Master in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development

Master in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development (2021-2022)
Master

Master in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development

16 October 2023–15 October 2024
The course is available in English

From legislative and regulatory to organizational and managerial foundations, this Master in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development explores a modern public procurement system. Dive into the study of policy tools and theory with applied assignments and research work to bridge the current deficit in qualified human resources.

Key features
MODERN METHODS

Learn by doing, through case studies, workshops, and group exercises

INSPIRING DISCUSSIONS

Exchange ideas with international students and faculty

HIGH-LEVEL RESOURCES

Engage with experts from the ILO and other international organizations

Introduction to the Master

The Master's programme in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development explores the legislative, regulatory, organizational and managerial foundations of a modern public procurement system. It aims to help make up the current deficit in qualified human resources and enable procurement professionals to cope with the challenges of regulating, executing and monitoring public procurement in an economic and socially responsive manner while mitigating adverse environmental impact. The programme is a unique blended-learning opportunity that combines the study of policy tools and theory with applied assignments and research work. It provides direct access to expertise from academia, international organizations and think tanks, as well as the latest literature and cutting-edge research, in preparation for a range of highly developed functions connected with public procurement management and its supervision.

Who attends this Master?

Public procurement practitioners, managers and officials of ministries, local government bodies and public expenditure supervisory bodies; procurement and financial auditors from the public and private sectors; project managers and procurement personnel from investment and technical cooperation projects financed by development agencies (IFIs, the United Nations, the EU, NGOs); recent university graduates who intend to work in the field of public procurement or public expenditure management; procurement trainers and professionals involved in the development and implementation of national procurement training programmes and certification schemes; procurement practitioners from the private sector; procurement consultants and procurement advisors.

The Master in Numbers
16
EDITIONS
365+
PARTICIPANTS
90+
COUNTRIES
The Master

The Master is an intensive, blended-learning experience of one full year duration, of which only four months require full classroom attendance. It requires your total dedication as well as your maximum intellectual commitment.

The unique learning path offered by this Master through a succession of distance learning, face-to-face tuition and applied research ensures an optimal transfer of competences while minimizing disruption of your job.

The award of a First Level Master by the University of Turin is conditional on your performance in the formal examinations and assignments, as well as on a successful dissertation on an approved procurement topic.

The Master provides you with a comprehensive package of “learning resources” which include:

  • materials for each subject, comprising essential textbooks and other relevant materials
  • interactive lectures led by professors and senior procurement experts followed by assignments/case studies enabling you to internalize the knowledge and measure learning
  • tutoring by dedicated teaching assistants and guidance by an overall coordinator.

The Master is an intensive, blended-learning course of one full year's duration, which is divided into:

Part I – Distance learning online (17 October– 16 April 2023)

  • Introduction to the legal framework for public procurement
  • Introduction to procurement management
  • Introduction to economics of public procurement

Part II – Face-to-face learning  (17 April–23 June 2023)

  • Instruction, incorporating application work and group/individual solutions of assignments
  • 23 “core themes” 
  1. International Legal instruments governing PP (WTO, EU, UNCITRAL, WB, COMESA)
  2. Institutional models for PP and integration with Public Expenditure Management
  3. Economics of Procurement Management, game theory and reverse auctions
  4. Companies’ Balance Sheet analysis and financial reporting standards
  5. The design of centralized public procurement strategies*
  6. Procurement Process, Project cycle and risk management
  7. Procurement methods
  8. Intellectual Property issues related to Public Procurement
  9. Public Procurement in the Health sector
  10. Procurement Management of Supply Contracts
  11. Procurement of Physical Services
  12. Works Procurement Management
  13. Procurement of Consultancy services
  14. Procurement in the Utilities sector and Defence Procurement
  15. Procurement remedies (bidders’ complaints procedures)
  16. Contract Law and Dispute settlement
  17. Supply Chain Management: Logistics, Insurance Policies and Incoterms
  18. Legal framework and Economics of Public Private Partnerships
  19. Sustainable procurement: social, economic and environmental considerations in public procurement
  20. Advanced Contract Management
  21. Fraud and Corruption in Public Procurement
  22. Procurement Audit
  23. E-Procurement (Legal issues and implementation models)

