# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for this great semester, Professor! - MEL MATA

# data[].attributes.body
The contracts and the supplier's management and performance were discussed in the last module of Public Sector class. The measurement of quality, delivery, cost, continuous improvement and communication are done to ensure the supplier's performance ranking them from high, development and unacceptable. Maintaining a good and transparent relationship with the suppliers are important to have a thriving business or agency all through out. The last group has concluded the presentations with their chosen agency - London District Catholic School Board.

# data[].attributes.body
Definitely a challenging project but we were able to make it through! Congrats to our team for doing our best! Proud of all our efforts! Group 8 shared with us Parks Canada and their efforts to sustain the beautiful parks and recreations of Ontario and the rest of the country.

# data[].attributes.body
In this module, we were able to talk as a group in-class and discuss our silex projects. We were already 90% done and needed minimal changes for our draft. Group 7 presented their agency - London Health Sciences Centre and glad to know more about their suppliers and initiatives.

# data[].attributes.body
The code of ethics have been created by associations to outline how the members are to act in their professional roles. Professionals must stick by their morals and safeguard the integrity of their work for the people that they serve. Scandals, fraud, corruption, bribery and patronage are just a few of the ethical issues that any business, agency or government face day by day. It is just right that the management sets a leading example and implement the code of conduct so employees will see and be influenced by their actions. Top of the hour, Group 6 shared with the class their agency - Canada Revenue Agency, the revenue service of the Canadian federal government.

# data[].attributes.body
Suppliers must be able to meet the identified requirements in documents that were completed before the purchase. They can be deemed unqualified if they misrepresent and do not follow through their promise. Evaluations are useful to gauge the importance of the specifications of each project. Teams evaluating should be around 3-5 members and must be knowledgeable about the purchase and cannot research the companies and take what they can at face value. The difference proposal phases were also taken in to account from pre-proposal to post-close phase. Our group presented the Ministry of Transportation and their responsibilities and scope in the government.

# data[].attributes.body
In module 8, we discussed how strategic sourcing is an integral part of procurement. From goods and services, there are processes and requirements needed to be followed in placed in order to proceed with the project. From design, performance all the way to market grade are just a few of the specifications enumerated. The various considerations in reviewing specializations were also discussed such as the users, budget, costs and the scope of work that will be done. Group 4 shared with us the Ministry of Education's identity and had a quick field trip to the innovation hub F2063 and apply our knowledge in the topics discussed this week.

# data[].attributes.body
In module 7, we were able to apply individually and as a group our learnings for the past weeks in our midterm case specifically to address the City of Hamildon's stock-out of wiper blades and our plan to solve this problem. It is a great exercise for since we have already started with our SILEX planning as a group. Group 3 shared with the class Ontario Provincial Police's work and their programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Goals of Public Procurement & Competitive Bidding

# data[].attributes.body
The goal of public procurement is to obtain goods and services in a timely manner to meet the needs of the customers. It is a must that government resources are conducted with efficiency and integrity as all times. Competitive bidding is a process used to request products/services that the agency needs. There are different types of competitive bidding documents and non-competitive procurement. In module 6, competitive bidding tools were also explained and the process of quoting and awarding to the successful proponent. Group 2, to give a break from the discussion introduced the class to their agency, Ministry of Health and shared how the MoT manages their funds and where they get these from. The class also played with the https://www.bidsandtenders.com/ to have an hands on experience on the bidding process.

# data[].attributes.body
Module 5 was all about laws. Common law are based on the decisions made by judges/panel of judges. It is intriguing how much of common law is based on previous decisions and many decisions today refer to the previous decisions enacted. The Law of Agency governs the relationship between two parties and one of these parties is given authority to act on their behalf. It was discussed how an agent is authorized to act on behalf of the principal to create a relationship with a third party. Just like any other professional in the workplace, procurement officals are held personally responsible if they do not abide by the agreement and commit negligent or fraudelent activities. Bidding requirements and the processes were also explained and their rights that they should uphold. Group 1 then introduced to their agency = Landlord Tenant Board to the class.

# data[].attributes.body
In module 4, we talked about identifying, preventing and reducing exposure to any type of loss is vital to any business or agency to thrive. Knowing the right tools, techniques and strategies to classify and mitigate all types of risk are crucial in the whole health of the organization.

We also attended the kick-off of the SILEX project in coordination with the City of London Supply Services and Procurement department and got a glimpse of their challenges and expectations from our research project.

# data[].attributes.body
For our second week - we had an introduction on our SILEX project and discussed the different public sector agencies such as hospitals, universities, colleges, school boards etc. The BPS Directive are the requirements that BPS agencies must follow in acquiring goods and services using the funds given to them. It is a must that agencies follow an open, fair and transparent processes. Knowing the five directive principles: accountability, transparency, value for money, quality service delivery and process standardization is just like following the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that businesses abide to, to take responsibility to their customers and the environment. Moreover, the use of trade agreements is beneficial to strengthen the ties between trading partners and the terms of their business relations. Ana also introduced the class on her chosen agency - Middlesex London Health Unit and talked about what they do, where they get their funds and the distribution of these funds to their programs and initiatives.

# data[].attributes.body
Such an eventful day - met my group mates and my classmates for the semester! Glad to finally meet Professor Walton and know more about his expectations for the class. For our first module, we discussed the 5Ws of Public Procurement specifically where these agencies funds come from and met with my group mates to search and come up with a presentation on our selected Canadian Public Agency. After further discussions, we have chosen Ministry of Transportation.