Course description

Although purchasing is a process, based upon fundamental principles and best practices, there are some very unique differences between public and private sectors. While industrial, commercial and retail buying is directly linked to the generation of profit, public buying enables the delivery of satisfaction to all citizens and the fulfilment of public policy. This is further linked through political direction to influence socio-economic needs, with trade agreements, at all domestic and international levels. Therefore, the content of this course is designed to help the purchasing professional better understand the nature of public buying and the very different drivers which are leading the strategic directions of their organization.

Course details

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: OPER2235
Corequisites: None

Build courses into a credential

This course is part of the following program(s):


Credit transfer

Have you taken this course or an equivalent course? Contact the Credit Transfer Office.

Registration dates

Not all courses are offered each term.

Spring 2024 registration opens March 11, 2024. Fall 2024 registration opens July 22, 2024.

Delivery options

In person: classes held in person on a campus/site in a classroom/lab/shop/studio for the course duration

Online - Asynchronous: ​100% online delivery, no scheduled day or time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Online - Synchronous: 100% online delivery, scheduled day and time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Hybrid: any combination of in person, timetabled, on campus, online, and hyflex delivery