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Although there is no class for the first week due to the orientation day. But each of my classmates posted the introduction on FOL to show the things we are enjoying in our lives and our most prized purchase. It is a great opportunity that we can get to know each other before meeting in person. Moreover, I found that one of my friends has another interesting hobby I never heard of before.

To get this semester started, I have set up my course calendar and reviewed the notification from Professor Kim. I don't have any background-related public purchasing, but I am ready to learn new knowledge, look forward to engaging in discussions, and hear the different perspectives on this subject.

I am expecting to explore the curriculum related to the public sector and how it applies to the real world.

I AM READY! AREN'T YOU?

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Public Agencies and Cooperative Purchasing

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Module 2-Public Agencies and Cooperative Purchasing

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Module 2-Public Agencies and Cooperative Purchasing

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In Module 2, the public sector course explained the concept of public agencies and cooperative purchasing. I learned that funding mainly comes from taxes, including income tax, and business taxes. Meanwhile, I also understood the concept of cooperative purchasing as the strategic approach where public agencies collaborate with each other and share resources. The different types of cooperative purchasing offer unique benefits, for example: time-saving, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced bargaining power.

After a quick and short preparation, our group searched the available public agencies and made a 4-5 minutes presentation in front of the class. This task not only helped us to absorb the knowledge we had just learnt in class but also taught us how to cooperate with each group member to complete the work effectively.

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Greater London International Airport Authority 

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Broader Public Sector Directive and Trade Agreements, SILEX Introduction

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Module 3-Broader Public Sector Directive and Trade Agreements, SILEX Introduction

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Module 3-Broader Public Sector Directive and Trade Agreements, SILEX Introduction

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Instead of regular class this week, we attended the Zoom meeting, where introduced the SILEX project. The professors explain the key dates of the research report and the presentation; each of these assignments has specific requirements designed to understand and follow up.

In the course PPT professor Kim posted on FOL, we also learned about the Public Sector Directive and Trade Agreements. The main takeaway includes the definition, principles, and mandatory procurement requirements of the BPS Procurement Directive. We also explored trade agreements aiming at enhancing relationships with trading partners and facilitating the exchange of goods and services between Ontario and other regions.

Moving forward, I will work with my team members together on the SILEX project, split our responsibilities clearly, set up the completed timeline, and hopefully deliver our work successfully.

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Module 4-Risk management and case analysis review

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Module 4-Risk management and case analysis review

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Time flies. It is Module 4 now, and we focus on risk management this week. Although I learned a similar concept in the project management course, we had a deep dive into the importance of managing risks, especially in public sector projects.

One key takeaway from this module was the risk formula: risk = potential of harm * probability of harm. This formula focuses on both potential severity and its likelihood, which are critical for effective management. The class also included various options for managing risk, such as avoiding, transferring, and managing risks. We can pick up the most workable one during real work. Moreover, we explored the "6 components of corporate risk management," fostering a robust risk management culture within organizations.

After studying the case, "But it was only $1000," it has strongly reminded us how small amounts can lead to huge consequences if the risk is not addressed in a timely matter.

It's crucial to understand that risk management is not a one-time task but an ongoing process when we implement the strategy in our future work. Besides applying those concepts in practice in the organization, we can also use them in our daily lives. Buying insurance as always while traveling to transfer risk from our own families. Forecasting the risks and preparing measures ahead to prevent its happening.

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This week's class provided me with the most valuable insights I have ever learned—public procurement and the law. the content included several key concepts, such as the importance of common law, the role of agents in procurement, and elements required for the contract of procurement. Professor Kim explained very clearly on a purchasing professional acts as an agent and the agent's authority and obligation.

To better understand those key concepts, we discussed the real case "The Queen (Ontario) vs. Ron Engineering Construction (Eastern) Ltd." It showed us when contract A and contract B formed and illustrated the implications of procurement decisions and the full attention to detail.

At the end of the class, we joined the Kahoot quiz to test our knowledge discussed in class. This interactive approach not only consolidated our learning but also highlighted areas where we could improve our understanding of public procurement law.

I LOVE KAHOOT!

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Module 6-Group Case Analysis _ Executive Summary

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Module 6-Group Case Analysis _ Executive Summary

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In Module 6, our focus was on completing the "Group Case Analysis _ Executive Summary," which aimed to combine our individual reports into an executive summary. We have three students in our group, including Jonnah, May, and Me. We have worked in one group through previous projects in terms 2 and 3 so we are pretty familiar with each other.

Firstly, we shared the individual work, confirmed the main issue of the case, and divided the tasks based on our respective strengths: I set up the frame of summary based on the requirements the professor provided by using APA 7 format; Jonnah transferred our points from individual work to a group file after team discussion together; May in charge of final review, proofreading and submission.

The experience of working together on this assignment was enjoyable. I felt the value of teamwork and proved how collaborative efforts can improve productivity. We will continue to engage in the group projects in this course. I am looking forward to working with them and learning from them!

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After coming back from reading week, we started learning Module 6, "Competitive Bidding," which provided overall goals and processes in public procurement. Compared with private business procurement, integrity is imperative to be conducted while acquiring goods and services effectively and efficiently.

Meanwhile, we explored various types of documents related to competitive bidding, including Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposals (RFP), Requests for Quotations (RFQ), and Request for Tenders (RFT). It is crucial to understand these documents and apply them to real work to make sure that all bids are evaluated consistently and fairly.

