cips e-learning provides tailored learning at your · considering three main influences that impact...

Singapore Government , Procurement Skills Academy – www.cips.org/singapore-gov

CIPS E-Learning provides tailored learning at your fingertips Learn at your own pace when you want to and when you need it

Please refer to Singapore Government Procurement Competency Framework (PCF) before starting your e-learning journey.

To access E-Learning you will need an annual CIPS licence which

you can apply for online via Procurement Skills Academy booking

website. Choose the type of licence that fits your needs:

How do I decide on my e-learning study bundle?

Each E-Learning bundle is tailored to the PCF function areas and levels (see bundles in this document). Once you have identified the PCF function area and level you want to study at you will be able to access a wide range of module titles across the following topics:

Within each module there are 2 or 3 bite-size tutorials and case studies to explore. Each module can take 2 study hours. How many modules you will have access to will depend on your mapped PCF role and level (this will be required when registering for a membership to use the Academy portal). For example, if you are working in a managerial/professional role (from level 4) there will be an assumption that you have acquired the knowledge in levels 1-3. Hence, if you select level 4, there will be less E-Learning available. Your manager or Human Resource adviser should be able to assist to identify your learning needs.

People management and leadership

Supply chain logistics

Negotiation and influencing

Legal contracts and contract

management

Procurement

http://www.cips.org/singapore-gov


Directory of e-learning modules by category

Key: Modules are ranked: Desirable Essential - In accordance with PCF functional areas and levels mapping

Procurement Many modules support knowledge across more than 1 category and functional areas/levels

Strategy & Policy

Sourcing & category

management

Contract Management

Supplier Relations

Procurement Operations

L4 L3 L2 L1 L4 L3 L2 L4 L3 L2 L4 L3 L3 L2 L1

Achieving sustainability through compliance

Approaches to strategic sourcing and category management

Compliance within the sourcing process

Conducting commercial negotiations

Contracts with external organisations

Creating a sourcing or category plan

Developing the business case for sourcing requirements from external suppliers

Effective and efficient administration of purchases made with external suppliers

Ethical codes of practice in Procurement and supply

Formation of contracts

Fundamentals of specifications and key performance indicators

Implementation planning

Improving supply chain sustainability

Main approaches in negotiating commercial agreements with external organisations

Performance improvement

Preparing for negotiations with external organisations

Preparing to source from external suppliers

Procurement and organisational relationships

Procurement in different sectors

Sourcing processes

Sustainability within the sourcing process

The impact of sustainability within the supply chain

The main components of contractual agreements

The main regulations in procurement and supply

The procurement process

Understanding options for sourcing

Understanding outsourcing



Legal contracts and contract management Many modules support knowledge across more than 1 category and functional areas/levels

Strategy & Policy

Sourcing & category

management

Contract Management

Supplier Relations




Contract terms


Developing a standard purchase order for goods or services


Implications of contractual non-performance

Legal issues relating to the formation of contracts



The main performance measures of the supply chain


Understand the legal aspects relating to the performance of contracts

Understand the main approaches to achieve the management of contracts

Understand the main techniques for the management of contracts and suppliers

Understanding outsourcing

Negotiation and influencing Many modules support knowledge across more than 1 category and functional areas/levels

Strategy & Policy

Sourcing & category

management

Contract Management

Supplier Relations



Communication and influencing


Leadership skills and behaviours

Leading change in the supply chain


Overcoming challenges when managing procurement and supply




People management and leadership Many modules support knowledge across more than 1 category and functional areas/levels

Strategy & Policy

Sourcing & category

management

Contract Management

Supplier Relations


L4 L3 L2 L1 L4 L3 L2 L4 L3 L2 L4 L3 L3 L2

L1

Aligning strategic supply chain management and corporate strategy

Approaches to managing work groups or teams



Developing the business case for sourcing requirements from external suppliers


Leading change in the supply chain


Managing Individuals

Managing skills and knowledge requirements



Strategy formulation

The concepts of corporate strategy

The main financial aspects that affect supply chains




Supply chain logistics Many modules support knowledge across more than 1 category and functional areas/levels

