MIDDLE EAST play is integral to the operations at AUB . “ As a department , our ultimate goal is to provide a centre of expertise , provide superior value to our university users and optimise the performance of the organisation . Today we are engaged with the users and the faculty members from the initial phases of when they identify their needs ,” Itani advises . “ We are providing to them guidance and support through all the phases of the purchasing process .”

Indeed , the concept of optimum value for money has become embedded in everyday decisionmaking management for all aspects of AUB expenditure . “ Our focus shifted towards improving the quality and timeliness of our services , installing best practices , and increasing awareness and use throughout the university ,” remarks Itani .

With 28 years ’ experience within

The American University of Beirut is the oldest university in Lebanon and one of the oldest in the region . It was founded in

the department , Itani has witnessed how procurement has changed at AUB over the years . “ Purchasing as a function was perceived as an accessory component in the university and was merely playing a servicing role ,” Itani comments . Since early 2013 , major changes have been introduced to the department to address the challenges , such as the need to manage and control the large database of the suppliers and cope with the rapidly changing technological advancement in the field of IT , consolidate and centralise contracting activity , and develop a customer service section .

“ In order to address all these needs , we decided to restructure the organisation of the department ,” Itani explains . The transformation started by changing the name of the department from purchasing to procurement and contract administration . “ The change

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