| Index | About MCG| CIPS Qualifications| CIPS by Distance Learning| Study Support | How to Enroll | Exams | Exemptions | Resources | Contact |Bookshop|
 

CIPS - MCG Centre Number - 005031578

   

Foundation Stage

Professional Stage

 

The Professional Stage of the CIPS Graduate Diploma - Detailed syllabus (Old Scheme - discontinued)

The Professional Stage

You need to pass or be exempted from eight modules in all. You have to take all four Core modules, one module from the Supply Chain list, plus another three chosen from all the remaining Supply Chain Option and the Elective list. You should complete the Core modules before starting your Options and Electives.

You will need to sit a three hour exam in each module, though with the Case Study you will get a situation brief some weeks before the exam which you will need to analyse in some depth as part of your preparation.

Many students complete the Professional Stage between fourteen to twenty months. It is often a good idea to study the Professional Stage in two groups of four modules in successive years.

As the Professional Stage is a degree level qualification, CIPS will expect you to do a lot of background research to keep up with developments in purchasing, supply and business in general. Your study can start with newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and the Internet, but for the highest marks will need to continue through books written by the top thinkers and technical journals as well. At this level you must constantly demonstrate an awareness of the supply chain aspects of relevant current affairs.

Core modules

The Core Modules give you a broad platform of purchasing and supply chain competences and the ability to apply them over a variety of time frames. You must do all modules and should leave the Case Study until last:

P1 - Strategy and Strategic Procurement

Aim

To provide students with the information and knowledge needed for an understanding of the nature of strategy within the organisation, and to develop knowledge of the specific contribution that strategic management of the supply chain can make to overall success.

Rationale

Organisations are increasingly under pressure to operate efficient and effective strategies within the international market. They rely heavily upon the supply of goods and services to maintain competitive advantage. It is essential that purchasing professionals develop an awareness of how strategies are developed and executed within organisations, and the impact of strategic purchasing and supply chain management upon the success of such strategies.

1. Strategy and Strategic Procurement

a) The concept of strategy

b) Strategy development

c) Corporate purpose and scope for organisations

d) Levels of strategy in the organisation

e) Strategic management

f) The nature of strategic supply chain management

g) Strategic purchasing and supply chain models

h) The role, basis and influence of customer perception

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Explain the concept of strategy and appraise alternative views of strategy development

1.2 Appraise the corporate purpose and scope for organisations and describe the levels of strategy operating within the organisation

1.3 Outline the relationship between approaches adopted by organisations to strategy development and how this affects their approach to strategic management

1.4 Analyse how strategic management operates in different sectors

1.5 Evaluate the nature of strategic supply chain management and appraise the role of the purchasing and supply chain function within it

1.6 Analyse how strategic purchasing and supply chain process models for private and public sectors and discuss their implication on the organisation, including the CIPS model, EC Procurement Directives model, and the MoD (UK) acquisition process model

1.7 Outline the basis of customer perceptions, and assess their influences on customer requirements and how these perceptions and influences affect customer
responses

(weighting 15%)


2. Strategic Management

a) Strategic analysis, purpose and nature

b) Utilisation of strategic analysis in business

c) Definition of the basis of strategic choice

d) Generic strategies

e) Strategic direction options including consolidation and market penetration

f) Strategic method options including internal development and joint alliances

g) Evaluation and selection of strategic options

h) Implementation of strategies

i) Development, management and control of resources

j) Organisational design

k) Organisational structures

l) Purchasing and supply function structures

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Evaluate the nature and purpose of strategic analysis

2.2 Categorise the various tools of strategic analysis

2.3 Assess how the strategic tools of analysis permit knowledge of the organisation and its environment to be assessed

2.4 Identify and evaluate the drivers that underpin strategy development

2.5 Debate the basis for strategic choice within the organisation critically examining relevant generic strategies

2.6 Appraise the various strategic directions that an organisation could deploy

2.7 Appraise the various strategic methods an organisation could deploy

2.8 Outline the relationship between the strategic choices an organisation can adopt, the strategic direction it may choose to follow, and the strategic methods it may deploy

2.9 Evaluate the financial implications of strategic analysis and implementation

2.10 Assess the approach to evaluation and selection of strategy that an organisation can take

2.11 Evaluate the process and challenges with the implementation of strategies and the management of change in organisations

2.12 Compare and contrast how different organisations develop, manage and control resources from a corporate strategic level within the organisation

2.13 Consider the effect of IT on strategic choice

2.14 Judge the impact of changes in strategic direction for organisations on organisational design

2.15 Define and assess different approaches to organisational structures within the various types of organisation

2.16 Define and appraise different approaches to purchasing and supply function structures

2.17 Appraise the relationship between organisational and purchasing and supply function structures

(weighting 45%)


3. Strategic Supply Chain Management

a) Development and evolution of the purchasing and supply function

b) Role, objectives and contribution of supply chain strategies to corporate strategy

c) The strategic supply chain planning process

d) Strategic supply chain frameworks

e) The operation of supply chain strategies through all organisation functions

f) Configuration and co-ordination of the supply chain

g) Control and creation of added value in supply chain management

h) Innovation in supply chain management

i) Designing products and services through strategic supply chain

j) Managing environmental procurement within strategic supply chain management

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Outline the development and evolution of the purchasing and supply function

3.2 Debate the role, objectives and contribution of supply chain strategies to corporate strategy and the strategic planning process

3.3 Critically review strategic supply chain frame-works and the operation of supply chain strategies through all organisational functions

3.4 Evaluate the configuration and co-ordination of the supply chain in different markets

3.5 Evaluate where strategic supply chain management can create and control added value for the organisation as a whole

3.6 Assess the role and impact of innovation on supply chain management

3.7 Outline the role for the strategic supply chain in the design of products and services, product/service development, product design process models, product life cycles

3.8 Define what is meant by environmental procurement and evaluate the implications for strategic management of the supply chain

(weighting 40%)

P2 - Tactics and Operations

Aim

To examine tactics and techniques for the control of supply chain operations.

Rationale

Long-term success for any organisation requires an appropriate strategic direction and sense of mission; however success ultimately depends upon performance. The key to successful operational performance lies in the achievement of excellence in the five key operational areas of cost, quality, flexibility, dependability and speed. It is performance in these five key operational areas that will enable the organisation to outperform its competitors and ensure long-term success. The procurement function is central to each of these five areas hence successful tactics and operations in procurement are vital to the long-term success of the organisation as a whole. This syllabus therefore deals with tactics and operational activities that focus on shorter-term implementation but at the same time conducted within a strategic framework. It will consider operational techniques within the context of both different sectors and different sized organisations. This is a broad syllabus and the student should adopt a general view.

