L4M4 Practice Exam Questions with Answers Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Certification

The decision to make a product internally rather than sourcing it externally is influenced by several factors. One of the primary considerations is the availability of in-house competencies and capacity. If an organisation possesses the necessary skills, technology, and resources to produce the required goods or services efficiently, it may opt for internal production to maintain control over quality, reduce costs, and protect proprietary information.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Make or buy decisions take into account: product/service is core, the organisation's capacity to make, current market (cost saving with economy of scales and/or logistics), amount of competition."

Explanation

a balance sheet shows 'equity, assets and liabilities'. The other financial statements you need to know for this exam are cash flow statements and and income statements.

If you're not familiar with these three I strongly recommend you do some further reading on this before the exam if you can. This is helpful: How the 3 Financial Statements are Linked Together - Step by Step (corporatefinanceinstitute.com)

Explanation

The correct answers are innovation, on time in full deliveries and sustainability.

The other options are pricing mechanisms rather than 'added value'. Added Value is giving the buyer something extra that's not necessarily financial. It can be as simple as delivering orders quicker than expected, or having a dedicated customer service phone line. Something that makes their lives a little easier.

Multiple sourcing is most effective for strategically important, high-value requirements such as raw materials. These are continuous, large-volume needs where supply disruptions can be costly and damaging. By using more than one supplier, buyers reduce dependency risks, improve resilience, and increase competitive leverage. One-off requirements like machinery (A) don’t benefit from multiple sourcing, while options B and D describe disadvantages rather than reasons for adopting the approach. Responsible sourcing promotes balancing cost, risk, and resilience — and multiple sourcing is a key strategy for critical, ongoing supply categories.

Explanation

ABC should do a 'root cause analysis' to find out where the issue has come about, and why. From there, once they know what the breach is and how serious it is, they can suggest corrective action.

They can't jump straight to terminating the contract or seeking damages as it's not the supplier itself but rather the subcontractor. Also that would be really hasty considering we don't know what the issue is and what the market conditions are like. That supplier may be the only one who can provide the product. We also don't know if the supplier knows about the issue themselves.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'the supplier has a lot of long-term debt'. Gearing is a measure of how the business is being funded and looks at the ratio of debt to equity. For example if they have taken out lots of loans and mortgages, this would equate to a lot of debt which means a poor gearing ratio.

Gearing is a hot topic for the exam.

Incorporating standards within specifications provides clear guidelines for suppliers, reducing ambiguity and helping ensure consistency in quality and performance. This aligns with ethical and responsible sourcing practices by promoting transparency and setting consistent expectations for suppliers.

Regulatory frameworks that affect procurement focus on ethical practice (anti-bribery, modern slavery, human rights), data protection (GDPR and similar), and competition law (to prevent collusion and monopolistic practices). While digitisation and innovation are important trends, they are not regulatory requirements. Similarly, culture, branding, and uniforms are internal matters, not regulatory areas. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to ensure compliance with these regulations to protect stakeholders, maintain fairness, and safeguard organisational reputation.

Explanation

Futures exchanges are used to trade commodities. It's when a buyer and supplier agree a price and deal for something in the future. For example a carrot farmer may agree to sell his carrots to Gary in 3 months time when they're finished growing. It's used when the product / commodity isn't ready yet.

It's also used for hedging and other complex financial stuff- but you don't need to know that yet. Commodities and Future contracts are a big part of L5M4 to warn you though. Futures Contract Definition: Types, Mechanics, and Uses in Trading (investopedia.com)

Explanation

The correct answer is 'yes- because a low credit rating would indicate the supplier is financially un-stable'.

The two options beginning with no should automatically be discounted. The other option is incor-rect because credit ratings are private and would therefore not affect reputation.

The current ratio is a liquidity ratio that measures a company's ability to pay short-term obligations. It is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. In this case:

Current Assets = $300

Current Liabilities = $150

Current Ratio = 300 ÷ 150 = 2.0

This indicates that the supplier has twice as many current assets as current liabilities, suggesting good short-term financial health.

Ordering in November, when demand is lowest, may allow the buyer to secure better pricing and availability, aligning with responsible sourcing by optimizing purchase timing to achieve cost savings and reliable supply.

Explanation

Robert should look at the supplier's ESG policy. This stands for Environmental Social Governance. So covers both his requirements for community (social) and environmental factors.

ISO 9001 is about Quality Management and ISO27000 about Information Security so these are in-correct answers. An Anti-Slavery Policy would not discuss the environment.

