Next Level Purchasing officially unveiled their new SPSM2 purchasing certification today (after several weeks of Charles Dominick teasing twitter followers about an upcoming major announcement). Designed as a follow up to SPSM Certification, the new coursework focuses on “processes that are becoming more significant in the purchasing field - international procurement, advanced negotiation, and managerial skills.” In other words, NLP hopes to help procurement professionals keep up with an increasingly global, risky, complex supply chain at a time when they’re being asked to do more with less (headcount and/or budget).

It’s an interesting new offering at a time when many pros in the field are looking to beef up their resumes and skill sets to either get or keep a job. And as we’ve discussed many times here on SE, now is a hot time to be in procurement - an increasingly strategic department that can save the company money at a time of flat or dropping revenues. So, an online credential program that helps procurement professionals in the trenches keep up with the times is likely an attractive offering.

The course is divided into 4 areas - Negotiations, Purchasing Management, International Procurement, and Global Sourcing Strategy. Personally, when I see coursework and syllabus (syllabi?), I get scared that I’ll hear heavy-on-theory-light-on-action academic meanderings. But the SPSM2 content looks to be pretty pragmatic. For example, the Global Sourcing module includes instruction on a variety of topics, from managing cultural differences to VAT & regulations on international shipments.

Certainly another option for you to consider as you look for career advancement opportunities. And considering yesterday’s Purchasing.com article that stated 88% of CFOs think costs savings are their top procurement priority, yet 46% are NOT satisfied with their procurement organization’s performance in this area, it may be worth brushing up on your skills.

But, I think the issue of training opens up a larger question when put in the context of effectiveness in your role…

Is lack of skills what’s holding you back from being as effective as you can be (particularly if you’re going by the CFOs definition of “effectiveness = cost savings”)? Or are there other impediments in the procurement department?

I know it’s a very sensitive topic, so leave comments anonymously if you must.

Justin Fogarty is Managing Editor of Supply Excellence. For any questions or feedback on the blog or its contributors, Justin can be reached at jfogarty[at]ariba.com.