OPERATING WITH A PERSPECTIVE
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE AT BBS?
For you:
- Develop advanced skills to manage sourcing, suppliers, risk and spend value.
- Strengthen your negotiation, analytical and strategic skills throughout the Source-to-Pay process.
For your company:
- Transform procurement from a cost center into a driver of value and competitiveness.
- Improve supplier management, sustainability, risk management and make-or-buy decisions.
A Forward-Looking Approach
The executive course in Procurement Management addresses a concrete challenge: transforming spend management into a strategic driver of value that supports business profitability. Today, procurement leaders must go beyond cost control: they need to master advanced tools, understand markets and build supplier relationships aligned with business objectives.
The program provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the procurement function, addressing key organizational aspects, skills and operational tools across the entire Source-to-Pay process. Topics range from supplier scouting and qualification to risk management, financial and cost analysis (Total Cost of Ownership, make-or-buy), and advanced Spend Analysis and Vendor Management practices enabled by the digital technologies now central to procurement’s evolving strategic role.
Throughout the program, participants develop the ability to identify business needs, define effective sourcing strategies and select partners capable of creating long-term value. Particular attention is paid to relationship-building and negotiation skills, which are increasingly critical in complex, competitive environments.
The Open Program in Procurement Management balances cost efficiency with value creation, offering a practical perspective that participants can immediately apply. Taking the course at Bologna Business School also means joining a strong network of professionals and companies, fostering new business opportunities and strengthening your competitive advantage.
The program consists of four thematic modules, totaling 14 days delivered in a weekend format (Fridays and Saturdays). Classes are taught by academics, consultants and business managers, and enriched by insights from industry speakers, best practices and practical exercises. The program concludes with the presentation of a final project.
The course is designed for buyers, CPOs, managers, SME entrepreneurs and procurement professionals who want to take their careers to the next level and make a tangible contribution to their organization’s growth.
ACCREDITATIONS AND RANKINGS
Bologna Business School is EQUIS – EFMD Quality Improvement System accredited, one of the most important international quality assessment and continuous improvement systems for Schools of Management and Business Administration.
Bologna Business School’s Open Programs are listed in the Financial Times Executive Education Ranking 2026.
Giovanni Contino
Executive Director
giovanni.contino@bbs.unibo.it
"Purchasing managers have to select the best source of supply: considering the purchase cost is no longer enough, they must employ a multi-faceted and structured decision-making process going over the entire value chain, one that requires highly specialized skills. The CPO is unquestionably the protagonist of global sourcing and make-or-buy choices, they are able to smoothly handle the supply risk analysis and at the same time they’re in charge of working capital, product quality and time to market, at ease dealing with international contracts and able to master intercultural negotiating techniques. This program will allow to gain the basic know-how to devise a procurement strategy, to design and monitor the performances of a structured procurement organization, to become familiar with the most helpful techniques and tools to buy at the best Total Cost of Ownership."
CLASS PROFILE
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37
ETÀ MEDIA
-
22% F – 78% M
SESSO
Structure
It’s a 4-month course, with full time learning blocks, exercises and role playing.
It consists of 14 days in the classroom, held over 7 weekends featuring 2 full-time days (from 9.15am to 5.45pm) at the School premises.
