All courses are organized in an order suitable for a student.

...but where to start?

One can see Learn How to Source as a text book where procurement professionals have converted their area of expertise to chapters. But instead of written chapters, as in a book, each chapter is an online course. After each online course there is a "Next step" taking you to the next chapter. The courses are in bite-size chunks of new knowledge and help you take learn procurement one step at the time. Courses are supported by blogposts that explain related subject matters and provide examples. Join from the very beginning or pick your course based on your interest. Find out your starting point in the recommendations below.
Learn more in our intro course (free)
Fredrik Axelsson, founder of Learn How to Source.

From Introduction to Expert level

The courses at Learn How to Source are organized in 4 experience levels; Introduction, Basic, Advanced and Expert. And the procurement knowledge is organized in three roles; Operative buyer, Tactical buyer and Procurement Management

  • Operative Buyer

    Operative Buyer is responsible for the day to day activities. The most important document for the operative buyer is the Purchase Order (PO).

  • Tactical Buyer

    The Tactical buyer role manage supplier relationships from a commercial perspective and use processes like Sourcing, Know your supplier and Supplier Development.

  • Procurement Management

    Procurement management include Category Management, PM&T (Process, Methods and Tools) and Organizations/Roles/Resources.

Introduction level.

Introduction of Procurement and Learn How to Source's way of learning. If you are completely new to procurement.

  • Free

    Introducing Learn How to Source

    We want to provide you the best source of accessible procurement knowledge. What is Learn how to source (LHTS) and want can you expect from us - find it all in this free course.
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  • Free

    Continuously develop your procurement skills

    Build your learning program and learn together with others. Or even integrate learning into your professional role. This course tell you how.
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  • Free

    RLB podcast - about integrating learning in your day to day activities.

    In this podcast Dave Barr interview LHTS's very own Fredrik Axelsson about integrating learning in the everyday life of a procurement department.
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  • €20,00

    Operative Procurement Processes

    The course introduce how Arjan van Weele define operative and tactical procurement, what a buyer buy and 8 important processes which manage day to day work for the operative buyer.
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  • €20,00

    Introduction Tactical Procurement

    The course will provide you with an understanding of the tactical processes in a procurement department. Introducing processes like; Market analyses, Sourcing process, Supplier Development, Know your supplier and more.
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  • €20,00

    Introduction to Procurement Management

    This course will provide you with an understanding in managing a Procurement department and what should be on the agenda for a CPO (Chief Procurement Officer).
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Basic level certificates - all roles

If you want to take on all basic courses and certify your knowledge, Learn How to Source can support. Either individually or as a group. If you want to learn the basic level course by course, follow the path in next section.

  • €2.480,00

    LHTS 10 week Basic Procurement training - individual

    Learn the procurement basics with Learn How to Source. Earn a Procurement Certificate by completing all online courses and written + verbal exams.
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  • €12.400,00

    LHTS 10 week Basic Procurement training - group.

    5-7 participants. Learn the procurement basics with Learn How to Source. Earn a Procurement Certificate by completing all online courses and written + verbal exams.
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Basic level - Operative buyer

As an operative buyer you manage the day to day activities in the procurement function.

  • €20,00

    The Purchasing Role by EFFSO

    The course will introduce you to the Purchasing business function and the changes within purchasing the recent years.
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  • €20,00

    The Purchase Order

    The most basic knowledge for a buyer is to know the content of a Purchase Order (PO). The course will give you an introduction the content and purpose of a PO.
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  • €20,00

    Operative Procurement Processes

    The course introduce how Arjan van Weele define operative and tactical procurement, what a buyer buy and 8 important processes which manage day to day work for the operative buyer.
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  • €20,00

    Operative Procurement Processes 2

    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.
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  • €20,00

    Operative Procurement Processes 3

    In order to place a PO you need input from the tactical procurement role. But what kind of information do the operative buyer need? This course provide you with insights in the matter.
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  • €20,00

    General Terms and Conditions

    Both the tactical and the operative buyer need to understand, and preferable be able to write, your organizations General Terms and Conditions in order manage the commercial risk. Let us study some real examples.
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  • €20,00

    How to measure delivery performance

    Measuring the KPI Delivery performance help the parties (buyer and supplier) to track and improve performance. Poor delivery performance is a joint problem in between the buying and selling party and, if not handled correctly, can end a relationship.
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  • €20,00

    Digitization EDI

    The course contain an introduction to EDI, what the benefits are and what to consider when taking onboard a EDI Service Provider.
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Basic Level - Tactical buyer role

Sourcing and knowing your market - including it's suppliers.

