What is operative procurement?

Have you ever considered becoming an operative buyer (operational buyer)?

This online course, structured as the first in a series of three, offers a comprehensive introduction to the day-to-day responsibilities and skills required in an operative buyer role.

Course Overview:

  • Understanding Procurement Definitions: Delve into the definitions of operative and tactical procurement as explained by renowned expert Arjan van Weele. This segment lays the groundwork for understanding the broader scope of procurement functions.
  • Organizational Needs and Requirements: Explore what organizations seek in products and services. This section equips you with the knowledge to align procurement processes with what the organization is buying
  • Mastering Key Operational Processes: Uncover the eight critical processes that an operative buyer navigates daily. We provide detailed insights into processes like the ordering procedure, illustrating how these are effectively executed in a real-world setting.


This course is designed to give you a solid starting point in your career as an operative purchaser. With an estimated completion time of just 20 minutes, it's a concise yet impactful way to gain essential knowledge and skills in operational procurement. 


Curriculum

    1. Learning objectives

    2. Subject Matter Expert Fredrik Axelsson

    1. Download the slides in the course

    2. The operative and tactical buyer responsibilities according to van Weele

    1. With the help from Gadde/Håkansson we can conclude that everything an organization buy can be summarized into 5 groups with different characteristics.

    1. Understanding the 8 processes is good first step towards taking on an operative buyer role.

    1. Understanding the 8 processes is good first step towards taking on an operative buyer role.

    1. Questions to help you verify that you meet the Learning Objectives.

About this course

  • Free
  • 12 lessons
  • Introduction level - operative role
  • +20 min + reading
  • Quizz and Certificate

Instructor is Fredrik Axelsson

Senior instructor. Fredrik Axelsson

Fredrik is an experienced procurement leader from Gothenburg with a Master’s in Economics and an Executive MBA. His career includes key roles at LM Ericsson, Solectron, Axelson Purchasing Resources, Saab, and Alstom/GE, giving him deep expertise across sourcing, procurement, and business development. In 2017, he founded Sourcing Partner, a consultancy that converted into Learn How to Source. His background ranges from operative buying to sourcing director roles in both line organizations and complex projects, covering industries from manufacturing to banking. Fredrik brings a track record of continuous learning and broad, hands-on experience—knowledge he now shares with the next generation of procurement professionals.

Operative Procurement Processes 2

Next recommend step is part 2 of the courses about operative buyer processes.

The course introduce how what is ordered influence the operative buyer's way of working. The applicability of the operative processes introduced vary depending on the characteristics of the products/ services.
To part 2 of the courses about operative processes

About Learn How to Source

Learn How to Source is an online platform based in Sweden, offering a range of procurement courses accessible globally. It serves as a community where procurement experts share their knowledge through online courses, designed for various experience levels from introductory to expert. Courses are concise, about 30 minutes each, and cover different aspects of procurement, tailored for different buyer roles. The courses focus on practical knowledge, presented by seasoned professionals, and include quizzes and certificates. They can be accessed from any device, emphasizing microlearning for flexibility and efficiency.