1. Specifying and Managing Quality for Goods and Services

a) The formulation of specifications and quality standards

b) The relationship between specifications, quality and cost, and techniques for the elimination of unnecessary cost

c) Tools and techniques for the measurement and improvement of quality

d) Changing approaches to quality from zero defects and continuous improvement (Kaizen)

e) Quality as a feature of good design

f) Total Quality Management in the manufacture of goods and the delivery of services

g) The importance of early supplier involvement (ESI) and early buying involvement (EBI) in design

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Evaluate tools, techniques, and approaches to the building-in of quality at the design stage, and the elimination of unnecessary costs in the production of goods and services

1.2 Appraise the role of the purchasing function in the attainment and management of quality standards in the acquisition and production of goods and services

1.3 Assess the contribution of purchasing to Total Quality Management

1.4 Propose techniques for achieving consistency and control in the production of goods and services

(weighting 20%)


2. Sourcing and the Management and Development of Suppliers

a) Techniques for the identification and selection of suitable suppliers

b) Developing suppliers and improving supplier performance

c) The use of suppliers as a resource

d) The selection and contracting of suppliers for the provision of outsourced services,and the management of subsequent performance standards

e) The nature and variables involved in make or buy decisions

f) The tactical and operational contribution to supply chain management and lean supply

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Evaluate techniques for supplier selection and assessment for the provision of goods and services

2.2 Critically evaluate the organisational procedures and techniques that can be used in the development and management of products, services, and suppliers

2.3 Propose procedures for undertaking an outsourcing exercise and the management of the provider's performance

2.4 Analyse a make or buy situation and make appropriate recommendations

2.5 Propose techniques that will contribute to effective supplier base management and lean supply objectives

(weighting 20%)


3. Matching Supply with Demand

a) Inventory control and the economics of stock management

b) Inventory control systems for independent demand items

c) Dependent demand and buying for materials requirements planning (MRP), other integrated systems, and Just-in-Time

d) General approaches to forecasting

e) Pareto (ABC) analysis of inventory as a basis for inventory policy and decisions

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Compare inventory control systems for both dependent and independent demand items

3.2 Evaluate methods for balancing the supply and demand for inventory

3.3 Establish control systems which will ensure the effective management of inventory

3.4 Determine the appropriate level of inventory for supporting operations in a variety of organisational types

(weighting 15%)

4. Capital Buying

a) The nature of capital buying and the life cycle approach to asset managment

b) The main principles of investment appraisal and risk analysis

c) Appropriate terms and conditions in capital contracts including payment arrangements, defects liabilty and after sales support

Learning Outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Propose suitable techniques for making capital buying decisions that will ensure that both organisational and long-term economic and financial considerations are taken into account

4.2 Develop a coordinated team approach to capital acquisitions

4.3 Evaluate appropriate terms and conditions for capital contracts and develop appropriate support arrangements with suppliers, which will protect the buying organisation's long-term interests

4.4 Apply the concepts of life cycle costing to the acquisition of capitial assets

(weighting 10%)

5. Buying from Overseas

a) The motivations for sourcing overseas rather than domestically

b) Problems encountered when buying abroad

c) Calculation of the true delivered cost and the basis of overseas quotations using Incoterms

d) Import procedures including currency management and payment arrangements

e) Particular problems of buying capital items abroad

f) International freight movement

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

5.1 Evaluate the basis of overseas quotations and judge the attractiveness of an overseas quotation in comparison to a domestic quotation

5.2 Assess the main problems associated with overseas sourcing, for both revenue and capital items, and propose the means by which they may be overcome

5.3 Manage the acquisition of production and capital items from overseas using the most effective procedures and minimising risk

(weighting 10%)


6. Commodity Buying

a) The nature of commodities, how markets operate, the influences on markets

b) Control of expenditure through techniques such as £-cost averaging and budget buying

c) The markets in gas, electricity, communications, and the environmental quotas

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

6.1 Evaluate the problems of purchasing commodities and in particular the problems caused for buyers by the volatile nature of such markets

6.2 Propose methods for stabilising prices in commodity markets and controlling budgeted expenditure

(weighting 5%)

7. Information Systems

a) Information Technology (IT) as a means of reducing transactions costs in the supply chain

b) The contribution of IT to the concept of lean supply

c) Integrated information systems internal and external networks, including electronic data interchange (EDI) and electronic point of sale (EPOS) and electronic low value ordering systems (ELVOS), eProcurement

d) The use of bar coding in operations and inventory management

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

7.1 Assess the application of IT to the management of the supply chain, its effectiveness in the elimination of unnecessary costs and contribution to the improvement in communication

7.2 Evaluate the application of IT to the procurement function and the contribution it can make to improved procurement effectiveness

7.3 Explain the contribution that IT applications can make to the objectives of lean supply

(weighting 10%)


8. Negotiation

a) Strategies for negotiations

b) Support tools for negotiations including price/cost analysis and learning curve analysis

c) Styles of negotiation such as win/win, win/lose, hard and soft styles, adversVerdana and non-adversVerdana

d) The implimentation phases (stages) of negotiated agreements

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

8.1 Evaluate and compare the different negotiation strategies, styles and their effectiveness in a range of different negotiation situations

8.2 Assess the range of support tools available and their application in negotiation

8.3 Review the implementation phases (stages) of negotiated agreements

(weighting 10%)  

P3 - Legal Aspects for Purchasing and Supply Chain Management

Aim

To provide students with information on the principle areas of the law relevant to purchasing and supply with particular emphasis on Contract and Sale of Goods legislation.

Rationale

All organisations need to understand the legal framework within which they operate, but in particular the purchasing and supply professional is dealing with the legal implications of procurement on a daily basis. The purchasing and supply professional needs to understand where legal issues may impact upon the organisation and the liabilities and rights which flow from their actions and the actions of third parties with which they deal. They need to appreciate the need for risk avoidance or limitation in terms of legal liability and they need to know when to refer an issue to legal professionals. This syllabus therefore provides an overview of relevant legislation, common law, and European and international legal regulation needed to fulfil this task effectively.

