In 2008, Beijing Wuzi University (BWU) was the first educational center to set up a bachelor's degree program dedicated to purchasing management in China. As a close partner of Buy.O, BWU invited Buy.O Group to contribute academic content to its purchasing program during a 5-day training session from July 5th to July 9th, 2009.

Coralie Paviol, a Buy.O Senior Consultant, shared information on category management and e-sourcing with a group of 200 students.

During these 5 days, students were given the opportunity to develop their knowledge on category management processes. They were also introduced to e-purchasing systems through a demonstration on the main e-sourcing modules and features.
"Prior to taking this course, I wasn’t aware of the key role an e-purchasing tool can play in structuring a purchasing department." stated one of the attendees.

“I really enjoyed directly interacting with the trainer. It gave me the opportunity to acquire academic concepts, exchange points of view with a professional expert and even compare Chinese and European purchasing cultures" added another student.

Several Buy.O Group international teams have been playing an active role in building and developing the BWU Purchasing Management bachelor's degree program. Their work can be considered a significant contribution to the democratization of purchasing functions in China.

“Chinese companies' purchasing functions are still young and under construction, but they have a real desire to change things. Students' enthusiasm as well as the high energy of Chinese universities are evidence of the quick progress China should be able to achieve in terms of the level of purchasing department practices and maturity” stated Coralie Paviol, Buy.O Senior Consultant.