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A guide for candidates<br />

3<br />

<strong>Marked</strong> <strong>exam</strong><br />

<strong>answers</strong> <strong>with</strong><br />

<strong>assessor</strong> <strong>feedback</strong><br />

Leading global excellence in procurement and supply


How to approach<br />

unseen case studies<br />

<strong>with</strong> questions<br />

Suggestions, hints and tips for the assessment<br />

• Read the case study and the case questions through<br />

quickly to start <strong>with</strong> in order to get a general overview of<br />

what it is about, and to help you settle down to thinking.<br />

Then, read the case study through again more carefully,<br />

this time <strong>with</strong> a pen at the ready to make a few notes and<br />

annotate the case study throughout. It is beneficial to<br />

write any notes in your answer booklet (you can cross<br />

them out at the end). That way, if you run out of time, the<br />

<strong>assessor</strong> can read your notes which may give him or her<br />

an insight to your analysis<br />

• Next, identify the contextual information, such as the<br />

background data that sets the scene for the key issues. For<br />

<strong>exam</strong>ple, if there is financial information, or information<br />

on trends, size of the business or procurement spend,<br />

then it is useful to highlight these and consider their<br />

relevance to the case study.<br />

• Then identify the key issues that are presented in the<br />

case and try to prioritise these, including any that<br />

appear to be peripheral to the main case.<br />

Timing is everything<br />

• We recommend you spend 20 minutes on ‘Reading case<br />

study material and all questions’<br />

• As you read through the paper, identify what is being<br />

asked of you in each question or each part of a question.<br />

Remember, there will be one question for each of the<br />

learning outcomes in the ‘Unit Content Guide’:<br />

Determine which part of the subject unit content the<br />

question relates to<br />

Consider what elements of the case study are relevant<br />

to this topic, and the key issues the question is asking<br />

you to write about<br />

Check the number of marks allocated to each question<br />

or part of a question: this helps you to work out how<br />

much information the <strong>assessor</strong>s are expecting you to<br />

include in your answer to each part<br />

Take careful note if the question asks you to provide a<br />

specific number of <strong>exam</strong>ples or ideas – make sure you<br />

provide the number required.<br />

• Next, highlight the command words in each question or<br />

part of a question. (See page 16 for <strong>exam</strong>ples of command<br />

words and what they mean.)<br />

www.cips.org


Recommended time to spend on unseen case study assessments (three hours duration)<br />

Diploma<br />

Advanced &<br />

Professional Diploma<br />

Reading case study material and all questions 20 minutes 20 minutes<br />

Planning/making notes for <strong>answers</strong> (per question) 4 minutes 4 minutes<br />

Writing (per question) 25 minutes 33 minutes<br />

Checking/amending (per question) 2 minutes 2 minutes<br />

Checking that you have correctly followed the instructions, missed<br />

nothing out, labelled everything, last-minute amendments<br />

(per assessment)<br />

5 minutes 4 minutes<br />

20<br />

04 mins<br />

05 mins<br />

mins<br />

25 02<br />

33 mins<br />

mins<br />

mins<br />

03


Improving your approach to<br />

answering <strong>exam</strong> questions<br />

A case study is a brief overview of<br />

a business situation<br />

The purpose of the case study is to allow you to demonstrate your ability to analyse and comment<br />

on a procurement and supply situation under assessment conditions. To do this effectively you<br />

need to know, understand and have experience of the application of the relevant theory.<br />

This is a real <strong>exam</strong> question paper used in a previous<br />

<strong>exam</strong> series. In it you will find actual marker <strong>feedback</strong><br />

based on the <strong>answers</strong> of students. It is especially helpful<br />

in this instance as it links the question and the <strong>answers</strong><br />

to the case study and the reason why the final mark was<br />

awarded.<br />

This resource not only helps for the type of question but<br />

will also help you to improve your generic <strong>exam</strong><br />

technique.<br />

Remember good <strong>answers</strong> will be well reasoned and<br />

justified <strong>with</strong> appropriate theories, models or <strong>exam</strong>ples.<br />

The following <strong>exam</strong> question was used for students<br />

sitting the D3 – Sourcing in procurement and supply<br />

<strong>exam</strong>.<br />

www.cips.org


Unseen Case study <strong>exam</strong>ple – Sourcing in procurement and supply<br />

