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The CIPS L4M1 certification exam is one of the valuable credentials designed to demonstrate a candidate's technical expertise in information technology. They can remain current and competitive in the highly competitive market with the L4M1 certificate. For novices as well as seasoned professionals, the Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply Questions provide an excellent opportunity to not only validate their skills but also advance their careers.
| Certification Vendor: | CIPS |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply |
| Exam Number: | L4M1 |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Related Certifications: | CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply |
| Real Exam Qty: | 60 |
| Certificate Validity Period: | No expiry (qualification is typically valid for life once awarded) |
| Exam Duration: | 120 minutes |
| Passing Score: | 50% |
| Exam Price: | Varies (approximately ยฃ70โยฃ120 depending on region and test centre) |
| Exam Format: | Multiple-choice questions, Computer-based test |
| Recommended Training: | CIPS Study Support Materials CIPS Official Learning Resources |
| Exam Registration: | CIPS MyCIPS Portal (registration and scheduling) CIPS Official Qualifications Page |
| Sample Questions: | CIPS L4M1 Sample Questions |
| Exam Way: | Computer-based exam (online or test centre depending on provider) |
| Pre Condition: | No formal prerequisites, but CIPS recommends prior knowledge of Level 3 Diploma in Procurement and Supply or equivalent experience. |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.cips.org |
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NEW QUESTION # 43
Describe the main differences between the three economic sectors: public, private and third. Your answer may make reference to the following: funding, ownership, shares, objectives and administration (25 marks)
Answer:
Explanation:
See the solution inExplanation partbelow.
Explanation:
How to approach this question
- Sometimes CIPS give you a steer on how to answer the question. My advice is to follow it. The question says you MAY make reference to the following, but I'd use those hints as a guide for content- a paragraph on each and you're done!
- When you've got a 'may make reference to' hint - this means you can completely ignore it and do your own thing and bring in your own ideas. May means it's optional, so you wouldn't be penalised for this. However, you have to consider the examiner's mark scheme- it will detail options of stuff you can write for funding, ownership etc. Then there will be a line at the bottom saying something like 'accept other options such as x and y'. This leaves it up to the examiner to decide whether what you've said is relevant. I'd personally not leave it up to chance you get a lenient examiner. If you write what's definitely going to be on their mark scheme, you're more likely to get more points.
Example Essay
The modern economy is a complex tapestry of various sectors, each with its own distinct characteristics and functions. The three prominent sectors are the public sector, the private sector, and the third sector. These sectors differ significantly in terms of their funding mechanisms, ownership structures, objectives, the concept of shares, and their administration.
Firstly, the public sector is predominantly funded by the government through taxation, grants, and other forms of public revenue. Its very existence hinges on the provision of essential services and the fulfilment of societal needs. These organizations are owned by the government, be it at the federal, state, or local level. Unlike the private sector, the concept of shares doesn't apply in the public sector. Instead, the government allocates budgets to various departments and agencies for public services and projects. The primary objectives of the public sector revolve around the welfare of the citizens, including the provision ofeducation, healthcare, defence, and infrastructure. It is characterized by bureaucratic administration, with decision-making processes subject to governmental regulations and oversight. A prime example is public schools and healthcare systems, which are funded and operated by the government with the primary objective of ensuring universal access to education and healthcare services.
In contrast, the private sector operates on a starkly different paradigm. It is primarily funded by private capital, investment, and profit-seeking activities. Private individuals and corporations own these entities, with ownership shares often represented by stocks. Shareholders invest capital in exchange for ownership stakes and the potential for dividends. The central objective in the private sector is profit maximization, driven by competition in the market. Companies in the private sector are administered by management teams and boards of directors, with decisions guided by market forces. Apple and ExxonMobil are examples of private sector entities, privately owned and publicly traded, with profit motives at their core. Shareholders invest in these companies with the expectation of financial returns.
Lastly, the third sector, often referred to as the nonprofit or voluntary sector, represents a unique economic sphere. It relies on a combination of funding sources, including donations, grants, and earned income, but not taxation. Third sector organizations are not owned by individuals or shareholders; instead, they are governed by boards of directors or trustees. Unlike the private sectors, shares are not applicable in the third sector. These organizations do not seek to distribute profits to owners. The primary objective of the third sector is to serve a social or community purpose, such as addressing societal issues, promoting social change, and providing services that benefit the public. Administration in this sector is overseen by non-profit boards, and it heavily relies on volunteers, philanthropy, and community engagement. For example, the Red Cross operates with the objective of providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, relying on donations and volunteers to fulfil its mission. Any profits that are made are reinvested into the organisation to further its mission.
