Master the financial strategy of modern procurement by moving beyond simple price comparisons to a holistic, value-driven approach. This course is designed for procurement professionals, analysts, and business leaders who want to make optimal purchasing decisions by leveraging Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis. You will learn to systematically identify all relevant cost drivers, from logistics and maintenance to the time value of money, and build robust financial models in a spreadsheet environment. Through practical, hands-on activities and expert-led screencasts, you will master the techniques to calculate and compare the Net Present Value (NPV) of competing supplier bids. The course culminates in you producing a data-driven, executive-level award recommendation, equipping you with the skills to confidently justify strategic sourcing decisions that deliver the best long-term financial value for your organization.

Evaluate Total Costs for Optimal Procurement
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Evaluate Total Costs for Optimal Procurement
This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: LearningMate
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Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Learners will apply TCO models to evaluate supplier scenarios, incorporate financial factors, and make justified, data-driven award decisions.
Skills you'll gain
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January 2026
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There are 3 modules in this course
This foundational module shifts the learner's perspective from basic purchase price to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), thereby establishing the critical "why" for strategic procurement. Learners will explore the significant risks and financial consequences of myopic, price-driven decisions. You will systematically define and categorize the comprehensive range of cost drivers, including acquisition, maintenance, logistics, and opportunity costs, that constitute a true TCO model. This module provides the essential framework for identifying and quantifying often-hidden expenditures, preparing you for hands-on modeling.
What's included
2 videos1 reading2 assignments
This hands-on module focuses on the core mechanics of financial evaluation. Learners will move from theoretical cost drivers to practical application by building a comparative TCO spreadsheet model. A major focus will be on integrating the time value of money using Net Present Value (NPV) calculations to accurately compare multi-year costs. Through guided screencasts and activities, you will master the necessary spreadsheet functions to build a model that delivers a true financial comparison.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
The final module is dedicated to the strategic interpretation and communication of your financial findings. Learners will transition from calculation to analysis, learning how to critically interpret the results of their TCO model and use the data to construct a robust, defensible supplier award decision. You will learn to structure and write a concise, persuasive business memo, culminating in the final project where you generate a professional award recommendation that clearly articulates your strategic choice to senior stakeholders.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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