CIPS Level 4 – Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Procurement and Supply in

Practice [L4M8]
Sample Answer Guidance

Leading global excellence in procurement and supply

(Q1) Data – Schools
The procurement of products and services by government funded schools represents a significant sum of
money spent in an important area of the public sector. Staffing typically amounts to around 70% of school
costs. The remainder consists of operating and maintenance expenditures, such as gas and electricity,
catering, stationery, buildings maintenance, cleaning and insurance. These are purchased from external
suppliers and account for a sizeable proportion of any school’s budget. There is a growing focus on the
importance of procurement activity within schools, as they have often failed to comply with government
procedures for procurement.

A report entitled ‘Review of Efficiency in the Schools System’ published in 2013 found that too many schools
continue to purchase products and services individually. They have failed to realise potential economies of
scale which might have been achieved by collaborating with other schools by using a consortium or group
buying approach. Where competition was sought, contracts were often awarded to suppliers purely on the
basis of the lowest prices. This focus on price often created problems with the quality of product and service
that were supplied. For example, in the case of catering, pupils could have been offered food with little
nutritional value or a limited range of healthy options. By contrast, in other categories of procurement, such
as in the supply of energy and insurance of personnel and buildings, very little competition was evident.

A survey of prices for routine items (such as stationery) showed how they varied hugely by supplier,
depending on the supplier selected. The report also highlighted a sample of 23 schools, all based within a 15
mile radius of each other, with a combined spend on purchased goods and services of approximately £5m per
year.

The following issues were identified:

• 1,828 different suppliers were used
• The annual spend with 1,524 of these suppliers was less than £500 each
• The schools in the sample were using the same suppliers, but on varying terms and conditions
• Schools were also paying different amounts for the same goods and services.

Question One

Describe FIVE sequential stages of a typical tendering process that could be adopted by a new buying
consortium for schools.

[25 marks]
LO: 1
AC: 1.1

Planning your answer

Command Words
It is important in any constructive response question to understand the Command word used in the question
as they tell you exactly what the assessor wants you to do. In this question the assessor will want you to
clearly:

2
“Describe FIVE sequential stages of a typical tendering process that could be adopted by a new buying
consortium for schools.”
The Command word in this question is Describe: to give a full account or detailed representation of
something.
It is important to note at this point that the assessor will give you marks for describing only FIVE sequential
stages of a typical tendering process related to the stated scenario.

If you identify and then describe more than FIVE you will not gain any additional marks and will also have
wasted valuable exam time.
To be absolutely clear any more than FIVE stages identified and described will be left unmarked.
If you identify and describe less than FIVE then you cannot accrue full marks even though you might describe
three or four stages in perhaps too much breadth and depth.
Therefore, you need to time manage your planned answer to ensure that you identify and describe FIVE
sequential stages of a typical tendering process that could be adopted by the new buying consortium, and
no more in the time allocated.
Note: This question has 25 marks and therefore 5 marks for each stage identified and described.

Answering the question

A good approach to answering this question would be to have a short introductory sentence or paragraph
stating the purpose of the tendering process which is to invite potential suppliers to bid to supply a product or
service with the objective of obtaining the best value for money for your organisation.

And then following on from the introduction perhaps have a short sub-heading
“5 sequential stages of a typical tendering process that could be adopted by the new buying consortium
are:” Then number or bullet point each of the identified FIVE stages accompanied with a good description,
account and representation of each.

This approach helps to ensure that you understand the question, recognise the command word and cover
FIVE and no more identified stages of the tendering process.

Relevant answers relating to the tendering stages could include a description of the following:

 Evaluation of the suitability of tendering as a procurement methodology.

 Decision on whether to use open or selective tendering (where not already determined by regulation or
company policy).
 Determination of a realistic timetable for the tender process, allowing reasonable time for responses at
each stage.
 Preparation of detailed specifications and draft contract documents.
 Issue of invitations to tender, accompanied by specifications. In selective tendering, this would be by
means of an invitation to bid or RFQ sent to short-listed suppliers. In open tendering, it would be by
means of a public advertisement, with invitations to bid issued to suppliers who respond within the stated
timeframe.