In conclusion, the public, private, and third sectors represent diverse economic domains, each with its own funding mechanisms, ownership structures, objectives, and administrative models. These sectors play essential and complementary roles in society, contributing to economic development, public welfare, and social progress. Together, they form the foundation of a balanced and dynamic economic landscape.
Tutor Notes
- I've structured this essay with a paragraph on each sector, but you could have done a paragraph on each theme, thus having 5 paragraphs instead of 3. Either approach works.
- You've got 5 things and 3 sectors, that equals 15 marks. If you give an example of each and a strong intro and conclusion, that's full marks.
- See LO 4.1 p. 203 - there's a cute table with this information on.
NEW QUESTION # 44
Describe the CIPS Code of Conduct providing examples of how an organisation can ensure compliance with the standard (25 points)
Answer:
Explanation:
See the solution inExplanation partbelow.
Explanation:
How to approach this question:
- This is the type of question you either know or you don't. You can't really guess it. So do memorise it.
There's not really a shortcut here.
- The CIPS Code of Conduct is an ethical standard and framework which is used profession-wise. The purpose is to standardise ethics across the profession.
- There are 5 aspects to the Code of Conduct: enhance and protect the standing of the profession, promote the eradication of unethical business practices, maintain integrity in all business relationships, enhance proficiency and stature of the profession and ensure full compliance with law and regulations.
Example Essay:
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Code of Conduct is a comprehensive set of principles and standards that guide the ethical conduct of procurement and supply professionals. Adhering to this code is crucial for maintaining integrity, transparency, and responsible behaviour within the procurement profession. Here's an overview of the CIPS Code of Conduct along with examples of how organizations can ensure compliance with these standards:
1 - Enhance and protect the standing of the profession.
This means don't bring the profession into disrepute by your actions, don't accept gifts or offers of hospitality and to be aware that behaviour outside work reflects one's reputation as a professional. An organisation can implement training programs to educate procurement professionals about the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity in their interactions with suppliers and stakeholders.
2 - Promote the eradication of unethical business practices.
This means fostering awareness of human rights, fraud and corruption issues in business relationships, responsibly managing business relationships if unethical practices come to light, undertaking due diligence (in respect to forced labour, fraud, corruption) and continually develop one's own personal knowledge of ethical issues. Promoting the eradication of unethical business practices requires a comprehensive and proactive approach from organizations. This involves having a strong CSR policy, having whistleblowing protection and reporting mechanisms, and conducting due diligence on the supply chain.
3 - Maintain integrity in all business relationships.
An organisation can show compliance with this by; rejecting improper business practices, never using authority for personal gain, declaring conflicts of interest, giving accurate information, not breaching confidentiality, striving for genuine, fair and transparent competition and being truthful about skills and experience. An example of this is for an organisation to sever ties with unethical businesses. One notable example of a retailer terminating a relationship with a supplier due to ethical reasons is the case of H&M and its decision to cut ties with a Chinese yarn producer in Xinjiang province. H&M, a global fashion retailer, announced in early 2021 that it would no longer source cotton from Xinjiang due to concerns over forced labour and human rights abuses associated with cotton production in the region.
4 - Enhance proficiency and stature of the profession.
Activities which would demonstrate compliance with this includes: Continual development of knowledge and skills, fostering the highest standards of competence in staff members at the organisation and optimising the responsible use of resources. For procurement staff, this could involve becoming MCIPS qualified, and even once qualified, completing routine CPD (Continued Professional Development) to ensure their knowledge and skills remain updated and relevant. They should also strive to share their knowledge with the wider organisation.
5 - Ensure full compliance with law and regulations.
An organisation can demonstrate compliance with the standard by proving they: follow the law in all countries they do business in, fulfilling all contractual obligations and following the CIPS guidance on professional practice. Compliance can include aspects of fiduciary responsibility such as paying the correct level of tax and filing returns on time, as well as compliance to legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Equalities Act 2000.
In conclusion, the CIPS Code of Conduct is a voluntary standard for organisations to follow but it sets a high standard for the industry. By following the CIPS Code of Conduct organisations can enhance their reputation and levels of trust among stakeholders, as well as being reassured that following these clear ethical guidelines contribute to a positive workplace culture, boosting employee morale and commitment by fostering a sense of shared values.
Tutor Notes:
- Under the previous syllabus CIPS asked this question a lot. If you memorise one thing from the study guide I'd recommend it be this. Even if it doesn't come up as a stand-alone question, you can work it into more general essays about ethics- so it is useful to know.
