Level 4 is titled as Diploma in Procurement & Supply. With 8 core subjects, this course provides detailed knowledge regarding business needs, commercial contracting and negotiation, ways to manage fruitful supplier relationships, ways to perform ethical and responsible sourcing and so on. The knowledge and skills gather from this level can be applied directly in an organization. In short, proper and justified understanding of procurement and supply chain management can be achieved in this level.

Level 4 All Module Details

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Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply [L4M1]

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to identify the key stakeholders in the application of the sourcing process and analyse the procurement cycle, evaluating the influence that procurement and supply has as a source of added value for the organisation.

Module aim(s)

In any organisation, a significant proportion of costs are accounted for by the purchases of products and/or services, hence organisations see procurement and supply as a keycontributor to their value added strategies. Equally, any organisation will also be managing the supply of products and/or services to their customers, be they internal or those from other external organisations, consumers or the general public. This module is designed using the CIPS Procurement Cycle as its basis. It will provide those who are interested in developing an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the discipline, an overview of the key stages associated with procurement and supply, and will serve as an introduction for those who are expected to address complex well-defined procurement and supply problems that are non-routine in nature.

Core Module

1.1 • 1.2 • 1.3 • 1.4 3.1 • 3.2 • 4.1 • 6.1 6.2 • 7.1 • 8.1 • 11.1

CIPS Global Standard

CR

Constructetd Response Exam

3 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

120 hrs

Module Learning Time

12 Credits

Credit value

Defıning Business Need [L4M2]

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to devise a business case for requirements to be externally sourced and will understand the role of market management and competitive forces as they specify goods and services in procurement and supply.

Module aim(s)

The development of a business case and the ability to analyse markets are key if an organisation is to successfully source activity from external suppliers. Similarly, the clear definition of specifications for through life contracts is crucial to overall business achievement. This module is designed for those who are expected to analyse, interpret and evaluate information on the different types of markets utilised by procurement and supply. It explores a variety of elements that underpin the development of business cases and specifications and considers the options that should be explored when procurement and supply personnel are involved in defining requirements.

Core Module

2.2 • 2.3

CIPS Global Standard

OR

Objective Response Exam

1.5 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

60 hrs

Module Learning Time

6 Credits

Credit value

Commercial Contracting [L4M3]

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to describe the key elements and legal aspects of formal commercial contracts, and analyse and interpret the fundamentals of specifications and key performance indicators that are included in contractual arrangements made with suppliers.

Module aim(s)

In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is based around the contracting process. If they are to be successful, contracts must be clearly defined, be cognisant of legal requirements and contain key clauses and terms. This module is designed for those working in the procurement and supply field, or those who have responsibility for the development of legally binding contracts with suppliers.

Core Module

1.3 • 4.1 • 5.1 • 5.2 5.3 • 7.5 • 8.2 • 8.3

CIPS Global Standard

OR

Objective Response Exam

1.5 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

60 hrs

Module Learning Time

6 Credits

Credit value

Ethical and Responsible Sourcing [L4M4]

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to explain the options and associated processes available for sourcing with external suppliers. They will also examine the legal and ethical impact and the implications of corporate social responsibility, on the final sourcing decision.

Module aim(s)

In any organisation, a significant element of procurement and supply activity is based around decisions to internally conduct activity or to source from an external supplier. Hence, the selection of the correct external suppliers is a vital contributor to overall organisational success. This module enables personnel with roles in procurement and supply to formulate selection criteria and sourcing strategies to ensure that the organisation will make the correct choice of external suppliers. It explains options for sourcing, and examines the key processes that can be applied to the analysis of potential external suppliers and to ensure the development of ethically and socially responsible sourcing agreements.

Core Module

6.4 • 6.5 • 11.3

CIPS Global Standard

OR

Constructed Response Exam

1.5 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

60 hrs

Module Learning Time

6 Credits

Credit value

Commercial Negotiation [L4M5]

Module purpose

On completion of this module learners will be able to identify approaches to successfully achieving negotiated commercial agreements with external organisations.

Module aim(s)

The creation of formalised agreements is a critical part of the success of any organisation. Those involved in procurement and supply activity will therefore be able to effectively negotiate with stakeholders and/or suppliers and to understand the methods associated with preparing for and carrying out commercial negotiations. This module is designed for those who are faced with negotiations. It enables the learner to analyse approaches to the negotiation of agreements made with external parties, how to prepare for them and what techniques are available to ensure successful outcomes.

Core Module

6.6 • 7.3 • 7.4

CIPS Global Standard

OR

Objective Response Exam

1.5 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

60 hrs

Module Learning Time

6 Credits

Credit value

Supplier Relationships [L4M6]

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to analyse the dynamics of supplier relationships, examine the processes and procedures for working with stakeholders and appreciate the concept of partnering.

Module aim(s)

In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is based around decisions to source activity from external suppliers. Once agreements have been established the relationship established with the supplier is paramount to overall success. At its highest level outsourcing can take the form of a partnership or joint venture. This module is designed for those who have responsibility for maintaining and managing relationships with stakeholders and suppliers and for those who may be faced with establishing and developing formal partnerships.

Elective Module

1.2 • 1.4 • 2.1 6.3 • 9.3

CIPS Global Standard

OR

Objective Response Exam

1.5 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

60 hrs

Module Learning Time

6 Credits

Credit value

Whole Life Asset Management [L4M7]

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to explain methods of inventory storage and control and analyse the concept of whole life cost from concept through to disposal.

Module aim(s)

Whole life costing takes into account the total cost of a product or service over its lifetime, from concept through to disposal including purchase, hire or lease, maintenance, operation, utilities, training and disposal. Hence, it is important for those involved in the procurement and supply function to take all these elements into consideration when making decisions and comparing the costs of buying, renting or leasing equipment. In most cases the purchase costs are a small proportion of the cost of operating it. Although costly, there are numerous reasons why organisations elect to hold inventory. The management and control of such inventory is therefore vital to organisational success. This module is designed for those who will have responsibility for the whole life management of assets and enables learners to analyse methods for inventory movement and control and to analyse the concept of whole life cost.

Elective Module

4.2 • 4.3

CIPS Global Standard

OR

Objective Response Exam

1.5 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

60 hrs

Module Learning Time

6 Credits

Credit value

Procurement and Supply in Practice [L4M8]

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to demonstrate the practical application of the key elements of the procurement cycle in an integrated manner, within a workplace context.

Module aim(s)

Procurement is the business function that ensures identification, sourcing, access and management of external resources that an organisation needs or may need to successfully fulfil its strategic objectives. It exists to explore supply market opportunities and to implement resourcing strategies that deliver the best possible supply outcomes to the organisation, its stakeholders and customers. In today’s volatile global trading environments, it is not enough for procurement and supply professionals to simply know the theory behind their profession; they must also be in a position to confidently and effectively apply that knowledge to the benefit of the whole organisation, its stakeholders and customers. This module is designed to test the practical application of procurement and supply concepts and ideas within the practical environments which professionals are expected to perform.

Elective Module

1.1 • 1.2 • 1.3 • 1.4 4.2 • 11.1 • 11.2 • 11.3

CIPS Global Standard

CR

Objective Response Exam

3 hrs

Exam Duration Hours

120 hrs

Module Learning Time

12 Credits

Credit value

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