1. Contract

a) Formation, offer and acceptance, capacity, reconciliation of buyers' and
sellers' terms and conditions, void and unenforceable contracts
b) Exclusion clauses, unfair contract terms
c) Standard and special clauses, force majeure, retention of title, penalties and
liquidated damages
d) Express and implied terms
e) Misrepresentation, mistake and duress
f) Agency, assignment, bailment and indemnity clauses
g) Remedies, termination, settlement of disputes
h) Arbitration vs litigation

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Describe and apply the knowledge of the process of contract formation to be
able to subject this to an analysis of the problems of reconciling the buyer's terms and conditions with those of the seller when faced with the battle of the forms
1.2 Distinguish between express and implied terms in contracts and apply the principles relating to specific types of contractual clauses in a practical setting, and in particular in relation to the sale and supply of goods and services
1.3 Explain and apply the rules relating to the factors that vitiate a contract,
(misrepresentation, mistake, duress, undue influence and illegality - including restraint of trade)
1.4 Explain and apply the law relating to termination of contracts at common law,
and the remedies available to either party when a contract is breached
1.5 Explain and apply the legal principles that apply to agency and bailment whether by contract or by common law
1.6 Describe and apply the knowledge of the various means of dispute resolution
available to contractual parties in relation to contracts within the United Kingdom and those which have an international dimension

(weighting 40%)


2. Sale and Supply of Goods and Services

a) Breaches of conditions and warranties
b) Transfer of property, risk and title
c) Limiting risk, indemnity, exclusion and insurance, when to insure
d) The rules in nemo dat quod non habet
e) Delivery
f) Supply of goods and services

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Distinguish between the statutes relating to sale of goods and the supply of goods and services in specific circumstances and apply those rules to given practical situations
2.2 Explain and apply the rules relating to implied conditions and warranties under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (as amended)
2.3 Analyse the legal implication of the statutory regulations on the passing of title, risk and delivery, including instalments
2.4 Analyse the rules relating to the passing of title by a non-owner under the legislation, and the exceptions to these rules
2.5 Assess the issues of risk avoidance in contracts and when to insure against a risk that cannot be avoided

(weighting 20%)


3. Specific Legal Rights and Obligations

a) Privity of contract
b) Liability in negligence, including product liability and defective goods
c) Relationship with contract conditions
d) Collateral warranties and guarantees
e) Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
f) Contractual obligations relating to post-tender negotiation, pre-tender undertakings, and letters of comfort
g) EC Procurement Directives
h) Redundancy, TUPE and related legislation in outsourcing of services

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:
3.1 Analyse the various methods for circumventing the problems of privity of contract; i.e. through collateral contracts or warranties, indemnity clauses, agency arrangements and liability in negligence or under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 Part I
3.2 Evaluate the operation of the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 and the limited operation of the legislation as a tool for avoidance of the rules of privity of contract
3.3 Apply the rules relating to third party rights to given practical situations
3.4 Analyse the legal rules relating to tendering processes. In particular evaluate where legal liability may lie for failure to operate the procedures properly and distinguish between the obligations which may arise before a contract is placed, and those which may arise after a contract is placed
3.5 Explain the rules that relate to public procurement within the European Union and explain where and when these rules will be applied
3.6 Analyse the rules which apply in relation to the con-tracts of employment of staff and other workers when undertaking and outsourcing of services or operations. In particular the rules which relate to compulsory redundancy, voluntary severance and re-deployment of staff, and those which relate to the transferring of staff between undertakings
3.7 Appreciate the need for consultation and the cost implications for both parties in relation to the workforce in such outsourcing arrangements, and recommend appropriate course of action to protect business interests in relation to compliance
with these legal regulations

(weighting 20%)


4. Competitive Advantage and International Trade

a) Current competition legislation and directives throughout the United Kingdom
and the European Union (EU), including the WTO
b) Patents, design rights, trade marks, copyright
c) Confidentiality and trade secrets
d) Contractual implications of confidentiality and intellectual property rights
e) Import/export documentation
f) Terms and conditions of international trade. Legal implications of using Incoterms
g) Payment: methods and instruments
h) Settlement of disputes in international trade, determination of venue and
appropriate law

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Compare and contrast the regulations applicable to the control of anti-competitive practices and abuses of a dominant market position in both the United Kingdom and the European Union
4.2 Analyse the implications of the laws controlling competition in the United Kingdom, the European Union and through other international agencies, including the WTO
4.3 Recommend appropriate course of action to protect business interests in relation to compliance with the legal regulations
4.4 Distinguish between intellectual property rights which are registerable and those that are unregisterable rights in relation to creation, protection, enforcement, transfer and the rights of owners of such intellectual property rights within the United Kingdom and elsewhere
4.5 Explain and apply the common law rules relating to confidentiality and the protection of trade secrets in English law and recommend appropriate course of action to protect business interests in relation to confidentiality and the protection of trade secrets and intellectual property
4.6 Explain the process of payment and the appropriate documentation involved in transactions for the sale of goods in an international context
4.7 Analyse and apply the rules relating to the transfer of title, risk, delivery and related liabilities involved in contracts, and compare and contrast the various obligations under the Incoterms. The more common Incoterms include CIF, FOB,EXW, DDP, and FAS.

(weighting 20%)
 

P4 - Case Study in Purchasing and Supply

Aim

To develop the ability of candidates to analyse a situation, identify problems, appraise various options and recommend solutions to issues raised in a case study.

Rationale

Organisations in the public and private sector are confronted by a wide-range of purchasing and supply chain problems. It is therefore vital to have professional managers who can develop practical solutions to deal with everyday procurement problems. The case study offers a different form of assessment from that of other units. It provides candidates with an opportunity to re-examine the content of the other three core modules and to find and apply appropriate tools and techniques in order to develop solutions applicable to the problems posed in the case. The emphasis is on the ability to research the problems, offer a critical analysis of the potential solutions, and to provide convincing reasons for the recommended course of action.

Content

a) Strategy and Strategic Procurement
b) Legal Aspects for Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
c) Tactics and Operations
d) Tools and techniques of analysis

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Recall and apply the knowledge and information gained from the Legal Aspects for Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Strategy and Strategic Procurement, and Tactics and Operations syllabuses
1.2 Analyse a business situation through the application of recognised tools of analysis
1.3 Identify and diagnose the issues and problems presented in the case
1.4 Prioritise the issues and problems
1.5 Select and justify a range of solutions to the issues and problems
1.6 Propose and rate recommendations which closely relate to the problems
1.7 Suggest and critique potential implementation proposals

Candidates will be rewarded for demonstrating both the correct knowledge (technical accuracy) and demonstrating the skills of: analysis, diagnosis, identification, prioritisation, problem solving, justification, selection and rating, and critiquing.

  • The Case Study in Purchasing and Supply examination questions relate to a seen Case Study issued one month before the examination date.
  • There will always be a question taken from the knowledge base of at least TWO of the three core modules.
  • There will be four compulsory questions.
  • Knowledge gained from the six foundation stage modules will be assumed as underpinning knowledge.

Supply Chain Management Options List

The Options build on the Core modules for an in-depth study of the supply chain, so you should complete your study of the Core before you start them.

You must do at least one option.