  • €20,00

    Introduction Tactical Procurement

    This course will provide you with an understanding of the tactical processes in a procurement department. Introducing processes like; Market analyses, Sourcing process, Supplier Development, Know your supplier and more.
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  • €20,00

    Conducting RFQ by EFFSO

    EFFSO give you an introduction to RFI, RFP and RFQ and explaining how to conduct a RFQ.
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  • €20,00

    Sourcing Process 1

    Introduction of the basic steps in and concepts of a standardized sourcing process.
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  • €20,00

    Sourcing Process 2a - preparation.

    How to prepare input data to a RFQ.
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  • €20,00

    Sourcing Process 2b - Sending RFQ.

    The required steps when preparing a RFQ, contract a supplier and implement a new supply chain.
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  • €20,00

    RFQ template course

    Introducing the content of a RFQ. What should be included in a successful request to the market? The course describe the required information in order to collect correct and strong offers.
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  • €20,00

    Simplified sourcing process

    The online course address the challenge in low value stakeholder demand while assuring competitive bidding. By simplification and standardization the sourcing process is scaled down.
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  • €40,00

    Payment terms - advanced course

    Knowing the importance of payment terms (PT), the value that can be created and implications on the cash flow are important. Learn how to calculate the cost of capital, benefits that can be created and supplier cost for financing the PT. The concept Supply Chain Finance is integrated in the course.
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  • €20,00

    Get to know Kraljic and his matrix.

    After completing the course you will have an understanding of who Peter Kraljic is, the history of his Matrix, how to use Kraljic’s Matrix and in which procurement processes you apply Kraljic’s Matrix.
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  • €40,00

    Kraljic and Portfolio analyses by Paul Rogers

    Kraljic Portfolio management connect the four quadrants (Leverage, Non critical, Strategic and Bottleneck) in Kraljic´s matrix to 8 relevant sourcing strategies.
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  • €20,00

    Market analyses

    What is a market analyses? Why do a market analyses and when should a buyer do a market analyses? These are questions answered in the content of the course as well as how a market analyses executed.
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  • €20,00

    Know your suppliers

    This Basic course will provide you with an understanding of the process related to collecting information about your supply base and by that assuring the possibility to mitigate the risks occurring in the supply base.
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Basic Level - Tactical Buyer role cont'

From Audit to Global sourcing

  • €20,00

    Supplier Audits by Hans Nilsson

    In this course you will learn what Supplier Audit is, when and why it is recommended to run a Supplier Audit and also how a Supplier Audit is executed (on a structural level).
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  • €20,00

    Product (process) qualification

    This Basic course will provide you with an understanding of what a qualification process is, when and if to apply this process and a general introduction to some examples of standard qualification processes.
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  • €40,00

    Product legislation for buyers by Hans Nilsson

    In this course you will learn types of legislation you may be involved in as a Buyer, general requirements in legislation and what to consider as a Buyer linked to relevant legislation.
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  • €40,00

    What a buyer need to know about REACH by Hans Nilsson

    This course will provide buyers with a basic understanding of REACH, the roles defined in REACH and what to consider as a buyer in order to comply with REACH.
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  • €20,00

    Conflict Minerals for procurement

    As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for sustainable and ethical sourcing practices has never been greater. One critical aspect of ethical sourcing is the management of conflict materials.
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  • €20,00

    Supplier Management

    This Basic course will support you differentiate the approach to your suppliers and help define the most suitable relationship. By optimizing supplier management you also optimize supplier contribution.
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  • €20,00

    Supplier Development by EFFSO

    The course will give you an introduction to the concept of supplier development and how to build a supplier development program.
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  • €20,00

