Supply Chain Basics for Procurement Professionals Course

The first module of this course builds your foundation in supply chain by breaking down the key principles, processes, and connections that drive logistics and procurement.

It starts by answering the essential questions procurement professionals face—like what the supply chain really is, how logistics differs from SCM, and how procurement fits into the bigger picture.

You’ll get clear, no-fluff explanations of modern logistics trends, the five core supply chain phases, and the difference between push vs. pull processes.

This module also shows how procurement decisions impact supply chain efficiency and how poor alignment between logistics and sourcing can lead to delays, overstocking, or supplier failure.

By the end of this module, you’ll understand how supply chains work, why procurement is central to their success, and how to collaborate better across teams.

What you’ll learn:

1. What is a supply chain, and how does it create value?
2. The difference between logistics and supply chain management
3. How procurement, logistics, and SCM interact in real life
4. What are the five key supply chain phases?
5. What are push and pull processes in supply chains?
6. How to identify and optimize key supply chain cycles
7. What trends are reshaping logistics today?
8. How to reduce procurement risks caused by logistics failures
9. Why procurement must align with supply chain operations
10. How poor supply chain integration leads to inefficiencies

This module includes:

• 8 in-depth lessons

• Real-world examples and logistics case studies

• Editable templates for cycle analysis and supplier assessment

• Downloadable worksheets and reflection exercises

Download the syllabus to learn all about this course.

The second module of this course, “Understanding Supply Chain Strategies in Procurement,” gives you a strategic view of how procurement supports efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across the supply chain.

It breaks down the LARG paradigm—Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green—and shows how each strategy works, when to apply them, and what trade-offs to expect in procurement planning and supplier decisions.

You’ll explore practical applications like just-in-time (JIT) vs. just-in-case (JIC), Kanban, Kaizen, and how procurement teams can align with broader logistics and distribution strategies.

By the end of this module, you’ll be able to choose and apply the right supply chain strategy based on your organization’s goals, risk tolerance, and sustainability priorities.

What you will learn:

1. What is the LARG Paradigm? (Lean, Agile, Resilient, Green)
2. When to apply each strategy and why
3. How Lean tools like Kanban and Poka-Yoke improve efficiency
4. How Agile strategy helps manage demand shifts and disruption
5. How Resilience is built through flexibility and redundancy
6. How procurement supports sustainability in Green supply chains
7. Trade-offs between speed, cost, risk, and sustainability
8. Centralized vs. decentralized distribution strategies

This module includes:

• 9 video lessons

• Strategic comparisons and real-world use cases

• Hands-on templates for resilience and sustainability planning

• Visual breakdowns of Lean and Agile tools

• Key insights for procurement strategy alignment

Download the syllabus to learn all about this course.

The third module of this course, “Assessing & Measuring Supply Chain Performance,” gives you the tools to evaluate how your supply chain is really performing, and what procurement can do to improve it.

This module focuses on key performance indicators (KPIs), performance analysis, and how to turn raw supply data into strategic insights. You’ll learn to identify gaps, track metrics, and measure supplier, logistics, and inventory performance with clarity.

Through real-world procurement examples, you’ll see how performance data can guide smarter sourcing, better contracts, and more resilient supplier relationships.

By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped to measure what matters, so your procurement team can make more informed, value-driven decisions.

What you will learn:

1. What are the key KPIs in supply chain performance?
2. How to measure procurement efficiency and supplier performance
3. How performance metrics guide sourcing and risk management
4. Tools and methods for analyzing logistics, inventory, and distribution
5. How to align performance measurement with business goals
6. The link between KPIs and procurement decision-making

This module includes:

• 9 video lessons

• Procurement-focused KPI templates

• Case examples of performance breakdowns and recoveries

• Step-by-step guidance on building a performance dashboard

Download the syllabus to learn all about this course.

The fourth and final module of this course, “Implementing Supply Chain Strategies in Procurement,” focuses on turning theory into action—applying everything you’ve learned to real procurement processes.

This module walks you through real-world use cases that show how strategic supply chain choices impact sourcing, distribution, inventory, and supplier relationships. You’ll learn how to evaluate distribution strategies, apply resilience principles, and drive sustainable procurement operations.

When it comes to execution, this module helps you choose between centralized and decentralized warehousing, reduce lead times, cut logistics costs, and improve supplier performance through aligned supply chain strategies.

By the end of this module, you’ll know how to apply Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green strategies in day-to-day procurement and optimize outcomes through better decision-making and planning.

What you will learn:

1. How to apply the LARG strategies in real procurement operations
2. Choosing between centralized and decentralized distribution
3. How procurement teams reduce risk through better supply chain alignment
4. Real-world examples of strategy implementation in sourcing and logistics
5. How to balance sustainability with cost and performance
6. Distribution strategy trade-offs: speed, cost, resilience

This module includes:

• 7 implementation-focused video lessons

• Case examples and interactive scenarios

• Strategy alignment checklists

• Templates for supplier evaluation and warehouse strategy

Download the syllabus to learn all about this course.