In public sector procurement, maintaining service levels within value and cost parameters is essential to ensure efficient use of public funds. Additionally, a competitive tendering process is encouraged to promote transparency, fairness, and value for money. While long-term supplier relationships can be beneficial, they are not always feasible or emphasized in the public sector due to regulations requiring periodic re-tendering. Confidentiality is important, but public sector procurement often requires a degree of transparency that precludes complete confidentiality in dealings.

Outsourcing critical functions like cybersecurity can lead to a loss of in-house expertise, which is a strategic cost. This loss may impact the organization's ability to respond swiftly to security threats, innovate, and maintain control over sensitive operations. Retaining core competencies is vital for sustaining competitive advantage and ensuring long-term resilience.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Outsourcing core activities risks – loss of in-house skill, loss of key staff to competitors, risk that supplier cannot be found, loss of control over operating activities, risk of loss of control over confidential information/IP.

Under the EXW (Ex Works) Incoterm, the buyer assumes responsibility for transportation and export clearance from the seller’s premises. This term aligns with cost-saving measures and the buyer’s internal capabilities for logistics, supporting efficient and responsible sourcing.

Explanation

The correct answer is current assets and current liabilities. There are many Questions about financial ratios on the exam.

If you're unsure on them I suggest doing further reading outside of the study guide as this will help. I like this youtube video (I'm not associated with the makers of this video but think it's a great way to explain liquidity) Liquidity ratios (youtube.com)

You can be asked to work out liquidity in the exam. If you are asked this, the numbers will be very simple to the point you may be able to do the sums in your head. There is also a calculator on the test app you can use.

Explanation

If tenders are received by electronic submission exclusively, the buyer can reduce the timescale. On average the time for a standard tender submission can be reduced by 5 days if bids are submitted electronically.

*Note* this is based off current PCR Regs 2015 which are being superseded in October 2024 by new legislation. We currently don't know what the new regs will say on this. If it's different, my best guess is CIPS will remove any question about it from their exam- because the study guide would be wrong and that would lead to complaints.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'no - added value may change from one company to another'.

Added value is very subjective. What one person thinks is excellent added value, another may not rate highly. For example one buyer may consider a supplier having good brand reputation as added value, but another might not care.

The other no answer is incorrect because added value can be tangible or intangible. Tangible means you can touch and see it and intangible means you can't.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'the supplier is able to work at the same technical level as the buyer'. It's about being able to integrate the businesses together in terms of IT systems and such like.

Explanation

So you can immediately discount the options starting with yes.

Quoting in GBP / £ rather than the supplier's currency reduces the risk to the buyer. It will not re-duce the cost of the import, and will probably increase it as the supplier is then taking on the risk of currency fluctuations.

Explanation

The best way to deal with potential Conflicts of Interest is to openly declare these. Just because you have a relationship with someone doesn't mean this is going to be an issue or lead to fraud, but it is a good idea to keep a written record of these.

It wouldn't be a risk register, because how can you rate someone's risk of doing something dodgy? Risk registers are for objective risks such as Health and Safety.

The Pareto principle (80/20) shows that around 80% of spend is often concentrated with 20% of suppliers. It is relevant for identifying strategic suppliers (D) that require close management and opportunities to improve or change relationships (E) for greater value. Contract expiry dates (B) and payment frequency (A) are administrative details, not Pareto analysis outputs. Cost variation (C) relates to performance analysis, not spend concentration. Responsible sourcing uses Pareto analysis to allocate resources effectively, focusing attention on the most impactful supplier relationships.

Engaging with business managers while making sourcing recommendations ensures that the buyer considers multiple perspectives, reducing potential biases and improving decision-making. This approach aligns with ethical sourcing practices by promoting collaboration and transparency in tender decisions.

Explanation

a factory ordering a new machine is the correct answer.

Strategic sourcing is for high value, high risk items. The other options given are tactical sourcing as they are low value (eggs, paper and plastic cups).

See p.3 for the differences between tactical and strategic sourcing

In situations of global commodity shortages, basic supply-and-demand principles mean that prices increase when demand remains constant or high. This reduces the buyer’s bargaining power, making it difficult to negotiate lower prices (C). Instead, suppliers are likely to increase costs due to scarcity. Options A and D are incorrect because reduced availability drives prices up, not down. Option B is misleading — prices are affected by shortages. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to anticipate such volatility through market intelligence, consider alternative supply sources, or explore hedging/forward contracts to mitigate risks.