    Spend Analysis by EFFSO

    In this course we define Spend Analysis, explain the role of Spend Analysis in Category Management and describe the Spend Analysis Process.
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  • €20,00

    Global Sourcing by EFFSO

    Today we live in a globalized world and technology have made communication very fast. It requires Purchasing function to have the capability to source globally. The course addresses global sourcing and best cost countries (BCC).
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Advanced level - Tactical buyer role

Contract law

  • €40,00

    International Sales Law - by Jon Kihlman

    The role of law in business transactions, choice of law, procedural matters and contractual frequency. What good does law do? The choice of law sets the stage for the whole transaction. The importance of early attention to procedural matters. The difference between long-term contracts and single purchases.
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  • €40,00

    CISG and the Unidroit principles- by Jon Kihlman

    Introducing the International Sales Law (the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG)) and the Unidroit Principles of International Commercial Contracts. International legal instruments vs. national legislation. The benefits of a common structure and a common terminology.
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  • €40,00

    The object of the contract - by Jon Kihlman

    Introducing the object of the contract, why there is a need for breach, passing of risk, and the function of guarantees, warranties and limitation periods. The object – the most important part of any contract. The binding force of contracts and the need for breaches of contracts. The passing of risk – a fundamental part of contracts to provide results. Guarantees and warranties – creators of obligations, importance for the burden of proof and for limitation periods.
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  • €40,00

    International Sales Law: Logistics and related matters - by Jon Kihlman

    Introducing delivery and passing of risk, insurance, Incoterms 2020, examination after delivery and notification of non-conformity. Delivery and the passing of risk – the core of sales law. Insurance – a function of the division of risk. Incoterms 2020 – eleven standard choices for logistic matters in sales law. The buyer’s obligation to examine goods after delivery and to give notice of non-conformities.
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  • €40,00

    International Sales Law: Payment terms and insolvency matters - introduction by Jon Kihlman

    Introducing to principles related to payment terms and how to manage insolvency matters. When is payment due? Payment instruments and insolvency matters.
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  • €40,00

    International Sales Law: Remedies for breaches of contract - by Jon Kihlman

    Introducing the buying party's possibilities when supplying part breaches contract. Definition of damage according to CISG and Unidroit principles are presented as well as alternative remedies and limitation of liability. Remedies relating to the object of the contract. i. Performance, repair and re-delivery. ii. Price reduction. iii. Avoidance (termination) of the contract.
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Tactical buyer role - Advanced level cont'.

Creating a sustainable supply chain

  • Free

    RLB podcast. Sustainability & Fairtrade in Procurement

    Podcast - How Sustainability & Fairtrade in Procurement can make a positive impact for business and our world with Dr Aurora Dawn Benton.
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  • €40,00

    Part 1 - Sustainable Procurement: Sustainable Procurement Foundations

    In this course, we establish the basic concepts of sustainability and how it applies to supply chains. There are many supply chains so to make the course relevant to a broader audience we set up the context of the course as a hotel case study.
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  • €40,00

    Part 2 - Sustainability Procurement: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

    As Part 1 gave a baseline of information on sustainability in supply chains, we now explore specific environmental elements a bit closer. In these four lessons, we look at some of the more problematic issues such as plastic & greenhouse gas emission.
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  • €40,00

    Part 3 - Sustainability Procurement: Social Impact of Supply Chains

    In this part of the course pack, we introduce you to the myriad social issues trending in sustainable procurement. Beginning with a look at the effects of chemicals and wrapping up with an emphasis on supporting local communities.
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  • €40,00

    Part 4 - Sustainable Procurement: Audit and Management

    Now we begin to put the knowledge into action. You have learned about some of the many environmental and social issues in supply chains so it’s time to start driving change by discovering the opportunities within your key purchases.
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Tactical buyer role - Advanced level cont´

Change management and ability to negotiate.