3
 Submission of completed tenders or bids by potential supplier within the deadline specified.
 Opening of tenders on the appointed date. Tenders received after this date should be returned
unopened. The tenders received should be logged, with the main details for each listed on an analysis
sheet for ease of comparison.
 Analysis of each tender, according to the stated criteria, with a view to selecting the ‘best offer’. This will
usually be on a best value for money basis, but other criteria (such as environmental compliance or
innovation) may be taken into account, as long as they have been clearly notified in the invitation to
tender.
 Award of the contract, and advertisement or notification of the award.
 Post tender negotiation, to achieve improved terms, which is common in the private sector, but not in the
public sector.
 ‘De-briefing’ the giving of feedback, on request, to unsuccessful tenderers, to enable them to improve the
competitiveness of future bids.
 Contract Management of the successful tender bidders

Other valid responses will be accepted.

(Q2) GFATM
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) is an international organisation that aims to
attract and distribute resources to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The organisation
has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It is financed by government grants and public donations.
GFATM intends to develop its sourcing and procurement activities. It has recently carried out a review to
explore how efficiency could be improved, to develop increased commercial expertise in its field staff, and
therefore achieve greater transparency on costs and payments.

A new sourcing process was established to organise the structured purchase of mosquito nets, shifting the
power from seller to buyer. The process focused on reducing the market dominance of individual
manufacturers and mosquito net suppliers. There would be a strong focus by GFATM on local production and
suppliers using this new approach. Long-term contracts resulting from the new sourcing process would
improve visibility, production, capacity planning and pricing.

Another aim of the sourcing exercise was to generate overall value by ordering more nets of a standard size
and simplifying manufacturing processes to cut costs. Previously the number of mosquito net specifications
was very wide. Through standardisation and reduced prices, a third more nets could be bought within the
same budget. By using large-scale purchasing power, the new process would provide better value for money,
providing savings and the reduction of supply chain bottlenecks and shortages.

4
Question Two

Explain FIVE ways in which supplier selection may add value in the sourcing process for organisations such as
GFATM.

[25 marks]
LO: 2
AC: 2.1

Planning your answer

Command Words

It is important in any constructive response question to understand the Command word used in the question
as they tell you exactly what the assessor wants you to do. In this question the assessor will want you too
clearly:
‘Explain FIVE ways in which supplier selection may add value in the sourcing process for organisations such as
GFATM’

The Command word in this question is Explain, ‘Give reasons for, or account for something, so that it is
clear or easy to understand.’

It is important to note at this point that the assessor will give you marks for explaining only FIVE ways in which
supplier selection may add value in the sourcing process.

If you identify and then explain more than FIVE you will not gain any additional marks and will also have
wasted valuable exam time.

To be absolutely clear any more than FIVE identified and explained will be left unmarked.

If you identify and explain less than FIVE then you cannot accrue full marks even though you might explain
three or four in perhaps too much breadth and depth.

Therefore, you need to time manage your planned answer to ensure that you identify and explain FIVE ways
in which supplier selection may add value in the sourcing process for organisations such as GFATM, and no
more in the time allocated.

Note: This question has 25 marks and therefore 5 marks for each stage identified and explained.

Answering the question

A good approach to answering this question would be to have a short introductory sentence or paragraph
stating that part of the sourcing process involves the identification and vetting of suppliers who can best
supply the products and services that meet the specifications required to fulfil the business needs.

And then following on from the introduction perhaps have a short sub-heading.

5
“5 ways in which supplier selection may add value in the sourcing process for organisations such as GFATM
are:” and then number or bullet point each of the identified FIVE ways, going on to providing reasons, or
account for why they add value.

This approach helps to ensure that you understand the question, recognise the command word and cover
FIVE and no more identified ways in which supplier selection may add value.