Strategy & Policy

Sourcing & category

management

Contract Management

Supplier Relations



CIPS ethics test

Commercial relationships

How procurement and supply chain management adds value

Identifying and evaluating risks

Improving operations management

Interpreting data relating to the workflow involved in procurement and supply

Marketing, procurement and competitive advantage

Planning and control in operations management

Processes for managing risks


Project management and risk

Relationships in supply chains

The concept of operations management

The design of operations management

The main approaches to achieving timely deliveries of products and services

The main implications of purchasing and supply inventory

The main methods for the storage and movement of inventory

The main techniques used for ordering supplies

The principles of transportation in logistics

Types of risk



Module and topic descriptions (also available on online via your MY CIPS dashboard) Achieving sustainability through compliance

You will examine complexities in supply chains and how these can impact compliance with your sustainability standards. You will look at how supply chain mapping can assist your identification of risk areas and the use of portfolio analysis to determine your priorities when seeking improved practices. You will examine the use of third party auditors to monitor supplier compliance with your sustainability standards. You will also consider ways to encourage compliance and the challenging issue of how to manage infringements of standards when they occur.

Aligning strategic supply chain management and corporate strategy

You will explore how strategic supply chain management can support and influence corporate and business levels of strategy. Implementing supply chain strategies, without alignment with the organisation’s corporate and business strategies will maximise the likelihood of their failure. You will explore the impact that market change has on supply chain strategy development and the contribution that strategic supply chain management can make. A lack of understanding of the market factors which can impact a supply chain will mean that any strategy developed has the potential to be out of date before it’s even signed-off. This case study, based on the ‘Cantonside Property’, considers the alignment of strategic supply chain strategy with corporate strategy.

Approaches to strategic sourcing and category management

You will compare strategic sourcing, category management and conventional sourcing processes. Understanding the different tools and processes available are essential for a procurement practitioner to understand the choices available to deliver value to their organisation. You will explore the main approaches to strategic sourcing and category management and the skills needed to implement them. Understanding the skills and knowledge needed to apply best practice is essential if you are to drive down cost significantly and effectively and to deliver value from categories of expenditure for your organisation.

Commercial relationships

You will consider how to profile purchasers and suppliers. You will consider information exchange between purchasers and suppliers, and how technology can affect their relationship.


You will explore the different influencing and leadership styles used in effective leadership of a supply chain. Choosing the appropriate influencing style to reflect someone’s relationship to you within the organisation and to reflect personal preferences will increase your ability to influence their actions. You will explore the benefits of creating a communication plan to influence stakeholders within the supply chain. Undertaking the level of analysis discussed will ensure that appropriate action is taken with key stakeholders who are crucial to successful implementation of your procurement strategies. This case study, centred on ‘South Clus Auto’, looks at stakeholder analysis and communication planning. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject matter will be helpful.


All business activities are shaped by the regulatory environment in which they operate. In this topic You will be considering three main influences that impact sourcing in the private and public sectors in terms of legislation, regulation and organisational requirements. You will look at the main legislative and regulatory requirements when sourcing from international suppliers. In particular, it considers how to address the specific risks of sourcing across international borders. This case study, based on the ‘Municipio of Trentino in Italy,’ looks at the legislative and regulatory issues associated both with sourcing in the public sector (specifically the EU) and also with sourcing across international borders. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful.




You will explore the different stages of a negotiation and how behaviours might change during a negotiation. The topic will also focus on the use of persuasion methods and tactics that can be used to influence the other party. You will examine the main communication skills that can be used to positive effect in a commercial negotiation. The topic also focuses on the importance of analysing the process and the outcome of negotiations for improvement and development. This case study, which is centred on ‘CJL International Manufacturing Group,’ focuses on the use of persuasion tools and tactics in a negotiation. It also addresses the use of questions and the importance of non-verbal communication in a negotiation.

Contract terms

You will examine contract terms and consider the difference between implied and express terms. You will then go on to review and recognise the main express terms that are commonly applied in contracts in procurement and supply. You will look at terms that are implied into contracts, as distinct from those expressly stated. In particular, You will examine those terms that legislation implies into contracts, such as those implied by The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) and The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (as amended). The case study looks at the development of a contract to buy a machine tool in an engineering company. It examines the conflict between two staff members involved in how terms in the contract should be sourced, and which legislation applies.


