CIPS Supplier Relationships L4M6 Exam Questions

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Total 243 questions
Question 1

Which of the following are examples of a collaborative partnering relationship? Select TWO that apply.



Answer : D, E

Comprehensive and Detailed

Collaborative partnering relationships are characterized by high levels of trust, mutual objectives, shared information, and long-term commitment. Among the options provided:

Co-destiny: This represents the highest level of collaboration, where both parties' futures are closely linked, and decisions are made jointly for mutual benefit.

Strategic alliance: This involves a formal agreement between organizations to pursue shared objectives while remaining independent entities.

These relationship types are positioned on the collaborative end of the relationship spectrum, emphasizing joint efforts and shared success.


CIPS L4M6 Study Guide

Question 2

Under which circumstances would a partnership sourcing approach be used?



Answer : B

Partnership sourcing is ideal for high-spend, high-risk situations where collaboration mitigates risks and maximizes value through innovation, efficiency, and trust.


Question 3

Which of the following documents can be used at the selection stage of a tender process to ensure that short listed bidders meet the requirements of the buying organisation? Select TWO.



Answer : A, C

Request for Information and Pre-Qualification Questionnaire can be used for short-listing suppliers. Request for Quotation is used when the only variable is price and you would like suppliers to submit a price for you. Invitation to Tender would be the next stage after RFI / PPQ- this is sent out to those suppliers who have passed selection, and details the second stage of the competition. See p.75 for more details.


Question 4

A buyer is seeking to set up an agreement for one year for the purchase of paper. They complete a tender exercise and supplier X wins the contract, and all other suppliers are told that they will not be needed for the next 12 months. Where would the buyer place supplier X on the relationship spectrum?



Answer : B

Comprehensive and Detailed

When a buyer selects a single supplier for a specific period, such as a one-year contract, and excludes other suppliers during this time, this is referred to as asingle sourcedrelationship. This approach is often used to consolidate purchases, achieve economies of scale, and build a more streamlined procurement process for specific goods or services.


'Single sourcing involves selecting one supplier for a particular item or service, often for a defined period, to streamline procurement and potentially achieve better terms.'--- CIPS L4M6 Study Guide

Question 5

Which of the following are recognised organisational culture types? Select THREE



Answer : A, B, C

The correct answer is power, role and person. This is part of Hardyman's Cultural Types on p.169 (there are four- the other one is task). There's quite a few questions on this in the exam, so it's worth doing some additional research on this prior to the exam as the study guide doesn't provide much detail on this.


Question 6

Which of the following are relationship types on the relationship spectrum?

Adversarial, transactional and outsourcing

Single sourced, strategic alliance and co-destiny

Arm's length, strategic alliance and dual sourced

Closer tactical, leverage and joint ventures



Answer : B

The relationship spectrum runs from adversarial/transactional to collaborative partnerships such as strategic alliances and co-destiny. Also included are mid-spectrum arrangements like single sourcing and arm's length. Options 2 and 3 list valid relationship types, making 2 and 3 correct.


Question 7

The Queen Victoria is a traditional British pub which serves a range of alcoholic beverages. It has a partnership relationship with a local brewery which supplies several types of beer and cider. Logistics is a key concern for the Queen Victoria as deliveries must be made when there is room in the cellar to store the barrels of beer and cider. In what ways could the logistics risk be reduced?



Answer : C

The logistics risk can be reduced by 'Sharing up-to-date information'. If the Pub tells the supplier when it's running low, they can then time the deliveries more accurately. P. 136. A lot of the questions on the 'Partnerships' chapters of the book are common-sense questions like this. It involves reading thequestion and using logic, rather than relying on your knowledge of procurement. If you found this question easy -- that's a good sign for the exam.


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