Relevant suggestions relating to ways supplier selection may add value in the sourcing process for
organisations such as GFATM can include but are not limited to the following:

 Can reduce risk through-out the supply chain by ensuring only those suppliers capable of fulfilling the
business requirement are selected.
 Can provide the opportunity to create strategic and collaborative relationships with suppliers
supporting continuous improvement in key areas of the supply chain, helping to achieve competitive
advantages for the business over the long-term.
 Can ensure that selection criteria meet the needs of the stakeholders and help to avoid a focus not
only on price but on the best overall value for money recognising stakeholder and business needs.
 Can help to avoid engaging with suppliers who may be in the midst of current or potential future
financial difficulties.
 Can help to ensure that only those suppliers who have a cultural fit to GFATM’s organisational goals
and objectives including Corporate Social Responsibility are selected for over the long-term.
 Can help to avoid reputational damage to GFATM by ensuring and adopting ethical sourcing and
supplier selection approach.
 Eliminate poor suppliers from the competition early on, saving supplier and buyer time. Enhance the
even-handedness of the buyer and build more genuine competition between suppliers.
 Produce a higher quality of suppliers.
 Help to encourage innovation and creativity from suppliers.
 Will give better data on which to base feedback to unsuccessful suppliers.
 Give better evidence to use if needed to back up a challenge to the selection decision, be that through
the Courts or through other channels.

Other valid responses will be accepted.

(Q3) Insta Foods

Insta Foods purchased new machinery for a new packing line and used it for 3 years. During this period the
machine required specialised repairs and part replacement in year two and three. Insta Foods now need to
upgrade the packaging operation to fulfil its production schedule.

Insta Foods have prepared the following table of costs associated with the new machine. The table shows
generic headings which cover a range of costs. Not all of the costs of the new machine are included but these
are the main areas of costs that the organisation believes it must consider.

Item Description of Costs Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

1 Tender and contracting for new packing machine costs $40,000
2 Purchase cost of machinery $20,000,000
3 Installation and delivery cost of packing machine $170,000
4 Annual raw material costs consumed by machine $7,500,000 $8,000,000 $8,200,000

6
 5 Machines annual energy and fuel costs $250,000 $280,000 $290,000
6 Annual maintenance costs for packing machine $100,000 $100,000 $100,000
7 Residual value and disposal costs $500,000

Question Three

Analyse FIVE of the seven costs shown in the table. Provide a categorisation for each of the FIVE costs
selected and provide examples of actual detailed expenditure that would be in each of the chosen FIVE
categories.
[25 marks]

LO: 3
AC: 3.1

Planning your answer

Command Words
It is important in any constructive response question to understand the Command word used in the question
as they tell you exactly what the assessor wants you to do. In this question the assessor will want you to
clearly:
Analyse FIVE of the seven costs shown in the table. Provide a categorisation for each of the FIVE costs
selected and provide examples of actual detailed expenditure that would be in each of the chosen FIVE
categories.

The Command word in this question is Analyse, ‘Examine a topic together with thoughts and judgements
about it by dividing the topic into its separate parts and looking at each part in detail’
It is important to note at this point that the assessor will give you marks for analysing, categorising and
providing examples of each for only FIVE of the selected costs.
If you analyse more than FIVE you will not gain any additional marks and will also have wasted valuable exam
time.
To be absolutely clear any more than FIVE costs analysed and categorised with examples will be left
unmarked.
If you analyse and categorise with examples any less than FIVE then you cannot accrue full marks.
Therefore, you need to time manage your planned answer to ensure that you analyse, categorise and give
examples of FIVE costs, and no more in the time allocated.
Note: This question has 25 marks and therefore 5 marks for each cost analysed and categorised with
examples for each.

7
Answering the question
A good approach to answering this question would be to have a short introductory sentence or paragraph
stating that the question is relating to whole life asset management and reflects categories of costs incurred
over the whole life of the new machinery and not just the purchase price of the asset.

And then following on from the introduction perhaps have a short sub-heading

“5 costs analysed identifying the categorisation of the costs along with appropriate examples: and then
number or bullet point each of the FIVE costs.

This approach helps to ensure that you understand the question, recognise the command word along with
identifying the categories, along with providing examples of five of the costs in the table.

