Course

Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

  • Date: 06/05/2025
  • Start Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time
  • End Time: 3:00 PM Eastern Time
  • Instructor: Ms. Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA
    Ms. Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA
    Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO - is the author of “Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques;” a certified John Maxwell Team Coach, Speaker, Teacher, and Trainer. She's also certified to train and consult on D.I.S.C. Personality Assessment Tool. Lourdes is an accomplished procurement professional with approximately 30 years of experience, 17 of which were leading procurement transformations in large organizations. Lourdes held Chief Procurement Officer and executive level positions in major public organizations, such as: City of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Public Building Commission of Chicago, Cook County, and City of Houston; and is now working with Canon Solutions America as a subject matter expert for government. She continues to add value to public entities through consulting, training, and as an NIGP instructor. Lourdes led transformative changes in various agencies leading to savings in excess of $150 Million, higher personnel credentials; and transition to strategic/value add operations. She authored and implemented the procurement code for the City of Houston and participated in the development of and implemented the procurement code for Cook County. Achievements include: national awards for operational excellence, cost savings, 2016 Spirit of NIGP, and 2018 NIGP Integrity Award. Lourdes also held positions on various Boards, including NIGP. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico and received her MPA from Florida State University.
  • Level: Foundation
  • Format: Virtual Instructor-Led
  • Contact Hours: 4
  • CEUs: 0.4
Understanding how to analyze problems, collaborate effectively, and think critically is crucial for procurement professionals. NIGP’s Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking is a dynamic learning experience that enhances these skills through online activities. By mastering these competencies, practitioners can provide effective leadership, evaluate complex situations, and drive innovative solutions in procurement processes, laying a strong foundation for career growth in the industry. Acquiring these essential skills not only enriches personal development but also opens doors to advanced opportunities and professional success within the procurement field.
Pricing:
PriceCostBeginsEnds
Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (Member: Early)$140.00 04/05/2025
Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (Member: Standard)$175.0004/06/202506/03/2025
Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (Non-Member: Standard)$275.00 06/03/2025
Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (Member: Early) $140.00
Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (Non-Member: Standard) $275.00
(prices valid until Apr 5, 2025)
Spots available: 24

Objectives

NIGP's Problem Solving and Critical Thinking course creates a dedicated learning experience where students leave with the ability to:

  • Define Critical Thinking in terms of leadership
  • Evaluate possible solutions to a problem using a problem-solving process.
  • Analyze a problem and collaborate with others to build a solution.

Intended Audience

This offering is targeted to individuals who meet or exceed the following professional demographics:  

  • Entry-level public procurement and central warehouse professionals who serve as assistants, coordinators, buyers, or equivalent functions within their respective entities.   

  • Non-procurement managers and supervisors who are responsible for either the procurement function or staff who provide procurement functions under delegated authority.   

  • Professionals who are employed by governing entities and special authorities (such as K-12 and higher education, publicly-owned utilities, transportation providers, and other publicly-funded or created organizations) that either serve within or manage the procurement function.  

  • Suppliers or representatives of suppliers seeking to understand the public procurement function from a holistic level, including the policies, standards, and procedures by which public entities must function.  


Completion Requirements

In order to successfully complete the NIGP Competency Module, learners must:
  • Attend and participate in the entirety of the instructional event.
  • Complete the post-course evaluation survey available in Aspire.
  • Complete the final assessment examination with a score of 80% or higher.

Competency Alignment

This course is designed as an exercise-based learning experience and is tied to NIGP's Public Procurement Competency Framework. Upon completion of the certificate requirements, learners will have demonstrated the successful foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities in alignment with the following competency:

  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Get a Core Certificate: Foundation of Leadership by adding:

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Miscellaneous

Payment Information

  • Register online with credit card
  • Register online and upload a Purchase Order
  • Register by fax and download the print & fax form

*FORM OF PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION FORM FOR ORDER TO BE PROCESSED

Methods of Payment Accepted: Check (make checks payable to NIGP), Purchase Orders (via print and fax form or online), and Credit Cards (Master Card, Visa, and American Express).

If paying by check, please make check payable to NIGP and send payment to:
NIGP, Attn: Seminar Registration
440 Monticello Avenue Suite 1802
PMB 63452
Norfolk, VA 23510


Sessions

Cancellation Policy

Registration and payment must be received 24 hours prior to the course start date. After this time, registrations will be based on space availability.  A full refund, less a $75 administrative fee will be given for cancellations made in writing 31+ days prior to the seminar date by emailing RegistrationInfo@nigp.org. No refunds are given for cancellations received within 24 hours of the seminar start date. There are no refunds for no-shows. If the seminar is cancelled for any reason, NIGP's liability is limited to the registration fee only.  

Attendee substitutions within the same agency may be done at any time with email notification to NIGP. If attending via scholarship, please provide documentation verifying the scholarship issuer's name and contact information in lieu of payment information. 

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Competency Module: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

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