CIPS Procurement and Supply in Practice - L4M8 Exam Questions
QUESTION NO: 1
What are the four methods that can be used to try to resolve dispute?
What are the four methods that can be used to try to resolve dispute?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
Conflict or dispute is the final area a procurement professional considers when creating terms for a contract with a supplier. If conflict or dispute arises, there must be a process put in place in the contract to try to resolve it and these includes; a) Negotiation, b) mediation, c) arbitration and d) litigation.
Negotiation is usually carried out between senior people within organization that are in conflict, if they cannot reach an agreement through negotiation, mediation is the next stage, mediation is when a third party tries to help find a resolution among the parties in dispute. If mediation fails arbitration can start, arbitration involve independent professionals (arbitrators) working with all the party to try to reach an agreement. Parties do not have a formal or legal obligation to follow the arbitrator's recommendation. Arbitration is expensive. If arbitration fails to resolve the conflict, the final stage is litigation, litigation takes time and money, and most people avoid it. It is a legal process where a court decides on the outcome of the dispute. The judge's ruling is final.
* Refer to the question column for response
Explanation:
Conflict or dispute is the final area a procurement professional considers when creating terms for a contract with a supplier. If conflict or dispute arises, there must be a process put in place in the contract to try to resolve it and these includes; a) Negotiation, b) mediation, c) arbitration and d) litigation.
Negotiation is usually carried out between senior people within organization that are in conflict, if they cannot reach an agreement through negotiation, mediation is the next stage, mediation is when a third party tries to help find a resolution among the parties in dispute. If mediation fails arbitration can start, arbitration involve independent professionals (arbitrators) working with all the party to try to reach an agreement. Parties do not have a formal or legal obligation to follow the arbitrator's recommendation. Arbitration is expensive. If arbitration fails to resolve the conflict, the final stage is litigation, litigation takes time and money, and most people avoid it. It is a legal process where a court decides on the outcome of the dispute. The judge's ruling is final.
* Refer to the question column for response
QUESTION NO: 2
Which products or services should not be considered for outsourcing, according to Carter's out-sourcing matrix
Which products or services should not be considered for outsourcing, according to Carter's out-sourcing matrix
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
Carters outsource matrix is a useful tool that procurement professionals uses to decide which products or services has a high or low contribution to the organization operation performance and its strategic importance.
The matrix segments products/services into four quadrants. These are Eliminate, outsource, strategic alliance and retain.
According to Carters outsource matrix, all product/services that has a high strategic importance should not be outsourced. They should rather be retained in house or carefully chose suitable sup-pliers and go into strategic alliance.
* Refer to the question column for response
Explanation:
Carters outsource matrix is a useful tool that procurement professionals uses to decide which products or services has a high or low contribution to the organization operation performance and its strategic importance.
The matrix segments products/services into four quadrants. These are Eliminate, outsource, strategic alliance and retain.
According to Carters outsource matrix, all product/services that has a high strategic importance should not be outsourced. They should rather be retained in house or carefully chose suitable sup-pliers and go into strategic alliance.
* Refer to the question column for response
QUESTION NO: 3
What are the eight elements of whole life asset management?
What are the eight elements of whole life asset management?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
Whole life asset management is the process of evaluating the total price and all associated costs of a product to make an informed decision as to which option will provide the organization with the best value for money option: To achieve this the organization works at the following eight elements.
1. Identify need/objectives/risk: The first stage of the whole life asset management is the same as the first stage in the CIPS procurement and supply cycle: identify the need prior to any asset being procured; the need could be competition in the marketplace, raised/reduced demands or financial concern. Once this need has been identified, the objectives of the new assets need to be set, and this may include being more energy efficient, reducing cost or saving money.
Risk also needs to be explored. When investing in a new asset there are factors to be considered that may or may not be advantageous to the investment. These include; downtime, lost sale/revenue or associated cost.
2. Procurement: Procurement professional would have to source and arrange supply of the asset.
3. Construction: ones the supply has being arranged, then the designing and the manufacturing of the asset begins.
4. Commissioning
5. Deterioration/maintenance
6. Condition performance monitoring
7. Decommissioning
8. Renewal/replacement
Explanation:
Whole life asset management is the process of evaluating the total price and all associated costs of a product to make an informed decision as to which option will provide the organization with the best value for money option: To achieve this the organization works at the following eight elements.