The following is suggested answer content rather than a model answer and typical responses to this nature of
question, where candidates are required to demonstrate an understanding of whole life asset management,
may include:

Item 1. Tender and Contracting for New Packing Machine Costs

A high-value machine of this nature will need multiple stakeholder input to ensure the specification of the
machine will meet current and future requirements. Procurement will need to assess the market to identify
appropriate suppliers and work with several stakeholders to develop the documentation required for a
successful tender. This will include not only the specification but also commercial and contractual
documentation involving not only Operations but Finance and Legal. All of these incur a heavy use of internal
resources and are costs to the business. Procurement may also need to meet or have virtual meetings with
suppliers, perhaps local and internationally to help develop the spec and said documentation to support the
tender. On an international basis, we have the complexity of language, contractual law and time differences
and meetings may have to be out-with UK hours. All of this is resource-intensive.
These may be considered as Pre-Acquisition Costs, and clear examples above can include travel, perhaps local
and global, hotels, taxis etc. Overtime costs for key personnel who are working out of hours and of course
Legal resource is always expensive!
Others include:
• Preparation and issuing of invitation to tenders
• cost of tender evaluation
Item 2. Purchase Cost of the Machinery
The purchase cost of the machinery will, of course, include the actual Purchase Price of the machine itself.
There are lots of things to consider here regarding the cost of acquisition of the purchase. For example, if we
buy internationally, we have to consider relevant exchange rates, not only at the time of purchase but at time
of receipt as there can be serious swings that can affect the cost of the asset. We would also have to consider
contractually what the agreed exchange rate would be.
As the purchase price is part of the Acquisition Costs of the asset. Other acquisition costs could also include.
• Delivery charges

• Insurance and taxes

• Training and support

8
Item 3. Installation and Delivery Cost of Packing Machine
These are important and significant costs particularly if buying the asset overseas and given that the size of
the new machinery may be both large and heavy. Sea-freight will likely be the most cost-effective delivery
option and that will, of course, have an impact on overall lead-time. It could be that the overseas supplier has
‘local’ engineers in place perhaps even with a 3rd party but these costs need to be recognised as part of the
asset purchase. A local supplier may be the best total cost option and would certainly need to be a
consideration.
As with above, these costs are Acquisition costs and along with the installation there is likely to be the cost of
additional training and support packages to operate and maintain the machine.
Item 4. Annual Raw Material Processed by Machine
The packing line will have been purchased to package the food and probably capable of packing different
types of foodstuffs, in different shapes and quantities to meet the needs of different customers. This is
essentially the direct materials and will be considered here as part of the Operating Costs. Other examples of
Operating costs could include consumables and labour.
Item 5. Machines Annual Energy and Fuel costs
These costs are significant and could be due to perhaps operating in a 24x7 day environment as some
foodstuffs packaged could well be seasonal. It could be a high use-age of electricity to power the machine
along with oils for maintenance.
These as above are part of the Operating Costs, and of course, could have an environmental impact which
may also incur costs either in prevention perhaps to minimise noise pollution or even disposal of spent oils.
Item 6. Annual Maintenance Costs for Packing Machine
These costs are again significant and are likely to be incurred as part of site quality assurance and a planned
maintenance schedule by qualified engineers with a view to ‘sweating the asset’ and have it employed in full
use to gain maximum return on the asset in what is likely to be a 24/7 working environment.
These are categorised as Maintenance Costs, others can include the costs of specialist tooling and
spare/replacement parts.
Item 7. Residual Value and Disposal Costs
It looks like the residual value of the asset after year three isn’t worth much given that the actual purchase
price was $20 million. The machine itself is likely to be depreciated over a four or five year period and one
would expect a better residual value. This should, of course, have been taken into account by the business
and Procurement at the very beginning of the procurement process.
Regarding disposal, we have to recognise that there is likely to be legal and environmental regulations
dictating the safe disposal of the machine itself. The residual value and disposal costs are End of Life Costs.
Other end of life costs could include decommissioning costs to ensure safe disposal or removal for sale/scrap.

