Operational Environment of Public Procurement (5 ECTS)

Objective

Upon completion of the course students will:
* be familiar with the special features of public activity, the operating principles of public administration and the structure of the Finnish administrative system and be able to analyse their significance from the perspective of the service structure and the organization of public administration
* understand the special features of the strategic management of public organizations and will have an overall view of strategic management in municipalities, other public bodies and non-profit organizations and be able to analyse internal and external factors that impact a public organization’s strategy
* be able to describe the basic stages of a public strategy process and the significance of an action plan and analyse their relation to procurement
* be able to draw conclusions from the business mega-trends affecting the procurement department
* be familiar with the principles of anticipation and scenario building and be able to make actions plans for the procurement unit based on industry-specific forecasts
* be able to analyse the impact of public procurement on society and understand the strategic role of procurement.
* be able to examine the long-term effects of public procurement with respect to sustainability objectives and market effects

Content

* Operating principles of public administration
* Regulation framework
* Strategic management in a public organization
* Anticipation and future literacy
* Impact and sustainability objectives

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for individual or team activities / assignments and the output is rather weak.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good overall performance: can apply and articulate concepts and information well both verbally and in writing, certain areas of individual or team output require further attention; shows appropriate level of interest and motivation in individual and team activities. Good presentation delivery and analysis.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent performance in all elements of the course: shows interest and motivation in individual and team activities and assignments, fully applies and clearly articulates concepts and information both verbally and in writing. The student is able to support his/her argument with references to the recommended reading and lecture content. Excellent presentation delivery and analysis.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course and has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall. The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for individual or team activities / assignments and the output is rather weak.

Qualifications

Completed Higher Education Degree