Supply Chain Management

SCM 4350 | BUY/SOURCE

Strategic Supply Management

Procurement and Category Management

Course Overview

SCM 4350 prepares students to lead strategic sourcing and procurement functions in global, digital supply chains. The course focuses on the development of sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, category and commodity management, and the ethical and cultural dimensions of global procurement. Students gain the skills needed to take full ownership of a firm’s products and services from a sourcing perspective — driving innovation, cost efficiency, and customer value across the procurement lifecycle.

Course Purpose

This course is designed to mirror the real-world responsibilities of sourcing professionals and category managers. Students learn to analyze spend data, evaluate supplier performance, manage risk, and develop sourcing strategies that align with organizational goals. The course content is informed by direct input from Bauer’s corporate partners and reflects the tools, processes, and decision-making frameworks used by leading consulting firms and global enterprises.

A defining feature of this course is its semester-long, industry-embedded case competition, where students work in teams to analyze real purchasing data from a corporate partner. This immersive experience allows students to apply analytical tools, develop sourcing recommendations, and present their findings to industry executives — often leading to internship and job opportunities.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the strategic role of procurement and sourcing in global supply chains
• Apply category management and spend analysis techniques to identify sourcing opportunities
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and manage supplier relationships
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, risk, and innovation
• Understand the legal, ethical, and cultural considerations in global sourcing
• Use data analytics to support sourcing decisions and performance measurement
• Communicate sourcing strategies and recommendations to executive stakeholders
• Navigate the complexities of global supply markets, including currency risk and geopolitical factors
• Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives that align with business strategy

Topics Covered

• Strategic Sourcing and Supply Management Principles
• Spend Analysis and Category Strategy Development
• Supplier Identification, Evaluation, and Selection
• Supplier Relationship Management and Innovation
• Global Sourcing and Risk Mitigation
• Procurement Ethics, Law, and Cultural Considerations
• Negotiation Strategies and Leverage Tactics
• Cost Management and Total Cost of Ownership
• Sourcing Technology and Digital Procurement Tools
• New Product Development and Supplier Integration

Experiential Learning & Course Pedagogy

SCM 4350 is built around a high-impact, semester-long case competition in partnership with a major corporate sponsor. Students work in teams to:

• Analyze real-world purchasing data
• Develop strategic sourcing recommendations
• Present findings to corporate managers and executives
• Compete for recognition and potential career opportunities

In addition to the case competition, students engage with:

• Guest speakers from sourcing and procurement leadership roles
• Coaching and feedback from faculty and industry mentors
• Applied exercises and simulations that mirror real-world sourcing challenges

Course Format & Assessment

Students are provided with course notes, textbook resources, lectures, and coaching. Grades are typically based on:

• Performance in the group case competition
• Two major exams assessing conceptual understanding and applied decision-making