Three didactic modules will be studied in depth:
- Procurement Strategy & Organization:
7 November 2025 (on campus)
8 November 2025 (on campus) - Procurement Tools:
28 November 2025 (on campus)
29 November 2025 (on campus)
12 December 2025 (on campus)
13 December 2025 (on campus) - Supplier Finance Management:
9 January 2025 (on campus)
10 January 2025 (on campus)
23 January 2025 (on campus)
24 January 2025 (on campus) - Supplier Relationship and Negotiation:
6 February 2025 (on campus)
7 February 2025 (on campus)
20 February 2025 (on campus)
21 February 2025 (on campus)
During the modules, company testimonials are provided by:
- Carmen Carulli, L’Oreal
- Luigi Caselle, Club del Sole
- Barbara Cecchele, Dab Pumps
- Andrea Cozzi, Ivalua
- Domenico Curci, Hera
- Augusto Persona, Ducati
- Giammarco Rocco di Torrepadula, Arkimat
- Marco Sibilia, Kelmer
- Daniela Zanasi, Rekeep
COURSES
- Strategic Importance of Procurement for the Business
- Impact of Purchasing on Profitability
- Strategy and Organization in Procurement
- Procurement Performance: Metrics and Scorecard
- Structuring and Monitoring the Strategic Procurement Plan
- The Lean Approach to the Purchasing Process
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Time Management: Value-Added Activities in Procurement
- Procurement Skills: Measurement and Mapping
- The Ducati Case: Change Management in Procurement
- Workshop: Developing a Change Management Project in Procurement
Contino Giovanni
- The Fundamental Tools of Procurement
- Spend Analysis and Category Management
- Category Management and the Kraljic Matrix
- Vendor Rating and Supplier Qualification
- Measuring Supplier Performance: Quality and Service
- Cost Reduction Tools and Techniques
- Value Analysis and Value Engineering
- The P2P Process, Tendering, and Agile Procurement
- Purchasing Services and Logistics
- Digital Procurement, AI, and Related Enabling Systems
- Technological Solutions Supporting Procurement
Contino Giovanni
- Introduction to Economic, Financial, and Asset Terminology
- Analysis of the Economic and Financial Impacts of Procurement Decisions
- Make-or-Buy Analysis Criteria
- Trade-Off Analysis Between Discount and Payment Terms
- Cost Configurations and Costing of Products and Services
- Total Cost of Ownership in Supply: Theory and Practical Calculation
- Supplier Financial Statement Analysis: Theory and Case Studies
- Profitability, Efficiency, Debt, Liquidity, and Risk Indicators
- Credit Management: An Opportunity for Buyers and Suppliers
- Risk Analysis, Reporting, and Financial Ranking
- The Negotiation Process: The Value of a Method
- How to Prepare for Negotiation
- Skills, Competencies, and Techniques for Negotiation
- Managing Stress in Critical Situations and Under Uncertain Conditions
- Techniques for Dispute and Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation Role Play
- Communication and Persuasion in Virtual Negotiation Processes
- Emotional Intelligence: Awareness and Emotional Self-Management in Negotiation
- Intercompany Communication and Role Recognition
- Sustainable Procurement: Regulations, Opportunities, and Trends
- Best-in-Class Procurement Case Studies and Testimonials
- Group Project Work Presentation
Learning approach
The program is enriched by an online platform where the materials of the lessons will be available, as well as additional ideas for further details.
Participants will have access to our online platform where the lesson materials and further in-depth content will be uploaded.
Faculty
Faculty members at Bologna Business School work together offering outstanding teaching standards. An international and interdisciplinary approach is guaranteed by a joint team of distinguished national core professors, adjunct, visiting professors, guest speakers and top managers.
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Giovanni Contino
Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant
Contino & Partners
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Filippo Boccali
Adjunct Professor and Research Fellow of Management
University of Bologna
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Massimo Dusso
Senior Consultant, Trainer ed Executive Coach
Perspective Development People
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Silvia Minguzzi
Master Trainer
Accademia dell’Intelligenza Emotiva
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Barbara Cecchele
Group Purchase Manager
Dab Pumps
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Marco Del Giaccio
Purchasing and Procurement Director | Central Corporate Services Directorate
HERA Spa Group
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Carmen Carulli
Founder - Data & Human Transformation Advisor in CC Elevate e Vicepresident
WIP (Women in Procurement)
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Massimo Franceschetti
Coach and Consultant
Equilibra
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Paolo Zanella
Lean Transformation Director Cogne Acciai Speciali, Vice President Associazione Italiana Lean Manager
Landi Renzo
CLASS PROFILE
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37
ETÀ MEDIA
-
22% F – 78% M
SESSO
Alumni
MANUELA LEPORE
Administration & Purchase Manager, Nextys a TDK Company Group.