Advertising tenders is crucial for achieving value for money by encouraging competitive bids, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings. It also provides insights into the market by revealing the capabilities and innovations of various suppliers, aiding in informed decision-making.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Inviting suppliers to take part in a competitive tender may reduce the potential for the biased selection of a supplier. Time, money and resource could be saved..."

Demand and currency fluctuations affect commodity pricing. November shows lowest demand, which usually reduces price pressure. Conversely, May (high demand) and months with strong supplier currencies (January, April) would increase costs. By ordering in November, the buyer leverages demand cycles to obtain lower prices. Responsible sourcing requires buyers to monitor market intelligence and seasonal trends to time purchases effectively, mitigating risks of price volatility while ensuring supply continuity. This reflects CIPS’s emphasis on category management and proactive procurement planning.

Explanation

Weighted points systems can be time consuming to create. They're very transparent and allow for objective grading of supplier bids (so these answers are incorrect). They are not easy to manipulate and this is an advantage of using them.

Regularly checking supplier policies and conflict of interest registers helps ensure that suppliers are upholding ethical standards, which supports responsible sourcing practices. This governance activity aligns with ethical guidelines to promote transparency and prevent conflicts that could affect the integrity of the supply chain.

The most effective way to demonstrate zero tolerance is by embedding a comprehensive anti-bribery framework: clear policies, mandatory staff and supplier training, reporting channels, and monitoring. Simply requesting suppliers’ policies or avoiding known offenders is reactive, not proactive. Requiring suppliers to read policies without internal enforcement lacks substance. CIPS highlights that robust governance structures, supported by recognised frameworks such as the UK Bribery Act or FCPA, reinforce organisational credibility, protect reputation, and ensure compliance. This builds trust across supply chains and ensures ethical standards are maintained.

Public sector procurement is governed by statutory regulations (such as EU Procurement Directives or UK Public Contracts Regulations) that impose minimum timescales for fairness, transparency, and supplier access. For example, open tendering requires a minimum response period to allow all interested suppliers to participate equally. While stakeholder involvement and debriefing are also features of public procurement, the defining reason for longer timelines is legal compliance. Private sector organisations, by contrast, can set flexible timelines based on complexity and urgency. Responsible sourcing in public procurement ensures equitable access and avoids supplier discrimination.

Explanation

ISO 20400 is sustainable procurement.

14000 is environment

9001 is quality management

27001 is information security

Conducting periodic audits by third-party specialists is a reliable way to monitor compliance with ethical standards, as these audits provide an objective assessment. This aligns with ethical sourcing practices, as it promotes accountability and ensures continuous adherence to agreed-upon standards.

Modern slavery and human rights are social sustainability issues. Under the triple bottom line (environmental, social, economic), the social dimension covers labour rights, working conditions, equality, and compliance with modern slavery laws. Responsible sourcing requires buyers to integrate such social criteria in supplier prequalification to prevent unethical practices from entering supply chains. Environmental criteria cover impacts like carbon and waste; economic focuses on cost and competitiveness; quality addresses technical performance. Including modern slavery checks at the prequalification stage reflects due diligence and ensures alignment with legal and ethical obligations.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 23(2) states that "Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work." This underscores the principle of equality in the workplace, ensuring that employees are treated equally regarding pay and conditions. Therefore, employees raising concerns about unfair pay compared to their colleagues are exercising their right to be treated equally.

Explanation

GDP = gross domestic product = "the monetary value of goods and services manufactured or sup-plied in a financial period". People use it to say whether a country's economy is strong or weak.

Stock markets look at the value of public limited companies within a country.

Commodity indices look at the value of commodities such as steel, oil and wheat at a point in time

Average changes in price over a year can be measured by CPI or PPI

ITT is appropriate for complex/high-value procurements needing detailed submissions and robust evaluation. RFQ suits simple, well-specified, lower-value buys where price comparison is primary.

In an open tender process, any supplier can submit a bid, and there is no pre-qualification stage. This approach is suitable when the requirements are well-defined, and there is a sufficient number of suppliers in the market to ensure competition. However, if too many suppliers respond, it can lead to an overwhelming number of bids to evaluate. Therefore, it's essential to consider the number of potential suppliers in the market before opting for an open tender.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Open procedure – used for well-specified requirements and there is no pre-qualification of bidders. Many suppliers could submit a bid, which could result in lots of bids to assess, so the open procedure is normally only used where the number of potential bidders is expected to be relatively low."

