(A) Difference Between Mentoring and Coaching (10 Points)

Bothmentoring and coachingare essential for employee development, but they serve different purposes. Below is a structured comparison:

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Key Takeaways:

Mentoringislong-term, relationship-driven, and focused onpersonal/career development.

Coachingisshort-term, performance-driven, and focused onspecific skill enhancement.

(B) Other Activities Completed by a Manager (10 Points)

Apart from mentoring and coaching, managers in procurement and supply chain roles performseveral key functions, including:

Strategic Planning and Decision-Making(2 Points)

Managers align procurement strategies with business goals, ensuringcost savings, risk management, and supplier selection.

Example: Deciding whether tosource locally or internationallybased on cost, lead time, and risk factors.

Performance Management & Employee Development(2 Points)

Managers conductperformance reviews, set KPIs, and ensure employees meet procurement objectives.

Example: Monitoringcontract complianceand assessing supplierdelivery performance.

Supplier and Stakeholder Relationship Management(2 Points)

Managers negotiate contracts, build relationships with suppliers, and collaborate with internal stakeholders.

Example: Engaging insupplier development programsto improve quality and efficiency.

Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution(2 Points)

Managers handlesupplier disputes, contract issues, and logistical challengesin procurement operations.

Example:Managing disputes with suppliersover late deliveries or non-compliance.

Compliance and Ethical Procurement Practices(2 Points)

Managers ensure adherence toprocurement regulations, ethical sourcing policies, and sustainability goals.

Example: Implementing ananti-bribery and corruption policyin procurement operations.

(C) Skills Required for These Activities (5 Points)

To successfully carry out these responsibilities, a manager needs the followingkey skills:

Leadership & People Management(1 Point)

Ability tomotivate, mentor, and coach employeeswhile fostering a productive work environment.

Negotiation & Communication(1 Point)

Strong skills tonegotiate contracts, resolve supplier disputes, and manage stakeholder expectations.

Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making(1 Point)

Capability toanalyze procurement dataand make informed strategic decisions to reduce costs and risks.

Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution(1 Point)

Skill inaddressing supply chain disruptions, supplier conflicts, and operational inefficiencies.

Ethical and Compliance Knowledge(1 Point)

Understanding ofprocurement laws, ethical sourcing, and corporate governance.