This project assignment is an essential part of your learning journey in relation to Procurement strategy. The aim is to give you the opportunity to apply models, tools, and concepts from the course to create a comprehensive procurement strategy for a fictive company.
Throughout the course, you will work in groups to develop a procurement strategy that reflects how procurement can support company goals, create customer value, and manage supplier relationships. Your work will cover procurement organization design, supplier code of conduct, spend analysis, supplier segmentation (Kraljic matrix), risk management, supplier evaluation, category strategies, supplier KPIs, and supplier development programs.
The project assignment is examined through:
✅ A written report, which documents your complete procurement strategy and supporting analyses.
✅ A verbal presentation, where you will showcase your work and reflect on your reasoning and learning.
👉 Grading: The project assignment (written report and presentation) is assessed as Pass (Godkänt) or Fail (Icke godkänt). Both parts must be completed and meet the expected standard for you to receive a passing grade.
Remember: the focus is not on creating the perfect procurement strategy, but on demonstrating your understanding of concepts, your reasoning, and how well you link company strategy to procurement delivery.
Content….
Section 1: Presentation of the Project Assignment (Day 1)
Purpose of the Project Assignment
The project assignment is designed to help you understand and apply how a company’s mission, vision, and strategies are translated into procurement strategies, category strategies, supplier strategies (PMT), and procurement organization design. Through this work, you will practice linking company strategy to procurement’s contribution to customer value, using the models, tools, and concepts introduced during the course.
The assignment emphasizes the learning journey rather than a “perfect” end result. Correct use of terminology, understanding connections between company goals and procurement delivery, and reflecting on strategic alignment are more important than creating a flawless strategy.
Task
In groups of 4–5 participants, you will:
✅ Create a fictive company, including its mission, vision, business strategy, and key operational choices.
✅ Use the Nigel Slack operations strategy matrix as a framework to describe and position your company.
✅ Develop:
- a procurement strategy aligned with your company strategy,
- category strategies for selected key spend areas,
- PMT (procurement management team / supplier strategy) approaches,
- a suggested procurement organization structure.
Deliverables from the project
📝 A written report that follows the structure of the course and builds progressively during the project work.
🗣 A verbal presentation (10–15 minutes per group) on the final course day (Lesson 8), showcasing your project and key learnings.
The written report is to be submitted no later than Lesson 8, before your presentation. The assignment will be graded as Pass (Godkänt) or Fail (Icke godkänt).
Fictive Company Checklist
When describing your fictive company, make sure to include at minimum:
- Company name and core business
- Mission, vision, and key values
- Target markets and customers
- Main products or services
- Competitive priorities (e.g., cost, quality, flexibility, delivery reliability)
- Reference to Nigel Slack’s Operations Strategy Matrix: describe the company’s positioning in terms of performance objectives and operations choices.
💡 Each course day will include dedicated project time, where you will apply that day’s learning to your project work. Specific instructions for each day will guide you.
Deliverables from Day 1 (Creating Your Company)
By the end of Day 1, your group should have documented a clear description of your fictive company, covering at minimum:
✅ Company identity
- Company name
- Mission, vision, and core values
- Year founded / years in business
- Size of the company (number of employees, turnover/revenue)
- Geographical scope (local, national, international, global)
- Target market and key customer segments
✅ Business profile
- Core business and main products or services
- Main competitors (brief description)
- Competitive priorities (e.g., cost, quality, flexibility, delivery reliability, innovation)
✅ Strategic positioning
- Reference to Nigel Slack’s Operations Strategy Matrix:
- Describe your company’s positioning in terms of performance objectives (e.g., high quality, fast delivery, low cost)
- Summarize key operations choices that support this positioning
✅ Initial link to procurement
- A first draft reflection on how your company’s strategy will influence procurement priorities
👉 This documentation forms the foundation for the project assignment and will be revisited and refined throughout the course.
Section 2: Instruction for Day 2 – Company & Procurement Strategy
Background
The focus for this day is to link your fictive company’s business strategy to the procurement function. You will work with how procurement can best be positioned to support company goals and how to define procurement’s role and responsibilities.
In preparation, you should have:
- Completed the online courses and blog posts linked to the case at: Strategic Positioning of the Procurement Function – Case
- Reflected on sourcing KPIs, procurement policy, compliance, stakeholder management, and the strategic positioning of procurement as introduced in these materials.
The day’s case discussions will provide practical examples and insights that support your project work.
Project Assignment Task for Day 2
Your group’s task today is to:
✅ Design a procurement organization that aligns with your company’s strategy and operations.
✅ Develop a Supplier Code of Conduct that reflects your company’s values, business context, and procurement objectives.
