Certified Procurement Management Professional

After successful launch of first batch in January 2018, Centre of Professional Excellence (CoPE) under the auspices of NED Academy, NED University of Engineering and Technology in collaboration with Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) launched the second batch of the 5-day intensive training on 'Certified Procurement Management Professional' between March 26-30, 2018. The objectives of the training were multi-folded: (i) to acquaint the participants about the public procurement regulations and procedures as governed by SPPRA; (ii) to develop adequate skills and exposure to be able to execute the procurement management process for obtaining desirable performance results for works, services and goods; (iii) to allow participants to be able to identify and develop key procurement skills that can be applied in the workplace on daily basis; (iv) to enable participants to understand and successfully apply the procurement cycle from need assessment to contract management; (v) to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of procurement management professionals throughout the procurement life cycle with focus on performance while adhering to rules; (vi) to facilitate understanding of key challenges in the procurement life cycle and how to overcome these while adhering to rules; and (vii) to expose the participants to the best procurement management practices around the globe and how to adapt those within our work environments.

In total, 31 participants of public and private sector organizations attended the course. These included Assistant, Deputy Commissioner (South), Procurement Specialists, Procurement Analysts, Assistant Directors, Assistant Managers Supply Chain, Officer Procurements, Dy. General Manager (Procurement), Admin Officers, Sr. Manager IT Procurement, Assistant Engineers and the like. In comparison to the first batch, it was heartening to witness that private organizations showed very keen interest in the course and more than 40% of the attendees came from corporate sector. Following key organizations participated in the event: SBP, WSIP-SIDA, SSGC, SAGP, Sindh Resilience Project, Planning & Development Department, Government of Balochistan, PIA, University of Karachi, Hamdard University, Crescent Steel and Allied Products Limited, Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited, People Steel Mills Ltd., Agriauto Stamping Company Pvt. Ltd.

Prof. Rizwan Farooqui (Co-Chair, Department of Civil Eng.; Director CoPE; and DG NED Academy) and Mr. Abdul Wahab (Director Procurement, NED University) were the key Resource Persons for the training.

Lectures, presentations, handouts, in-class exercises, group activities, experiential learning, interactive discussions, Q/A sessions, real life examples from procurements, case studies, internet search, and problem solving were used as learning methodologies to facilitate the participants get the best out of the 5-day training. The sessions also contained a series of practical exercises and real-life case studies to impart hands-on skills. Networking hi-teas were used to discuss concepts and practical problems. Pre-test and post-test were conducted to assess the knowledge and skill enhancement via the training. Participants fulfilling all training requirements (including obtaining at least 60% on the end-of-training exam) were declared successful. 100% success rate was achieved and all participants were able to earn Certificate of Competence.

Body of knowledge covered in the training included: Procurement Governance, Key Incoterms and Procurement Skills, Comparison of SPPRA Rules with Other Rules/ Guidelines (PPRA, World Bank, etc.), The Procurement Cycle - An Overview and Importance, Procurement Planning - The First Step in the Cycle, Preparation of Bidding Documents and NIT, Bid Submission and Opening, Bid Evaluation, Contract Award, Post Award, Contract Management, Redressal of Grievances, Blacklisting, Other Clauses in SPPRA Rules, and Best Procurement Management Practices around the Globe.

The training was unanimously evaluated as exceptional and all participants expressed their utmost level of satisfaction with the training content as well as deliverance; in particular, the participants highly appreciated the design of the course that allowed real-time case-based applied learning as well as numerous opportunities for interactive discussions and learning from experience.

At end of the training, Certificate Award Ceremony was held where Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tufail (Pro Vice Chancellor, NED University) was Chief Guest. The Chief Guest distributed Certificates of Competence to all successful participants and also awarded Shields of Honour to both the trainers. The ceremony ended with views from the Chief Guest and Vote of Thanks by Director CoPE/ DG NED Academy.