- For a top score, try to give deep examples. So where you have said 'responsibly managing business relationships' you could explain what this means in practice- by ensuring fair contract terms are put in place, holding suppliers to account when they do something wrong and not exploiting smaller suppliers. Where you have said 'complete Due Diligence' you could mention that this would be completed before awarding a contract to a supplier and would involve looking at a supplier's history and supply chain to ensure that they have not been involved in any crimes (fraud etc) or unethical behaviour (such as polluting the environment).
The more in depth you go, the more you show the examiner your understanding, and the higher you'll score.
- p. 137 or here: Cips Code of Conduct | CIPS Note the study guide talks on p. 132 about the CIPS Code of Ethics, which is slightly different. The Code of Conduct is the main one to learn.
NEW QUESTION # 45
Explain each of the following FIVE electronic systems and how
they can contribute to an effective procurement process. (25
marks)
(i) e-requisitioning
(ii) e-catalogues
(iii) e.ordering
(iv) e-sourcing
(v) e-payment
Answer:
Explanation:
See the solution in Explanation part below
Explanation:
Electronic procurement systems leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and control in procurement processes. Each system has distinct functionalities that contribute to effective procurement. Below is an explanation of each system and its contribution:
(i) E-Requisitioning
E-requisitioning is the electronic process of submitting purchase requests within an organization, replacing traditional paper-based requisition forms. Users can raise requisitions online, detailing the goods or services needed.
Contribution to Procurement Effectiveness:
E-requisitioning accelerates the request process, reduces errors, and ensures standardization of dat a. It enables automatic routing for approvals, enforcing procurement policies and budget controls. This reduces processing time and improves transparency, allowing better tracking and auditability of requests.
Example:
An employee submits an electronic requisition which is automatically routed to managers for approval, ensuring compliance and faster processing.
(ii) E-Catalogues
E-catalogues are digital product listings maintained by suppliers or procurement departments. They provide a searchable and standardized database of goods and services available for purchase, often with pricing and technical details.
Contribution to Procurement Effectiveness:
E-catalogues simplify ordering by giving users easy access to approved products, reducing the need for manual sourcing. They help control spending by limiting choices to pre-approved items and negotiated prices, supporting compliance and reducing maverick spending. The electronic format improves accuracy in ordering and reduces processing time.
Example:
Procurement users select products directly from a supplier's e-catalogue integrated into the procurement system, ensuring correct specifications and pricing.
(iii) E-Ordering
E-ordering refers to the electronic placement of purchase orders via procurement software or online platforms. It replaces manual order creation and transmission methods.
Contribution to Procurement Effectiveness:
E-ordering increases speed and accuracy of orders, reduces administrative costs, and provides real-time order status tracking. It minimizes errors caused by manual entry, improves communication with suppliers, and supports automatic matching of orders with invoices for smoother payment processes.
Example:
Once a requisition is approved, the system generates an electronic purchase order sent directly to the supplier, reducing lead times.
(iv) E-Sourcing
E-sourcing is the electronic process of identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers using online tools such as auctions, tendering portals, and supplier databases.
Contribution to Procurement Effectiveness:
E-sourcing enhances transparency, widens supplier competition, and accelerates the tendering process. It reduces paperwork and streamlines supplier evaluation through standardized online submissions. Electronic auctions can drive competitive pricing and better contract terms. It also enables better documentation and audit trails.
Example:
An organization uses an e-sourcing platform to conduct a reverse auction, encouraging suppliers to offer their best prices in real time.
(v) E-Payment
E-payment systems facilitate electronic transfer of funds to suppliers, including methods such as electronic funds transfer (EFT), automated clearing house (ACH) payments, or procurement card payments.
Contribution to Procurement Effectiveness:
E-payment increases the efficiency and security of supplier payments, reduces errors, and speeds up transaction processing. It strengthens supplier relationships through timely payments and reduces administrative overhead and costs associated with manual cheque processing. Automated payments also support better cash flow management and financial control.
Example:
Invoices matched and approved in the procurement system are paid automatically through an integrated e-payment platform, ensuring prompt settlement.
Conclusion:
The integration of these five electronic procurement systems - e-requisitioning, e-catalogues, e-ordering, e-sourcing, and e-payment - delivers significant improvements in procurement efficiency, control, and transparency. Together, they streamline processes, reduce costs, enhance compliance, and improve supplier collaboration, making the procurement function more strategic and value-driven.
