnering
• International buying legalities
• Drafting the international contract
• Dispute resolution mechanisms

DAY FIVE - International Movement of Goods

• International commercial terms
  
• Buying transportation services
• Utilizing air transportation
• Utilizing ocean transportation
• Securing marine insurance
• Calculating total landed cost
• Strategic purchase planning
• Reengineering purchasing operations

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