P5 - Storage and Distribution in Supply Chains

Aim

To examine the methods, techniques and factors concerned with the storage and transport of physical stocks and to consider how added value can be created in the storage and movement of goods.

Rationale

All organisations are ultimately about 'satisfying the customer', whether the customer is local or global. Physical storage and distribution is fundamental to this principle in physically delivering to the customer: the right goods in the right condition to the right place, at the right time and at the right cost. Purchasing and supply professionals need to be aware of the importance of physical storage and distribution to appreciate the downstream activities in the supply chain. Relationship management with suppliers needs to be mirrored by well-defined relationships with customers, to reduce costs, add value and reduce lead times. Storage and distribution therefore links both nationally and globally, the organisation's supply-side with customer demands.

1. Concepts

a) Objectives for storage and distribution
b) Logistics and the global supply chain
c) Total costs concept
d) Customer service and added value concepts and measures
e) Cost and service trade off's

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Determine the objectives for a distribution operation
1.2 Explain and evaluate the connections between distribution, logistics and global
supply chain
1.3 Evaluate the total costs concept
1.4 Contrast and evaluate customer service levels
1.5 Explain and evaluate the added value concept
1.6 Explain and evaluate cost and service parameters

(weighting 10%)

2. Distribution Planning

a) Strategic factors affecting the choice of a storage and distribution network
b) Using third party contractors and logistics service providers
c) ICT Tools, such as EDI, data capture, voice
recognition
d) Import UK Customs controls
e) Incoterms

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Explain and evaluate the factors that affect, strategically, the design of a
distribution network
2.2 Evaluate the use of third party contractors/logistics service providers
2.3 Examine and evaluate the use of ICT in distribution
2.4 Explain the appropriate UK Import Customs controls
2.5 Explain the costs and risks associated with the various Incoterms

(weighting 10%)

3. Moving Goods

a) Selection of the modes used for freight transport
b) Characteristics of each mode
c) Inter-modal transport
d) Road transport route and load planning
e) Unitisation and containerisation of loads
f) Transport of hazardous goods

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Compare and evaluate the alternative modes of transport
3.2 Explain and evaluate the various combinations used in inter-modal transport
3.3 Categorise and evaluate road transport operational routing and scheduling
3.4 Describe and differentiate between unitisation and containerisation
3.5 Describe and evaluate hazardous goods legislation

(weighting 20%)

4. Warehousing and Storage of Goods

a) Design of the flow in the warehouse
b) Equipment types: mechanical handling, equipment, and storage
c) Coding and classification of goods
d) Introduction of new items, management of the stock range
e) Control of obsolescent and redundant stocks

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Explain and evaluate the costs and the service requirements when designing
the internal layout of a warehouse
4.2 Compare and contrast the different types of warehouse equipment
4.3 Design and explain a coding system
4.4 Evaluate the factors affecting the introduction of new items
4.5 Examine the causes and management of obsolescent and redundant stock

(weighting 20%)

5. Controlling Physical Distribution

a) Security in the transport and the warehousing activities
b) Managing returns from customers and reverse logistics
c) Managing the unit loads: pallets, roll cages, tote boxes
d) Costs: fixed and variable
e) Productivity standards: utilisation and performance ratios

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

5.1 Evaluate security measures
5.2 Analyse and evaluate customer returns
5.3 Explain reverse logistics
5.4 Compare and evaluate the requirements for packing in distribution
5.5 Define and evaluate cost measurements
5.6 Define and evaluate productivity measurements

(weighting 15%)

6. Legal Aspects of Moving Materials

a) Health and Safety at Work
b) COSHH requirements
c) Legal requirements in transporting goods

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

6.1 Explain the requirements of health and safety legislation in a materials
environment
6.2 Discuss the requirements of COSHH regulations, and the materials to which they are applicable
6.3 Consider the legal issues raised in the transport of goods

(weighting 15%)

7. Techniques and Tools in Supply Chains

a) Network analysis
b) Distribution modelling, simulation
c) Operations research techniques, including queuing theory, decision trees
d) Distribution requirements planning (DRP)

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

7.1 Prepare and analyse a network model from data provided
7.2 Discuss the use of modelling and simulation in the storage and movement of
goods
7.3 Evaluate the use of operations research techniques in storage and distribution
contexts
7.4 Explain the use and application of DRP in storage and distribution

(weighting 10%)
 

P6 - Commercial Relationships

Aim

To examine ways in which supplier and customer relationships are created and managed in connection with both inter and intra organisational activities. To understand supply chains for both goods and services as value streams.

Rationale

Purchasing and supply is concerned with making available goods and services from external providers to meet the needs of internal and external customers. In undertaking the activities necessary to achieve this availability, interactions take place between functional staff, suppliers and customers. These interactions take many forms, from the straight-forward exchange transaction of simple buying or selling, to long-term strategic alliances between organisations with complementary resources and goals. Developing concepts such as supply chain management and value stream analysis recognise the fact that many interactions do not exist in isolation, but form part of a longer series of relationships beginning at the origin of primary ideas or materials, and ending with the satisfaction of the needs or wishes of the ultimate consumer. This syllabus contributes to the overall scheme by providing insights into the developing recognition of the importance of commercial relationships, and the need to develop and adopt appropriate strategies and policies. The planning, direction, assessment and control of relationships are also considered.

1. Relationships in Context

a) Strategic considerations in relationship formation
b) Supply chains, value streams and related concepts and their impact upon commercial relationships
c) The main types of relationship
d) Intra-organisational relationships
e) Relationship issues in public procurement

Learning outcomes

In assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Evaluate the need for appropriate strategies for relationships in different contexts
1.2 Evaluate the relationship implications of emergent supply system philosophies
1.3 Assess the circumstances in which short-term relationships might be appropriate, and analyse such relationships
1.4 Assess the circumstances in which partnership relationships might be appropriate, and analyse such relationships
1.5 Identify and explain the circumstances in which co-destiny relationships might be appropriate, and analyse such relationships
1.6 Appraise 'open book' philosophies
1.7 Analyse joint ventures, partnerships and other permanent alliances, and discuss the 'relationships' aspects of such arrangements
1.8 Appraise the cross and multi-functional aspects of corporate management, and the relationships implications of these ideas
1.9 Analyse relationships in the context of public procurement

(weighting 25%)


2. Relationships Strategy, Policy and Practice

a) Tools of analysis in relationship selection and determination
b) Risk assessment and evaluation in relationship decisions
c) The contribution of appropriate relationships to organisational success
d) Factors impacting upon relationships
e) Relationships and supply chain policy

