This learning plan is designed to help you prepare for the SAP C_ARSOR_2404 exam using Pomodoro Technique and the principles of the Forgetting Curve. The plan is structured to ensure maximum retention and efficient progress through daily and weekly tasks.

Study Goals

Primary Goals:

1. Master all key knowledge points for the C_ARSOR_2404 exam:
   • Event and Auction Creation
   • Event Management: Advanced Features
   • Administration
   • Auctions
   • Product Sourcing
   • Project Creation and Management
   • Managing Clean Core
2. Develop practical skills by practicing with SAP Ariba tools and simulations.
3. Build confidence for the exam through consistent review and mock exams.

Secondary Goals:

• Develop effective time management and focus using the Pomodoro Technique.
• Reinforce knowledge retention using the Forgetting Curve principles.

Study Timeline

Duration:

6 Weeks (42 Days), with daily 2–3 hours of study. The plan is divided into two phases:

1. Phase 1: Learning and Understanding (Weeks 1–4)
   • Focus on learning new topics and practicing examples.
2. Phase 2: Review and Reinforcement (Weeks 5–6)
   • Focus on consolidating knowledge and taking mock exams.

Daily Study Schedule

Pomodoro Technique Overview:

1. One Pomodoro = 25 minutes of focused study + 5 minutes break.
2. After completing 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15–20 minutes.
3. Aim for 6–8 Pomodoros per day, depending on availability.

Week-by-Week Detailed Study Plan for C_ARSOR_2404

Week 1: Event and Auction Creation

Objective: Build foundational knowledge about event types, auction types, and their configuration in SAP Ariba.

Day 1: Introduction to Event Types

• Task:
  • Learn the differences between RFI, RFP, RFQ, and Auctions.
  • Understand their specific use cases:
    • RFI: Supplier information gathering.
    • RFP: Collect detailed supplier proposals.
    • RFQ: Request pricing for well-defined goods/services.
    • Auctions: Competitive bidding scenarios.
• Activity:
  • Read SAP documentation on event types.
  • Create a list of examples for each type.

Day 2: Steps in Event Creation (Part 1)

• Task:
  • Study the initial setup of events:
    • Define event names, descriptions, and timelines.
    • Understand supplier invitations and participant management.
• Activity:
  • Simulate creating an event in SAP Ariba:
    • Set up an RFP for office supplies.
    • Assign a realistic timeline.

Day 3: Steps in Event Creation (Part 2)

• Task:
  • Learn content configuration:
    • Define line items and lots.
    • Attach relevant documents like specifications or templates.
  • Study rules for event setup:
    • Bid increments, scoring criteria, and supplier constraints.
• Activity:
  • Practice setting up line items and rules in a mock scenario.

Day 4: Auction Types

• Task:
  • Study auction types in detail:
    • Reverse Auction: Suppliers compete to offer the lowest price.
    • Forward Auction: Suppliers bid to sell goods/services.
    • Japanese Auction: Prices decrease until a supplier accepts.
  • Understand their configurations (pricing rules, time management).
• Activity:
  • Compare auction types with specific examples.
  • Discuss how each auction could apply to different business needs.

Day 5: Auction Settings

• Task:
  • Explore advanced auction settings:
    • Minimum bid decrement rules.
    • Reserve price configurations.
    • Supplier feedback during auctions.
  • Learn about dynamic time extensions to prevent last-minute bids.
• Activity:
  • Configure mock auctions in SAP Ariba:
    • Add pricing rules and time management configurations.

Day 6: Practice and Hands-On

• Task:
  • Create a full RFI and Reverse Auction in SAP Ariba.
  • Include all configurations, such as scoring and supplier rules.
• Activity:
  • Invite mock suppliers and simulate the bidding process.
  • Evaluate the supplier responses using pre-defined scoring.

Day 7: Weekly Review and Quiz

• Task:
  • Review all topics from the week using notes and flashcards.
  • Take a short quiz to test knowledge of event and auction creation.
• Activity:
  • Summarize what you've learned in your own words.
  • Reflect on areas where you need improvement.

Week 2: Event Management - Advanced Features

Objective: Understand and apply advanced tools for event management, including scoring models and reporting.