Other relevant costs to consider can include:-

Transaction costs, such as taxes, foreign exchange costs and the cost of forming a contract

Finance costs, such as interest charges and bank charges

Storage costs, such as warehousing, security, protection against theft, heat and light, internal

Quality costs, such as inspection, re-work, loss of sales revenue and any compensation paid to

9
Compute the present value to allow decisions to be made. The value of money spent in the future depends on
the firm’s capital costs

Other valid responses will be accepted.

(Q4) Infinity Inc.

Infinity Inc. is a global technology company and produces TV sets, cell phones, computers, and tablets. In just
12 years after being founded, Infinity has become one of the world’s most valuable technology company and
its products are in high demand across the globe.

In recent times the dynamics of consumer electronics manufacturing has changed, and the majority of
manufacturers are now based in China. Infinity has adopted a similar approach and sources parts for all its
products from multiple suppliers based in China and South-East Asia. Technica China holds the long-term
contract for assembling all Infinity products and is responsible for liaising with other parts manufacturers.

It is widely accepted that the primary reason behind Infinity’s high-profit margin is its supply chain which uses
a 3-pronged approach to keep costs under control: reduce inventory, cut down on high warehouses costs and
promote competition between the suppliers.

While the extent of Infinity’s supplier base has enabled it to drive down costs, it has been constantly criticised
for the conduct of its suppliers including very poor compliance with ethics guidelines.

The other concerns which have come to light include the HR manager of Technica, hiring staff through a
company owned by his son-in-law.

Infinity is aware of the CIPS code of ethics and other organisations who encourage improved conditions and
practices such as the ILO (International Labour Organisation) but have not yet addressed them.

Question Four

Explain FIVE areas which would be addressed by a code of ethics produced by organisations such as CIPS.

[25 marks]
LO: 4
AC: 4.1

Planning your answer

Command Words

It is important in any constructive response question to understand the Command word used in the question
as they tell you exactly what the assessor wants you to do. In this question, the assessor will want you too
clearly:

‘Explain FIVE areas which would be addressed by a code of ethics produced by organisations such as CIPS.’

The Command word in this question is Explain, ‘Give reasons for, or account for something, so that it is
clear or easy to understand’

10
It is important to note at this point that the assessor will give you marks for explaining only FIVE areas which
would be addressed by a code of ethics.

If you identify and then explain more than FIVE you will not gain any additional marks and will also have
wasted valuable exam time.

To be absolutely clear any more than five areas identified and explained will be left unmarked.

If you identify and explain less than FIVE areas then you cannot accrue full marks even though you might have
explained three or four in perhaps too much breadth and depth.

Therefore, you need to time manage your planned answer to ensure that you identify and explain FIVE areas
that would be addressed by a code of ethics, produced by organisations such as CIPS and no more in the time
allocated.

Note: This question has 25 marks and therefore 5 marks for each area identified and explained.

Answering the question

A good approach to answering this question would be to have a short introduction relating to established
bodies that produce ethics codes and why they are important for companies such as Infinity Inc.

There are various national and international bodies such as CIPS/ILO/ETI/IFTA who publish ethics codes which
set out the moral principles and values for steering the conduct of the business community including the
procurement and supply chain professionals. Infinity can use the ethics guidance issued by these bodies to
achieve effective ethical governance throughout the supply chain and its sourcing operations.

Establishing a company code provides a clear message internally and externally of a company’s corporate
values, what the company stands for and its commitment to high standards and ethical behaviours
throughout the business and supply chains. They can support compliance with ethical business practices and
help to mitigate risk against reputational and legislative damage to companies such as Infinity Inc.

And then following on from the introduction perhaps have a short sub-heading:
“FIVE areas which would be addressed by a code of ethics include: and then number or bullet point each of
the identified areas, explaining each.

This approach helps to ensure that you understand the question, recognise the command word and explain
five areas that would be addressed.

The following is suggested answer content rather than a model answer and can include:

NB: Read the notes and information below on CIPS/ILO/ETI/IFTA

Five areas addressed by these ethics codes include:

1. Corruption. This can be an abuse of power for personal gain. Within the case study, there is a Conflict
of Interest where the HR Manager of Technica is hiring staff through a company owned by his son-in-
law. The CIPS code clearly states that everyone must disclose personal interest that may impinge on
their impartiality in decision making.