In both cases, you should:
- Clearly motivate your choices. Why is this organization structure appropriate? How does it support the company’s strategic priorities?
- Reflect on how your supplier code of conduct links to your company’s values, risk management needs, and external expectations (e.g. compliance, sustainability).
Use the concepts, models, and examples discussed in today’s case work and the supporting materials.
Deliverables from Day 2
By the end of Day 2, your group should have documented:
✅ A draft of your procurement organization:
- An organizational chart (can be simple, e.g. drawn in PowerPoint or Word)
- A short written motivation (½–1 page) explaining the design and how it supports company strategy
✅ A draft of your Supplier Code of Conduct:
- Key principles and expectations you set for suppliers
- A short explanation (½ page) of how this reflects your company’s mission, values, and risk considerations
Reflection points
To help guide your work:
- How does the procurement function create value for your company?
- What are the most important capabilities your procurement team needs to have?
- How will your code of conduct help manage supplier risk and strengthen supplier relationships?
Reminder
👉 This is a working draft. Your group will revisit and refine your procurement organization and supplier code of conduct as the course progresses and as new knowledge is introduced.
Section 3: Instruction for Day 3 – Portfolio Analysis & Risk Management
Background
The focus for this day is to build an understanding of how procurement can analyze spend, segment suppliers, and assess supply chain risk using strategic models. The day centers on applying the Kraljic matrix as a tool for positioning suppliers and managing risk.
In preparation, you should have:
- Completed the online courses and blog posts linked to the case at: Kraljic Matrix Positioning and Risk – Case
- Reflected on spend analysis, risk management principles, and portfolio strategies presented in these materials.
The day’s case discussions will give practical examples that guide your project work.
Project Assignment Task for Day 3
Your group’s task today is to:
✅ Create a spend analysis for your fictive company (use reasonable, fictive figures). The analysis should cover:
- Your company’s major spend areas (categories)
- Top 5–8 key suppliers or supplier types
✅ Position your suppliers or deliveries in a Kraljic matrix, based on supply risk and impact on your business.
✅ Identify and report on key risks in your supply chain, considering both supplier-related and category-related risks.
Use insights and concepts from the day’s case work and supporting materials as a foundation for your work.
Deliverables from Day 3
By the end of Day 3, your group should have documented:
✅ A spend analysis overview (e.g., a simple table or chart showing spend categories, supplier names/types, spend values, and % share of total spend)
✅ A Kraljic matrix positioning of your selected 5–8 suppliers or supplier categories (can be done in PowerPoint, Word, or similar tool)
✅ A short risk report (½–1 page), describing:
- The most significant risks in your supply chain
- Your reasoning for the supplier positioning
- How these risks could influence your future procurement strategies
Reflection points
- Are there suppliers or categories that create disproportionate risk or value?
- How does your Kraljic analysis connect back to your company’s strategic priorities?
- What additional data would help you make more informed decisions?
Reminder
👉 This is a working draft. Your group will revisit and refine your portfolio analysis and risk report as you continue the project and gain new insights from later course days.
Section 4: Instruction for Day 4 – Supplier Evaluation & Risk Analysis
Background
The focus for this day is to strengthen your understanding of supplier evaluation and approval processes. You will work with how to assess suppliers systematically to ensure they align with your company’s needs, values, and risk profile.
In preparation, you should have:
- Completed the online courses and blog posts linked to the case at: Supplier Assessment in Procurement – Case
- Reflected on evaluation criteria, supplier onboarding, and risk considerations as introduced in these materials.
The case discussions during the day will give practical insights that support your project work.
Project Assignment Task for Day 4
Your group’s task today is to:
✅ Create a supplier approval template tailored to your company’s business, supplier code of conduct, and key categories. The template should outline:
- The core requirements for supplier approval (e.g., quality certifications, financial stability, sustainability practices, compliance with code of conduct)
- Specific criteria or thresholds that suppliers must meet to be invited for RFQ
✅ Reflect on how supplier approval criteria may differ depending on the supplier’s position in the Kraljic matrix:
- Are the requirements the same for all suppliers, or do they vary by category (e.g., strategic vs. leverage suppliers)?
- What is your reasoning behind these differences?
Deliverables from Day 4
By the end of Day 4, your group should have documented:
✅ A supplier approval template that includes key evaluation criteria and minimum requirements for supplier onboarding or down-selection for RFQ
✅ A short written motivation (½–1 page) that:
- Explains how your supplier approval criteria reflect your company’s values, supplier code of conduct, and key risks
- Discusses whether and how the criteria vary for suppliers in different Kraljic matrix positions
Reflection points
- How do your supplier requirements help manage risk and support company priorities?
- Are your criteria practical and realistic given your company’s size, industry, and geographic scope?
