This book covers the essential elements of Procurement, including policies, legal aspects, e-purchasing, understanding the cycle and best practice tools and techniques. The style of the book is direct with little jargon. It covers all of the basics as well as providing detailed and wider discussions to encourage thought and practical application. To facilitate practical application, the book is illustrated by case studies and application checklists. There are also many additional exercises.The contents cover the following four main sections: · Procurement Policies and Processes· The procurement cycle: the pre-order steps· The procurement cycle: the order and post order steps· Procurement best practice, tools and techniques This last section focuses on topics such as E-Procurement, Relationship-based approaches, Global sourcing, Outsourcing, Corporate Social Responsibility and Supplier Development.