You will begin by exploring the express terms which can feature in formal contracts. You will also examine the importance of using standard terms of business within your supply relationships and the purpose of model form contracts. You will examine different types of pricing arrangements including fixed, cost-plus and cost reimbursable approaches. The case study tests the appropriate application of payment terms and pricing arrangements. It also considers the use of insurance within the contractual relationship and the suitability of model form contracts for certain purchases.

Corporate strategy

You will examine the characteristics of functional and corporate strategy. Strategy is an overused term in business. The word has a military origin and always involves two key elements – planning and the intention of gaining advantage. In this topic You will consider the process by which strategy is developed. You will consider various models for the development of strategy and strategic planning, and then go on to look at the environment of strategic management and the ways in which strategists cope with uncertain and dynamic markets. The case study centres on ‘Gloriosa Ltd,’ a struggling business which makes skincare products, and which is trying to launch a new range to invigorate itself.

Creating a sourcing or category plan

You will explore the initial stages involved in developing a sourcing strategy or plan. Engaging with the right stakeholders and setting up the team are prerequisites of a successful outcome. So too is taking sufficient time to understand the requirements so that any recommendations meet the needs of the business in the future, rather than just for today. You will explore supply market analysis and the creation of a category plan. It is this strategy that, once approved, will determine the actions you take to improve competiveness when sourcing for specific categories. Sufficient facts and data will enable you to take risk out of the decision-making. This case study, centred on ‘Senna Coffee’, looks at the final stages of developing a sourcing strategy. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful.

Developing a standard purchase order for goods or services

You will consider how to develop a standard purchase order for goods and services. You will consider the elements required in order to complete a purchase order for goods or services.

Ethical codes of practice in Procurement and supply

You will consider the part played by ethical codes of practice in Procurement and supply. You will consider the detail of standard ethical codes and the effect of corporate governance on Procurement and supply.



Financial aspects affecting supply chains

You will consider the impact of costs and finance on supply chains. You will analyse how the volatility of currencies and commodities in supply chains can be managed. This case study, based on ‘Veltenham Industries Group,’ a global manufacturer of construction equipment and vehicles, considers some of the financial aspects that affect global supply chains. This case study, based on ‘Borsetshire County Council’, considers the issues associated with contract formation and battle of the forms. It also covers contract award procedures under the Public Contract Regulations 2006.


You will examine how a contract is formed and the circumstances in which it may be set aside. You will also look at how the UK legal system works, with particular focus on the law of England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legal systems, which are slightly different to the English and Welsh one. You will look at two areas of UK law that have been shaped by the European Union (EU): electronic contracting and public procurement.

Identifying and evaluating risks

You will study risk mitigation which is the process of managing risks by reducing the chances that they occur and / or by reducing the impact they might have if they do occur. This case study centred on ‘NuPasture Fertilizers proposals for a new ammonia plant and looks at how risks are identified, assessed and prioritised.

Implementation planning

You will explore the development of the implementation plan for a sourcing strategy. At this stage, the business requirements will be identified and many of the decisions made about how to engage the market. Successful strategic sourcing requires the development of a plan to bind these decisions - the strategy, individuals, systems, and processes - together. You will explore the development of the implementation plan for a sourcing strategy and consider the decision making criteria that can be applied to the implementation process. It is essential to tackle any stakeholder resistance to change within the plan and apply effective project management techniques. Both contribute to successfully implementing the sourcing strategy for an organisation. This case study, centred on ‘Tokyoto Electrics’, looks at the factors that can arise during implementation planning in the procurement function.

Implications of contractual non-performance

You will examine the legal implications of non-performance in procurement and supply contracts. This includes understanding the remedies available for non-performance and the consequences of terminating a contract. You will look at different mechanisms for resolving contractual disputes, including negotiation, arbitration and litigation, as well as alternative dispute resolution and adjudication. This case study considers a contractual dispute between a government department and a building contractor. It examines various methods for remedying non-performance, as well as potential options for dispute resolution.

Improving operations management

You will look at failure minimisation and performance improvement using techniques such as benchmarking and business process re-engineering. You will look at various quality management techniques for improving operational performance. This case study is based on the ‘City of Beira Public Authority’ in Mozambique and explores the issues surrounding total quality management (TQM) and business process re-engineering in a public body.