Final dissertation (outline to be presented in Turin by 24 June 2023, deadline mid-October)

  • individual research on a selected procurement topic
  • under the guidance of a supervisor

The evaluation strategy uses different types of assessments: 

  • Self-assessment. You will be given tools with which to check your own level of understanding and produce feedback on your learning progress. This is an informal way of assessing your knowledge. It will not count towards the final mark but will help you confirm your progress and identify any weak points.
  • Assessment. The knowledge and skills acquired will be assessed throughout the Master with systematic tests, exams and essays. These will count towards your final mark. 

Master: 

A First Level Master from the University of Turin will be awarded to all participants who fulfil the following conditions:

  • demonstrate the level of competence set by the tutors through the assignments submitted;
  • satisfy the attendance requirements: attendance at all training sessions during the residential phase is compulsory: only participants with at least 90% attendance of training sessions will be entitled to apply for the Master;
  • successfully pass the exams;
  • successfully complete the final dissertation.

There are two Masters, level I and level II.

The only difference between them is the educational background and academic qualification required: to enrol on a level I Master's you need a bachelor degree; while for a level II Master's you already need a post-graduate degree. Pursuing a Master in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development a first level Master will be awarded.

For more information please visit: http://www.quadrodeititoli.it/altrititoli.aspx?IDL=2 

The Master is held in English.

The seventeenth Master's edition 2022/2023 will start on 17 October 2022. It has three parts, with the following timetable:

  • The first part consists of distance learning over the Internet: it starts on 17 October 2022 and ends on 16 April 2023.
  • The second part consists of face-to-face learning. It is residential: lessons will be held in Turin at the ITC-ILO Campus from 17 April until 23 June 2023. Attendance of classes is compulsory.
  • The third part is the preparation and submission of a final dissertation: the outline of the dissertation is to be presented in Turin by 23 June 2023 and it is to be completed by mid-October 2023.

Students who pass the prescribed examinations will be awarded a first level Master from the University of Turin.

The Master will be held in Turin, Italy, at the International Training Centre of the ILO. Its Campus and facilities provide an ideal environment for living and studying, sharing experience, learning from one other and creating networks.

Objectives

The overall objective of the Master is to help bridge the current deficit in qualified human resources and to enable procurement professionals to cope with the challenges of regulating, executing and monitoring public procurement in an economic and socially responsive manner.
At the end of the Master, you will have acquired a full spectrum of knowledge and skills covering: 

  • internationally accepted principles of governing sound public procurement systems; 
  • legislative and regulatory frameworks, as well as corresponding institutional models for successful discharge of the functions of a modern procurement system;
  • economic theory, assessment  tools and financial analysis techniques, as well as accounting standards relevant to public procurement operations;
  • strategies and instruments for embedding social, environmental and human rights at the relevant steps of the procurement process/supply chain;
  • promotion of corporate social responsibility through public procurement;
  • execution of the procurement process for goods, works and services (including innovative contracting modalities like public-private partnerships and e-procurement);
  • risk management in procurement operations;
  • procurement audit;
  • control and reporting techniques for procurement operations;
  • design of systems for the prevention and detection of fraud and corruption in public procurement;
  • general interpersonal skills (negotiation techniques, team building and report writing).
What are the topics?

Students gain the tools to cope with the challenges of regulating, executing and monitoring public procurement in an economic and socially responsive manner.

  • Internationally accepted principles of governing sound public procurement systems
  • Legislative and regulatory frameworks, as well as corresponding institutional models for successful discharge of the functions of a modern procurement system
  • Economic theory, assessment tools and financial analysis techniques, as well as accounting standards relevant to public procurement operations
What will I learn?

