Start a conversation ↗

Description

Supplier Sourcing: Identifying, Evaluating and Selecting Your Partners

Find new suppliers and assess them against robust criteria before committing

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

Changing supplier feels risky. The same panel is renewed year after year because the upstream market is poorly known and no credible evaluation framework exists. When a supplier fails or a new requirement appears, the search is rushed and the decision comes down to the first quotation received.

Two days to organise supplier research methodically: map the upstream market, run a clear tender process, evaluate candidates against weighted criteria and set up performance monitoring for the selected panel.

Learning objectives

  • Map the upstream market for a purchasing category
  • Build a tender package that candidates can work with
  • Design a weighted evaluation matrix and have it validated internally
  • Conduct a supplier audit on site or remotely
  • Organise performance monitoring across the supplier panel

What makes this programme different

The evaluation matrix is built during the session then tested on real offers
Participants develop a ready-to-use supplier audit guide
Social responsibility and dependency criteria are built into the selection process

Programme

1Understanding your upstream market

Research before you consult

  • Identify sources of information on suppliers within a category
  • Distinguish manufacturers, distributors and integrators
  • Assess a candidate's capacity and apparent financial health
  • Build a long list and then a short list

2Running a clean tender process

A clear package attracts comparable offers

  • Express the requirement as verifiable specifications
  • Structure the tender package and its timeline
  • Set the ground rules and ensure equal treatment of candidates
  • Frame communication with candidates during the tender period

3Evaluating and selecting

Weighted criteria rather than impressions

  • Select technical, commercial and risk criteria
  • Weight and score without turning the matrix into a formality
  • Conduct a supplier audit and write up the report
  • Defend the final choice before internal stakeholders

4Monitoring panel performance

Evaluation does not stop at signature

  • Define monitoring indicators that are useful and sustainable
  • Organise periodic performance reviews
  • Address a drift in performance before it becomes a dispute
  • Decide whether to retain, develop or exit a supplier

Who is it for

Buyers and supply planners as well as technical or quality managers involved in supplier selection.

Prerequisites

Involvement in supplier selection or supplier performance monitoring.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.