Improving supply chain sustainability

You will consider the various initiatives and agreed standards that have been created to improve sustainability. You will analyse the way in which leading standards can improve fair trade. This case study, centred on ‘Café Caliente,’ examines the role of Fairtrade in developing sustainability in a supply chain.

Interpreting data relating to the workflow involved in procurement and supply

You will consider how to use data from procurement and supply to calculate future demand and how this data relates to the pricing of goods and services. How to use financial data supplied in company accounts to gauge the financial standing of organisations in procurement and supply and how to draw conclusions from the operation of financial budgets.




You will explore the difference between leadership and management and evaluate the skills and behaviours that support effective leadership for improving procurement and supply chain performance. An understanding of the importance of leadership is essential to ensure that procurement teams have a vision, are motivated and have the support of internal stakeholders to deliver value to the organisation. You will explore the main approaches to leadership for improving procurement and supply chain management. Understanding these approaches will provide you with a range of effective solutions to choose from when undertaking a leadership role in the procurement function. This case study, centred on ‘Energy Oil’, looks at the difference between leadership and management roles and the application of emotional intelligence and situational leadership to procurement teams.

Leading change in supply chains

You will explore the different models for effective change management. Change is a constant companion of any leader within the procurement and supply function. Proactive management of the barriers to change and forces for change is, therefore, essential if you are to achieve optimal supply chain performance. You will explore the key methods for resolving conflict and the effective use of delegation to support change in the supply chain. Understanding these methods will assist you in taking the most suitable leadership approach to ensure you keep on track within your procurement and supply activities. This case study, centred on ‘Al Hammadi International’, looks at managing change in the procurement function.

Managing individuals

You will explore the different behavioural characteristics and learning styles of individuals. Procurement managers should understand how to identify and recognise their impact upon the individuals they manage. This will influence the management approach they adopt and ensure each member of the team remains effective and productive in their role. You will explore the main approaches to motivation and the major factors that can influence job satisfaction. Managers of procurement teams need to understand the impact motivation and job satisfaction have on their teams to ensure they remain effective and productive in their roles. This case study, centred on ‘Lancets AG’, looks at the behavioural characteristics that can be used to categorise others. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful.

Managing skills and knowledge requirements

You will explore the activities and responsibilities for human resource management (HRM). You will explore the process of recruiting, selecting, training and developing individuals in order for them to possess the required skills and knowledge for the procurement and supply function. This case study, centred on ‘Chopra Enterprises’, looks at recruitment, selection and appraisal. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject matter will be helpful.

Managing work groups or teams

You will explore different types of work groups and teams and look at different organisational characteristics of team development. As a practitioner within the procurement function, understanding the stages of development that teams transition through can help manage performance and behaviour. You will explore the main contributory factors to effective team-working and also the way in which relationships can be managed effectively in the procurement function. In order for procurement teams to be successful it is important that they demonstrate and fully embrace the factors examined in this topic. This case study, centred around four procurement teams at ‘Compute Education’, looks at the factors that hinder team performance. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful.

Marketing, procurement and competitive advantage

You will gain an overview of marketing and some marketing techniques. You will consider how marketing principles affect purchasers, and how marketing can contribute to competitive advantage.

Options for sourcing

You will consider a wide range of options for sourcing requirements from suppliers and be introduced to some of the key process steps involved in undertaking a sourcing exercise. You will learn how to develop selection and award criteria that are commonly applied when sourcing requirements from external suppliers. You will also consider some of the wider impacts that sourcing has on markets, in particular on small and local suppliers.



Outsourcing

You will explore the different stages of a negotiation and how behaviours might change during a negotiation. The topic will also focus on the use of persuasion methods and tactics that can be used to influence the other party. You will examine the main communication skills that can be used to positive effect in a commercial negotiation. The topic also focuses on the importance of analysing the process and the outcome of negotiations for improvement and development. This case study, which is centred on ‘CJL International Manufacturing Group,’ focuses on the use of persuasion tools and tactics in a negotiation. It also addresses the use of questions and the importance of non-verbal communication in a negotiation.