The Master is structured in three parts: online learning, residential classes, and an individual research paper.

  • Strategies and instruments for embedding social, environmental and human rights at the relevant steps of the procurement process/supply chain
  • Promotion of corporate social responsibility through public procurement
  • Execution of the procurement process for goods, works and services (including innovative contracting modalities like public-private partnerships and e-procurement)
What will I be able to do?

This intensive, year-long Master combines online and residential work for students at different stages of their careers.

  • Control and report techniques for procurement operations
  • Manage risk in procurement operations
  • Design systems for the prevention and detection of fraud and corruption in public procurement
Why should I enroll?

Students learn by studying, collaborating, and observing practitioners in action.

  • This Master draws from the ITCILO’s training portfolio, the ILO’s research, and the Università di Torino’s academic expertise.
  • Dedicated tutors are available to answer questions and provide support throughout the learning journey.
  • Teaching methodologies include lectures, workshops, and case studies, as well as an online platform for readings, videos, and exercises.

The Master is a flagship of the Turin School of Development (ITCILO) delivered as a first-level Masters by the Faculties of Law and Management of the University of Turin. It prepares students to apply their knowledge in a range of executive and managerial functions connected with public procurement management and its supervision. It provides students with direct access to expertise from academia, international organizations, think-tanks and the private sector to respond to current and future challenges. It explores the legislativeregulatoryorganizational and managerial foundations of a modern public procurement system.

FAQs

How can I apply for this Master?

  1. Click Here or on button “Apply” under “How to Apply” on the main page of this Master and you will get to the online application form
  2. Fill in the requested information and attach the supporting documents requested in the form
  3. Once you have completed your application, click on  Submit
  4. You should then receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of your application

The 'Submit' button is disabled until all required fields are filled in.

What documents should I submit with my application? 

You should attach the requested supporting documents in the Supporting Documents section of the on-line application form (An asterisk(*) indicates that a field is mandatory).

Official documents should be uploaded in one of the following formats: PDF, JPEG, or Word.

The documents include a copy of:

  1. A recent curriculum vitae (CV)
  2. Your university degree (undergraduate or previous postgraduate certificate), specifying the results of the examinations (official academic transcripts)
  3. Certificates or other proof of a good level of English (if it is not your mother tongue)
  4. If you are applying for a full or partial fellowship, kindly submit: a request for a fellowship; a copy of your personal /family income statement or your salary slip.
  5. If your organization is willing to sponsor your participation in the Master, you will be asked to submit an official letter confirming your organization’s readiness to cover the cost of your participation in the Master (tuition/accommodation costs), as well as permission to take leave from your job duties for the period of your stay in Turin during the face-to-face learning component of the Master.

Important: Only complete application forms will be accepted by the online application system.

When is the deadline for submitting my application for the 17th edition (2022/23)?

You are expected to submit your complete application form, fully filled in, together with the requested documents no later than 15 September 2022.

What are the prerequisites for admission to the Master?

Applicants must have successfully completed a first level university degree of at least 3 years’ duration preferably in public administration, engineering, law or social sciences or related discipline.

You must demonstrate a good level of English.

What are the selection criteria for the Master? 

The selection criteria take into consideration your education and professional profile as well as your self-financial potential. On your application form, you are kindly requested to indicate the portion of the tuition fee and full board that you are able to finance.

Are there any scolarships available?

A number of sponsors have earmarked a limited amount (only part of the tuition fees) of financial assistance to facilitate the participation of deserving candidates who are unable to meet the full tuition plus accommodation costs. You are therefore expected to finance your own participation as far as possible.

On your application form, you are kindly asked to indicate whether you can:

  1. Pay the full tuition fees and full bed and breakfast accommodation at the ITCILO campus, namely €13,890
  2. pay the full tuition fees, namely € 8,500
  3. pay part of the tuition fees, specifying the amount

Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee. Interested candidates should duly complete and submit the on-line application form and the requested documents no later than 15 September 2022. The fellowships may only be awarded after all applications are submitted.