11
 2. Human Rights. Infinity is sourcing mainly from China and South-East Asia. This region has a mixed
record regarding Human Rights. Infinity should be looking to promote fair and reasonable human
rights within their supply chains including fair pay, safe and hygienic working conditions and
reasonable working hours.

3. Modern Slavery. We know that Modern Slavery is a global phenomenon and with extended global
supply chains can be difficult to ascertain and manage from overseas. Modern slavery can manifest
itself through the use of child and bonded/forced labour, by taking passports and personal
documentation from the workers, holding back wages for prolonged periods and forcing excessive
overtime working without payment or agreement by the workers.

4. Environmental Factors. Responsible and ethical sourcing promotes working with suppliers who want
to have a positive effect on the environment or at the very least minimise the damage they cause.
We’re looking for suppliers to work with environmental standards such as ISO14001 or equivalent and
working to avoid pollution and encourage recycling, renewable and sustainable processes.

5. Equality. This is about the assurance that everyone is treated equally and that workers performing
the sale role receive the same working conditions and training opportunities as everyone else.

All of the above and other areas that can be addressed such as Diversity, Company Values and Sustainability
can be found in the codes and guidance of the various international bodies championing ethical behaviours
and practices such as the ILO/ETI/IFTA and CIPS.

Infinity can improve compliance by regularly auditing supplier sites, ensuring that employees and suppliers
agree to the code of conduct on annual basis and all serious breaches could be appropriately penalised
through termination of contracts, financial penalties etc.

Ethics Codes Notes and Additional Information and that can help support your answers:

CIPS Code: The CIPS Code is the ethical standard and disciplinary framework for procurement professionals
and emphasises the principle that the members should not use the position of authority for personal gain. The
members also have a responsibility to enhance and protect the dignity and reputation of the profession and
the Institute by their conduct both inside and outside of their employing organisations. The CIPS code also
guides members on the following:
 Must disclose any personal interest which might impinge on their impartiality in decision making;
 Must respect the confidentiality of information received and not use it for personal gains;
 Must promote fair competition;
 Except for a small value, not accept gifts from business associates;
 Not accept any hospitality from suppliers which might influence a business decision or appear to do
so.

International Labour Organizations: The ILO is the UN’s specialised agency promoting human, civil and labour
rights. It develops conventions, codes of conduct, resolutions, and declarations on the contribution of
multinational enterprises to economic and social progress and how to minimise problems arising from these
actions. The ILO principles focus on:
 Decent work for all
 Employment creation
 Fair globalisation

12
  Rights at work
 Social dialogue
 Social protection
 Working out of poverty
ILO’s Multinational Enterprise and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) makes recommendations:
 Sustainable development and compliance policies
 Equal opportunity, employment standards and security and fair treatment
 Skills development and training
 Equitable remuneration, benefits and conditions, minimum employment age and Health and Safety
 Industrial relations including fair grievance and dispute procedures

Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI): ETI is an alliance of companies, NGOs and trade unions who work together to
identify and promote internationally agreed principles of ethical trade and employment as standards for
ethical sourcing. The ETI publishes a code of labour practice which guides the fundamental principles of
ethical labour practices including the following:
 Working conditions are safe and hygienic
 Child labour shall not be used
 Working hours are not excessive
 No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
 No discrimination is practised

International Fair-Trade Association (IFTA). The IFTA proposed supports and advocates similar standards for
the following:

 Transparency and accountability in dealing with trading partners

 Safe and healthy working conditions
 Fair payment
 Gender equality and children’s rights
 Better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production

Answers may identify the ethical issues and the codes whose guidance can be used to achieve effective ethical
governance:
 Poor working conditions: ETI, IFTA
 Hiring underage staff: ETI, IFTA
 Poor working conditions: ILO, ETI, IFTA
 Long working hours: ILO, ETI
 Employee welfare: ILO, ETI, IFTA
 Bribes: CIPS
 Lack of transparency and accountability: CIPS, ILO, ETI, IFTA

Other valid responses will be accepted.

13