1. Identify need/objectives/risk: The first stage of the whole life asset management is the same as the first stage in the CIPS procurement and supply cycle: identify the need prior to any asset being procured; the need could be competition in the marketplace, raised/reduced demands or financial concern. Once this need has been identified, the objectives of the new assets need to be set, and this may include being more energy efficient, reducing cost or saving money.
Risk also needs to be explored. When investing in a new asset there are factors to be considered that may or may not be advantageous to the investment. These include; downtime, lost sale/revenue or associated cost.
2. Procurement: Procurement professional would have to source and arrange supply of the asset.
3. Construction: ones the supply has being arranged, then the designing and the manufacturing of the asset begins.
4. Commissioning
5. Deterioration/maintenance
6. Condition performance monitoring
7. Decommissioning
8. Renewal/replacement
QUESTION NO: 4
What two areas of an organization do the Kraljic Portfolio matrix uses to establish the category of a product or service?
What two areas of an organization do the Kraljic Portfolio matrix uses to establish the category of a product or service?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
The Kraljic Portfolio Matrix shows where a product or services fits into in an organization. It is based on two areas 1) the risk of supply (Risk Impact). 2) Effect it has on profit (cost impact).
Explanation:
The Kraljic Portfolio Matrix shows where a product or services fits into in an organization. It is based on two areas 1) the risk of supply (Risk Impact). 2) Effect it has on profit (cost impact).
QUESTION NO: 5
Explain why risk should be evaluated prior to the disposal of any assets.
Explain why risk should be evaluated prior to the disposal of any assets.
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
Disposal of an asset is the final stage in the decommissioning process of a fixed asset.
When a fixed asset reaches the end of its useful or cost effective life time within an organization, the decision is made as to whether it should be removed from the premises or disposed off.
The process of disposing an asset cannot be without its risk, for example there could be pollution in the community, waste or hazardous materials that could affect the underground water or humans around.
These risks should be identified, evaluated to come up with a response strategy on how to avoid or mitigate them causing damage to human, property, business and the environment.
* Refer to the question column for response
Explanation:
Disposal of an asset is the final stage in the decommissioning process of a fixed asset.
When a fixed asset reaches the end of its useful or cost effective life time within an organization, the decision is made as to whether it should be removed from the premises or disposed off.
The process of disposing an asset cannot be without its risk, for example there could be pollution in the community, waste or hazardous materials that could affect the underground water or humans around.
These risks should be identified, evaluated to come up with a response strategy on how to avoid or mitigate them causing damage to human, property, business and the environment.
* Refer to the question column for response
QUESTION NO: 6
Create two KPIs and two SLAs for a contract with which you are familiar.
Create two KPIs and two SLAs for a contract with which you are familiar.
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
Key performance Indicators (KPIs) and service level Agreement (SLA) are measures that demon-strate the effectiveness of a supplier. By using KPIs and SLAs as part of suppliers management, procurement professionals can monitor and evaluate performance and identify areas that need attention or improvement.
KPIs and SLAs are used for product and service contract respectively.
Two KPI
1) Number of defects: Not more than two defects is allowed on the generator and its accessories
2) Supplier Lead Time: Delivery after placing order should not be anytime longer than 14 days.
Two SLAs
1) The toilet should be washed with soap, and deodorant should be sprayed twice a day
2) Bathroom and toilet should not be allowed to smell out to the passage. Bathroom smelling out to the passage twice a month is a violation of the contract.
Explanation:
Key performance Indicators (KPIs) and service level Agreement (SLA) are measures that demon-strate the effectiveness of a supplier. By using KPIs and SLAs as part of suppliers management, procurement professionals can monitor and evaluate performance and identify areas that need attention or improvement.
KPIs and SLAs are used for product and service contract respectively.
Two KPI
1) Number of defects: Not more than two defects is allowed on the generator and its accessories
2) Supplier Lead Time: Delivery after placing order should not be anytime longer than 14 days.