Learning outcomes

In assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Propose and justify the use of appropriate tools of analysis in relationship
determination
2.2 Assess potential risk and uncertainty in commercial relationships
2.3 Comment critically on the need for transparency in relationships
2.4 Evaluate potential wastes in the supply chain, and suggest approaches to their elimination
2.5 Evaluate the supplier characteristics appropriate for the main types of relationship
2.6 Appraise appropriate sourcing policies from a relationship perspective
2.7 Assess the impact of lean supply, agile supply and power issues upon
commercial relationships
2.8 Evaluate ethical, technological, legal, environ-mental and other relationships constraints and enablers

(weighting 30%)

3. Relationship Management

a) Structural issues
b) The role of the internal customer
c) The role of the supplier
d) Supplier development
e) The relationship life cycle

Learning outcomes

In assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Appraise the role of supplier associations, buying consortia, joint buying arrangements and other groupings in commercial relationships
3.2 Appraise supply base tiering, and relationship implications of this practice
3.3 Evaluate the role of the internal customer, including the concept of the intelligent customer
3.4 Evaluate the potential and practicalities of supplier development from a
relationship perspective. Recommend appropriate actions in relation to supplier
development and upstream management. Explain the relationship life-cycle
3.5 Recommend appropriate approaches to the termination or suspension of relationships
3.6 Evaluate the implications of relationship failure
3.7 Comment critically on developing theory and practice in relation to relationship assessment and management

(weighting 25%)

4. Contracting and Relationships

a) The role of contracts
b) Relationship aspects of contracts
c) Relationships in the service context
d) Relationships in connection with hire or lease contracts

Learning outcomes

In assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Evaluate the role and value of contracts in relationships
4.2 Propose alternatives to contracts where appropriate
4.3 Determine appropriate approaches to the management of contracts, including
payment methods. Explain and demonstrate the use of clauses employed for incentivisation purposes
4.4 Propose appropriate clauses employed for the purpose of accommodating changing costs
4.5 Evaluate the use of leasing in hiring arrangements as an alternative to buying
4.6 Assess the relationship issues particularly relevant where relationships are concerned with service provision

(weighting 20%)
 

The Project (Double Module)

Aims of the project

The aims of the CIPS project are to enable you to:

  • Demonstrate the application of purchasing and supply management principles, techniques and theories in a given organisational context, with a view to enhancing practice and/or performance
  • Explore the body of current purchasing and supply management knowledge to enable you to raise your professional standards
  • Develop the knowledge and skills to undertake a substantive and discrete piece of analytical work and present your findings in a clear and logical manner.

Content

The content of the project is:

a) Background, rationale and objectives
b) Research methods and design
c) Literature review
d) Application, data collection and analysis
e) Synthesis
f) Conclusions and recommendations
g) Presentation, structure and referencing

Learning outcomes

These indicate what you should be able to do or have demonstrated on completion of the project:

1.1 Identify and justify a feasible and appropriate subject area for investigation within an organisation

1.2 Select and execute appropriate research methodology

1.3 Identify and review pertinent literature related to the subject area under investigation

1.4 Analyse and synthesise appropriate primary and secondary data related to an investigation

1.5 Organise the findings into a comprehensible and explicit structure

1.6 Critically assess the validity and general applicability of the conclusions drawn

1.7 Manage their time effectively and reflect meaningfully on the learning process

1.8 Present an 8,000 word (+ or - 5%) project report to a professional format and standard.

The Project is a work - related research study. You need to submit a title and outline to CIPS and gain approval before you can complete this Option. The Project is also a double module - it counts as two passes should you complete it successfully, but it is double the work as well.

Elective modules List

The Electives broaden your understanding of the commercial issues affecting the supply chain, and it can be helpful to save studying them until last:

P7 - Operations Management

Aim

To examine those operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems in both services and manufacturing that particularly affect the management of the supply chain.

Rationale

Operations, or the process of converting input resources into output products and services, occur in all types of organisation, whether in manufacturing or services, public or private sector. Every organisation has one or more operations function which adds value to its inputs in providing saleable goods or services. Operations staff - those who are responsible for producing and delivering - are likely to be the most important internal customers of purchasing and supply chain managers; supply chain management is one of the most important interfaces between operations and the outside world. It is therefore essential that students are able to identify and analyse key operations concepts, and the practices and techniques used within operations to deliver competitive advantage.

1. The Concept of Operations

a) Defining Operations Management
b) The input-transformation-output model
c) Product versus service operations (the product/service mix)
d) The roles, responsibilities and relationships of Operations Management
e) Performance objectives for the Operations
function
f) Techniques for analysing the strategic contributions of the Operations function

Learning Outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the operations transformation process
1.2 Differentiate between manufacturing and service based operations
1.3 Appraise the role of Operations and the relationship with other business functions
1.4 Demonstrate the strategic contribution of Operations within an organisation
1.5 Apply techniques used in the profiling and analysis of operations
1.6 Develop and categorise objectives for a successful operations strategy

(weighting 10%)


2. The Design of Products and Services

a) The design process for products and services
b) Design evaluation and improvement
c) Environmentally sensitive design
d) The contribution of purchasing and supply in the design of products and services

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Demonstrate how good design can lead to competitive advantage
2.2 Appraise the design process for products and services
2.3 Assess the contribution of the purchasing and supply function to the design process
2.4 Examine the trade-offs involved in designing environmentally acceptable products and services
2.5 Apply the tools used to improve designs

(weighting 15%)

3. The Design and Management of the Operations Network

a) Operations as part of a demand/supply network
b) Facility location
c) Process types in manufacturing and service industries
d) Process layouts and work flow
e) Process technologies
f) Principles of job design; ergonomics
g) Material handling principles
h) Work Study (Method Study and Work Measurement)
i) Quality planning and control
j) Asset maintenance and replacement strategies

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Identify the investment decisions involved when designing an operations network
3.2 Examine the complexity surrounding facility location decisions
3.3 Distinguish between process types in terms of the volume and variety that they can accommodate
3.4 Analyse and categorise the features and advantages of different layout types in terms of efficient work flow
3.5 Examine the capabilities, benefits and limitations of process technologies in operations
3.6 Examine the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to job design
3.7 Describe approaches to material handling issues
3.8 Appraise the uses and techniques of work measurement
3.9 Identify and categorise the costs of quality
3.10 Appraise the techniques used to plan and control quality in products and processes
3.11 Examine the differences between preventive and repair maintenance
3.12 Calculate the appropriate time to replace an asset

(weighting 30%)

4. Resource Planning and Control

a) Objectives and activities of operations planning and control (OPC)
b) Measuring capacity and calculating system efficiency
c) Demand and capacity management strategies
d) Loading, sequencing and scheduling the operations system
e) Dependent and independent demand
f) Forecasting demand
g) JIT supply
h) Network analysis

