Learning Re-imagined
We want public procurement professionals to re-imagine learning. NIGP’s traditional model of classroom training served us well in the past. And, in fact, adults maximize their learning experience when there are opportunities to network with colleagues and employ group discussions and activities. NIGP is not abandoning the classroom; rather, we are augmenting it with more choices to learn online… at your own pace and in your own space… literally anywhere, anytime, anyway. These options provide greater access to professionals who cannot be out of the office and/or who cannot travel and/or those who need flexibility to ensure a positive life/work balance.
Take only what you need
Re-imagining learning also means aligning learning to the specific skills and competencies you need today. There is no need to take a comprehensive list of training courses … just take exactly what you need based on the roles you serve in the public sector. This is laser-focused learning.
The Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF)
Thirty-three competency modules are contained within the Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF). The framework draws from a significant, well-respected research study conducted by Public Spend Forum (PSF) on behalf of a grant provided by the Volcker Alliance. In partnership with PSF, NIGP expanded the framework to incorporate both the technical knowledge required of public procurement professionals and the soft skills and ancillary competencies needed to be successful in the workplace.
The framework is organized with seven major focus areas: strategy, policy and legislation; planning and analysis; sourcing and solicitation, contract administration, leadership, and business principles.
Competency Modules
Multiple competency modules fall within each of these seven focus areas. For example, the focus area on strategy contains three competency modules: mission and benefit, transformation and vision creation, and social responsibility alignment. Each module stands alone and represents knowledge and skill development for a specific competency.
Each competency module has a collection of assessment-based learning activities focused on building the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. These activities may include reading assignments, case studies, videos, interactions between students and the instructor, experiential activities, etc. These combined activities constitute a learning module.
The modularity of the Framework provides maximum flexibility for both the entry-level professional and the seasoned professional. It also maximizes flexibility for the Chief Procurement Officer who wishes to design a career development path for her/his employees. It’s a menu of choices. It is important to note that some of the individual competency badges have multiple levels such as foundational and advanced. A key benefit of Pathways is that there are options available for everyone based on where they are in their career and the roles they currently perform (or aspire to perform). The flexibility of the independent competency modules allows each learner to establish her/his own pathway; perhaps in consultation with the procurement director. Maximum flexibility. Maximum choice. Take only those modules that are relevant to the work you do today. And take more modules as your career progresses.