When can I expect to learn the outcome of the selection processes?

If you are one of the selected participants, you will receive an acceptance letter from the Master Scientific Committee within one month after your online registration.

Once I have been enrolled for the Master, which documents do I need to bring with me to Turin? 

In order to register at the University of Turin, you need to bring the following documents with you to Turin:

  • The original of your university degree (it will be given back to you after registration)
  • A certified copy of your university degree and academic transcripts (legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Education) translated into Italian (you have to ask for this at the Italian Embassy/Consulate of the country in which your degree was awarded. Please note than the translation should be done by an official translator from the Embassy. The Embassy should provide you with the list of official translators.)
  • A Declaration of Value (“dichiarazione di valore in loco”) of your university degree. You have to ask for this at the Italian Embassy/Consulate of the country in which your degree was awarded. Providing a “Dichiarazione di Valore in Loco” is a normal consular procedure.

Important: Obtaining these documents can be a lengthy process; once you receive the acceptance letter, you should apply for them immediately.

What kind of Academic degree I will obtain upon completion of this Master?

Upon completion of the Master, you will be awarded a First Level Master of Arts (MA) in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development (“Master Universitario di Primo Livello”) by the University of Turin.

A University Master is a high specialization for an academic improvement and enhancement in a specific content area, in order to provide graduate students with advanced education and training for highly qualified professions in specific sectors. It provides a minimum of 60 university training credits (the equivalent of 1500 hours of study).

If you intend to proceed with a PhD after this Master, check with the universities of your interest if a one-year master is sufficient to apply for a PhD.

For more information please visit: MIUR Guidelines  or Italian University System

How can I obtain recognition of this academic qualification in my country of origin? 

Holders of Italian Higher Education degrees, such as the certificate of this Master in Public Procurement Management in Sustainable Development, who wish to have them recognized abroad:

If you are in Italy, you can turn to the embassy of the country you would like to recognize your Master in. Foreign embassies in Italy often provide information on the education system in their country. They may also offer such services as legalization of translations from Italian into their national languages.

If you are outside of Italy, turn to the national education authorities of the country you need it recognized in, to ask about how to obtain recognition. The procedure varies from country to country.

For more information, click here.

What does the cost of bed and breakfast accommodation at the ITCILO campus cover?

The bed and breakfast accommodation at the ITCILO campus costs €5,390. It covers the cost of a single room and breakfast only (no lunch or dinner).

Accommodation outside the ITCILO campus

If you don’t stay on the ITCILO campus, you can also find an accommodation in central Turin. A single room (breakfast excluded) costs about 400-600€ per month.  

Please visit Turin University’s accommodation web pages:

Edisu Piemonte 
Residence Ateneo 
http://torinohotellerie.it/
http://torino.bakeca.it/offro-camera-0
http://www.easystanza.it
https://www.airbnb.com
 
Email' contacts:

foyertorino@ywca-ucdg.it
ospitalita@edisu-piemonte.it
residenceateneo@yahoo.it
residencemeditur@yahoo.it
relint@unito.it

Important: In order to find an accommodation outside of the ITCILO Campus, which is not too far to reach, it is advised to make your booking as soon as possible after receiving your acceptance letter. As Turin is a student city the demand for apartments might increase especially in the beginning of the semester.

Training facilities and Internet connections

During the face-to-face learning phase, lectures will be held in classrooms equipped with all necessary training facilities and Wi-Fi.

Your room (on campus) also has an Internet connection via cable and Wi-Fi.

There is a computer room with Internet connections, open 24 hours a day in the campus reception area. 

Can I bring my family?

Yes, but unfortunately no assistance with obtaining visas or accommodation is provided by the ITCILO for family members or friends that wish to stay in Italy during the participant’s period of study at the ITCILO campus.

