The third white paper of EXPERTISE was published, which focuses on the conducted survey to evaluate the current skill levels of PSM professionals of different generations. It presents the rationale and methodology behind the survey, as well as the outcomes (especially about discrimination and specific competence gaps affecting silver workers). Results from ca. 200 participants reveal the need for adaptive training formats and highlight the preferred learning strategies of older employees. Based on these findings, the white paper introduces the design and development of the skill assessment tool comprising 107 questions on specific skills in current and future procurement. Grounded in earlier research, the tool on the one hand visualises the skill level in comparison to the average and the top purchasers in a radar chart of a benchmark data set of other 1.000 purchasers as well as on the other hand aims to match silver workers‘ PSM competencies with appropriate learning resources with the following work package. The tool was tested at a dedicated learning and teaching event, and the final design is discussed alongside its relevance to previous work packages and to broader vocational education. The outcome is a set of actionable recommendations for the vocational education and training of purchasing and supply management professionals across Europe, with the goal of fostering inclusive and future-ready training.
The white paper is available under the project results in the top menu.