Additionally, Professor Kim explained general competitive bid processes for both quotes and proposals, which not only enhance efficiency but also reinforce accountability within the process of procurement. Moreover, the Professor reminded us about the SILEX group project. This is the third and most important group work for this course, We should prepare in advance and get ready!

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Module 8- Specifications and Scopes of Work

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Module 8- Specifications and Scopes of Work

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In Module 8, we focus on the topic of specifications and scopes of work, which are essential for defining what an agency needs in a procurement document. It started with various types of specifications, for example, design, performance, and brand name specifications.

Each specification has a unique function in communicating requirements to suppliers, such as design specifications providing detailed construction for manufacturing, while showing how a good or service should function. The most important thing I learned was the distinction between technical specifications, which are used for goods and scopes of work used for services or projects, which are especially useful because they clarify how to approach different types of purchases.

This module also highlighted practical considerations when reviewing specifications, such as budget, supplier availability, and environmental concerns, which reminded us to plan more thoughtfully to avoid any extra cost or delays in the process of procurement.

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In this module, we started with a question from the professor: "In what situation do we need to use the evaluation process?" This question set the stage for Module 9 , The professor explained that the evaluation process is critical when price isn’t the only determining factor, where the agency uses criteria beyond cost, such as quality, available capacity, or communication level to select the most suitable supplier. This perspective was reinforced by real examples, which showed how weighted categories, for example, quality control, financials, or project experience, help the agency make informed decisions while ensuring transparency and fairness in public procurement.

The evaluation criteria we have learned from this class will definitely help on SILEX group's work, which we are looking forward to applying and practicing this content to our Project.

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Module 10 provided a comprehensive overview of ethics and fraud in the public sector. I recalled we learnt this subject from term 1, however, this is the first time I know how strict and important ethics are in public procurement. For example, a little gift for Christmas may also cause unethical behaviors. This module made me reflect on the responsibility procurement professionals carry to uphold ethical standards, especially when public funds and resources are at stake.

Reflecting on this, I see how my future role in supply chain management will require not just professional skills but also a commitment to ethical decision-making. The professor's teaching has guided me with a clearer perspective on the ethical challenges I might face and the tools to navigate them responsibly, ensuring that my actions align with both the broader public good and organizational goals.

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Module 11 Team Discussion on SILEX project

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Module 11 Team Discussion on SILEX project

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Time flies! The biggest project of this course-Public Sector, is coming due. Luckily, I am on the team with two of my friends who always contributed and committed to their work effectively and efficiently. Therefore, I am not worried about this project at all; just follow the schedule we have set up together and complete my part on time.

During the class, we discussed which part we need to search for more data. For example, the second part related to research information: we need to find the actual data to strengthen our analysis and recommendation. Then we talked about how to present our work next week. It's just a relaxed conversation because we have full collaboration and confidence with each other. That's it. I cannot wait to complete the report and am excited to present our work in front of the professor and all classmates.

We can do it! We can do it very well!

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This week, our team finished our class presentation. We’re determined to deliver it smoothly before the class starts. To prepare well, we scheduled practice sessions in advance to ensure we stay within the required time and polish our delivery.

We’re the sixth team to present, and based on our assigned roles, Jonnah kicked things off with the introduction, executive summary, and research insights. May covered the alternatives and decision-making process, while I handled the recommendations, implementation plan, and conclusion. I was feeling a bit nervous, but I tried to focus on building confidence and engaging the audience by making eye contact with classmates throughout my part.

We nailed it—hooray! Practicing and presenting boosted my communication skills and gave my confidence a real lift, leaving me excited about future opportunities to share our work.

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Module 13-Contract and Supplier Management

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Module 13-Contract and Supplier Management

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Module 13 offered valuable insights into contract and supplier management, which are critical components of public sector supply chain management. The most important thing I learned from this module is the concept of supplier debriefs, as they provide constructive feedback to help suppliers improve future bids, fostering fairness and transparency. The emphasis on maintaining open communication and consistent processes underscored how procurement professionals can balance impartiality with collaboration.

The module also defines a contract as an enforceable agreement requiring elements like offer, acceptance, intent, consideration, legal capacity, and purpose.

and outlines key performance metrics like cost, quality, delivery, continuous improvement, and communication, which procurement professionals use to evaluate suppliers. Reflecting on this, I realized how systematic evaluation not only ensures compliance but also fosters accountability and drives suppliers to improve, aligning with the public sector’s goal of maximizing value for taxpayers.

Moving forward, I feel better equipped to approach contract administration and supplier relationships with a focus on clarity, fairness, and continuous improvement, skills I hope to apply in real-world procurement scenarios.

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As we wrap up Module 14, the final catch-up class of PRCH-3020, I want to express my appreciation for Professor Kim's dedication and guidance throughout this course. Coming into this class with no prior public sector experience, I was initially uncertain of what to expect. However, the professor’s clear explanations, engaging discussions, and practical examples in the London District Catholic School Board made complex concepts accessible and relevant. I’m truly grateful for the foundation this course has given me, not only broadening my perspective but also preparing me to step into the professional world with confidence. The real-world insights and structured approach of the course have made me feel ready to tackle procurement challenges after graduation.

I also appreciate my teammates Jonnah and May for their commitment to our group project—it’s been an invaluable and joyful experience. Hopefully, we can still keep in touch after graduation.