- How will these criteria help ensure supplier performance and alignment over time?
Reminder
👉 This is a working draft. Your group will refine your supplier approval process as you continue to work on category strategies and SRM later in the course.
Section 5: Instruction for Day 5 – Category Management, Part 1
Background
The focus for this day is to apply category management principles and organize effective category teams. You will work with how to set up the right team, plan the work, and ensure the team has the information needed to build a category strategy that supports business goals.
In preparation, you should have:
- Completed the online courses and blog posts linked to the case at: Manage Category Management – 2 Cases
- Reflected on category management roles, internal collaboration, and success factors introduced in these materials.
The case discussions will provide practical insights to help guide your project work.
Project Assignment Task for Day 5
Your group’s task today is to:
✅ Select two categories from your earlier spend analysis (choose categories that are relevant and significant for your company).
✅ Form a category team for each category:
- Define suitable roles and functions to include (e.g., procurement, engineering, operations, quality, finance, marketing)
- Explain why these roles are included and what value they bring to the team
✅ Plan a category kick-off:
- Propose a suitable agenda for a kick-off meeting
- Identify what data and information should be available for the kick-off
- Define what each role is expected to prepare and bring to the meeting to contribute to a productive start
Use the knowledge and examples from the day’s case work and supporting materials.
Deliverables from Day 5
By the end of Day 5, your group should have documented:
✅ A description of your category teams for the two selected categories:
- List of team members / roles
- Motivation for why each role is included
✅ A draft kick-off agenda for each category
✅ A summary of:
- What data should be available for the kick-off
- What information each team member/role is expected to bring
Reflection points
- How does the team composition support the company’s strategic priorities and category objectives?
- How will a well-prepared kick-off help ensure success in category strategy development?
- Are there risks of missing key stakeholders or data? How will you address this?
Reminder
👉 This is a working draft. Your group will refine your category strategies and team work as you continue into Part 2 of Category Management.
Section 6: Instruction for Day 6 – Category Management, Part 2
Background
The focus for this day is to develop category strategies that support company goals and create value beyond day-to-day procurement. You will work with how to apply category management principles to define strategies, with special attention to leap step thinking — actions or ideas that can take the category to a new level of performance, innovation, or competitiveness.
In preparation, you should have:
- Completed the online courses and blog posts linked to the case at: Develop Category Strategy – 2 Cases
- Reflected on strategy components, stakeholder input, and examples of innovative category strategies presented in these materials.
The case discussions during the day will give practical examples to support your project work.
Project Assignment Task for Day 6
Your group’s task today is to:
✅ Develop a category strategy for each of the two categories selected on Day 5. Your strategies should:
- Align with your company’s business and procurement strategy
- Address the category’s role in supporting company objectives (e.g., cost, quality, innovation, flexibility)
- Include clear actions, goals, and principles for managing the category
✅ Incorporate leap step thinking:
- Identify and describe at least one leap step idea for each category
- Explain how this idea could significantly improve performance, drive innovation, or create competitive advantage
Use concepts and examples from the day’s case work and supporting materials to support your thinking.
Deliverables from Day 6
By the end of Day 6, your group should have documented:
✅ A category strategy document for each of your two selected categories, including:
- Strategic objectives
- Key actions / initiatives
- Stakeholder considerations
- Supplier considerations
- Leap step idea(s) with motivation
✅ A short explanation (½–1 page) of how your strategies support the company’s overall goals and priorities
Reflection points
- What makes your category strategies realistic and actionable?
- Where did you challenge current thinking or apply leap step ideas?
- How do these strategies strengthen your procurement contribution to customer value?
Reminder
👉 This is a working draft. Your group will revisit and refine your category strategies as needed, especially when preparing your final presentation.
Section 7: Instruction for Day 7 – Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Background
The focus for this day is to deepen your understanding of how to manage and develop supplier relationships to support company strategy. You will work with defining meaningful KPIs for supplier performance and designing supplier development initiatives that build stronger partnerships and drive value creation.
In preparation, you should have:
- Completed the online courses and blog posts linked to the case at: SRM – 2 Cases Buyers in Training
- Reflected on supplier performance measurement, supplier development practices, and partnership building as presented in these materials.
The day’s case discussions will give practical examples to support your project work.
Project Assignment Task for Day 7
Your group’s task today is divided into two parts:
✅ Assignment 1 – Supplier performance KPIs
- Define three KPIs that will help your company understand if supplier delivery is under control.
- Explain why these KPIs are relevant for your business and how they reflect your company’s priorities.
✅ Assignment 2 – Supplier development program
- Design a supplier development program for one of your strategic suppliers.
- Describe key elements of the program (e.g., joint activities, targets, follow-up process) and how it supports stronger collaboration and improved supplier performance.