Explanation

This is sole sourcing as there is only one supplier in the marketplace.

Be careful not to confuse single sourcing and sole sourcing. Single sourcing is when a buyer chooses to work with only one supplier (usually to achieve economies of scale), sole sourcing, on the other hand, is when the buyer doesn't have a choice- they work with one supplier because there is only one supplier in the market.

Types of sourcing is a key concept for this exam.

Explanation

A supplier who follows the CIPS Code of Conduct is more likely to meet the buyer's needs is the correct answer.

The other options are wrong:

1) Compliance with Codes of Conduct from professional bodies is optional. E.g. CIPS - no organi-sation is forced to comply with CIPS.

2) Unethical behaviour is not impossible to detect, it may be difficult but with correct due diligence and things like audits it's completely possible

3) ISO 14001 is quality management so is irelevent.

Restricted tendering involves filtering suppliers through a prequalification stage and then evaluating proposals. The selection focuses on ensuring suppliers have adequate production capacity and financial stability to deliver on requirements. These are critical to continuity, quality, and risk management. Decommissioning costs are not typically part of supplier selection, and total life cost is an award criterion considered later in evaluation. By checking production capacity and financial stability, buyers mitigate risks of underperformance or financial collapse. This approach aligns with responsible sourcing, where due diligence ensures suppliers can sustainably meet obligations.

Explanation

The correct answer is bribery, corruption and the environment.

ESG stands for environmental and social governance. It's the new buzzword for CIPS and is basically everything to do with ethical procurement- so areas such as bribery and corruption are included as well as the environment.

Option 4 is incorrect as economic doesn't come into it.

A Request for Information (RFI) is utilized during the early stages of the procurement process to gather general information about potential suppliers' capabilities, products, or services. It helps in understanding the market and narrowing down supplier options before moving to more detailed requests like RFQs or RFPs.

Option B:Obtaining indicative prices helps in budgeting and understanding market rates.

Option C:Gathering details about products or services allows the buyer to assess the supplier's offerings and suitability.

Options A, D, and E are more appropriate for later stages in the procurement process, such as during RFQs or contract negotiations.

Protectionist measures are policies implemented by governments to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. One common protectionist measure is the imposition of import duties, which are taxes levied on imported goods. These duties make imported products more expensive, encouraging consumers to buy domestic products instead. Buyers sourcing internationally must be aware of such duties as they directly impact the total cost of procurement.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Furthermore, there are many potential cost considerations when importing goods which can include taxes & duties or storage costs. By understanding all key legal, regulatory and organizational requirements prior to sourcing from international suppliers, businesses can ensure compliance while also maximizing cost savings."

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.

Explanation

These are 'not-for-profit' organisations. You don't need to know much on not-for-profit procurement for this exam. Just that procurement can be regulated in this sector by bodies such as Charities Commission.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'yes- the public sector should advertise as a call for competition'. They do this in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). Public Sector has to be transparent abouteverything and treat all suppliers equally. So they can't just approach the ones they like.

In the study guide it says OIEU and this is a typo. It's OJEU.

What is The OJEU in 2 minutes or less (trackerintelligence.com)

Explanation

Items of 'Non-Preferential Origin' are subject to tariff quotas and other customs commercial regulations. 'Preferential Origin' goods have no duties or tariffs.

The good news is CIPS have significantly simplified section 3.2 of the syllabus. The new study-guide is much lighter on names of documents and protocols for importing and quotas etc. The focus of this Learning Outcome has shifted more to Inco Terms so I would focus on that for revision, but do make sure you have a basic understanding of documents, law and jurisdiction.

Explanation

"Meet current liabilities" is a posh way of saying "can you pay your bills". You're therefore looking for a liquidity ratio- a ratio that looks at assets vs liabilities (i.e. money in the bank vs money owed out). The Acid Test is a liquidity ratio. It's sometimes called the 'quick ratio'. Both terms come up on the exam. The other options are financial ratios but aren't for liquidity.

Prohibiting trade union membership is a violation of workers' rights and international labor standards. Such a practice indicates potential non-compliance with ethical sourcing principles and necessitates further investigation. Ensuring that suppliers respect workers' rights to association is fundamental to ethical procurement.

Incorporating recognized standards into procurement specifications provides clear guidelines for suppliers, reducing ambiguity and ensuring that products or services meet predefined quality and safety criteria. This is particularly important in sectors like healthcare, where equipment must adhere to strict standards to ensure patient safety and operational efficiency.

