Introduction

In today’s globalized economy, businesses increasingly rely on international supply chains to source materials, components, and finished goods. This has created complex challenges in logistics and procurement management, requiring professionals to develop a deeper understanding of cross-border regulations, logistics optimization, and international sourcing strategies. This course provides a comprehensive framework for managing procurement and logistics in the global marketplace, enabling professionals to reduce costs, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining supplier relationships.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:
✔ Understand the key principles of international procurement and logistics.
✔ Learn how to manage cross-border procurement and source goods and services globally.
✔ Gain expertise in global logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing, and customs procedures.
✔ Identify and mitigate risks related to global supply chains, including geopolitical risks, tariffs, and currency fluctuations.
✔ Develop strategies to select, negotiate with, and manage international suppliers and partners.
✔ Learn to apply incoterms, trade compliance, and customs regulations to minimize risks and costs.
✔ Explore strategies for sustainability and ethics in international logistics and procurement.
✔ Understand digital tools and technologies transforming global procurement and logistics, such as blockchain and AI.

Who Should Attend?

• Procurement Managers & Directors
• Supply Chain Managers
• Logistics Managers
• Sourcing Specialists
• Trade Compliance Officers
• Customs and Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• Contract Managers working with international suppliers
• Business Executives overseeing global operations
• Consultants and Advisors working in international procurement and logistics
• IT and Data Analysts in procurement or logistics

Day 1: Introduction to International Logistics and Procurement

Session 1: The Global Procurement Landscape

• Key drivers of international procurement: Globalization, cost pressures, and supply chain complexity
• Challenges and opportunities in global sourcing: Currency fluctuations, supplier risk, and logistics barriers
• Strategic considerations in international procurement: Aligning procurement with corporate goals and risk management
• Case study: Global procurement strategy at a multinational consumer goods company

Session 2: Key Components of International Logistics

• The logistics lifecycle: Sourcing, transportation, warehousing, distribution
• Types of international logistics: Air, sea, rail, and road transport
• Logistics coordination: Integrating procurement with logistics to streamline operations
• Key players in international logistics: Freight forwarders, customs brokers, 3PLs (third-party logistics)
• Workshop: Designing a global logistics plan for procurement

Session 3: Global Sourcing Strategies

• Identifying global suppliers: Sourcing from emerging markets, supplier diversity, and supplier evaluation criteria
• Risk management in global sourcing: Political instability, quality assurance, and intellectual property protection
• Supplier negotiation strategies for international contracts
• Case study: Global sourcing and supplier relationship management at a technology company

Day 2: Managing Cross-Border Procurement

Session 4: International Procurement Planning and Strategy

• Steps in the international procurement process: Market analysis, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and purchase order management
• Building a procurement strategy for international markets: Aligning with overall corporate strategy, budgeting, and forecasting
• Key factors in supplier selection: Cost, quality, lead time, and reliability
• Workshop: Creating a global sourcing plan for your organization

Session 5: Legal Aspects of International Procurement

• International procurement laws and regulations: Trade compliance, anti-corruption laws, and international contract law
• Understanding Incoterms: Their role in defining supplier responsibilities for transport and costs
• Key contract clauses for international procurement: Payment terms, dispute resolution, and risk allocation
• Panel discussion: Navigating the legal landscape of international procurement

Session 6: International Payment Methods and Currency Risk Management

• Payment options for international procurement: Letters of credit, bank guarantees, open accounts, and escrow
• Managing currency risk: Hedging strategies and payment in local currencies
• Global payment trends: Blockchain and cryptocurrency in international transactions
• Workshop: Evaluating international payment methods for a sample procurement deal

Day 3: Logistics Operations and Transportation Management

Session 7: International Transportation Management

• Transportation modes and their benefits: Air, sea, rail, and road freight
• Selecting the right transportation method: Cost considerations, delivery speed, and risk factors
• Third-party logistics providers (3PLs): When and how to engage 3PL providers for global shipping
• Freight forwarding and international shipping documentation: Bills of lading, air waybills, and packing lists
• Case study: Transportation management strategy for a multinational electronics company

Session 8: Customs, Duties, and Import/Export Compliance

• Navigating customs regulations: Import and export documentation, duties, tariffs, and taxes
• Customs clearance processes: Steps for getting goods through international customs smoothly
• Trade compliance: Best practices for ensuring compliance with international trade laws and regulations
• Workshop: Creating a customs compliance checklist for international shipments

Session 9: Warehousing and Inventory Management

• Global warehousing strategies: Managing inventory across borders, minimizing lead times, and optimizing storage costs
• Inventory control techniques: Just-in-time (JIT), safety stock, and demand forecasting
• Warehousing technologies: RFID, barcoding, and automation in global warehouses
• Case study: Warehousing and inventory management for a global fashion retailer

Day 4: Risk Management and Supplier Collaboration

Session 10: Managing Risk in Global Supply Chains

• Identifying risks in international logistics and procurement: Geopolitical, economic, environmental, and logistical risks
• Risk mitigation strategies: Diversification, dual sourcing, contingency planning, and supplier audits
• Supply chain disruptions: How to respond to natural disasters, strikes, or political unrest
• Workshop: Designing a risk mitigation plan for a global supply chain

Session 11: Collaboration with International Suppliers

• Building strong supplier relationships: Negotiating contracts, performance monitoring, and joint problem-solving
• Supplier performance management: Key performance indicators (KPIs) and scorecards
• Leveraging technology for collaboration: Supplier portals, collaborative planning, and electronic data interchange (EDI)
• Panel discussion: Innovative supplier collaboration strategies for international businesses

Session 12: Sustainability and Ethics in International Logistics

• Sustainable procurement and logistics: Reducing carbon footprints, promoting fair trade, and ethical sourcing
• Circular supply chains: Creating closed-loop systems for materials and products
• Trade ethics: Ensuring fair labor practices and human rights compliance in global supply chains
• Case study: Sustainable sourcing strategies for a global consumer goods company

Day 5: Technology and the Future of International Logistics and Procurement

Session 13: Digital Technologies Transforming International Procurement

• The role of digital technologies in logistics and procurement: Blockchain, AI, IoT, and big data
• Using digital tools for procurement visibility: Real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and demand forecasting
• Automation in global logistics: Autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotics
• Case study: Digital transformation in global logistics at a leading logistics company

Session 14: Innovations in International Supply Chain Management

• The future of international logistics: Autonomous transport, blockchain for transparency, and AI for optimization
• Blockchain’s role in procurement: Streamlining contracts, payments, and transactions
• Collaborative technologies: Cloud-based platforms for managing global supply chains
• Expert panel: Emerging technologies in international logistics and procurement

Session 15: Course Wrap-Up and Certification

• Review of key lessons learned and takeaways
• Final Q&A with instructors
• Certificate of Completion awarded to participants
• Networking opportunities for continued collaboration

Final Wrap-Up & Certification

✔ Certificate of Completion provided to participants.
✔ Access to global sourcing tools, logistics templates, and case studies.
✔ Networking opportunities with international procurement and logistics professionals.