Pass the CIPS CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply L5M5 Questions and answers with CertsForce

In the Kraljic Matrix, leverage items are high value but have many suppliers and low switching costs. The L5M5 study guide (old p.108, new p.154) explains that buyers have strong negotiation power in leverage situations and can achieve cost savings without high risk. Bottleneck items (B) are low-value but high-risk due to limited suppliers, routine items (C) are low-value and low-risk, and strategic items (D) are high-value and high-risk. Procurement professionals must use leverage strategically to maximise value.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.154

The MNE Declaration, also called the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises, sets out guidelines for multinational organisations to operate ethically and sustainably. The L5M5 study guide (p.267) explains that the Declaration prioritises formal economies (regulated, tax-paying, legitimate business environments) and host country labour, ensuring that local workers are not exploited. Informal economies and immigrant labour are recognised but not prioritised in the same way. The declaration is tripartite because it involves three groups: governments, employers, and workers’ organisations. Procurement professionals working internationally must be aware of these principles when engaging multinational supply chains.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.267

Competitive advantage refers to unique capabilities that give an organisation an edge in the market. The L5M5 study guide (old p.39, new p.63) explains that superior IT systems fall under process advantages, as they directly influence how efficiently orders are taken, materials are managed, and operations are executed. Culture (A) refers to organisational values and behaviours, IP (C) refers to patents or trademarks, and People (D) refers to skills or talent. For procurement, recognising process-driven advantages helps identify supplier strengths and strategic sourcing opportunities.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.63

Procurement often considers Whole Life Cycle Costing (WLCC) rather than upfront cost alone. The L5M5 study guide (p.7) explains that while a product may be more expensive initially, it may be cheaper in the long term due to lower maintenance costs, greater durability, and reduced energy use. This approach supports sustainability by balancing financial and environmental impacts. Options A, B, and D cannot be assumed from the scenario since no evidence supports them. WLCC ensures procurement delivers long-term value, aligning with sustainability goals.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.7

The United Nations (UN) launched the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which includes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The L5M5 study guide (p.4) emphasises that these goals cover social, environmental, and economic priorities, including poverty reduction, climate action, decent work, and responsible consumption. NATO, ISO, and ILO play important roles in governance, standards, and labour rights but are not responsible for the SDGs. For procurement professionals, the SDGs provide a global framework to align ethical supply practices with wider sustainability objectives.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.4

The STEEPLED analysis tool examines external macro-environmental factors: Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political, Legal, Ethical, and Demographic. The L5M5 study guide (p.55) confirms that “D” stands for Demographic, reflecting population trends, age structures, and workforce availability. This addition evolved from the earlier PESTLE model, later extended to STEEPLE and STEEPLED. Procurement professionals use this tool to assess external risks and opportunities that may affect supply markets and ethical sourcing.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.55

The ILO (International Labour Organisation) is an agency of the United Nations (UN), not the WTO. The L5M5 study guide (p.249) explains that the ILO promotes labour rights globally, sets international standards, and provides mechanisms for complaints and representation. Its principles include eliminating child labour, eradicating forced labour, and promoting safe and fair working conditions, including maternity protection. By contrast, the WTO (World Trade Organisation) deals with trade rules and disputes, not labour standards. This distinction is essential in procurement, as professionals must understand which bodies regulate trade versus labour practices.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.249

The L5M5 study guide (p.181) explains that sustainability-related measures, such as ESG, are only mandatory in some countries, not universally. For instance, the UK has legislation banning single-use plastic straws, while other countries may not. International organisations like the UN and ILO promote sustainability, but they cannot impose legislation globally—any treaty or framework must be ratified into national law. This means compliance is fragmented and varies across jurisdictions. Procurement professionals must therefore remain vigilant, as sourcing internationally exposes them to differing sustainability obligations and standards.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.181

Total Landing Costs include all costs incurred to bring goods to the buyer’s location. According to the L5M5 study guide (old p.81, new p.107), these include delivery costs (B), currency conversion costs (C), and import duties (E). Motor insurance (A) and disposal costs (D) are post-delivery expenses and not part of landing costs. Procurement professionals must calculate total landing costs to make accurate sourcing decisions and avoid hidden expenses that can erode cost savings from international procurement.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.107

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is responsible for facilitating international trade agreements and resolving disputes between member states. According to the L5M5 study guide (p.87), the WTO provides a dispute settlement mechanism where countries can challenge trade barriers, tariffs, or unfair practices. The UN (A) focuses on peace, security, and development, while the ILO (C) addresses labour standards. Governments (D) do not resolve disputes independently when they are WTO members; instead, they rely on the WTO framework. Procurement professionals must understand the WTO’s role, as its rulings influence trade laws, tariffs, and sourcing strategies.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.87