When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

RFIs: Distinguish, Apply, and Win

This course is part of Procurement & Sourcing Operations Specialization

Instructor: LearningMate

Included with

Learn more

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Evaluate when to use an RFI vs. an RFQ based on project needs, and apply a standard process for issuing RFIs to suppliers.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Procurement & Sourcing Operations Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 2 modules in this course

RFIs: Distinguish, Apply, and Win is a foundational course for procurement professionals who want to master the art of early-stage supplier engagement. Using the wrong tool for the job leads to confusing responses, wasted time, and poor sourcing decisions. This course provides the essential knowledge to distinguish between a Request for Information (RFI) and a Request for Quotation (RFQ), ensuring that you approach the market with a clear and strategic purpose every time.

You will learn to analyze your project needs to determine whether you should explore the market with an RFI or solicit firm pricing with an RFQ. Through hands-on activities, you will master a standardized, three-step process for issuing a professional RFI: populating a template, distributing it to suppliers, and systematically filing the responses. Drawing on real-world templates and best practices, you will build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to conduct clean, compliant, and effective market research that sets the stage for procurement success.

Module details

This module focuses on the critical strategic decision of which procurement document to use and when. We explore why confusing an RFI with an RFQ results in inefficient sourcing and poor outcomes. You will learn what defines each document and the distinct roles in the procurement lifecycle. You will then learn how to use a simple framework to decide the appropriate tool for your specific need. You will apply this knowledge in practice scenarios and assess your understanding, ensuring that you can confidently choose the right path forward.

What's included

2 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module provides the practical, step-by-step skills to execute a professional RFI process. You will learn why a standardized process is essential for compliance and fair comparison. We will provide a downloadable RFI template (what) and show you how to populate, distribute, and file it according to best practices. You will apply your skills in a guided dialogue and then be assessed in a final project where you manage an entire RFI process from start to finish.