  • €40,00

    Delivering Consistent Supplier Quality

    During the course you will learn the necessary preparation needed before communicating, the benefits of structured, methodical and consistent high value information and how to help suppliers investigate and resolve problems quickly and effectively.
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  • €40,00

    Ensuring Effective Supplier Meetings

    Planning a supplier visit? Understand the necessary homework you should undertake prior to leaving the office. Learn the benefits of a structured and repeatable process when visiting suppliers.
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  • €40,00

    Managing Engineering change by Dave Barr

    There are multiple factors that may need to be considered when implementing an engineering change. Having someone who has managed such changes in front of you will help you to validate your thoughts and open your mind to potential risks.
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  • Free

    Negotiation - Getting to Yes

    Course include links to recommended reading and material outside LHTS. No Certificate is issued.
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  • Free

    Real Life Buyer Negotiation tips

    Dave Barr, the Real Life Buyer, provides negotiation tips collected in his career within procurement and as an international businessman.
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  • €20,00

    Real Life Buyer Negotiation tips part 2

    ALL income from this course will be donated to UNHCR Ukraine
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Tactical buyer role - Advanced level cont'

Category specifics

  • €40,00

    Sourcing & Appointing Contractors by Dave Barr

    Dave Barr, the Real Life Buyer provide insights in the category Contractors. From locating potential candidates to post-award review.
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  • Free

    RLB podcast. Interview with IT professional Phil Hill

    Podcast - Tips and recommendations when sourcing IT Hardware from Dave Barr and his guest Phil Hill, Category Manager IT-HW.
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Procurement Management - Basic level

On the agenda for a CPO (Chief Procurement Officer)

  • €20,00

    Introduction to Procurement Management

    This course will provide you with an understanding in managing a Procurement department and what should be on the agenda for a CPO (Chief Procurement Officer).
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  • Free

    Operation Strategy Matrix

    This course will provide you with an understanding of Professor Nigel Slack's Operation Strategy Matrix. The Strategy Matrix is an excellent tool for Procurement Management when converting the Company strategy to Procurement strategy.
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  • €20,00

    Procurement Organization

    This Basic level course will provide you with an understanding of how a Procurement function can be organized and the standard sub-functions with its responsibilities.
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  • €20,00

    Category Management by EFFSO

    EFFSO will give you an introduction to the concept of category management and how to build a category management program.
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  • €40,00

    Category Management - how to get started

    This advanced course will help you with the first steps when implementing Category Management. The course include a broader explanation of Category management, the content of a first version of a Category strategy and key finding (checklists).
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  • €20,00

    Competence Management

    Competence management is one of the key strategic areas within a Procurement function while assuring access to relevant competencies and, when properly performed, increase attractiveness as an Employer.
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  • €20,00

    Sourcing KPI by EFFSO

    EFFSO will give you an introduction to Sourcing Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Also how to follow up KPIs.
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  • €20,00

    Value Management by EFFSO

    EFFSOwill give you an introduction to purpose and process of Value Management and various approaches and tools used
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  • €20,00

    CSR and Procurement

    In this course you will learn the definition of CSR, why is CSR important for the Procurement community and the first steps to create a sustainable supply chain (Not revelvant if you have taken Dr Aurora Dawn Benton's courses).
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  • €20,00

    Digitization of Procurement

    Introducing Digitization of Procurement and examples how procurement processes can be digitalized.
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  • €20,00

    Supplier Code Of Conduct

    Procurement departments are responsible for sourcing goods and services from suppliers that meet the organization's requirements for quality, cost, and delivery. However, in addition to these basic requirements, procurement professionals must also consider the ethical and social implications of their purchasing decisions. This is where a supplier code of conduct comes in.
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Procurement management - basic level cont'

Specialist roles

  • €20,00

    Project Buyer role

    The Project Buyer role is more advanced than one might think. It take skills as manager, tactical buyer and operative buyer to complete the daily tasks. And a strong project management understanding. Learn more in our online course.
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  • €20,00

    Procurement analyst role

    A Procurement analyst support the tactical and manager roles with price-, demand-, cost- and market data. Modern procurement departments have a fact based approach and objective data play an important part.
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Procurement Management - Advanced level

Process, Methods and Tools (PMT)

  • €40,00

    Digitization of Supplier onboarding process

    The course contain a introduction to digitized supplier onboarding, benefits / risks avoided and best practices.
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