The Definitive Guide to Project Management: The fast track to getting the job done on time and on budget (2nd Edition)

If you are a project manager who has not yet experienced procurement management, you need to be aware that as your career develops there may come a day when your project includes a significant procurement management element. The tools and techniques in this chapter will make your life easier when that day comes. If you are an experienced project manager and have several projects under your belt that include significant procurement elements, then this chapter can help you benchmark your approach, your personal tools and techniques.

If there is a significant procurement element in your project, then it is very risky to invent a procurement approach on the hoof. In most organizations that should never be necessary as there will usually be a procurement department to assist you, but how much do they know about project management and your project? The project procurement methodology described in this chapter will help ensure a smooth interface with the procurement department where there is one, and will help ensure that there are no gaps between the way they do procurement and the needs of your project in respect of procurement.