Procurement Lexicon

Procurement Lexicon – Terminologies – J Series

Written by Venkadesh Narayanan | Aug 31, 2023 10:27:24 AM

JCT Council: The term "JCT Council" refers to the Joint Contracts Tribunal Council, which is a prominent organization in the field of construction procurement and contract management in the United Kingdom. The JCT Council plays a vital role in developing and updating standard forms of construction contracts and associated documents used in the construction industry. These contracts are widely recognized and used as a foundation for agreements between parties involved in construction projects, such as contractors, subcontractors, clients, and consultants.

Example: A practical example of the JCT Council's work is the development of the JCT Standard Building Contract. When a construction project is initiated in the UK, the parties involved may utilize this standard contract template to define the terms and conditions of their agreement, including payment terms, project timelines, and dispute resolution mechanisms. This standardization helps streamline the contracting process and ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of their obligations.

Phonetical Notation: JCT Council is phonetically pronounced as "jay-see-tee koun-suhl."


Job Design: Job Design is the process of structuring and organizing tasks, responsibilities, and roles within an organization to optimize efficiency, productivity, and employee satisfaction. It involves determining the specific tasks that need to be performed, the qualifications required for the job, and how the job fits into the overall workflow.

Practical Example: In a manufacturing company, job design might involve breaking down the production process into distinct tasks, such as assembly, quality control, and packaging. Each task would have a clearly defined set of responsibilities and requirements. Job design can also include considerations for job rotation, enrichment, or enlargement to ensure that employees remain engaged and motivated in their roles.

Phonetic Notation: Job Design is pronounced as /dʒɒb dɪˈzaɪn/.


Job Satisfaction: Job Satisfaction refers to an individual's contentment, fulfillment, and overall happiness with their job and work-related experiences. It reflects the degree to which an employee's expectations and desires align with their actual job and workplace conditions. Job satisfaction is a critical aspect of employee well-being and is influenced by various factors, including the nature of the job, working conditions, relationships with colleagues and supervisors, compensation, and opportunities for growth and advancement.

Practical Example: Consider a software developer who enjoys coding, works in a collaborative team, receives competitive compensation, and has opportunities for professional growth. If this developer is content and happy with their job, they can be said to have high job satisfaction. On the other hand, if another developer faces constant frustration, has poor relationships with colleagues, and feels underpaid, they may experience low job satisfaction.

Phonetic Notation: Job Satisfaction is pronounced as /dʒɒb ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/.

Fhyzics is an ASC of CIPS, UK and ACP of ASCM/APICS, USA offering procurement and supply chain certifications.

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Job-Shop Layout: Job-Shop Layout is a type of manufacturing facility arrangement where machines and workstations are organized to handle a variety of custom or small-batch production jobs. In this layout, equipment is grouped by function or process, allowing for flexibility and adaptability to produce different products with varying specifications. Job-shop layouts are common in industries where each product or order is unique, and there is a need for frequent changes in production setups.

Practical Example: An automotive repair shop is a real-world example of a job-shop layout. It caters to a wide range of vehicles with different repair and maintenance needs. The shop has various workstations, such as engine repair, bodywork, painting, and tire service. Mechanics move between these workstations based on the specific job requirements, making the layout flexible to accommodate diverse automotive repair tasks.

Phonetic Notation: Job-Shop Layout is pronounced as /dʒɒb-ʃɒp ˈleɪaʊt/.


Johari Window:  The Johari Window is a psychological model developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in 1955. It's a framework used to understand and improve interpersonal communication and relationships. The model consists of a four-quadrant window, each representing a different aspect of one's self-awareness:

Open Area: This quadrant contains information known to both the individual and others, representing the aspects of personality, behavior, and feelings that are shared openly.

Blind Area: Here, information is known to others but not to the individual. It encompasses behaviors or traits that others observe but the person is unaware of, often requiring feedback from others to discover.

Hidden Area: In this quadrant, information is known to the individual but not shared with others. It represents thoughts, feelings, or experiences that a person keeps private, possibly due to discomfort or fear of judgment.

Unknown Area: This quadrant includes information that is neither known to the individual nor to others. It represents undiscovered or unconscious aspects of the self that may emerge through self-discovery or therapy.

Practical Example: Imagine a team-building workshop where colleagues provide feedback to each other. By sharing their perspectives, individuals can expand their open area, reducing the blind area, and enhancing overall communication and teamwork.

Phonetic Notation: Johari Window is pronounced as /dʒoʊˈhɑːri ˈwɪndoʊ/.


Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT): Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) is a renowned organization in the United Kingdom that specializes in producing standard forms of building contracts and other construction-related documentation. These contracts serve as legal agreements between parties involved in construction projects, providing a structured framework for managing various aspects of the project, including terms, conditions, responsibilities, and payment schedules.

JCT contracts are widely used in the construction industry to establish the rights and obligations of all parties, including clients, contractors, and subcontractors. They help in minimizing disputes, clarifying expectations, and ensuring that construction projects are executed efficiently and according to the agreed-upon terms.

Practical Example: Suppose a property developer is planning to build a new residential complex. To ensure a smooth construction process, the developer engages a construction firm using a JCT standard form contract. This contract specifies project milestones, payment schedules, quality standards, and dispute resolution procedures, providing a legal framework for the project.

Phonetic Notation: Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) is pronounced as /dʒɔɪnt ˈkɒntrækts trɪˈbjuːnl/.