Procurement Management (ed. 2022-2023)
"In un anno da record per numero di iscritti, il corso in Procurement Management si è rivelato un percorso ibrido in grado di fornire gli approfondimenti necessari a svolgere un lavoro cruciale in azienda, oggi sempre maggiormente correlato alla supply chain, così come al finance e le vendite. La teoria ha sempre incontrato la pratica, grazie a testimonianze illustri provenienti da diversi settori di mercato. Particolarmente interessanti sono stati i moduli sulla gestione sostenibile e procurement digitale, Il modulo di finance management che ha poi definitamente dato un valore aggiunto al percorso, ed infine, il modulo sulla negoziazione e l’intelligenza emotiva. È stato un viaggio coinvolgente, alla scoperta della giusta cassetta degli attrezzi per agire con successo nel mondo degli acquisti."
Giulia Lattanzi
Global Supplier Quality Engineer - Datalogic
Procurement Management (ed. 2024-2025)
"Il corso mi ha offerto una visione più ampia e strategica del Procurement. Si è rilevato un' esperienza davvero arricchente permettendomi di comprendere meglio le logiche gestionali e decisionali che guidano la relazione con i fornitori."
Networking
Networking takes place between students in the same class, between participants and lecturers, and with students from other courses or previous editions of the same program.
Alumni
MANUELA LEPORE
Administration & Purchase Manager, Nextys a TDK Company Group.
Procurement Management (ed. 2022-2023)
"In un anno da record per numero di iscritti, il corso in Procurement Management si è rivelato un percorso ibrido in grado di fornire gli approfondimenti necessari a svolgere un lavoro cruciale in azienda, oggi sempre maggiormente correlato alla supply chain, così come al finance e le vendite. La teoria ha sempre incontrato la pratica, grazie a testimonianze illustri provenienti da diversi settori di mercato. Particolarmente interessanti sono stati i moduli sulla gestione sostenibile e procurement digitale, Il modulo di finance management che ha poi definitamente dato un valore aggiunto al percorso, ed infine, il modulo sulla negoziazione e l’intelligenza emotiva. È stato un viaggio coinvolgente, alla scoperta della giusta cassetta degli attrezzi per agire con successo nel mondo degli acquisti."
Giulia Lattanzi
Global Supplier Quality Engineer - Datalogic
Procurement Management (ed. 2024-2025)
"Il corso mi ha offerto una visione più ampia e strategica del Procurement. Si è rilevato un' esperienza davvero arricchente permettendomi di comprendere meglio le logiche gestionali e decisionali che guidano la relazione con i fornitori."
COMPANIES
Over the years, our partners have been constantly involved in the various activities that make up the structure of our programs. Companies belonging to our network participate in project work and master classes; they actively contribute to introducing guest speakers and organizing company visits. Our partners are our first supporters: they sponsor various scholarships, host internships for students and provide professional opportunities for graduates.