In this topic you will explore the different sources of power and tactics of influence and understand the way in which they can be used to overcome challenges faced by procurement and supply chain managers. Understanding the impact that these have on you and your team and selecting the right management strategy will maximise your team effectiveness. In this topic you will analysis how equality and diversity issues relating to the supply chain can be managed to improve the effectiveness of the supply chain. Effective management in this area is essential if you are to capitalise on the performance improvements available from equitable treatment of a diverse workforce. This case study, centred on ‘Bosi Fashion’, looks at power and influence in the supply chain. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject matter will be helpful.

Performance improvement

You will explore the mobilisation, start-up and transition arrangements that will maximise the likelihood of the successful execution of strategic sourcing or category management processes. Proactive contract management and the allocation of sufficient resources will assist in achieving this. You will explore the main methods for creating performance measures

Performance measures of the supply chain

In this topic, you will consider the financial measures that can be applied to determine the performance of the supply chain. You will analyse the impact of stakeholder feedback on your supply chain performance management strategy. You will also consider some approaches to benchmarking when measuring the performance of the supply chain. The case study, based on ‘Zambrano Corporation,’ a market leading global computer equipment manufacturer, considers some of the measures which can be applied to determine the performance of the supply chain.

Planning and control in operations management

You will look at techniques for planning, (to make sure operations processes are efficiently set out), control (to make sure that they work as planned) and strategic capacity management (which ensures the appropriate capacity constraints are understood and managed so that schedules can be developed). You will consider the importance of ‘demand’ to operations planning and you will look at various IT systems that help deal with changing demand in operations management. This case study, based on a small fitted kitchen installer, looks at the various techniques used for scheduling in a jobbing shop environment

Processes for managing risks

You will consider some techniques for managing risks including contractual remedies, the use of third parties and insurance provision. You will consider a key discipline of risk management – contingency planning. This involves planning options (work-arounds) and alternatives (fall-back positions) if the main plan goes wrong. It means making a ‘what-if’ plan. Fire drills in large buildings are part of contingency planning. The case study is centred on a flood at the HQ of the ‘Sick Animals Trust’ – a fictional charity which cares for and treats sick animals.


You will consider organisational personnel and stakeholders. You will consider cross-functional working and the roles of supply chain personnel.



Procurement in different sectors

You will briefly look at the how sectors of the economy can be classified in different ways and then move on to study a range of issues surrounding procurement in the public sector. You will look at the range of structures and operating mechanisms for different parts of the private sector, along with the sorts of differing objectives that apply to each one. At the end of the topic You will briefly look at the not-for-profit sector. The case study centres on ‘Grasso Ltd,’ a mowing machine manufacturer, which is sourcing components for a new range of machines.

Project management and risk

You will consider the project life cycle. Projects are usually costly, complicated, with an uncertain outcome, and they have a high risk of failure. They form an important part of the risk management syllabus. You will look at the project planning and project implementation aspects of project management. This case study is based on a fictional logistics company in Germany which is planning to open a new distribution centre. Unfortunately, this high profile project has started to slip.

Regulations in procurement and supply

You will examine intellectual property rights regulations in respect of procurement and supply contracts. You will then go on to consider how competition law regulations impact on procurement and supply activities. In this topic you will look at a number of employment law regulations and their impact on procurement and supply. An increased desire to outsource specialist or non-core operational activities has driven the necessity for organisations to widen their understanding and compliance to employment legislation; extending statutory and ethical responsibilities outside of their own organisational boundaries. The case study based on ‘Britcall Telecommunications Group’ Limited, a major UK telecommunications business, and considers some of regulations that impact on procurement and supply.

Relationships in supply chains

You will explore the key issues concerning the classification and assessment of supply chain relationships. You will examine the impact of competitive forces on supply chain relationships, as well as the concept of ‘adding value’ through commercial relationships. This case study centres around ‘Acoustic Fidelity Inc’ and looks at the issues concerning its relationship with its supplier Musical Assembly Inc.