Weighted criteria allow the buyer to evaluate multiple factors, not just price, to make a fair and balanced decision. This approach ensures responsible sourcing by considering quality, sustainability, and other relevant factors alongside cost, which aligns with public procurement ethics and standards.

Single sourcing can be appropriate when set-up costs are high, making it impractical to involve multiple suppliers. This aligns with responsible sourcing principles, particularly for high-value or specialised items, where relationship management and collaboration with one supplier can enhance quality and efficiency.

CIPS promotes a constructive and corrective approach when suppliers fall short of ethical standards, especially on critical issues like human rights. Immediately cutting ties can harm workers further and disrupt supply without addressing root causes. A responsible sourcing approach requires buyers to engage suppliers, escalate the concern, and establish a corrective action plan with monitoring to ensure compliance. Only if the supplier refuses to act or breaches persist should termination occur. This supports continuous improvement, supplier development, and ethical due diligence, reflecting global standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Incoterms are grouped as E (Ex Works), F (Free Carrier), C (Carriage Paid To), and D (Delivered Duty Paid), reflecting various stages of responsibility transfer between buyer and seller. Understanding Incoterms is critical for responsible sourcing, as it clarifies logistics and cost responsibilities.

An open tender is advertised publicly and open to all interested suppliers. For it to be effective, there must be a sufficient supplier market (A) to justify competition. If supplier numbers are too low, restricted or negotiated procedures may be more appropriate. Pre-qualification applies to restricted tenders, not open ones. Price-only evaluation breaches responsible sourcing principles, which require balanced criteria. Responsible sourcing highlights that open tendering ensures transparency and fairness but must be used appropriately depending on market conditions.

Explanation

The correct answer is Invitation to Tender. This is sent out to suitable suppliers inviting them to bid for the opportunity.

A PQQ - pre-qualification questions naire- is sent to suppliers to see if they are suitable. The QUESTION NO: states these suppliers have already been deemed suitable, so they've already passed PQQ

A RFQ - request for quotation- would be used when the only variable is price, so is not suitable for complex tenders.

RFT isn't a thing. I made the last one up.

Reviewing historical supplier spend data enables procurement professionals to identify areas wherecost savings can be achieved by analyzing past expenditures and supplier performance. This analysis also aids in making informed decisions about future supplier engagements by understanding previous spending patterns and supplier reliability.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Spend analysis is a process that analyses the historical spend data of your organisation to provide answers to questions concerning spend visibility, compliance, and cost-saving opportunities."

Incorporating ESG requirements into contractual terms is a valid and increasingly common approach. It ensures that suppliers are contractually obligated to adhere to specific environmental, social, and governance standards, aligning with the buyer's commitment to responsible sourcing. This practice not only promotes ethical behavior but also mitigates risks associated with non-compliance, such as reputational damage or legal penalties.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"This unit focuses on responsible procurement practices, ensuring that sourcing decisions align with legal, environmental, and social governance (ESG) principles."

Explanation

Primary data includes trade fairs and exhibits, and phone calls to current suppliers. The others are examples of secondary data.

Remember primary= you do it yourself, Secondary = someone else did it.

Explanation

tactical is the correct answer; items that are short-term or low value are considered tactical.

Strategic sourcing is long term and high value.

Outsourcing is moving a key business function to an external company.

Insourcing is bringing a previously outsourced part of the company back in-house.

The EXW (Ex Works) term means the seller’s responsibility ends once goods are made available at their premises. The buyer must take on costs and risks from that point, including loading, transport, and export clearance. Because the seller is not responsible for logistics, the quoted price is lower. In contrast, FCA includes delivery to a carrier, FOB covers loading onto a vessel, and CIP includes carriage and insurance arranged by the seller. By accepting these responsibilities, the buyer leveraged cost savings, demonstrating knowledge of Incoterms and alignment with efficient sourcing 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.

Profitability and asset levels indicate a supplier’s financial stability and ability to meet contract demands. Responsible sourcing practices include assessing financial capacity to reduce risk in the supply chain and ensure long-term supplier viability.

Explanation

The C category is the 'tail spend' - it represents a large number of suppliers of small value items.

I recommend giving this a read ABC Classification & ABC Method | CIPS

In the initial evaluation of non-domestic vendor supply proposals, understanding and applying the correct Incoterm classifications is crucial. Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions, including the point at which risk transfers from seller to buyer. Evaluating these terms early ensures clarity in logistics, costs, and risk management.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"When sourcing from international suppliers, it is important to be aware of the key legislative and regulatory requirements in both the home country as well as the country of origin. Depending on product and service type, for example, you may need to consider product safety measures, industry regulations, and environmental regulations. In terms of organizational requirements, it is important to pay attention to details such as applicable payment terms and local labor practices."

