Despite the importance of procurement, it is often overlooked as a stand-alone subject in universities and there are relatively few procurement majors available for students to choose from.
There are several reasons why procurement should be a stand-alone subject in universities and why more procurement majors should be introduced:
⁃ Procurement is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a specialized set of skills and knowledge. It involves a wide range of activities, including identifying and evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, managing relationships with vendors, and tracking delivery of goods and services. These tasks require a deep understanding of procurement best practices, market trends, and legal and regulatory frameworks.
⁃ Procurement is a rapidly evolving field. The procurement landscape is constantly changing, as new technologies, trends, and regulations emerge. It is important for procurement professionals to stay up-to-date on these developments in order to be effective in their roles. A stand-alone procurement subject in universities would allow students to gain a comprehensive and current understanding of the field, which would better prepare them for careers in procurement.
⁃ There are many career opportunities available in the procurement field. Procurement professionals are in high demand across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and government. A procurement major would give students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these roles and make a meaningful contribution to their organizations.
⁃ No other profession can substitute procurement, for example:
• In a hospital setting, procurement professionals are responsible for acquiring a wide range of goods and services, including medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. These items are essential for the proper functioning of the hospital and for the delivery of quality healthcare to patients. No other profession, such as nursing or administration, can substitute for the expertise of procurement professionals in ensuring that the hospital has the necessary resources to operate effectively.
• In a manufacturing company, procurement professionals are responsible for acquiring raw materials, components, and other supplies needed for the production of goods. These items are critical for the smooth operation of the manufacturing process and for meeting customer demand. No other profession, such as engineering or sales, can substitute for the expertise of procurement professionals in ensuring that the company has the necessary resources to produce its products.
• Procurement for the needs of any airport, acquisition of ground support equipment (GSE). GSE refers to the vehicles and equipment used to service and maintain aircraft at an airport. This can include items such as baggage carts, fuel trucks, de-icing equipment, and baggage conveyor belts. Procurement professionals at an airport are responsible for identifying and evaluating potential suppliers of GSE, negotiating contracts for the purchase or rental of the equipment, and managing relationships with vendors to ensure timely delivery and maintenance of the equipment. They must also consider factors such as the specific needs of the airport, budget constraints, and regulatory requirements when making procurement decisions.
Procurement professionals have the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage relationships with vendors in order to acquire the necessary goods and services at the right price and quality. Without the expertise of procurement professionals, organizations would struggle to obtain the resources they need to operate effectively.
Stand-alone procurement subject in universities would better prepare students for these roles. It is therefore important that more procurement majors be introduced in order to meet the demand for skilled procurement professionals.
Procurement Passion 