Day 1: Conditional Content

• Task:
  • Learn how conditional content dynamically adjusts based on supplier responses.
  • Examples:
    • If a supplier answers “Yes” to “Do you offer free shipping?” additional questions appear.
  • Understand its importance in tailoring supplier questionnaires.
• Activity:
  • Create a mock event with conditional content in SAP Ariba.

Day 2: Scoring Models (Part 1)

• Task:
  • Study quantitative scoring:
    • Pre-defined numerical ranges (e.g., delivery time: 1–5 days = 100 points).
    • Automate evaluation with clear criteria.
  • Examples of quantitative factors:
    • Pricing, delivery time, warranty periods.
• Activity:
  • Configure quantitative scoring in an event.

Day 3: Scoring Models (Part 2)

• Task:
  • Learn qualitative and weighted scoring:
    • Evaluate subjective criteria (e.g., supplier reputation, innovation).
    • Assign weights to criteria (e.g., price = 50%, quality = 30%, delivery = 20%).
  • Understand the importance of balancing weights to reflect business priorities.
• Activity:
  • Create a scoring matrix and apply it to a mock event.

Day 4: Templates and Rules

• Task:
  • Learn to create reusable templates for sourcing events.
  • Study event rules like time extensions, bid restrictions, and compliance checks.
  • Examples:
    • Automatically extend an auction by 5 minutes if a bid is submitted in the last minute.
• Activity:
  • Customize an event template and set advanced rules.

Day 5: Reporting and Analytics

• Task:
  • Learn how to generate and interpret reports on:
    • Supplier engagement rates.
    • Bid trends and savings achieved.
  • Use these insights to refine future events.
• Activity:
  • Generate a report from a mock event in SAP Ariba.
  • Practice identifying key takeaways.

Day 6: Practice Advanced Configurations

• Task:
  • Set up a complex event using all advanced features learned:
    • Conditional content, scoring models, templates, and rules.
• Activity:
  • Walk through the event creation process end-to-end in SAP Ariba.

Day 7: Weekly Review and Assessment

• Task:
  • Revise all advanced features covered during the week.
  • Take a practice quiz focused on advanced configurations.
• Activity:
  • Write a summary of key concepts.
  • Simulate a real-world scenario and analyze results.

Week 3: Administration

Objective: Master user management, workflow configuration, and system settings in SAP Ariba.

Day 1: User Management (Part 1)

• Task:
  • Learn about the roles and permissions in SAP Ariba:
    • Administrator: Full system access and configuration capabilities.
    • Sourcing Manager: Manages events, suppliers, and approvals.
    • Supplier: Limited access to participate in sourcing events.
  • Study how to assign roles to users and restrict permissions.
• Activity:
  • Create mock users in SAP Ariba and assign them specific roles.
  • Configure access levels to control what each user can view or edit.

Day 2: User Management (Part 2)

• Task:
  • Understand role-based access control (RBAC) for data security.
  • Study the importance of regular audits to remove outdated permissions or users.
  • Example: Revoke supplier access for participants of closed events.
• Activity:
  • Perform a mock audit of user roles in SAP Ariba.
  • Practice removing roles or reassigning permissions based on organizational changes.

Day 3: Workflow Configuration (Part 1)

• Task:
  • Learn how to create tasks in SAP Ariba:
    • Define task deliverables and deadlines.
    • Assign tasks to individuals or teams.
  • Study examples of sourcing tasks, such as evaluating supplier bids or preparing contracts.
• Activity:
  • Create tasks in SAP Ariba for a mock RFP project.
  • Assign tasks to mock users with clear timelines.

Day 4: Workflow Configuration (Part 2)

• Task:
  • Learn about multi-step approval workflows:
    • Configure approval flows based on conditions like spend thresholds.
    • Example: Require VP approval for purchases exceeding $50,000.
  • Study how automated notifications reduce delays by informing approvers of pending actions.
• Activity:
  • Set up a multi-step approval flow in SAP Ariba.
  • Simulate the approval process for a large procurement project.

Day 5: Data Management (Part 1)

• Task:
  • Learn how to maintain supplier data:
    • Store contact details, certifications, and performance history.
    • Ensure supplier information is up-to-date for accurate event participation.
  • Study the importance of automating supplier qualification and onboarding processes.
• Activity:
  • Add mock supplier profiles to the system, including certifications and performance scores.