Sourcing from external suppliers

You will consider the main elements of a sourcing plan as well as the key decision-making criteria for supplier appraisal and contract award. You will learn how to assess the financial stability of potential suppliers. This is a considerable subject and so you will focus your study on just a few key measures of performance, such as liquidity, profitability, gearing and investment. This case study, based on the ‘East Minsk University Hospital’, considers the selection criteria and financial performance measures involved in appraising potential suppliers, and reviews a number of financial ratios involved in supplier selection decisions. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful.

Sourcing processes

You will look at how market information is gathered and used to inform the sourcing of requirements from external suppliers. You will then move on to review how tenders and quotations are obtained from a supply market. You will look at how supplier bids are evaluated so that the best overall offer is identified. You will also look at a range of electronic systems that support sourcing. This case study, based on the ‘IOQ’ (International Oil in Qatar) conglomerate, looks at how bids were obtained from pipeline suppliers for a Qatari oil and gas client. It considers the process that was followed and, in particular, how each of the bids was evaluated. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful.



Specifications and key performance indicators

You will learn about specifications, in particular the key elements they contain and their role in the contractual arrangements you make with suppliers. You will also explore different types of conformance and performance based specifications and look at the use of information assurance to mitigate risk within the specifications you produce. You will learn what information you need to gather to develop a specification. You will also consider the social and environmental elements to include and the contribution of suppliers at the early stages of the development process. Finally, you will explore the use of key performance indicators in order to measure supplier performance. The following case study tests your understanding of using appropriate types of specifications, and applying effective KPIs in order to measure and monitor supplier performance. It also addresses how information assurance can be used to mitigate risk when developing a specification.

Strategic sourcing and category management

You will compare strategic sourcing, category management and conventional sourcing processes. Understanding the different tools and processes available are essential for a procurement practitioner to understand the choices available to deliver value to their organisation. You will explore the main approaches to strategic sourcing and category management and the skills needed to implement them. Understanding the skills and knowledge needed to apply best practice is essential if you are to drive down cost significantly and effectively and to deliver value from categories of expenditure for your organisation. This case study, centred on ‘Meyer Auto’, looks strategic procurement, strategic sourcing and category management. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject matter will be helpful.

Strategy formulation

You will examine how to go about analysing the strategic position - the first stage of the rational approach to strategy development. When you have completed this topic, you should be able to: critically compare the main sources of competitive advantage, and critically assess the main approaches to analysing the strategic position. You will take a detailed look at the ‘choice’ element of the PCA model. Strategic development can be considered as having three main stages and this is often defined as ‘PCA’. First, however, you will examine various models which help to evaluate different strategic options and then you will consider how to evaluate different implementation options. This case study, centred on Terra Firma plc, a market-leading producer of garden machinery, examines the techniques for evaluating different strategic development options.

Sustainability in the sourcing process

You will look at how sustainability can be incorporated into contract specifications and contract terms. You will evaluate how sustainability can be incorporated into supplier selection and performance measurement. This case study is about setting up a sustainable supply arrangement. A new small company looks to develop sustainable contracts with suppliers in a low cost country. Your advice is needed.

Sustainability in the supply chain

You will explore the ideas behind sustainability, and look at some of the basic concepts underpinning it. You will consider the advantages and the risks of incorporating the principle of sustainability within supply chains. Procurement managers are increasingly required to consider sustainability and the impact it can have on brand awareness. You will explore the main drivers of globalisation in supply chains and the key cultural and social issues that arise from this. This case study examines some of the problems that may be encountered when applying sustainability in a global supply chain, across cultural frontiers. You will learn how to identify and tackle cross cultural sustainability issues.

The concept of operations management

Operations management (OM) is concerned with how organisations produce goods and services. In this topic, uou will explore the main aspects of operations management and how this differs from other business disciplines. In this topic you will learn about the input transformation model and the role of operations management (OM) as it contributes to an organisation’s strategy. This case study, centred on a hotel chain called ‘Sleep Easy,’ considers the role of operations in supporting an organisation to deliver its corporate strategy.



The design of operations management

This topic is all about the design of an operations process. All operations managers are designers. When they change the way of carrying out an activity, they are making a design decision. The term supply chain refers to the supply ‘network’ that links your suppliers, your organisation, and your customers. Central to this supply chain is the way incoming materials flow through your own organisation, as they are transformed into the products or services being supplied to your customers. This case study, based on a fitted furniture manufacturer, takes you through the process of designing a range of products for a new market sector.

