Procurement: From Specs to POs is a beginner-level course designed for professionals entering roles in purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain management. This course provides the essential framework for navigating the procurement lifecycle with confidence and precision. You will move beyond theory to master the critical, hands-on process of converting an approved specification into an accurate, system-generated purchase order.
Procurement: From Specs to POs
Gain next-level skills with Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.
Procurement: From Specs to POs
This course is part of Procurement & Sourcing Operations Specialization
Instructor: LearningMate
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 hour to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Create accurate, system-generated purchase orders from approved specs while applying essential procurement stages and terminology.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
January 2026
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Procurement & Sourcing Operations Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 2 modules in this course
This module introduces the fundamental framework of procurement. You will explore why a structured, five-stage lifecycle, from identifying a need to making a purchase, is critical for operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. We will unpack what each stage entails and define the essential terminology (RFQ, MOQ, and Incoterms) that you will encounter daily. Through real-world examples, you will learn how these concepts apply in practice. The module concludes with an activity to apply and assess your new vocabulary, ensuring you have the foundational knowledge needed to communicate effectively in a procurement environment.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment
This module provides a practical, hands-on guide to the core task of creating a purchase order (PO). You will discover why accuracy in this process is non-negotiable for financial compliance and operational success. We will break down what information is included in a specification sheet and a PO. Then, a step-by-step screencast will show you how to transcribe this data accurately into a system-generated PO. You will apply your skills by verifying a sample PO in a simulated conversation with a manager, before being assessed in the final project, where you create a complete procurement toolkit.
What's included
2 videos1 reading2 assignments
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Business Essentials
Status: Free TrialRutgers the State University of New Jersey
Status: Free TrialAirbus Beyond
Status: Free TrialPearson
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
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.
More questions
Financial aid available,
¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.