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Examine the objectives for OPC and the actions necessary to control operations
4.2 Appraise appropriate strategies for managing and smoothing capacity
4.3 Demonstrate how system capacity can be defined and efficiency measured
4.4 Schedule work through an operations strategy
4.5 Distinguish the nature of demand for products and services
4.6 Use basic techniques to forecast demand
4.7 Compare the characteristics of 'push' and 'pull' operations systems
4.8 Evaluate the principles of JIT supply
4.9 Create a network, calculate the critical path and identify resource constraints

(weighting 25%)

5. Evolving Approaches to Operations

a) The Total Quality Management (TQM) approach to improvement
b) Business Process Re-engineering (BPR)
c) Lean performance
d) World-class operations
e) Benchmarking the operation
f) Evolving process technologies
g) Detecting and preventing failure

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

5.1 Appraise the principles and techniques of TQM
5.2 Explain and comment on the principles and techniques of BPR
5.3 Assess the achievements of lean operations and world-class performance in operational terms
5.4 Assess the need to measure operations performance against others in similar organisations
5.5 Explore the possibilities for and implications of new process technologies in an operations context
5.6 Analyse how failure and potential failure can be detected and prevented

(weighting 20%)
 

P8 - Marketing

Aim

To provide the student with an appreciation of the marketing concept and to examine the place of marketing in the organisation and its contribution to strategic objectives in consumer and business-to-business marketing operations.

Rationale

All organisations need to satisfy their customers, whether they are public or private sector. Marketing provides the techniques, knowledge and methods necessary to achieve this fundamental principle. Purchasing strategy and decisions have a direct impact on an organisation's ability to satisfy its customers. Purchasing and supply professionals need to understand how an organisation satisfies its customers through the application of marketing principles.

1. Marketing and the Environment

a) Definitions of marketing and the marketing concept
b) Organisational orientations including market-ing, production, and selling orientations
c) The relationship between marketing and purchasing and supply
d) Relationship marketing
e) The external environment and its impact on marketing decisions

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of and apply the principles and functions of marketing in various types of markets and industries
1.2 Explain the impact of marketing decisions on purchasing strategy and analyse the relation-ship between the marketing and purchasing and supply functions
1.3 Examine the concept of relationship marketing including aspects of internal marketing
1.4 Demonstrate how an organisation's marketing effort is affected by factors and developments in the proximate and macro- environment
(weighting 15%)

2. Understanding the Market

a) Marketing research and the marketing research process
b) Techniques used for primary data collection including test marketing
c) Customer buying behaviour
d) The target marketing process

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Explain and apply the stages of the marketing research process
2.2 Evaluate techniques used for data collection
2.3 Evaluate the impact of IT on information management
2.4 Compare organisational and consumer buying behaviour
2.5 Explain and apply the stages of the target marketing process in various types of markets
(weighting 20%)

3. Product Policy

a) Branding and packaging considerations
b) The importance of new product development
c) The use of product portfolio management tools
d) The characteristics of services marketing

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Examine the use of branding and packaging in product management
3.2 Explain and assess the new product development process and the impact of new product development on the purchasing and supply function
3.3 Explain the purpose of product portfolio management and apply recognised tools of product portfolio management
3.4 Compare product and services marketing
(weighting 10%)

4. Pricing Decisions and Distribution Systems

a) Identification of pricing objectives, strategies and tactics
b) Factors affecting pricing decisions
c) The tendering process
d) Identification of channels of distribution and channel selection strategy
e) The functions of intermediaries and managing, motivating and controlling channel intermediaries
f) The impact of IT on channel management

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Evaluate and apply pricing objectives, strategies and tactics, and identify factors affecting the pricing decision
4.2 Discuss and appraise the tendering process in relation to business-to-business marketing
4.3 Analyse the affect of pricing decisions on the purchasing and supply function, and other functions within an organisation
4.4 Identify and evaluate criteria to select appropriate distribution channels and appropriate intermediaries
4.5 Describe methods to manage channel intermediaries and ensure horizontal and vertical channel co-operation
4.6 Evaluate the impact of technology on distribution and explain the reasons for the growth in direct channels of distribution
(weighting 15%)

5. Promotion

a) Stages involved in promotional planning
b) Advertising objectives and media selection
c) The use of sales promotion activities
d) Public relations and projection of corporate image
e) Management and organisation of the sales force
f) Developments in direct marketing

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

5.1 Explain and apply the stages involved in promotional planning in various types of markets
5.2 Discuss developments in electronic media and its impact on promotions
5.3 Evaluate approaches to measuring the effectiveness of promotion
5.4 Evaluate the promotional mix and apply the promotional mix to various types of markets
(weighting 15%)

6. International Marketing

a) Developments in the world trading environment and trends in international trade
b) Appraising the international macro-environment
c) International market entry strategies
d) Managing the marketing mix in international markets

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

6.1 Explain key developments in the world trading environment including macro factors driving world trade and globalisation
6.2 Evaluate the international marketing environment and explain barriers to international trade
6.3 Apply and evaluate international market entry strategies
6.4 Identify and assess factors affecting marketing mix strategy decisions in international markets
(weighting 10%)

7. Marketing Planning

a) Stages in the marketing planning process
b) The relationship of marketing to corporate planning
c) Integration and management of marketing mix elements to achieve corporate objectives
d) Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

7.1 Apply each stage of the marketing planning process and explain the relationship between marketing planning and corporate planning
7.2 Demonstrate and apply appropriate strategic management tools to develop the marketing plan
7.3 Explain how management and integration of marketing mix components can be used to achieve marketing objectives
7.4 Explain the use of Customer Relationship Management and the application of Customer Relationship Management strategy
(weighting 15%)
 

P9 - Project Management and Contract Management for Purchasing and Supply

Aim

To provide students with the knowledge of principles, practices and techniques for the commercial management of projects with particular emphasis on the role of the supply chain specialist.

Rationale

Projects can range from construction to refurbishment of premises, the introduction of new Information Technology systems, to outsourcing of contracts to suppliers for work previously carried out in-house, such as facilities management or other operations. The supply chain
specialist in both the private and public sectors should have a vital role in the planning and control of projects, and the development and on-going management of resulting contracts with suppliers. The role can be concerned with the achievement of objectives surrounding cost management, and achieving timescales required, as well as achieving the desired levels of performance from the suppliers employed. The supply chain specialist should have a high degree of involvement in developing the procurement strategy for contracts with suppliers, and the operational activities of monitoring and administering supplier performance.

