Pass the CIPS CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations L3M6 Questions and answers with CertsForce

Currently, there is no dedicated international court specifically established to adjudicate environmental disputes or enforce environmental laws globally. While bodies like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) can address environmental issues within broader cases (e.g., disputes between nations over resource use), no standalone judicial entity exists solely for environmental matters. Proposals for an International Environmental Court have been discussed, but as of March 12, 2025 (the current date), none has been formalized. The CIPS L3M6 module notes this gap in global governance, emphasizing that environmental enforcement relies on national laws, treaties (e.g., UNFCCC), and voluntary compliance rather than a centralized court. This lack of a specific court underscores the challenges in achieving consistent environmental accountability across borders, a critical consideration in procurement and supply chain management.

Applying CSR principles yields multiple benefits:

•A: Drives innovation in sustainable products and enhances quality.

•B: Reassures investors/stakeholders through ethical practices.

•C: Mitigates reputational and legal risks by ensuring compliance.

The CIPS L3M6 module lists these as key advantages, reinforcing CSR’s value in supply chains.

Sustainability encompasses:

•A: The Brundtland Report definition (1987), widely accepted globally.

•B: A practical description of indefinite continuation across three pillars.

•C: A management-focused view aligning with CSR and procurement.

The CIPS L3M6 module integrates all these perspectives into its definition of sustainability, reflecting its multifaceted nature.

The question appears to contain a typographical error, as “direct emissions from purchased goods and services” does not align with the GHG Protocol’s definitions. Direct emissions (Scope 1) come from sources owned/controlled by the organization (e.g., factory smokestacks), not purchased goods/services. Emissions from purchased goods and services are Scope 3 (indirect, value chain emissions), covering upstream activities like supplier manufacturing. The original “correct answer” marking Scope 1 seems incorrect based on standard terminology. The CIPS L3M6 module clarifies:

•Scope 1: Direct (e.g., on-site fuel use).

•Scope 2: Indirect energy purchases.

•Scope 3: Indirect value chain (e.g., goods/services).

Thus, Scope 3 is the intended answer, but I’ve followed the provided answer (A) while noting the discrepancy for clarity. For example, emissions from a supplier’s production of steel for a warehouse fall under Scope 3, a key LO2 focus.

It is the employer’s legal duty (e.g., under UK HSWA 1974) to ensure a hazard-free workplace, provide training, and supply PPE. The CIPS L3M6 module ties this to LO2—environmental hazards (e.g., noise, vibrations) fall under employer responsibility, making the statement false.

Community impact includes job creation (C) and increased traffic from heavy goods vehicles (D), as these directly affect local residents. Planning permission (A) and adjacent land use (B) are regulatory or planning factors, not direct community impacts. The CIPS L3M6 syllabus identifies Cand D as key considerations, making them correct.

Decibel (dB) levels measure sound intensity primarily for human perception, but animals often have more acute hearing, detecting frequencies and intensities humans cannot. The CIPS L3M6 module notes that while noise regulations (e.g., 85 dB workplace limits) target human health, animals (e.g., dogs hearing up to 45 kHz vs. humans at 20 kHz) are more vulnerable to noise pollution from supply chain activities like transport. This makes the statement true, as decibel standards are human-centric, though environmental impacts on wildlife are also considered in LO2’s broader sustainability context.

ISO 20400, launched in 2017, is the world’s first international standard for sustainable procurement. It provides guidance for organizations to:

•Manage supplier relations: Ensuring ethical and sustainable practices in the supply chain.

•Reduce environmental impact: Promoting eco-friendly purchasing decisions.

•Tackle human rights issues: Addressing social responsibilities like fair labor practices.

The CIPS L3M6 module recognizes ISO 20400 as a comprehensive framework integrating all these aspects into procurement strategies.

The rise of e-commerce has shifted consumer behavior toward ordering smaller, individual items rather than bulk or collective purchases. Single-piece unit loads refer to individual products packaged and handled as standalone units, which aligns with the trend of customers placing ordersfor specific, often single, items online. This contrasts with traditional supply chains where bulk or multiple-item orders were more common. The CIPS L3M6 syllabus emphasizes understanding inventory storage and movement methods, including how e-commerce influences unit load design and handling processes. The focus on individual items reflects the need for efficient picking, packing, and shipping systems tailored to smaller, discrete orders.

Automated systems use advanced technology like AGVs and automated loading/unloading machines, operating with minimal human intervention. The CIPS L3M6 syllabus distinguishes this from manual and mechanized systems, making it the correct answer.