The partner companies of Bologna Business School are:
AEROPORTO G. MARCONI ASSICOOP BOLOGNA METROPOLITANA AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI BOLOGNA FIERE BREVINI POWER TRANSMISSION CAMERA DI COMMERCIO DI BOLOGNA CAMERA DI COMMERCIO DI FERRARA CAMERA DI COMMERCIO DI FORLÌ-CESENA CAMERA DI COMMERCIO DI MODENA CAMERA DI COMMERCIO DI RIMINI CAMST CARPIGIANI GROUP CASSA DI RISPARMIO IN BOLOGNA CONFCOMMERCIO EMILIA ROMAGNA CONFINDUSTRIA EMILIA ROMAGNA COSWELL DATALOGIC DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING ENEL ENGINEERING INGEGNERIA INFORMATICA EXPERT SYSTEM FALORNI FASTWEB FERRARELLE FERRARI FERRETTI GROUP FINALMA FONDAZIONE CARISBO FONDAZIONE CASSA RISPARMIO CESENA FONDAZIONE CASSA RISPARMIO DI CENTO FONDAZIONE CASSA RISPARMIO DI IMOLA FONDAZIONE CASSA DI RISPARMIO DI CARPI FONDAZIONE CASSA DI RISPARMIO DI FERRARA FONDAZIONE CASSA DI RISPARMIO DI PADOVA E ROVIGO FONDAZIONE G. MARCONI FONDAZIONE IBM ITALIA FONDAZIONE ISABELLA SERÀGNOLI FONDAZIONE DEL MONTE DI BOLOGNA E RAVENNA FONDAZIONE PER LA COLLABORAZIONE TRA I POPOLI FOOD TREND FOUNDATION FURLA GOOGLE ITALIA GRANAROLO GROUPM GRUPPO COESIA GRUPPO SISTEMA H-ART HSPI HAWORTH HERA HORSA IBM ITALIA IMA ICONSULTING INTESA SAN PAOLO KPMG ADVISORY LABORATORI GUGLIELMO MARCONI LANDI RENZO LEGACOOP BOLOGNA LIGHTHOUSE MANUTENCOOP MAPE MAPS MASAI ITALIA MASERATI MICROSOFT ITALIA MONTENEGRO N.C.H. NUOVI CANTIERI APUANIA OLIDATA ONIT GROUP OPERA SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE PHILIP MORRIS ITALIA POLTRONESOFÀ REGIONE EMILIA-ROMAGNA RICOH S.E.C.I. GRUPPO INDUSTRIALE MACCAFERRI SAP SCS CONSULTING STMICROELECTRONICS SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SEPS TECHNOGYM TEUCO THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING ITALIA TREVI GROUP UMBERTO CESARI UNICREDIT UNIEURO UNINDUSTRIA BOLOGNA UNIPOL VEM SISTEMI VERONESI VIABIZZUNO VIDEOWORKS VOLVO CAR ITALIA WPP ITALIA YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP
FEES
The registration fee for the Module – Strategic Procurement is:
2.000 euros (+ vat) for registrations from companies and institutions
1.600 euro euros (+ vat) for individual registrations
The registration fee for the Module – Procurement Tools is:
2.000 euros (+ vat) for registrations from companies and institutions
1.600 euro euros (+ vat) for individual registrations
The registration fee for the Module – Supplier Finance is:
2.000 euros (+ vat) for registrations from companies and institutions
1.600 euro euros (+ vat) for individual registrations
The registration fee for the Module – Negotiation is:
2.000 euros (+ vat) for registrations from companies and institutions
1.600 euro euros (+ vat) for individual registrations
The registration fee for enrollments from companies and institutions is 5.200 euros (plus VAT) to be paid by the start date of the course.
The registration fee for individual enrollments is 4.200 euros (plus VAT) to be paid by the start date of the course.
There are special terms for early enrolments.
The fee includes attendance at the program, all study materials available through the online platform and access to Bologna Business School services, which include: personal wi-fi BBS account, use of Computer Lab PCs, use of study areas and access to the internal gym.
In the School park there is a large free car park.
Discounts are available:
- for Business Network companies;
- for BBS Alumni;
- for groups of at least 3 people.
INTERPROFESSIONAL FUNDS
Alumni and companies can check the availability of vouchers at the Interprofessional Fund of reference:
Fondimpresa – for middle managers/ middle management
Fondo Dirigenti PMI – for managers of Industrial SMEs
Fonditalia
Fondirigenti – for managers
Fon.Coop – for cooperative companies
REQUIREMENTS
The course is reserved for a maximum of 25 participants with at least 2 years of work experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To register, simply download the registration form and send it by email.
FAQs
At the end of the course, a participation certificate is issued (upon reaching 80% of classroom hours).
The documents used in the classroom and any further reading or exercises will be uploaded to our platform, whose credentials will be delivered in the classroom.
Should a group of colleagues wish to participate in the program, it is possible to contact the Program Manager to evaluate an ad hoc participation price.
Our short courses do not require a specific course of study. It is important to have a few years of work experience behind you that can help you, inside the classroom, by bringing real cases dealt with and solutions adopted during your work.
