• Why price is only the outcome, and why stronger decisions start with cost
• The difference between cost, price, and values
• How costs behave when volume goes up or down
• Fixed, variable, direct, and indirect costs in procurement

In this module, participants build the foundation for understanding Strategic Cost Management in a procurement context. You'll explore why price is only the outcome and why stronger procurement decisions start with understanding costs. The module covers the difference between cost, price, and value, how costs behave when volume changes, and why fixed, variable, direct, and indirect costs matter. You'll move away from reacting to supplier prices and start asking better questions about cost drivers, behavior, and allocation, so you can challenge supplier claims and structure price-increase discussions with confidence.

• 4 Video Lessons
• Usable Templates
• Extra Reading Materials
• Practical Case Studies

• Breaking a supplier price into building blocks: material, labor, overhead, GSA, and profit
• Identifying cost drivers and what makes each element moveli>
• The cost model maturity ladder, from basic industry to open-book models
• Choosing the right level of detail and using data to validate assumptions

In this module, you turn cost understanding into a practical procurement skill: cost modeling. You'll learn to create a structured view of how supplier prices are built so you can validate claims and discuss the logic behind the numbers. The module explores the main cost elements and cost drivers, then introduces the cost model maturity ladder — helping you choose the right level of modeling for each situation, from a basic industry model through to detailed supplier-specific and open-book models. By the end, you'll be able to build practical cost models, use market and economic data to validate assumptions, and prepare stronger fact-based supplier discussions.

• 4 Video Lessons
• Usable Templates
• Extra Reading Materials
• Practical Case Studies

• Why your should-cost number is always wrong and still useful
• Preparing and leading fact-based supplier discussions
• Using cost insights to influence pricing without oversharing
• Power and information leverage in negotiation

In this module, you bring Strategic Cost Management to the negotiation table. You'll learn how to use cost knowledge, cost models, and supplier data to influence outcomes and secure better deals. The module explains why your should-cost model doesn't need to be perfect to be useful, and how to use the gap between your model and the supplier's quote to ask better questions and create leverage. It also focuses on preparing and leading fact-based discussions: aligning internally, controlling the agenda, using cost insights without oversharing, and strengthening your position through information power. By the end, you'll be able to lead fact-based negotiations, respond to pushback, and turn cost insight into stronger supplier agreements.

• 7 Video Lessons
• Usable Templates
• Extra Reading Materials
• Practical Case Studies