If you want your family or friends to visit you while you are in Turin, you should arrange their visas, travel and accommodation yourself.

From which date is the cost of stay at ITCILO campus covered by the bed and breakfast accomodation fee?

According to ITCILO rules, the bed and breakfast accommodation starts the day before (normally a Sunday) the beginning of the course and ends the day after the end of the course (normally a Saturday).

The payment schedule for the Masters’ Programme is as follows:

  1.  a non-refundable enrolment fee of €1,500 to be invoiced at pre-enrolled status and payable prior to enrolment. The participant may not be enrolled and/or start the distance learning phase unless such payment is received in full;
  2. the remainder of the tuition fees to be invoiced after enrolment and payable at the latest one month prior to the start of the face-to-face learning phase;
  3. 100% of the accommodation fees payable 30 days prior to the start date of the face-to-face learning phase otherwise the room will be made available to other participants.

If a full or partial balance is still outstanding by the last day of the Master, the Activity Manager will not provide the participant with the relevant university degree until full payment has been received.

Cancellation of participation in the Masters’ Programme will result in the following penalties:

A) Tuition fees:

  • €1,500, the non-refundable enrolment fee if cancellation at any time after enrolment, unless approved by the Treasurer and Director of TSD for compelling circumstances;
  • no refund of the remainder of the tuition fees if cancellation is made after the start date of the face-to-face learning phase.

B) Accommodation fees (B&B):

  • no penalty will be applied on accommodation fees if written notification of cancellation is made at least 14 days prior to the start date of the face-to-face learning phase;
  • thereafter, a fixed penalty of €1,000 will apply on accommodation fees in addition to any accommodation costs already incurred. These will be calculated on a weekly basis (i.e. actual number of weeks and portions thereof);
  • in case of a change in the room type or occupancy option, a fixed penalty fee of €500 per person will apply.

 

Specialized courses

Within the Master in Public Procurement Management for Sustainable Development Programme, the Sustainable Development cluster of the ITCILO offers a series of Specialized Courses. These courses are a focused and in-depth look to each of the corresponding subjects, enabling the target participant to attain a high degree of knowledge and proficiency in an abridged amount of time.

Partners
Unito
University of Turin

The University of Turin is one of the most ancient and prestigious Italian Universities. Hosting over 74.000 students and with 120 buildings in different areas in Turin and in key places in Piedmont, the University of Turin can be considered as “city-within-a-city”, promoting culture and producing research, innovation, training and employment.

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), established by the United Nations General Assembly by resolution 2205 of 17 December 1966 plays an important role in developing that framework in pursuance of its mandate to further the progressive harmonization and modernization of the law of international trade. 

Concessionaria Servizi Informativi Pubblici
Concessionaria Servizi Informativi Pubblici

Consip is a joint-stock company, 100% owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which operates - according to the strategic guidelines defined by the Shareholder - at the exclusive service of the Public Administration. The company's mission is to make the use of public resources more efficient and transparent, providing administrations with tools and skills to manage their purchases and stimulating companies to compete with the public system. 

 

Practically very useful. After finishing this Master, I’m so confident in doing my professional work as a procurement practitioner.

Myint Zaw
Myanmar, 2017/18 Edition
 

An extraordinary experience, where I was able to learn from my colleagues from different regions of the world, and that was one of my goals when I applied to this Master.

Laura Smaldone
Argentina, 2017/18 Edition
 

Spending 12 months with Procurement Professionals during this Master was the most enriching moment of my career, a new career I must add.

Madoda Mngomezulu
Swaziland, 2016/17 Edition
 

As a seasoned professional entrusted with public procurement responsibilities, completing this Master enabled me to connect and mutually reinforce my theoretical and practical competency.

Yvette Glele Ahanhanzo
Czech Republic, 2008/10 Edition

Questions? We have the answers