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We discuss the challenges and unexpected triumphs of tackling the CIPS Commercial Management in Procurement module, revealing Luke 10's results to you listeners and Luke live on this recording.

• Deep dive into the content of the Commercial Management module focusing on organisational strategy
• Exploring the connections between corporate strategy and supply chain management
• Challenges of linking theoretical strategy frameworks to practical procurement applications
• Explaining how financial considerations affect supplier relationships and pricing models
• Live reveal of exam results
• Discussion of study approaches and applying feedback between modules
• Celebration of reaching the one-third milestone toward completing MCIPS qualification

Thanks to our listeners for helping us reach 5,000 downloads! We appreciate your support and feedback. Special thanks to Jim for his encouraging message about how the podcast has helped him continue his CIPS studies.

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Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

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Confused about Statements of Work (SOWs)? You're not alone! We cut through the jargon to reveal what truly matters in this essential procurement document.

We start by addressing a common misconception that procurement professionals simply "press buy" - when in reality, we're crafting sophisticated frameworks for accountability and project success. The humble Statement of Work stands at the center of this process, yet it's often misunderstood by stakeholders and suppliers alike.

A well-crafted SOW is your secret weapon for project clarity. We break down the critical elements every effective Statement of Work must contain: clear objectives, specific deliverables, defined timelines, unambiguous scope statements, and detailed pricing structures. But perhaps most importantly, we explore how SOWs fit within your broader contractual framework - they can't stand alone!

Through practical examples (some involving our fictional employee Dave and his adventures in Swindon), we demonstrate how SOWs create accountability, manage expectations, and provide legal protection when deliverables don't meet standards. We also clarify the crucial difference between SOWs and simple order forms, helping you determine which document serves your procurement needs.

Whether you're a procurement professional looking to sharpen your documentation skills or a stakeholder trying to understand why procurement keeps asking for more detail, this episode provides actionable insights for creating SOWs that protect your organization and drive project success.

Have questions or procurement challenges of your own? We'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram @lets_talk_procurement or email us directly at 2lukes1cip@gmail.com.

Support the show

Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice,

Cya Later

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Ever wondered if there's a more direct route into procurement than the typical "falling into it" story most professionals share? In our fascinating conversation with Loren, we uncover the surprising world of dedicated procurement degrees and how academic pathways can provide unique advantages in this ever-evolving profession.

Loren shares her journey from a curious business management student to a fully-qualified procurement professional with not just one, but two procurement degrees. What makes her story particularly compelling is how she earned her MCIPS qualification as part of her university experience - skipping the grueling process of balancing full-time work with professional development that many in our field endure.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the differences between public and private sector procurement, shattering the myth that public procurement is simply process-driven and uninteresting. Loren's candid assessment of her experiences reveals why she ultimately found her home in the public sector, where no two procurement exercises are ever quite the same.

We dive deep into social value in procurement, with Loren explaining her role as a social value lead and how public sector organizations now mandate at least 10% of scoring be allocated to social value considerations. This growing emphasis demonstrates how modern procurement extends far beyond just "buying things" to creating positive societal impacts.

The discussion also addresses the elephant in the room - artificial intelligence and its potential impact on procurement careers. Loren offers pragmatic insights into how her organization approaches AI in tender responses, balancing innovation with accountability.

Whether you're considering a career in procurement, looking to enhance your qualifications, or simply curious about the profession, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who took the road less traveled. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with procurement professionals who are shaping the future of the industry.

Support the show

Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com

It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice,

Cya Later