L4M6 Practice Exam Questions with Answers Supplier Relationships Certification

Explanation

The correct answer is ‘greater creativity’. A synergy is the concept that the value and performance of two companies combined will be greater than the sum of the separate individual parts. P.160

Explanation

As the component is vital to their business, ABC should seek a collaborative relationship with the supplier. There are three types of collaborative relationship (co-destiny, partnership and strategic alliance). Of these only strategic-alliance is given as an option. Remember - strategic purchase = collaborative relationship with supplier. There are many questions on the Relationship Spectrum on the exam. See p.5 for more details

Explanation

You would expect a supplier to submit full pricing information, risk assessments and method statements. However, depending on what you’re procuring, you might not need to see risk assessments or method statements. Liquidity and Gearing may be looked at during the Pre-Qualification stage, but wouldn’t form part of a RFP. See p.76

Explanation

In an adversarial relationship "the outcome of the deal… is more important than maintaining the relationship over a long-term period" p.7. They can be characterised by poor communication and can be used for one-off purchases but be careful for words in answers such as 'only' and 'always', as these can be misleading; adversarial relationships aren't always for one-off purchases, and communication isn't always poor. The other answer is incorrect (price is more important) because it doesn't describe the relationship, which is what the question asked.

Explanation

The correct answer is ‘Yes- mediation involves a neutral third party and gets both parties to attempt to reach a compromise’. Be careful not to confuse mediation with arbitration – arbitration is when the buyer and supplier agree to accept a third party’s decision which will solve the disagreement issues. See p.112 for more information on solving disputes

Explanation

The correct answer is Measurable, achievable and time-bound. This is from SMART KPIs on p. 151. Smart stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound. In the exam they come up in different orders so be careful.

Explanation

ABC / Pareto is a "Portfolio Analysis Technique to assess the relationships in a supply chain". This, along with the Kraljic Matrix are two examples of "Supplier Positioning Models". See chapter 2.1 p.17 for more details on this

Explanation

Jenny should consider whole life costing. Ensuring value for money means considering a combination of price and quality throughout the lifetime of the product. See p.65 for more on ‘Achieving Value for Money’

Explanation

This is based on a real exam question- it's looking to see if you can remember Carter's 10 Cs. These are; cash, cost, consistency, culture, clean, communication, competency, capacity, commitment and control. (p.12 in the text book)

Explanation

The reason for outsourcing in this example is that the IT firm is an expert in their field. The requirement is complex and important and this is the reason why it is not being delivered in-house. The other answers given CAN be reasons for out-sourcing, but don't relate to this example. For a full list of reasons a company could use outsourcing see p. 4-5

Explanation

Tail spend items are low value, high volume. P. 132

Explanation

The correct answer is ‘no-the contract is not of significant value’. CIPS state that competitive tenders should only be used when ‘the item or service is of significant value’ p.73. Debbie could continue using the same supplier, but she should organise a contract extension or a new contract if she does.

Explanation

Friendly Flour Ltd is a strategic supplier; this is a critical supplier, responsible for core products. They represent a high risk impact and a high cost impact. This is the top-right hand corner of the Kraljic matrix. There are lots of questions on Kraljic in the exam - do revise this topic and ensure you understand each of the four quadrants of the matrix (see p.20)