Fhyzics offers the following procurement certifications:

Certified Professional in Sourcing Excellence (CPSE), IISCM, India
Certificate in Supply and Operations (Level 2), CIPS, UK
Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (Level 3), CIPS, UK
Diploma in Procurement and Supply (Level 4), CIPS, UK
Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply (Level 5), CIPS, UK 
Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply (Level 6), CIPS, UK

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Joint Team Charter: A Joint Team Charter is a formal document that outlines the purpose, goals, roles, responsibilities, and expectations of a collaborative team comprising members from different departments, organizations, or entities working together on a specific project or initiative. This charter serves as a foundational document that helps align team members, clarify objectives, and establish a shared understanding of how the team will operate.

Practical Example: Imagine a multinational corporation launching a new product. They assemble a joint team charter involving members from marketing, research and development, manufacturing, and supply chain departments. The charter would define the product's objectives, target market, production timelines, and each department's role in the project. It might also detail communication protocols, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution strategies to ensure effective collaboration.

Phonetic Notation: Joint Team Charter is pronounced as /dʒɔɪnt tim ˈʧɑrtər/.


Joint Venture: A Joint Venture (JV) is a business arrangement in which two or more independent companies or entities collaborate to create a new entity or project with shared ownership and shared responsibilities. The purpose of a joint venture is typically to combine resources, expertise, and capital to pursue a specific business opportunity or project while mitigating risks and costs.

Practical Example: Consider two construction companies joining forces to bid on and execute a large infrastructure project, such as building a bridge. By forming a joint venture, they can combine their construction expertise, equipment, and financial resources. The resulting entity shares the profits and losses of the project, as well as the risks associated with it. This collaboration allows them to take on more significant projects that might be beyond their individual capacities.

Phonetic Notation: Joint Venture is pronounced as /dʒɔɪnt ˈvɛnʧər/.


Jurisdiction: Jurisdiction refers to the legal authority or power of a specific court, government, or regulatory body to make decisions, enforce laws, and administer justice within a defined geographical area or over particular matters. It delineates the scope of control and influence that an entity has in interpreting and applying the law. Jurisdiction is a fundamental concept in legal systems and plays a crucial role in determining where legal disputes should be heard and resolved.

Practical Example: Imagine a contract dispute between two businesses that operate in different states in the United States. In this case, the question of jurisdiction arises. It involves determining which state's court has the authority to hear and resolve the dispute. The jurisdiction might depend on factors like where the contract was formed, where the parties are located, or where the alleged breach occurred. The court with the relevant jurisdiction will have the legal authority to render a decision on the case.

Phonetic Notation: Jurisdiction is pronounced as /ˌdʒʊrɪsˈdɪkʃən/.

Fhyzics offers the following supply chain certifications:

Certified Inventory Optimization Professional (CIOP), IISCM, India
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) of APICS/ASCM, USA
Certified Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) of APICS/ASCM, USA
Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CPIM) of APICS/ASCM, USA
Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC), IISCM, India

Click here for Supply Chain  Certifications

Just In Time (JIT): Just In Time (JIT) is a production and inventory management strategy aimed at reducing waste, minimizing excess inventory, and improving efficiency in the manufacturing or procurement process. In a JIT system, materials and components are delivered to the production line or procurement process precisely when they are needed, neither too early nor too late. This approach helps organizations lower storage costs, decrease the risk of obsolescence, and enhance overall operational responsiveness.

Practical Example: An automobile manufacturing company employs a JIT approach to streamline its supply chain. Instead of stockpiling a large inventory of tires, engines, and other components, the company coordinates with its suppliers to deliver these parts as they are needed for assembly. This means that the tires arrive just before they are placed on the vehicles, the engines arrive when they are scheduled to be installed, and so on. By doing this, the company can reduce warehouse costs, minimize the risk of parts becoming obsolete, and respond more flexibly to changes in customer demand.

Phonetic Notation: Just In Time (JIT) is pronounced as /dʒʌst ɪn taɪm/.


Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory: Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory is a inventory management strategy that focuses on keeping inventory levels as low as possible while ensuring that materials and products are available exactly when needed in the production or procurement process. The primary goal of JIT inventory is to minimize storage costs, reduce the risk of inventory obsolescence, and improve operational efficiency.

In a JIT inventory system, companies only order or produce items as they are required, often in response to customer demand. This approach eliminates the need for large warehouses and excess inventory, which can tie up capital and lead to wastage.

Practical Example: A restaurant that follows a JIT inventory approach will order fresh ingredients, such as vegetables and meats, on a daily basis based on the expected number of customer orders. This minimizes food waste, storage costs, and the risk of serving stale or spoiled food. The restaurant maintains a lean inventory, restocking ingredients just in time to meet customer demand.

Phonetic Notation: Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory is pronounced as /dʒʌst ɪn taɪm ˈɪnvənˌtɔri/.


Just-In-Time (JIT) Logistics: Just-In-Time (JIT) Logistics is a logistics and supply chain management strategy that aims to optimize the flow of goods and materials to a level where they arrive precisely when needed in the production or distribution process, neither too early nor too late. It is an extension of the Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory concept, focusing on the efficient and timely transportation and delivery of products and materials.

In JIT logistics, companies work closely with suppliers and logistics partners to coordinate deliveries to match production schedules or customer demand. This strategy helps reduce inventory holding costs, minimize storage space requirements, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

Practical Example: An electronics manufacturer employing JIT logistics coordinates with its component suppliers to ensure that electronic components are shipped to the production facility precisely when they are needed for assembly. This minimizes the need for large warehouses to store excess components, reduces lead times, and allows the manufacturer to respond quickly to changes in customer demand.

Phonetic Notation: Just-In-Time (JIT) Logistics is pronounced as /dʒʌst ɪn taɪm loʊˈdʒɪstɪks/.