Day 6: Data Management (Part 2)

• Task:
  • Understand data retention policies:
    • Archive completed events and projects for future reference.
    • Ensure compliance with legal and organizational data governance policies.
  • Study the impact of unnecessary data on system performance.
• Activity:
  • Simulate archiving old projects and retrieving archived data for review.

Day 7: Weekly Review and Quiz

• Task:
  • Revise all administration topics from the week:
    • User management, workflows, and data management.
  • Take a short quiz to test your knowledge of administration tasks.
• Activity:
  • Use a mock scenario to simulate managing users, tasks, and supplier data.
  • Reflect on areas needing improvement and revisit those sections.

Week 4: Auctions and Product Sourcing

Objective: Gain in-depth knowledge of auction strategies and product sourcing processes.

Day 1: Auction Strategies (Part 1)

• Task:
  • Learn about bid decrement rules:
    • Minimum decrement values ensure meaningful price reductions.
    • Example: In a reverse auction, suppliers must lower bids by at least $100.
  • Study how reserve price management ensures minimum acceptable pricing.
• Activity:
  • Configure bid decrement rules and reserve prices in a mock auction.

Day 2: Auction Strategies (Part 2)

• Task:
  • Study supplier feedback mechanisms:
    • Rank-only notifications inform suppliers of their standing without disclosing competitors' bids.
    • Real-time updates encourage strategic bidding without over-disclosing information.
  • Learn how time extensions prevent last-second bid submissions.
• Activity:
  • Simulate a reverse auction with rank-only feedback and dynamic time extensions.

Day 3: Post-Auction Analysis

• Task:
  • Learn how to analyze auction outcomes:
    • Track bid trends, participation rates, and savings achieved.
    • Use these insights to refine future auctions.
  • Study the importance of post-auction reporting for stakeholder reviews.
• Activity:
  • Conduct post-auction analysis using mock event data in SAP Ariba.
  • Generate a report summarizing savings and supplier participation.

Day 4: Product Sourcing (Part 1)

• Task:
  • Understand the differences between direct and indirect sourcing:
    • Direct sourcing focuses on raw materials and goods for production.
    • Indirect sourcing supports operational needs like office supplies or services.
  • Learn how to categorize sourcing needs for efficient management.
• Activity:
  • Create sourcing categories in SAP Ariba for direct and indirect procurement scenarios.

Day 5: Product Sourcing (Part 2)

• Task:
  • Study supplier collaboration techniques:
    • Establish clear communication through platforms like Ariba Network.
    • Negotiate terms such as delivery timelines and quality standards.
  • Learn about automating contracts using Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM).
• Activity:
  • Practice engaging suppliers in mock sourcing events.
  • Automate a contract using CLM features in SAP Ariba.

Day 6: Practice and Review

• Task:
  • Combine auction and sourcing knowledge:
    • Create a complex auction scenario that includes scoring, supplier collaboration, and post-event analysis.
  • Reinforce learning through hands-on practice in SAP Ariba.
• Activity:
  • Simulate an end-to-end procurement process from auction creation to post-auction analysis.

Day 7: Weekly Review and Assessment

• Task:
  • Summarize auction and sourcing strategies.
  • Take a practice quiz to evaluate your understanding.
• Activity:
  • Reflect on the week’s learning and identify areas for further review.
  • Prepare notes for use in the review phase.

Week 5: Comprehensive Review

Objective: Reinforce all knowledge from Weeks 1–4, address weak areas, and prepare for mock exams.

Day 1: Review Event and Auction Creation

• Task:
  • Revisit key concepts:
    • Types of events (RFI, RFP, RFQ, Auctions).
    • Steps in event creation (initial setup, content configuration, rule setting).
    • Auction types (reverse, forward, Dutch, Japanese).
  • Practice configuring events and auctions in SAP Ariba.
• Activity:
  • Create a reverse auction with bid decrement rules and dynamic time extensions.
  • Take a short quiz on event creation concepts.

Day 2: Review Event Management - Advanced Features

• Task:
  • Revisit advanced features:
    • Conditional content configuration.
    • Scoring models (quantitative, qualitative, and weighted scoring).
    • Templates and rules.
    • Reporting and analytics.
  • Focus on any advanced features that were challenging during initial learning.
• Activity:
  • Configure an event with conditional content and weighted scoring in SAP Ariba.
  • Generate a report from a mock event and interpret the results.