The acid test, also known as the quick ratio, measures a company's ability to cover its current liabilities with its most liquid assets, excluding inventory. It is a stringent indicator of short-term financial health. By requesting this ratio, the company can assess whether a potential supplier has sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations, which is crucial when procuring strategic items.

Explanation

the correct answer is 'no- the public sector can choose not to publish information if it is not deemed to be in the public interest'.

They use something called the 'public interest test' to determine if the information should be re-leased or not. For example they may not respond to a request asking how many bullets the UK Army has in storage, as that would be detrimental to national security interests.

Responses to requests are made within 21 days, not 28.

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows temporary duty-free movement of goods for exhibitions, trade fairs, or professional use. It is not a certificate of origin, which proves where goods are manufactured, nor is it insurance. Carnets reduce administrative barriers and duties for temporary imports/exports. Responsible sourcing requires buyers to understand the correct use of trade documents to ensure compliance and avoid penalties, while distinguishing between documents that confirm origin, provide insurance, or facilitate temporary movement.

When supplier audits reveal issues, buyers should implement constructive measures. Supplier development programmes (A) help improve performance through training, mentoring, and joint improvement initiatives. Corrective action plans (E) outline specific steps and timelines to address identified gaps. Options like hiring supplier staff or informal brainstorming do not provide structured improvements, while violating contracts would undermine governance. Responsible sourcing emphasises supplier engagement and continuous improvement, ensuring suppliers meet ethical, quality, and sustainability expectations rather than simply penalising them.

Explanation

A credit rating generates a score which reflects 'the level of risk an organisation poses when dealing with other businesses'. It's saying how risky it is to loan them money or do business with them by looking at how good they are at paying people. So a high credit rating will say they're good at paying back their loans and paying their suppliers on time. A poor credit rating will say they often miss payments or pay late.

A credit rating will not tell you how much money they have, or details on their prices. Credit scores looks at purely financial data so wouldn't help you analyse whether their business practices are ethical or not.

Supply market analysis involves identifying competitive pressures and external influences. Porter’s Five Forces assesses supplier power, buyer power, threat of substitutes, new entrants, and rivalry — directly relevant to market dynamics. STEEPLED analysis considers external macro-environmental factors (social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legal, ethical, demographic). By contrast, Porter’s Value Chain analyses internal activities of a single organisation, while the Ishikawa diagram is a root-cause tool for problem-solving, not market analysis. Using the correct tools ensures sourcing decisions account for risks and opportunities at both industry and macro levels.

Explanation

Reasons to outsource include; 'overheads can be kept as effective as possible' and 'the reduction in the need to continually invest in new machinery'.

When you outsource, you transfer the costs of overheads to the supplier and it is their responsibility to buy new machinery as and when is required. For example if you outsource cleaning, the cleaning company is responsible for replacing the hoovers and floor cleaner

The other two options would be reasons to keep something 'in-house'.

A current ratio below 1 suggests that the supplier may not have sufficient current assets to cover short-term liabilities, which could pose a risk to the buyer. Assessing financial stability aligns with responsible sourcing practices, as it ensures suppliers can fulfill contracts without disruption.

Explanation

cash in advance is the most beneficial to a supplier.

Open account /credit account is the most beneficial to the buyer. Learn this as it's a known exam topic.

Explanation

Damian works in the Public Sector- it is against the law for the public sector to conduct 'post tender negotiation' after a contract has been awarded. This is because it's not transparent and equal opportunities, which are founding principles of public sector procurement.

Private sector can do whatever they want. They can do post-tender negotiations.

NOTE: this is currently the rules as per Public Contract Regulations 2015. These are being superseded in October by new legislation. The study guide doesn't mention this, but it's happening. At the time of writing (January 2023) we don't have the full details about what the new rules are but I doubt they will change on this particular topic. You can find out more about the changes to Public Sector Procurement here: Transforming Public Procurement - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Explanation

ISO9001 is Quality Management so is therefore the correct answer. The other options can be used to appraise suppliers but do not link directly or fully to Quality Management.

Explanation

Exchange rates and tariffs are associated with international sourcing.

The other options are concerns for both local sourcing and international sourcing.