This module develops apprentice understanding of the technical and strategic dimensions of procurement and project finance. Apprentices will examine the sources of funding available to projects, including internal budgets, external financing, grants and partnerships, and consider how business cases are constructed to secure approval. The principles and processes of procurement will be explored, from preparing specifications and tender documentation through to evaluating bids, selecting suppliers and managing contracts. Emphasis will be placed on governance requirements, value-for-money assessments and compliance with organisational and sector standards. Apprentices will also analyse financial forecasting, cost–benefit analysis and options appraisal techniques, applying these to real project contexts. Communication of procurement and finance information will form a key focus, with apprentices learning how to present tenders or funding cases persuasively to stakeholders. Reflective practice is embedded, encouraging apprentices to evaluate challenges and lessons learned from procurement and finance activities within their organisation.

Learning within this module maps to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
• 4: Quality Education
• 5: Gender Equality
• 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• 10: Reduced Inequalities
• 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Learning within this module maps to the following Fundamental British Values:
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Safeguarding:
• Safeguarding & supporting individuals, recognising accountability, compliance, and ethical responsibility in procurement and finance decision-making

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
• Fair and ethical leadership in financial and procurement practices
• Embedding EDI in organisational procurement policies and supplier engagement
• Flexibility for different needs in funding and procurement approaches

Assessment for this module combines a professional presentation with a supporting portfolio of evidence, allowing apprentices to demonstrate their ability to manage procurement and finance in different organisational contexts.

Presentation (50%, Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4) – apprentices will deliver a 15-minute presentation, followed by questions, focusing on either:
• Procurement route: presenting a tendering strategy, including the development of a specification, evaluation criteria, supplier selection approach and budget considerations.
• Finance route: presenting a business case or funding application, outlining the project rationale, financial projections, funding sources, value-for-money considerations and governance requirements. In both cases, apprentices will be assessed on their ability to communicate financial and procurement information clearly and persuasively to a stakeholder audience.

Portfolio of evidence (50%, Learning Outcomes 1, 4) – the portfolio will provide supporting documentation for the chosen route. For procurement, this may include draft tender documents, supplier evaluation matrices or costed options appraisals. For finance, this may include extracts from business cases, funding models, financial forecasts or cost–benefit analyses. Reflective commentary should also be included to evidence the apprentice’s understanding of the processes, challenges and organisational implications of procurement and finance decisions.

Work product evidence can include but is not limited to:  
• Organisational risk registers or risk assessments  
• Budget reports, forecasts, or financial statements  
• Gannt Charts and other project management tools  
• Cost-benefit analyses or investment appraisals  
• Board or committee meeting minutes  
• Stakeholder engagement reports  
• Audio recordings  
• Video recordings  
• Other multimedia content as appropriate

This integrated approach ensures apprentices can present procurement and finance strategies in a professional manner while also evidencing the underpinning technical work and critical reflection required at Level 6.

This module will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face on campus lectures and online webinars, designed to provide an engaging and interactive learning experience. Face-to-face lectures will incorporate formal teaching, group work, case study analysis, and guest speakers. Apprentices will also be encouraged to share their workplace experiences to enhance peer learning. Meanwhile, online webinars will take the form of recorded content, interactive e-learning, or live tutorials, offering opportunities for group discussion, presentations, flipped-classroom activities, and further group work and case study analysis.

Additional learning activities include:
• Engaging with supplementary online content, including videos and presentations
• Independent reading to reinforce and expand on formal teaching
• Completing formative tasks set by the lecturer to consolidate learning
• Preparing for assessments, writing, and gathering evidence
• Developing and maintaining a portfolio of evidence

In line with DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules, this module includes 100 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours as standard, covering new learning funded by the apprenticeship levy. A total 300 nominal learning hours has been attributed to this module, incorporating OTJ training alongside broader academic development beyond levy-funded new learning. Please refer to your Aptem account to identify your individualised off-the-job hours.

1. Critically evaluate the principles and processes of procurement and project finance, including funding sources, tendering and governance requirements.
Apprenticeship standard: K1, K5, K8

Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry
Analysis

2. Apply appropriate tools and techniques to develop procurement or finance strategies that demonstrate value for money and alignment with organisational objectives.
Apprenticeship standard: S1, S6, S8, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6

Application
Problem Solving
Communication

3. Communicate procurement or finance cases effectively to stakeholders, justifying recommendations through evidence-based argument.
Apprenticeship standard: S1, S6, S8, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6

Communication
Application
Reflection

4. Critically evaluate procurement or financial management practices to demonstrate technical competence, strategic awareness, and professional judgement in project delivery.
Apprenticeship standard: S1, S6, S8, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6

Reflection
Learning
Application

Computer facilities to access online materials.
Access to specialist online databases, appropriate core texts and journals via the library, module leader, and own research.

Johnson, P. F. (2024) Purchasing and Supply Management. 17th edn. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Mandl, C. (2023) Procurement Analytics: Data-Driven Decision-Making in Procurement and Supply Management. Cham: Springer.

Nicoletti, B. (2023) Procurement Finance: The Digital Revolution in Commercial Banking. Cham: Springer.

Stek, K. (ed.) (2024) State of the Art of Purchasing 2024. Enschede: University of Twente.

Templar, S., Hofmann, E. and Findlay, C. (2025) Financing the End-to-End Supply Chain. London: Kogan Page.

This module explores the technical and strategic aspects of procurement and project finance, equipping you to manage these processes with confidence. You will examine different sources of project funding, including internal budgets, grants and external finance, and learn how to build business cases that secure organisational approval. You will also study the procurement lifecycle, from preparing tender documentation and specifications through to evaluating bids, selecting suppliers and ensuring value for money. Emphasis is placed on governance, compliance and alignment with organisational strategy. Assessment is through a professional presentation, where you will either present a tendering approach or make the case for project funding, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence. This ensures you can both demonstrate technical competence in procurement and finance and communicate your recommendations persuasively to stakeholders.