The main approaches to achieving timely deliveries of products and services

You will consider the role of communication in maintaining a smooth delivery process. You will explore the different categories of need along with communication techniques, including rapport building. You will consider the various approaches to forecasting and the difficulties associated with it. Along the way you’ll explore subjective and objective techniques.

The main components of contractual agreements

You will consider an overview of contracts and pricing arrangements. You will consider how agreements get documented.

The main implications of purchasing and supply inventory

You will consider an overview of the types of inventory and the costs of holding it and you will consider how inventory levels are managed.

The main methods for the storage and movement of inventory

You will consider the factors involved in locating and designing warehouses. You will consider how inventory is labelled and moved within a warehouse.


You will consider the financial measures that can be applied to determine the performance of the supply chain. You will analyse the impact of stakeholder feedback on your supply chain performance management strategy. You will also consider some approaches to benchmarking when measuring the performance of the supply chain. This case study, based on ‘Zambrano Corporation,’ a market leading global computer equipment manufacturer, considers some of the measures which can be applied to determine the performance of the supply chain.


You will examine intellectual property rights regulations in respect of procurement and supply contracts. You will then go on to consider how competition law regulations impact on procurement and supply activities. You will look at a number of employment law regulations and their impact on procurement and supply. This case study based on’ Britcall Telecommunications Group Limited,’ a major UK telecommunications business, and considers some of regulations that impact on procurement and supply.

The main techniques used for ordering supplies

You will consider the different types of supplies and the characteristics of direct goods. You’ll also explore the main costs associated with holding inventories. You will consider the hierarchy of manufacture and approaches for efficiently replenishing items.

The principles of transportation in logistics

You will consider the different modes of transport and the accompanying documentation involved in logistics. You will consider the use of incoterms in international logistics and plans for the transport of freight.



The procurement process

You will look at some of the key stages in a typical sourcing process. You will consider the benefits of having structured procurement procedures in place and the value of compliance with those procedures. This case study, centred on the procurement of a cleaning contract for a fictional government agency, leads you through a powerful bid evaluation technique which can be used in a wide range of different situations where quality considerations have to be included.

Types of risk

You will examine a range of potential operational risks. These should serve as a reminder to help you identify and assess potential risks when undertaking risk assessments in your procurement role. You will examine a range of risks broadly related to business ethics including fraud, corruption, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. This case study, centred on ‘Bronco Jeans’ who are seeking a low-cost source for a new range of jeans, considers several different risks and how to spot them.

Understand the legal aspects relating to the performance of contracts

You will explore the essential features that need to be present for a contract to be valid. You will also examine model forms of contract and the different types of contractual terms that can used. Finally, You will explore specific issues which may arise when you contract with organisations from other countries. You will learn about some of the issues arising from when a buyer or seller has failed to abide by the terms within a contract and what solutions are available to remedy the situation. This case study centres on non-performance issues in a contract for the supply and installation of new computers and the subsequent issues of damages and conflict resolution.

Understand the main techniques for the management of contracts and suppliers

In this topic, you will look at some of the main techniques for contract and supplier relationship management (SRM). On completion of this topic, you should be able to: explain the main techniques for supplier performance measurement explain the main techniques for supplier development. This case study centres on ‘Electrogasgen,’ a power generation company wishing to outsource its hard and soft services requirements.

Understanding options for sourcing

You will consider a wide range of options for sourcing requirements from suppliers and be introduced to some of the key process steps involved in undertaking a sourcing exercise. You will learn how to develop selection and award criteria that are commonly applied when sourcing requirements from external suppliers. You will also consider some of the wider impacts that sourcing has on markets, in particular on small and local suppliers. This case study, based on the ‘Morundu State Roads Authority’, looks at different approaches to sourcing and, in particular some of the key aspects of public sector tendering. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful. This case study, based on the ‘Morundu State Roads Authority’, looks at different approaches to sourcing and, in particular some of the key aspects of public sector tendering. Prior knowledge of the underpinning subject-matter will be helpful.


cips e-learning provides tailored learning at your · considering three main influences that impact...

Documents