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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.