Procuring For Value

For some years, organisations conducting procurement exercises have used a Lowest-Bid Procurement strategy, in an attempt to gain the most value for the lowest initial financial input. However, this method disregards quality and reliability along with a number of other traits that may represent “value” for the client or end user. Traditionally, there has not been a definition of value that incorporates more elements than capital cost alone. However, the University of Salford, based on depth of knowledge and significant experience, believes procurement exercises can offer more for clients and end users. In line with this, the following ambitions will form the core of the Procure for Value theme:

• Create more effective and collaborative relationships between clients and the supply chain
• Embed a life-cycle approach to procurement, with performance across the whole life of a building as a key indicator
• Create partnerships with SMEs to ensure new and innovative practices aren’t overlooked due to company size and access to procurement frameworks
• Embed a “value added” in place of “low cost only” approach to assessment

Supporting team

The supporting team at the University of Salford has decades of experience collaborating with industry and driving positive change in processes and procedures. Whilst the experts noted here are specialists in construction procurement and associated fields, each expert will also contribute the other themes, offering an integrated approach to development.

Noted nominated members of the supporting team are:

The team will generate additional support as and when required and will be the touch points for shaping and guiding the theme’s development from the initial set up the Centre, through to the long-term strategy and implementation. Each member of the supporting team will bring their expertise and industry networks, to enable the work conducted by the Centre to reach a wide-ranging audience, including the supporting and associated industries.