1. Project Management Methodology

a) The varying nature of project work in business
b) The setting of objectives in procurement projects
c) Planning, organising, co-ordinating and controlling projects, using appropriate tools
d) Teamwork, leadership and motivational aspects of project management
e) The use of IT software for improved project and contract management

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Evaluate and differentiate the supply chain specialist's role in differing types of projects
1.2 Formulate and propose appropriate structures and strategies for the management of projects
1.3 Identify and apply appropriate objectives that apply to projects involving procurement
1.4 Recognise and prepare suitable approaches to the planning, organisation, co-ordination and control of projects
1.5 Construct a theoretical underpinning for the teamwork, leadership and motivational aspects of procurement projects and suggest possible approaches that can be adopted by the supply chain professional
1.6 Discuss and evaluate the use of different IT software systems to help improve the project management of procurement led projects
(weighting 25%)


2. Project Appraisal and Assessment

a) Project appraisal, including methods of investment appraisal and assessment of risks
b) Pre-contract considerations with regard to the use of consultants, deployment of people, initiation of joint ventures and appointment of sub-contractors
c) The use of project partnering and best value
d) The use of tendering procedures taking into account the EU Procurement Directives

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Appraise differing methods of investment appraisal applicable to projects and be able to propose the most appropriate means of investment appraisal
2.2 Construct a method for assessing and managing risks inherent in project work
2.3 Evaluate the needs of the purchasing organisation in the appointment of external parties and to formulate strategies for their subsequent management
2.4 Identify the roles of consultants and
sub-contractors in project work
2.5 Select relevant criteria for selection of consultants and sub-contractors and other third parties in procurement projects
2.6 Discuss and judge the uses and applications of joint ventures in procurement projects
2.7 Evaluate the use of project partnering and best value and appraise their use in contemporary procurement project work
2.8 Identify, discuss and assess the tendering process advocated by the EU Procurement Directives

(weighting 25%)

3. Contractual Issues

a) Competitive, negotiated, turnkey, multiple management, design, build and operate
contract strategies
b) Aspects of the contract; the specification, the performance measures and the contractual terms
c) Contractual clauses such as those covering pricing methods, payment, control of sub-contractors, default, unforeseen circumstances, delay and liquidated damages, defects and maintenance, indemnity and insurance, intellectual property
d) The operation of alternative pricing methods in procurement projects
e) Forms of dispute resolution
f) Legal considerations relating to project and contract management
g) Project funding methodology

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Evaluate, discuss and compare differing contract strategies
3.2 Rate the use of relevant specifications, performance measures and contractual terms that can apply to different procurement projects
3.3 Identify and compose a variety of contractual terms
3.4 Recognise and compare different pricing methods that can be deployed in procurement projects
3.5 Calculate variable pricing and identify the most appropriate means of pricing arrangement compliant with work required in connection with the procurement project
3.6 Define and revise alternative methods of
dispute resolution
3.7 Recognise, report and debate contemporary developments in legal considerations relating to project and contract management
3.8 Evaluate alternative sources of project funding
(weighting 25%)

4. Contract Management

a) Contract control, including network analysis techniques, the measurement and reporting of progress
b) Costs control with regard to certification and payment
c) Management and negotiation of variations and claims
d) Monitoring and negotiating improvement to supplier performance
e) Contract closure and liability for defects
f) Post-implementation appraisal

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Explain and illustrate techniques deployed for contract control
4.2 Discuss and evaluate various means of cost control and the use of certification on payments made to suppliers
4.3 Identify the risks relating to variations and claims to contracts and circumstances under which they are likely to occur
4.4 Propose a suitable negotiation strategy for dealing with variations and claims to contracts
4.5 Discuss and evaluate suitable means of controlling and for improving supplier performance
4.6 Plan for contract closure and to discuss issues relating to liability for defects
4.7 Appraise the importance of and identify means of conducting post-implementation appraisals with suppliers
(weighting 25%)
 

P10 - Retail Merchandise Management 

Aim

To provide knowledge and understanding of the main strategic and operational concepts in the current and developing practices of retail merchandise management.

Rationale

The business environment today is characterised by increasing turbulence and competitive activity. Nowhere is this truer than within the retail environment. Rapid developments in information technology and telecommunications are helping create more sophisticated and demanding consumers. As a result product life-cycles are becoming shorter and the rate of new product development is increasing. Retailers are becoming ever larger and more powerful and often offer a range of services other than the supply of tangible consumer products. Retailer's own brands are gaining market share and in many categories are challenging the brand leaders. As a result of these pressures the role of the retail buyer is also developing and becoming more professional. This unit will provide students with the opportunity to explore retail buying and product management.

1. Introduction to Retailing

a) Size, economic importance and competitive structure
b) Common retail formats
c) The retail marketing mix
d) The role of the retail buyer and the work of the buying office/merchandise department
e) Organisational structures and the organisation of retail buying

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Discuss the scope and economic importance of retailing
1.2 Articulate the key features that distinguish the organisation and organisational roles of retail buying and merchandise management from similar roles in other types of organisation
(weighting 10%)

2. Inventory Management

a) Key performance ratios, how to calculate them and what they mean - margin on returns, gross margin, stock turn, forward cover, mark down, gross margin return on inventory (GMROI)
b) Stocktaking methods, advantages, disadvantages and usage
c) The causes of markdown, strategies to limit markdowns
d) The advantages and disadvantages of rapid stock turn, techniques to manage stock turn
e) The implications for effective management of GMROI on the financial health of the business.
f) Merchandise management for maximum GMROI

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Consider the different methods of retail stock taking and their advantages and disadvantages
2.2 Identify and describe key merchandise performance ratios
2.3 Evaluate the significance of these performance ratios and the retail management techniques used to improve financial performance
2.4 Recall strategies to improve stock turn and GRMOI and to reduce markdowns and wastage
(weighting 20%)

3. Merchandising

a) Product assortment strategies related to retail format
b) Branding and retailers' own brand development
c) Range assortment planning and budgeting, model stock, never-out lists, open-to-buy
d) Forecasting and modelling techniques

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Discuss the nature and usage of key merchandise range planning, budgeting and control techniques
3.2 Evaluate the benefits and constraints of retailer own brand development for both retailers and suppliers
3.3 Explain key approaches to planning, budgeting and forecasting
(weighting 15%)


4. Visual Merchandising

a) Space management, its importance financially and the different techniques used to manage space
b) The customer decision making process and its affect on store layout and product
c) Image and atmosphere and how these are affected by visual merchandising
d) Generic store layouts and their advantages and disadvantages
e) Direct Product Profit (DPP), ABC analysis and implications for visual merchandising

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Articulate the linkage between visual merchandising and image
4.2 Discuss the relationship between space
management and profitability
4.3 Describe the key tools and techniques involved in managing retail selling space profitably
4.4 Identify different types of store layout and their advantages and disadvantages
(weighting 20%)