Two SLAs
1) The toilet should be washed with soap, and deodorant should be sprayed twice a day
2) Bathroom and toilet should not be allowed to smell out to the passage. Bathroom smelling out to the passage twice a month is a violation of the contract.
QUESTION NO: 7
Write all of factors that contribute towards value for a product that you regularly purchase.
Write all of factors that contribute towards value for a product that you regularly purchase.
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
Factors that contribute towards value for clothe gum in a fashion firm;
1) How much money does the gum cost?
2) How much is the benefits of using the clothe gum?
3) Does customers prefer clothe gum at the bottom of their garment?
4) Is the clothe gum difficult to use?
5) Does the clothe gum beautifies the fabric when placed properly?
6) Does it give a better finishing?
7) Is it ethical to use?
8) Is it from a sustainable source?
9) is it environmental friendly?
10) Does using clothe gum suggest innovation in fashion?
Explanation:
Factors that contribute towards value for clothe gum in a fashion firm;
1) How much money does the gum cost?
2) How much is the benefits of using the clothe gum?
3) Does customers prefer clothe gum at the bottom of their garment?
4) Is the clothe gum difficult to use?
5) Does the clothe gum beautifies the fabric when placed properly?
6) Does it give a better finishing?
7) Is it ethical to use?
8) Is it from a sustainable source?
9) is it environmental friendly?
10) Does using clothe gum suggest innovation in fashion?
QUESTION NO: 8
How can procurement professionals select suppliers?
How can procurement professionals select suppliers?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
During the sourcing stage of the procurement cycle, the procurement professional needs to identify and select suppliers to fulfill the business needs. Supplier selection involves evaluating suppliers against predetermine criteria to assess their suitability in working with the buying organization. Suppliers can be evaluated according to Carter's 10Cs which are as follows: (1) Competency (2) capacity (3) consistency (4) control (5) cost (6) commitment (7) cash (8) Clean (9) culture (10) communication.
Procurement professionals can decide to evaluate and select suppliers based on the overall strategy and the business objectives. After that, it most suitable suppliers receive the documentation (Invitation to tender/ request for quotation).
Explanation:
During the sourcing stage of the procurement cycle, the procurement professional needs to identify and select suppliers to fulfill the business needs. Supplier selection involves evaluating suppliers against predetermine criteria to assess their suitability in working with the buying organization. Suppliers can be evaluated according to Carter's 10Cs which are as follows: (1) Competency (2) capacity (3) consistency (4) control (5) cost (6) commitment (7) cash (8) Clean (9) culture (10) communication.
Procurement professionals can decide to evaluate and select suppliers based on the overall strategy and the business objectives. After that, it most suitable suppliers receive the documentation (Invitation to tender/ request for quotation).
QUESTION NO: 9
What do STEEPLE and SWOT stand for?
What do STEEPLE and SWOT stand for?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
RESPONSE
After a need in an organization has been identified/understood, defined, justified and authorized, the next stages are to understand how commodity prices are reacting, which suppliers are available and their strength.
The make or buy decision can be reached with knowledge from this; the procurement professional can consider the organization external environment, strength, weakness opportunity and threat to develop strategy
/plan of how to achieve the procurement.
'STEEPLE' is an effective way to evaluate the external environment. It helps buyers to assess factors that could affect the need in hand and helps them to develop the plan accordingly. 'STEEPLE' is an acronym which stands for, Social, Technology, Economic, Environment, Political, Legal, Ethical
'SWOT' helps the organization to analyze its strength and within the organization and the oppor-tunity and threats outside the organization.
'SWOT' is an acronym which stands for, strength, weakness, opportunity and threats.
* Refer to the question column
Explanation:
RESPONSE
After a need in an organization has been identified/understood, defined, justified and authorized, the next stages are to understand how commodity prices are reacting, which suppliers are available and their strength.
The make or buy decision can be reached with knowledge from this; the procurement professional can consider the organization external environment, strength, weakness opportunity and threat to develop strategy
/plan of how to achieve the procurement.
