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2026/2027  DIP-DHDVV7004U  International Sourcing & Strategic Procurement

English Title
International Sourcing & Strategic Procurement

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Graduate Diploma
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 70
Study board
Study Board for Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (part 2)
Programme Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Supply Chain Management)
Course coordinator
  • Kim Sundtoft Hald - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Study administration for HD SCM: HDSCM@cbs.dk
Main academic disciplines
  • Organisation
  • Supply chain management and logistics
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 24-03-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Understand and explain how procurement creates value.
  • Understand and analyse the key skill sets and competencies of strategic procurement.
  • Understand and analyse the structure of purchasing functions.
  • Understand and analyse procurement performance, including cost and sustainability.
  • Understand and analyse procurement processes.
  • Understand and analyse category management as well as sourcing principles and models.
  • Understand and analyse procurement strategies.
  • Understand, compare and apply the theories and analytical models presented in the course.
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 1
Compulsory home assignments
Compulsory assignment: Students must actively participate in group work to analyse a self‑selected case using the course curriculum. Based on the analysis, the group must produce a PowerPoint presentation and a corresponding digital video presentation.
Examination
International Sourcing and Strategic Procurement:
Exam ECTS 5
Examination form Oral exam
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Duration 20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time No preparation
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Winter and Winter, Ordinary exam: Online Oral exam in week 43, 2026 - specific exam dates: TBA
For information relating to the exam please go to: https://eksamen.cbs.dk/ (Digital Exam).
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Re-take exam: 17 December 2026 (online)
For information relating to the exam please go to: https://eksamen.cbs.dk/ (Digital Exam).
Description of the exam procedure

The oral examination is based on a case that students must read in advance. At the beginning of the 20‑minute examination, students are expected to present their initial reflections (approximately five minutes) on how the case relates to the course curriculum. The subsequent discussion will assess their ability to further apply, integrate, and elaborate on additional relevant aspects of the curriculum in relation to the case.

Students are therefore recommended to prepare their reflections in advance.

The case will be made available on Digital Exam two weeks prior to the oral examination.

Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course International Sourcing and Strategic Procurement provides a comprehensive understanding of the roles and processes of procurement, emphasizing how procurement creates value and aligns with organizational strategy. The course explores key procurement processes, including category sourcing, sourcing strategies, and contract management, while also addressing critical skills such as negotiation and supplier relationship management. Topics such as innovation sourcing, sustainable procurement, and enablers of procurement performance—covering organizing procurement, procurement systems, and managing procurement performance—are examined to highlight their importance in modern procurement practices. Finally, the course integrates theoretical and practical insights through a case analysis chosen by the students, requiring them to apply the course curriculum to real-world scenarios and present the outcomes of their analysis. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of strategic procurement in an international context.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Peer review including Peer-to-peer
Description of the teaching methods
The course is a combination of on-campus and online teaching.

The course is dialogue-based, and students should expect a high degree of involvement. Cases and exercises are discussed and analysed to illustrate the underlying theory.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students receive continual and ongoing feedback through class presentations and discussions. Course and topic-specific learning objectives provide the foundation for student self-assessment.
Student workload
Teaching 27 hours
Readings, Excercises, Preparation Exam 110 hours
Further Information

The course consists of a total of 27 lessons (5 ECTS).

For information relating to the course please go to: canvas.cbs.dk

Materials will be available closer to course start. 

Teaching:

Online: Saturday in week 35 (09.50-12.25)
On-Campus: Saturday in week 36 (09.50-15.10)
On-Campus: Saturday in week 39 (8.30 - 14.00- OBS booking in the CBS calendar is a slightly different timeslot) 

Online: Thursday in week 37-38,40 (17.10-19.45)

Online: Tuesday in week 39 (17.10-19.45)

 

There is no teaching in week 42 

 

For further information, please contact the Department of Operations Management 

Contact

Course Coordinator: Kim Sundtoft Hald, ksh.om@cbs.dk - Department of Operatons Management 

Programme Administrator: Gitte Østergaard goe.om@cbs.dk 

 
Expected literature

 

Van Weele, A.J. & Rozemeijer, F. (2022), Procurement and supply chain management, Cengage, 8th Edition. 

 

Course compendium - International Sourcing & Strategic Procurement - Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Supply Chain Management
Last updated on 24-03-2026