Use concepts and examples from the day’s case work and supporting materials as a foundation for your work.
Deliverables from Day 7
By the end of Day 7, your group should have documented:
✅ A short description of your three chosen KPIs, including:
- The KPI definition
- Why it is important for your company
- How it will be measured and used
✅ A draft supplier development program for one strategic supplier, including:
- The purpose and objectives of the program
- Main activities and expected outcomes
- How progress will be measured
Reflection points
- How do your chosen KPIs help you monitor and manage supplier performance in a meaningful way?
- How does your supplier development program contribute to long-term value creation and risk reduction?
- What challenges might you face in implementing these ideas, and how could they be addressed?
Reminder
👉 This is a working draft. Your group will refine and integrate these elements into your final project report and presentation.
Section 8: Instruction for the Verbal Presentation and Written Report
Background
The final day of the course is dedicated to the formal presentation of your project assignment. This is your opportunity to showcase how your group has applied the knowledge, models, and tools introduced during the course to create a strategic procurement plan for your fictive company.
The goal of the presentation is not only to demonstrate your results, but also to share your learning journey, your reasoning, and how you connected company strategy to procurement strategy and delivery.
Structure of the Verbal Presentation
✅ Presentation time
- Each group has 20–30 minutes for their presentation.
- All group members should actively contribute to the presentation.
✅ Content to include
Your presentation should cover:
- A short introduction of your fictive company (identity, business, strategy)
- Summary of your procurement strategy and how it aligns with company goals
- Overview of your procurement organization and supplier code of conduct
- Highlights from your spend analysis, Kraljic positioning, and risk assessment
- Key points from your supplier evaluation template
- Category strategies, including leap step thinking
- Chosen KPIs and your supplier development program
- Reflection on what you learned and how your thinking evolved during the project
✅ Discussion and feedback
- After each presentation, there will be a joint discussion and feedback session involving the trainer and fellow students.
- Be prepared to answer questions and reflect on your choices.
✅ Reflection and course closing
- The session will conclude with a joint reflection on the course content, learning objectives, and key takeaways.
- The trainer will summarize the course and its main messages.
Preparation tips
- Structure your presentation clearly and use visual aids (e.g., PowerPoint or similar) to support your message.
- Focus on explaining your reasoning and connections between models, concepts, and your company’s strategy.
- Practice as a group to ensure good timing and flow.
Written Report
In connection with your verbal presentation, your group will submit a written report that documents your project assignment in a structured and professional way.
✅ Purpose
The written report serves as a formal record of your work and reasoning. It should reflect your group’s analysis, choices, and application of course concepts to your fictive company.
✅ Structure
Your report should follow the flow of the course and include:
1️⃣ Company description (identity, strategy, operations positioning using Nigel Slack’s matrix)
2️⃣ Procurement strategy and organizational design (including supplier code of conduct)
3️⃣ Spend analysis, Kraljic matrix positioning, and risk report
4️⃣ Supplier approval template and motivation
5️⃣ Category team compositions, kick-off plans, and data requirements
6️⃣ Category strategies with leap step thinking
7️⃣ Supplier KPIs and supplier development program
8️⃣ Reflections: what you learned, how you applied course concepts, and how your project evolved
✅ Format and scope
- The report should be clear, concise, and well-structured.
- Use visual elements where helpful (e.g., charts, matrices, org charts).
- Expected length: about 10–15 pages, excluding appendices.
- Submit as a PDF document at the latest on the final course day (Lesson 8).
Preparation tips for the report
- Align your written report closely with your verbal presentation for consistency.
- Make sure your reasoning is clear — explain why you made key decisions.
- Check that all sections are complete and that the report flows logically.
Final reflections on the Project Assignment
Your project assignment represents the culmination of the course and demonstrates your ability to design and present a coherent procurement strategy for a fictive company. Through your work, you have shown how procurement can translate business strategy into action — from supplier selection and risk management to category strategies and supplier development.
The written report and verbal presentation together form the basis for your project grade. Both components must be submitted and presented for the assignment to be graded as Pass (Godkänt). Your grade reflects your ability to apply what you have learned and to communicate a well-reasoned and structured procurement strategy.
As you finalize your project, focus on clearly showing the connections between your company’s strategy, your procurement strategy, and the tools and models you have applied. Remember that a strong procurement strategy not only supports operational efficiency, but also adds value to customers and contributes to competitive advantage.
We look forward to your presentations and to discussing the insights you have gained during this assignment.
This assignment is specially developed for the course Strategiskt inköp och upphandling at Logistikprogrammet in Norrkoping, Sweden.
Note: Illustration was create by Chat GPT on June 29, 2025.