Article Gold Open Access 2026

Purchasing and supply management education chronicles: crafting future leaders

Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management
Journal · Vol. 32 · Issue 1 · Art. 101084
Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of two courses in the fields of Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM) and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM). The aim is to investigate how teaching content and methodologies can be adapted to align with evolving global trends in PSM, while also evaluating their effectiveness in developing the skills essential for professionals in this field. Drawing on a longitudinal tracking of six years, we examine the courses at three levels: course topics, teaching methods, and assessment methods. We link these three course components with the skills required in PSM. This model categorizes procurement skills into technical, interpersonal, internal and external (to the company), and strategic skills. The findings highlight the significance of integrating both theoretical foundations and practical applications in PSM education. The study provides insights into how PSM courses can be designed to foster the development of both hard and soft skills that are crucial for procurement professionals. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of regular course reviews to accommodate emerging trends and industry demands. This study makes both theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it offers professors and lecturers a comprehensive framework for designing PSM courses. Practically, it provides managers with guidance on collaborating with academic institutions to promote project-based learning with students, which can help attract talent and advance applied research in the field of PSM. © 2025 The Authors

Keywords

Author Keywords

Procurement Purchasing and supply management Supplier relationship management University education University teaching

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Scuola di Management, Milan, MI, Italy
Funding & Acknowledgements
European Commission, EC
Grant: 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004
This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy \u2013 Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) \u2013 MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 \u2013 D. D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors\u2019 views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.
European Commission, EC
This study was carried out within the MICS (Made in Italy \u2013 Circular and Sustainable) Extended Partnership and received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) \u2013 MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.3 \u2013 D. D. 1551.11-10-2022, PE00000004). This manuscript reflects only the authors\u2019 views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.
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