Begin with the real moment sourcing begins: an internal request that’s urgent but unclear. You’ll learn what counts as “sourcing,” how it differs from buying, what “done” looks like, and the common constraints that shape beginner sourcing work.

Learn how to run an intake conversation that transforms a vague request into a clear problem statement. You’ll practice capturing what matters in a one-page intake summary and translating internal language into supplier-quotable terms.

Turn the clarified need into a supplier-quotable scope: what’s included, what’s excluded, and how work will be measured. Capture constraints and assumptions explicitly, and identify stakeholders and decision rights to avoid late surprises.

Create must-have and nice-to-have requirements, then define the evaluation criteria you’ll apply to every supplier. Decide whether you need simple weights or a qualitative ranking, and make optional factors transparent up front.

Run a basic market scan, identify practical sources for suppliers, build a longlist, and screen it down to a shortlist. Use quick outreach and screening calls to confirm fit before issuing a formal request, and keep an eye on total-cost adders early.

Decide whether an RFQ or RFP is the right approach, then assemble a request package that forces comparable answers. Set a pricing response format, milestones, and submission rules so the process is organized from day one.

Run a fair, organized request process: shared Q&A, controlled scope changes, and consistent deadlines. Then collect submissions, normalize differences, compare total cost and service terms, and do basic capability and risk checks to identify a front-runner.

Move from a front-runner to a finished decision: handle ethics basics, negotiate remaining open items, write an approval-ready recommendation, and prepare the key handoff details needed for a PO or contract.