5. Buying and Supplying

a) Key operational objectives: speed, cost, quality, dependability, flexibility
b) Supplier selection and evaluation, order qualifiers and order winners, customer satisfaction indices and service level agreements as applied by retailers
c) Product sourcing, researching the customers needs, researching supply markets
d) The product development process in retailing
e) Quality assurance, use of agencies, Sale of Goods Act, Trades Descriptions Act
f) Partnerships for competitive advantage, Quick Response (QR), Efficient Customer Response (ECR) and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
g) The future of EDI and use of web based solutions to create extranets, from supply chains to demand chains

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

5.1 Articulate the key strategic objectives for a retail operation
5.2 Consider how the retail supply chain can be managed in order to achieve these strategic operational objectives
5.3 Articulate the developing role of Information and Communications technology in supporting supply chain management and strategy
5.4 Outline and evaluate relationship based supply chain strategies and their benefits and constraints
5.5 Critically appraise the role of the buyer and the retail organisation in sourcing the product
5.6 Discuss the roles played by buyers and suppliers in the development process for new products
5.7 Explain the key legal and moral obligations of the retailer to the consumer with regard to the product and the implications for buying and resourcing
5.8 Outline procedures and strategies for retail quality assurance
5.9 Apply appropriate methods of retail supplier selection and evaluation
(weighting 30%)

6. Merchandise Strategy

a) Generic retail strategies and the implications for the product and merchandise range assortments
b) Market growth strategies, and international expansion
c) eTailing, clicks and mortar vs bricks and mortar, direct vs indirect distribution

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

6.1 Articulate the emerging and most common competitive strategies deployed by retailers
6.2 Critically evaluate the impact of new and emerging channels of communication and distribution on retail supply strategies
(weighting 5%)
 

P11 - International Supply Chain Management

Aim

To provide a comprehensive analysis of the principles and practices of the international supply chain and the strategic impact it has on the role of the buyer in seeking to extend and proactively manipulate the value chain.

Rationale

With the ever-increasing pressure of competition among companies, the move towards consolidation of global production and the improvements in communication and transportation systems, it emphasises sourcing of supply from around the world. To that end the sourcing of materials or the engagement of service providers is taking on an international perspective, this alters dramatically the role of purchasing, to a more strategic and global posture. Three forces guide the development of the supply chain: the supply chain concept, the trends within global business and a strategic shift being taken by an increasing number of enterprises toward core competencies.

1. International Supply Chain Management

a) The concept of the international supply chain
b) The international supply system
c) The impact of trading blocs and customs unions
d) Sourcing internationally
e) Sub-contracting within an international dimension

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

1.1 Demonstrate a good understanding of the dynamics of the international marketplace
1.2 Explain how the theme of supply chain management, which emphasises three primary components: structure, organisational networks and processes is impacted when viewed globally
1.3 Evaluate the scope of international trade together with a sound knowledge and understanding of its principles
1.4 Identify and assess the impact of the world- wide dispersal of trading blocs and customs unions to that of the international supply chain
1.5 Compare and contrast the various approaches to sourcing the market domestically to that of internationally
1.6 Examine the growth and reliance of international sub-contracting in contributing 'value-add' to the organisation

(weighting 20%)

2. Commercial Considerations

a) Countertrade
b) Reciprocal trading
c) Currency management and international financing
d) Economic Monetary Union and the euro
e) Ethics, culture and customary practice
f) Negotiation in a global perspective

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

2.1 Compare and contrast the various forms of countertrade practice, looking in particular at applicability under defined trading conditions and/or commercial arrangements
2.2 Question the strategic impact on the organisation, as a whole, of reciprocal trading together with its impact on the dynamic of the supply chain
2.3 Interpret the key underpinning financial considerations linked to international supply chain management
2.4 Define and describe a Bill of Exchange
2.5 Define the purpose of and permutations of Letters of Credit
2.6 Analyse the reasons for currency fluctuations on world financial markets
2.7 Demonstrate and understanding of the implications of international finance loans linked to the facilitation of international trade flows
2.8 Relate the purpose of the International Monetary Fund
2.9 Report and debate the contemporary developments of European Economic Monetary Union
2.10 Judge the significance, to buyers buying from within the EU, of the introduction of the euro
2.11 Appraise the impact of ethics, culture and customary practice to the buyer operating in the international marketplace
2.12 Distinguish the key differences in negotiation strategies to be adopted from solely buying domestically to one of buying on an international dimension

(weighting 35%)

3. Procurement Considerations

a) The implications on specifications when buying internationally
b) Planning considerations when buying internationally
c) Contractual considerations when buying internationally
d) Quality considerations when buying internationally
e) Tariffs and non-tariff barriers
f) Commodity markets

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

3.1 Recognise the importance of national and international standards linked to buying products and services
3.2 Explain and assess the role of the International Standards Organisation
3.3 Judge the impact and importance of sound planning to international supply chain management
3.4 Illustrate the key legal considerations to be made in relation to international contracting and contract management
3.5 Articulate the importance of quality considerations to managing the international supply chain
3.6 Explain the impact of tariffs and non-tariff barriers and the work of the World Trade Organisation
3.7 Demonstrate an understanding of commodity markets and their operation

(weighting 15%)

4. International Physical Distribution and Documentation

a) Import considerations and implications
b) Import documentation

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

4.1 Differentiate the role of freight forwarders, import brokers, agents, distributors and overseas representatives
4.2 Appraise the fundamental principles of cargo insurance
4.3 Classify the various forms of import documentation required to be understood when buying globally

(weighting 5%)


5. Customs Management and Planning

a) Customs and international supply chain management
b) The processing of the imported consignment
c) Facilitation of international supply chain management

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

5.1 Judge the role and impact of customs to the effective operation of the international supply chain
5.2 Interpret the importance of the contract of affreightment, including the appropriate use of Incoterms and terms of delivery
5.3 Debate the role of various import trade facilitation organisations and groupings
5.4 Critically examine the impact of Free Trade Zones and the use of customs warehouses
5.5 Assess the impact of electronic commerce

(weighting 15%)

6. Managing International Logistics

a) The role of international logistics
b) Factors which have developed the concept of logistics
c) Formulating an international logistics strategy

Learning outcomes

In the assessment the candidate may be required to:

6.1 Interpret the impact of international logistics by demonstrating a sound understanding of recent developments in international logistics drawing from current 'best practice' being adopted
6.2 Identify, discuss and assess the importance of supply chain management's input to the formulation of a international logistics strategy

(weighting 10%)
 

To know details about distance learning support  ---click here --- [New window]

Fees details payable for Distance Learning is available  ---here ---

CIPS - MCG Centre Number - 005031578