Pass the CIPS CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply L4M4 Questions and answers with CertsForce

Financial stability and supplier reliability are quantifiable factors suited to weighted points systems, allowing procurement professionals to objectively assess and compare suppliers. This method aligns with ethical sourcing practices by promoting fairness and transparency in supplier selection.

Added value refers to benefits beyond basic price and compliance. Examples include suppliers proposing innovations or cost-reduction strategies in the supply chain (2) and sustainability commitments like reducing plastics and waste (3). Lowest price is part of baseline evaluation, not added value. Personal connections (4) are not a valid or ethical procurement criterion and could breach fairness. Responsible sourcing emphasises identifying suppliers who contribute to continuous improvement, sustainability, and efficiency beyond contractual minimums.

The balance sheet (statement of financial position) shows assets, liabilities, and equity at a point in time. The profit and loss account (income statement) shows revenues, expenses, and profit over a period. These are the two core statements used to assess supplier stability and performance. The cash flow statement is useful but supplementary, while chairman’s statements are narrative, not financial records. Responsible sourcing emphasises using balance sheet and P&L analysis to evaluate supplier financial strength, ensuring continuity of supply and risk management.

Explanation

security, consultancy and cleaning are services which are often tendered as they tend to be high value and complex opportunities.

Office supplies and raw materials have less variables so you could use a RFQ for these instead.

A hint for this is also the word services. Security, consultancy and cleaning are services. Raw Materials and Office Supplies are goods.

Explanation

Intracompany trading is when two departments in the same company do trading. AND when two companies owned by the same parent company do trading.

INTRA means 'within' - so it's doing business with yourself.

International trade relies on proper documentation. A certificate of origin (2) confirms where goods are produced, often required for customs clearance and to determine tariffs. A purchase order (3) provides formal buyer intent and agreement of terms, forming the basis for customs and logistics processes. Product quality statistics (1) and supplier financial position (4) are relevant for supplier selection and monitoring but not directly for import/export processes. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to ensure correct documentation is used to avoid delays, penalties, or breaches of trade regulations.

Explanation

A bribe is anything that is of value to the recipient. It’s commonly money, but could also be an item such as a car, or doing someone a favour such as hiring their son.

A full competitive tendering process ensures fairness by treating all suppliers equally, allowing them to compete on a level playing field. This aligns with ethical sourcing principles, especially in the public sector, where transparency and equal opportunity are paramount.

The Triple Bottom Line framework evaluates an organisation's impact on social, environmental, and economic factors. Financial and environmental performance are critical components, along with social metrics, aligning with responsible sourcing goals to promote sustainability and ethical practices.

In addition to price, factors like lead times, add-on costs, and past performance are important to ensure the supplier meets the buyer's requirements sustainably and reliably. These criteria align with ethical sourcing by promoting value and accountability beyond just cost considerations.