NEW QUESTION # 46
Bob is a procurement manager at ABC Ltd. He has been asked to ensure all future purchases achieve 'value for money' for the organisation. What is meant by 'value for money'? (5 points). Describe 4 techniques that Bob could use to achieve this (20 points)
Answer:
Explanation:
See the solution in Explanation part below
Explanation:
1) A definition of Value for Money: ensuring a purchase is cost effective. This may be that the purchase achieves the 5 Rights of Procurement or that the purchase achieves the 4Es: Economy, Efficiency, Effectiveness and Equity. - this is only worth 5 points, so don't spend too long on this
2) 4 techniques Bob can use to achieve VFM: this is the bulk of your essay. Each of the 4 will be worth 5 points, so remember to give a thorough and example. Pick 4 from the list below: complete a value analysis to eliminate non-essential features, minimise variety/ consolidate demand, avoid over specification, pro-active sourcing, whole life costing methodologies, eliminate / reduce inventory, use electronic systems, international sourcing, sustainability / environmental policies, currency/ exchange rate considerations, negotiating good payment terms, packaging, warrantees.
Example Essay:
"Value for money" (VFM) is a concept that refers to obtaining the best possible return on investment or benefits relative to the cost incurred. It involves assessing whether the goods, services, or activities provided offer an optimal balance between their cost and the quality, benefits, or outcomes they deliver. Value for money is not solely about choosing the cheapest option; instead, it considers the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term value derived from an expenditure. For Bob, the Procurement Manager at ABC Ltd there are four key ways that he can achieve this for all future purchases.
Value Engineering
This is looking at the components of a product and evaluating the value of each component individually. You can then eliminate any components that do not add value to the end product. To do this Bob would choose a product to review and determine whether any parts of this can be omitted (thus saving the company money) or could be replaced by components that are of a higher quality at the same price (thus providing added value to the customer). For example, Bob could complete a Value Engineering exercise on the new mobile phone prototype ABC plan to release next year. His findings may discover a way to provide a higher quality camera at no additional cost or that some components don't add value and can be eliminated.
Consolidate demand
Bob can achieve value for money by consolidating demand at ABC ltd. This would mean rather than each individual person/ department ordering what they want when they need it, Bob creates a centralised process for ordering items in bulk for the departments to share. For example, if each department require stationary to be ordered, Bob can consolidate this demand and create one big order each quarter. This will likely result in cost savings for ABC as suppliers often offer discounts for large orders. Moreover, consolidating demand will allow for saving in time (one person does the task once, rather than lots of people doing the same task and duplicating work).
International sourcing
Bob may find there is value for money in changing suppliers and looking at international sourcing. Often other countries outside of the UK can offer the same products at a lower cost. An example of this is manufactured goods from Chin a. By looking at international supply chains, Bob may be able to make cost-savings for ABC. He should be sure that when using this technique there is no compromise on quality.
Whole Life Costing methodology
This is a technique Bob can use for procuring capital expenditure items for ABC. This involves looking at the costs of the item throughout its lifecycle and not just the initial purchase price. For example, if Bob needs to buy a new delivery truck he should consider not only the price of the truck, but also the costs of insurance for the truck, how expensive it is to buy replacement parts such as tyres and the cost of disposing of the truck once it reaches the end of its life. By considering these factors Bob will ensure that he buys the truck that represents the best value for money long term.
In conclusion Bob should ensure he uses these four techniques for all items he and his team procures in the future. This will ensure ABC Ltd are always achieving value for money, and thus remain competitive in the marketplace.
Tutor Notes
- This case study is really short, and the ones you'll receive in the exam are often longer and give you more guidance on what they're expecting you to write. With case study questions, you have to make your entire answer about Bob. So don't bring in examples from your own experience, rather, focus on giving examples for Bob.
- A good rule of thumb for case study questions is make sure you reference the case study once per paragraph.
- Value for Money is a really broad topic and you can pretty much argue anything that procurement does is helping to achieve value for money. There's a large table of stuff that's considered VFM on p.38 but that table isn't exhaustive. So feel free to come up with your own ideas for this type of essay.
Some additional tidbits of information on VFM:
- The 'academic' definition of Value for Money is 'the optimum combination of whole life cost and the quality necessary to meet the customer's requirement'
- Value for Money is an important strategic objective for most organisations but particularly in the public sector. This is because the public sector is financed by public money (taxes), so they must demonstrate that the organisation is using this money wisely. This might be an interesting fact to put into an essay on VFM.
- Value can often be hard to quantify, particularly in the service industry. E.g. in customer service it can be difficult to quantify the value of having knowledgeable and polite employees delivering the service.
NEW QUESTION # 47
Provide a definition of a stakeholder (5 points) and describe 3 categories of stakeholders (20 points).