Day 3: Review Administration

• Task:
  • Review user management:
    • Roles (Administrator, Sourcing Manager, Supplier) and permissions.
    • Role-based access control (RBAC) and audits.
  • Revisit workflow configurations:
    • Task creation, multi-step approvals, and automated notifications.
  • Study data management:
    • Supplier data maintenance and data retention policies.
• Activity:
  • Conduct a mock user audit and set up a multi-level approval workflow in SAP Ariba.

Day 4: Review Auctions and Strategies

• Task:
  • Revisit auction strategies:
    • Bid decrement rules and reserve price management.
    • Supplier feedback mechanisms (rank-only, bid status updates).
  • Study post-auction analysis:
    • Evaluating bid trends and supplier participation.
    • Using reports to refine auction strategies.
• Activity:
  • Simulate a reverse auction, collect bids, and conduct a post-auction analysis using SAP Ariba tools.

Day 5: Review Product Sourcing

• Task:
  • Revisit product sourcing concepts:
    • Differences between direct and indirect sourcing.
    • Supplier collaboration techniques (engagement, negotiation).
    • Automation of contracts using Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM).
  • Study sourcing tools:
    • Supplier scorecards, cost breakdown analysis, and scenario simulations.
• Activity:
  • Create a sourcing event, invite suppliers, and automate a contract in SAP Ariba.

Day 6: Hands-On Practice and Knowledge Integration

• Task:
  • Integrate knowledge by simulating end-to-end processes:
    • Create an event, configure auctions, evaluate bids, and finalize contracts.
  • Address weak areas identified during the week.
• Activity:
  • Practice in SAP Ariba to ensure comfort with the platform’s features.
  • Use flashcards to revisit key concepts and test retention.

Day 7: Take the First Full Mock Exam

• Task:
  • Take a full-length mock exam under timed conditions.
  • Review incorrect answers and focus on understanding mistakes.
• Activity:
  • Summarize lessons learned from the mock exam.
  • Identify weak topics for focused review in Week 6.

Week 6: Final Exam Preparation

Objective: Build confidence through repeated practice, targeted revision, and final mock exams.

Day 1: Review Weak Areas from Mock Exam 1

• Task:
  • Revisit topics from Week 5 where mistakes were made during the mock exam.
  • Deep dive into complex areas like scoring models, advanced auction settings, or workflow configurations.
• Activity:
  • Reconfigure a mock event addressing your weak areas in SAP Ariba.
  • Take a short quiz on challenging topics.

Day 2: Second Full Mock Exam

• Task:
  • Take another full-length mock exam, focusing on time management and accuracy.
  • Analyze results and prioritize weak areas for further review.
• Activity:
  • Reflect on mock exam performance and update notes.

Day 3: Targeted Review and Hands-On Practice

• Task:
  • Focus on weak areas identified from the second mock exam.
  • Ensure complete understanding of all seven knowledge domains:
    • Event and Auction Creation
    • Event Management: Advanced Features
    • Administration
    • Auctions
    • Product Sourcing
    • Project Creation and Management
    • Managing Clean Core
• Activity:
  • Conduct a practical session simulating an entire sourcing workflow in SAP Ariba.

Day 4: Review Key Concepts with Flashcards

• Task:
  • Review all key concepts using flashcards and summaries.
  • Focus on memory recall to reinforce retention.
• Activity:
  • Test yourself with flashcards for 2–3 hours.
  • Revisit topics where recall is weak.

Day 5: Final Mock Exam

• Task:
  • Take the final mock exam to simulate the real exam environment.
  • Aim for a passing score of at least 80%.
• Activity:
  • Analyze performance and refine any remaining weak areas.

Day 6: Final Review and Practice

• Task:
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of all materials.
  • Ensure familiarity with SAP Ariba’s user interface and tools.
  • Practice troubleshooting scenarios to build confidence.
• Activity:
  • Summarize your entire study journey into concise notes for last-minute revision.
  • Focus on practical hands-on tasks to reinforce confidence.

Day 7: Rest and Light Review

• Task:
  • Avoid intensive studying. Instead, lightly review flashcards and key notes.
  • Focus on staying relaxed and confident for the exam day.
• Activity:
  • Spend 1–2 hours on light revision.
  • Prepare all materials needed for the exam.