Enhancing Procurement Practices is organised around four main points: -overview and analysis of procurement principles, -practical approach to drafting of solicitation and contract documents, -conduct of procurement procedures, -overview of the e-procurement arena. Although the addressed procurement methods can be used on a wide scale, this book concentrates primarily on such cases when the subject of procurement is complex, or the solicited goods and services are relatively simple but the intended long-term relationship calls for a fairly conscious source selection. Project procurement, the most complicated form of buying civil engineering work, goods, and services, is thoroughly addressed. Beyond the structured overview and comparative analysis of terminology and principles, the book describes such new concepts as single-source preference for simultaneous procurements, dual-term frame contract for parallel suppliers, and the use of semi-consolidated contract documents. Effective utilisation of theories boils down - among others - to a consistent set of procurement-related terms, proven methodology for drafting comprehensive solicitation documents and contracts, and practical details of communication with offerors.

Reliable test design is important in software testing; without it, defects in software may remain undetected. This book presents the key test design techniques, in line with ISTQB, and explains when and how to use them, including in combination, with practical, real-life examples. Automated test design methods are also explored. Tips and exercises are included throughout the book, allowing you to test your knowledge as you progress.

Enhancing Procurement Practices is organised around four main points:
-overview and analysis of procurement principles,
-practical approach to drafting of solicitation and contract documents,
-conduct of procurement procedures,
-overview of the e-procurement arena.

Although the addressed procurement methods can be used on a wide scale, this book concentrates primarily on such cases when the subject of procurement is complex, or the solicited goods and services are relatively simple but the intended long-term relationship calls for a fairly conscious source selection. Project procurement, the most complicated form of buying civil engineering work, goods, and services, is thoroughly addressed.

Beyond the structured overview and comparative analysis of terminology and principles, the book describes such new concepts as single-source preference for simultaneous procurements, dual-term frame contract for parallel suppliers, and the use of semi-consolidated contract documents. Effective utilisation of theories boils down - among others - to a consistent set of procurement-related terms, proven methodology for drafting comprehensive solicitation documents and contracts, and practical details of communication with offerors.

Relations among minorities and majorities, whether religious, ethnic, cultural or other, have been a triggering factor of social dynamics all over the world for millennia. Indeed, their relevance has further grown in recent decades due to turbulent politics and rapidly changing social relations. The Middle East and Asia have traditionally been home to a vast array of religious and ethnic groups, yet a series of both armed and ideological conflicts have begun to re-shape their classic complex social composition.This volume offers valuable insights into the issue of minorities in various geographical and political settings, from the Uyghurs of China and the modern Christian movements of India to the Romas and Dervishes of early 20th century Iran, the Mandaeans of Mesopotamia, and the Muslims of Western Europe.