E2-Access (e-ducation in e-Marketplaces)

Very few solutions are readily available to readers whenever headlines come up in dailies. While competent journalists are tasked to highlight significant issues that revolve within our socio-political and economic environment, very little attention has been given as to how these issues would be resolved in crisp detail that would similarly be welcomed by readers and/or end-users in society. Part of the highlight this month revolved around educational institutions, specifically for struggling parents tasked with the responsibility for their children’s learning upkeep, and government units striving to resolve lack of facilities to fulfill their role of providing their constituents’ basic educational needs, among others. Similar to chain reactions, tuition cost while maintaining quality education is a topic that comes up each year.

e-Marketplaces have not only made themselves visible within the corporate arena, but even to educational institutions as well. This is part of the mission carried by neutral-centric channels that have facilities coursed through a free-flowing exchange, especially for sectors that do not have large cash resources to spare for technological initiatives. Since purchasing-related functions are channeled in e-Marketplaces, personnel are armed in their role on training, and are focused on generating resources to support infrastructure-related activities that should help enhance the students’ learning experience. By streamlining clerical-intensive requisitions via exchanges, purchasers have become more pro-active in their quest in flexing available budget and re-channeling these resources into productive use.

For example, estimated average savings for construction- and maintenance-related charges within the educational sector range between five percent and a high of 48 percent. To get a better glimpse of percentages, imagine allotting a P5-million budget, for example, for renovation work in existing building structures. If we get simple averaging within this range at 27 percent, the nominal value would translate to P1.35 million. Imagine, this P1.35 million can be diverted to the construction of new libraries or providing more learning facilities like new equipment and/or computers. Such is the key function why e-Marketplaces exist. Each member’s main role is to help purchasing managers channel as much resources to more productive use, without necessarily negating essentials in the overall upkeep of operations. Part of that savings can also be channeled to get good-caliber teachers. Another option would be to subsidize other important requirements, the most applicable of which is anti-flu vaccination for students, which could help mitigate the spread of the A(H1N1) virus.

Overall, the education sector can optimize resources as several opportunities for savings are opened. The purchasing team’s role is magnified as they work alongside the objectives of the treasury unit, and the latter obtains improved flexibility in supporting capital expenditure undertakings. More can be done as educational institutions open themselves to participating in e-Marketplaces, specifically the ones that have the sturdiest commitment in delivering what is expected.

Part of daily “achievements” I consider in my profession is having to end the day realizing I made a contribution to the education sector. The fulfillment of having to empower educational institutions extend the savings they could derive by participating in e-Marketplaces is uncompromised, especially as I see the larger picture as to how available funds are channeled for better use. While there are “traditional hurdles” within the approval chain, it is worthwhile to make e-Marketplaces become more visible as savings through the most effective negotiation approach are drawn in the process. The task becomes fulfilling because these channels allow the sector to carefully plan relative to budget, allow a scheme to consolidate historical purchase orders (POs), and enable the purchasing team to do initiatives that foster learning collaboration.

So the next time the “recession” enigma stings you, decide whether you would like to be the “pessimistic contributor” to the equation, or you’d choose to finish the day becoming a “solution” guide. As the saying applies, “Effective learning starts when one thinks out of the box.” Believe that options are available, and commit to the task so you need not get lost when global economies go through a choppy ride.

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The author is the senior business development associate of SourcePilipinas.com. For queries, e-mail at [email protected].