Answer:
Explanation:
See the solution in Explanation part below
Explanation:
Essay Plan:
Definition of Stakeholder- someone who has a 'stake' or interest in the company. A person or organisation who influences and can be influenced by the company.
Categories of stakeholders:
1) Internal Stakeholders- these people work inside the company e.g. employees, managers etc
2) Connected- these people work with the company e.g. suppliers, mortgage lenders
3) External Stakeholders - these people are outside of the company e.g. the government, professional bodies, the local community.
Example Essay:
A stakeholder is an individual, group, or entity that has a vested interest or concern in the activities, decisions, or outcomes of an organization or project. Stakeholders are those who can be affected by or can affect the organization, and they play a crucial role in influencing its success, sustainability, and reputation. Understanding and managing stakeholder relationships is a fundamental aspect of effective organizational governance and decision-making and there are several different types of stakeholders.
Firstly, internal stakeholders are those individuals or groups directly connected to the daily operations and management of the organization. Internal stakeholders are key to success and are arguably more vested in the company succeeding. They may depend on the company for their income / livelihood. Anyone who contributes to the company's internal functions can be considered an internal stakeholder for example:
This category includes
1) Employees: With a direct influence on the organization's success, employees are critical internal stakeholders. Their engagement, satisfaction, and productivity impact the overall performance.
2) Management and Executives: The leadership team has a significant influence on the organization's strategic direction and decision-making. Their decisions can shape the company's future.
Secondly, connected stakeholders are those individuals or groups whose interests are tied to the organization but may not be directly involved in its day-to-day operations. Connected stakeholders work alongside the organisation and often have a contractual relationship with the organisation. For example, banks, mortgage lenders, and suppliers. These stakeholders have an interest in the business succeeding, but not as much as internal stakeholders. It is important to keep these stakeholders satisfied as the organisation does depend on them to some extent. For example, it is important that the organisation has a good relationship with their bank / mortgage provider/ supplier as failing to pay what they owe may result in the stakeholders taking legal action against the organisation.
This category includes:
1) Shareholders/Investors: Holding financial stakes in the organization, shareholders seek a return on their investment and have a vested interest in the company's financial performance.
2) Suppliers and Partners: External entities providing goods, services, or collaboration. Their relationship with the organization impacts the quality and efficiency of its operations.
Lastly external stakeholders are entities outside the organization that can influence or be influenced by its actions. This category includes anyone who is affected by the company but who does not contribute to internal operations. They have less power to influence decisions than internal and connected stakeholders. External stakeholders include the government, professional bodies, pressure groups and the local community. They have quite diverse objectives and have varying ability to influence the organisation. For example, the government may be able to influence the organisation by passing legislation that regulates the industry but they do not have the power to get involved in the day-to-day affairs of the company. Pressure groups may have varying degrees of success in influencing the organisation depending on the subject matter. This category includes:
1) Customers: With a direct impact on the organization's revenue, customers are vital external stakeholders. Their satisfaction and loyalty are crucial for the company's success.
2) Government and Regulatory Bodies: External entities overseeing industry regulations. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for the organization's reputation and legal standing.
In conclusion, stakeholders are diverse entities with a vested interest in an organization's activities. The three categories-internal, connected and external -encompass various groups that significantly influence and are influenced by the organization. Recognizing and addressing the needs and concerns of stakeholders are vital for sustainable and responsible business practices.
Tutor Notes
- The above essay is pretty short and to the point and would pass. If you want to beef out the essay you can include some of the following information for a higher score:
- Stakeholders can be harmed by, or benefit from the organisation (can affect and be affected by the organisation). For example a stakeholder can be harmed if the organisation becomes involved in illegal or immoral practices- e.g. the local community can suffer if the organisation begins to pollute the local rivers. The local community can also benefit from the organisation through increased employment levels.
- CSR argues organisations should respect the rights of stakeholder groups
- Stakeholders are important because they may have direct or indirect influence on decisions
- The public sector has a wider and more complex range of stakeholders as they're managed on behalf of society as a whole. They're more likely to take a rage of stakeholder views into account when making decisions. However, these stakeholders are less powerful - i.e. they can't threaten market sanctions, to withdraw funding, or to quit the business etc.
- The essay doesn't specifically ask you to Map Stakeholders, but you could throw in a cheeky mention of Mendelow's Stakeholder Matrix, perhaps in the conclusion. Don't spend time describing it though- you won't get more than 1 point for mentioning it. You'd be better off spending your time giving lots and lots of examples of different types of stakeholders.
- Study guide p. 58
NEW QUESTION # 48
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