WE SPEAK TO ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES JULIE ANN JONES REGARDING DREXEL UNIVERSITY ’ S PROCUREMENT TRANSFORMATION

P rocurement is undergoing nothing short of a revolution right now , with technology transforming both operations and capabilities far beyond merely a back-office function . Purchasing goods and services strategically with an emphasis on value and cost savings has become a staple of modern business practice , and higher education is not exempt from this trend . Rising tuition costs and changes in enrollment patterns to more affordable options have caused budgets to tighten , leading to mergers and even closures among some smaller , private educational institutions . In this environment , colleges and universities are re-evaluating their purchasing policies and procedures in order to maximize the student tuition dollar , reduce expenses , and remain competitive .