CIPS Principal Marker (external) Report:

Qualification: Diploma in procurement and supply

Module: L4M1
Exam series: May 2021
Date of completion: 30th June 2021

These reports are designed to help tutors and learners understand the common trends presented by both
strong and weaker answers in relation to the module for the given exam series.

Learning Outcome 1:
The question addressed learning outcome 1: Understand and analyse the added value that can be
achieved through procurement and supply chain management.
This case scenario question focused on benefits of adopting a supply chain management approach. Most
candidates successfully identified the benefits, e.g., reduced costs and lead times, better knowledge of the
market, etc. Higher scores were awarded for content detail and linkage to the case scenario. Weaker answers
either lacked detail or confused supply chain management with other concepts such as
centralisation/decentralisation, single/multiple sourcing, etc. and presented models such as 5 rights’, Kraljic,
and Mendelow without clear linkage to the question.

Learning Outcome 2:
The question addressed learning outcome 2: Understand and analyse the key steps when procuring goods
or services.
Part (A) of the question focused on how an accurate specification adds value for an organisation. Most
answers easily identified such aspects as reduction of defects, time and costs, and higher marks were
awarded for detail and good use of examples. However, some candidates misinterpreted the question as
relating to a bid/tender specification and tended to focus on the ‘five rights’ concept. Poorer answers
digressed into describing conformance and performance specifications or explaining how specifications are
developed.
Part (B), focused on ways in which effective supplier selection. Good answers had depth of detail, including
use of examples. However, although candidates commonly referred to Ray Carter’s 10 Cs concept, in many
cases they presented theory which attracted marginal scores. Some few poorer answers presented irrelevant
content on tendering.
Learning Outcome 3:
The question addressed learning outcome 3: Understand and analyse the key aspects of organisational
infrastructure that shape the scope of procurement or supply chain function.

This two-part case scenario question related to devolution and centralisation of the procurement function.
High scoring candidates provided depth of detail and linkage to the case scenario, although unfortunately,
these elements lacked in some answers thus leading to underperformance.

L4M1_PM EXTERNAL REPORT CIPS QUALIFICATION 2018 1/2

Leading global excellence in procurement and supply

 In part (B) as in part A above, higher marks were awarded for detail and linkage to the case scenario, although
many candidates missed this opportunity by providing brief answers.
Learning Outcome 4:
The question addressed learning outcome 4: Understand and analyse the need for compliance with
requirements when undertaking procurement activities in different sectors.
This question tested the candidates’ knowledge of procurement activities in charities.
In Part A, the overall performance was average and varied, with fewer exceptional answers. Good answers
identified and explained broad objectives of charitable organisations, e.g., to raise awareness; attract
donations; engage stakeholders; etc. and included examples. However, many candidates seemed to focus
their attention and content on either defining charitable organisations or presenting examples of charitable
causes.
In Part B, high scores were awarded for detail, including the use of examples. Many candidates, however,
gained less marks because they presented brief answers that were clearly disproportionate to the large
number of marks allocated to the question.

L4M1_PM EXTERNAL REPORT CIPS QUALIFICATION 2018 2/2

Leading global excellence in procurement and supply