'STEEPLE' is an effective way to evaluate the external environment. It helps buyers to assess factors that could affect the need in hand and helps them to develop the plan accordingly. 'STEEPLE' is an acronym which stands for, Social, Technology, Economic, Environment, Political, Legal, Ethical
'SWOT' helps the organization to analyze its strength and within the organization and the oppor-tunity and threats outside the organization.
'SWOT' is an acronym which stands for, strength, weakness, opportunity and threats.
* Refer to the question column
QUESTION NO: 10
Looking at stage 8 of the procurement and supply cycle, what does TCA mean?
Looking at stage 8 of the procurement and supply cycle, what does TCA mean?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
When evaluating offers, it is important to remember that the best price may not be the lowest. To ascertain that; the total cost of Acquisition TCA (the cost a buyer bears for placing orders and re-ceiving a product from a supplier) should be uncovered and compare against offers received. Things to consider that might make up the total cost of acquisition are;
1) logistics and handling costs
2) Cost of requisition
3) Rework
4) stock cost
5) Delay
6) Inspection
7) customer services
8) consumables
9) Training & support
Explanation:
When evaluating offers, it is important to remember that the best price may not be the lowest. To ascertain that; the total cost of Acquisition TCA (the cost a buyer bears for placing orders and re-ceiving a product from a supplier) should be uncovered and compare against offers received. Things to consider that might make up the total cost of acquisition are;
1) logistics and handling costs
2) Cost of requisition
3) Rework
4) stock cost
5) Delay
6) Inspection
7) customer services
8) consumables
9) Training & support
QUESTION NO: 11
Which Incoterm applies here?
The supplier is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer's premises, bearing all risk up until this point.
Which Incoterm applies here?
The supplier is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer's premises, bearing all risk up until this point.
Correct Answer: C
QUESTION NO: 12
KPI should be written to match which area of an organization?
KPI should be written to match which area of an organization?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
Key performance indicator (KPI) is another method of monitoring how a supplier is delivering on a contract.
When creating KPIs to manage suppliers and their contracts the areas monitored should be related to the organization's overall strategy that is where organization's success will be measured.
Explanation:
Key performance indicator (KPI) is another method of monitoring how a supplier is delivering on a contract.
When creating KPIs to manage suppliers and their contracts the areas monitored should be related to the organization's overall strategy that is where organization's success will be measured.
QUESTION NO: 13
What does the acronym SMART stand for?
What does the acronym SMART stand for?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
When the procurement professional is setting key performance indicator (KPI) where which the supplier performance will be monitored and managed. The KPI is expected to be SMART. SMART is an acronym that is used to set KPI and specification.
S - specific ,
M - measurable,
A - achievable,
R - relevant, and
T - timebound.
Explanation:
When the procurement professional is setting key performance indicator (KPI) where which the supplier performance will be monitored and managed. The KPI is expected to be SMART. SMART is an acronym that is used to set KPI and specification.
S - specific ,
M - measurable,
A - achievable,
R - relevant, and
T - timebound.
QUESTION NO: 14
What happens in the public sector, regarding providing feedback?
What happens in the public sector, regarding providing feedback?
Correct Answer:
See the answer in explanation.
Explanation:
A sector is an area of an industry, e.g., private, public or third sector.
A public sector is a sector of the economy that is owned, finance and run by the government. This sector is financed with tax payer's money. And therefore owe the general public an ethical explanation towards all investment and decision.
Once the supplier that is awarded the contract has accepted, the buyer can tell the unsuccessful bidders. This usually happens through email or letter. The public sector is more likely to give feedback to unsuccessful bidders and also have to respond to any stakeholders that request information on why a supplier is not successful.
Explanation:
A sector is an area of an industry, e.g., private, public or third sector.
A public sector is a sector of the economy that is owned, finance and run by the government. This sector is financed with tax payer's money. And therefore owe the general public an ethical explanation towards all investment and decision.
Once the supplier that is awarded the contract has accepted, the buyer can tell the unsuccessful bidders. This usually happens through email or letter. The public sector is more likely to give feedback to unsuccessful bidders and also have to respond to any stakeholders that request information on why a supplier is not successful.