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria<br />

(GFATM) is an international organisation that aims to<br />

attract and distribute resources to prevent and treat HIV<br />

and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The organisation has<br />

its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It is financed by<br />

government grants and public donations.<br />

GFATM intends to develop its sourcing and procurement<br />

activities. It has recently carried out a review to explore<br />

how efficiency could be improved, to develop increased<br />

commercial expertise in its field staff, and therefore<br />

achieve greater transparency on costs and payments.<br />

Malaria, which is carried by mosquitoes, kills many<br />

thousands of people every year, many of whom are<br />

children. One of its first sourcing activities under this new<br />

approach was to carry out the world’s largest tender for<br />

the supply of mosquito nets, designed to produce<br />

estimated savings of $140 million for GFATM over two<br />

years. The project would provide 190 million bed nets and<br />

protect 400 million people at risk of malaria in 30 African<br />

and Asian countries. The lives of an estimated 1.3 million<br />

children could be saved.<br />

A new sourcing process was established to organise the<br />

structured purchase of mosquito nets, shifting the power<br />

from seller to buyer. The process focused on reducing the<br />

market dominance of individual manufacturers and<br />

mosquito net suppliers. There would be a strong focus by<br />

GFATM on local production and suppliers using this new<br />

approach. Long-term contracts resulting from the new<br />

sourcing process would improve visibility, production,<br />

capacity planning and pricing.<br />

Another aim of the sourcing exercise was to generate<br />

overall value by ordering more nets of a standard size and<br />

simplifying manufacturing processes to cut costs.<br />

Previously the number of mosquito net specifications was<br />

very wide. Through standardisation and reduced prices, a<br />

third more nets could be bought <strong>with</strong>in the same budget.<br />

By using large-scale purchasing power, the new process<br />

would provide better value for money, providing savings<br />

and the reduction of supply chain bottlenecks and<br />

shortages.<br />

The new sourcing process was also meant to achieve a<br />

balanced sustainable supply chain. Contracts would be<br />

spread among a number of suppliers and this would<br />

support innovation, optimise capacity and reduce risk in<br />

GFATM’s supply chain.<br />

In addition, the sourcing process would support domestic<br />

production in countries <strong>with</strong> high demand for mosquito<br />

nets, which would lower transportation costs and utilise<br />

advice from local experts.<br />

However, the move towards using smaller local suppliers<br />

would need to be managed carefully in order to ensure<br />

the suppliers’ financial stability. The mosquito net<br />

sourcing exercise was part of a more proactive approach<br />

to procurement being adopted by GFATM. The<br />

organisation aims to follow it up <strong>with</strong> a similar sourcing<br />

exercise for medical supplies.<br />

The GFATM sourcing team has introduced a strategic<br />

review of its approach to sourcing and is trying to gain a<br />

better understanding of market dynamics.<br />

The strategic review process aims to promote capability<br />

development throughout the supply chain, including<br />

better coordination and cooperation. Expected outcomes<br />

of the strategic review process include the better<br />

understanding of stakeholder needs, comprehensive<br />

supply market intelligence, a common sourcing process,<br />

reduced costs, and improved innovation.<br />

This is a collaborative approach which should help GFATM<br />

to achieve common objectives and eliminate duplication<br />

of effort.<br />

Sources:<br />

• www.supplymanagement.com - 14 October 2014<br />

• www.globalfund.org - January 2015<br />

• www.guardian.com - 15 November 2013<br />

05


Question 1: Discuss FOUR criteria that GFATM might apply when awarding the contracts to suppliers<br />

(20 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

Award of contracts is made to suppliers when the ‘best’ option,<br />

value or price had been determined. Each supplier would be<br />

assessed on their suitability, acceptability and capability, that<br />

they can bring to the requirement at that time and potentially<br />

moving forward <strong>with</strong> later procurement or requirements.<br />

Award criteria needs to cover both technical and commercial<br />

criteria. Technical is that the supplier has the knowledge, skills,<br />

expertise to deliver the contract. Commercial criteria is that the<br />

supplier has the financial status, innovation and ‘best’ solution to<br />

deliver the contract.<br />

Assessor comments:<br />

A good, but lengthy, introduction. It<br />

contextualises the answer, but it doesn't<br />

contribute anything to the answer and no marks<br />

can be awarded for it at this stage. The body of<br />

the answer duplicates some of this content.<br />

No specific marks are given for the introduction<br />

but it does demonstrate some understanding of<br />

the subject matter.<br />

The case study refers to GFATM wishing to reduce supply chain<br />

bottlenecks and shortages. To achieve this they could use the<br />

Kraljic matrix to help them visualise which products are in which<br />

quarter and what they can do to improve where possible.<br />

The Kraljic matrix rates how complex the supply chain is <strong>with</strong><br />

how important the item is to the organisation so that a plan can<br />

be devised regarding the amount of time, effort and resource is<br />

dedicated to the purchase type.<br />

Complexity of supply chain<br />

Low<br />

High<br />

Importance of item<br />

High<br />

Low<br />

Non-critical<br />

items<br />

Strategic items<br />

Partnering<br />

Bottleneck<br />

items<br />

www.cips.org


1 Innovation<br />

The supplier is the expert in their field and so by using early<br />

supplier involvement and using the expertise to look at the<br />

material grade, quality may end up <strong>with</strong> a product that<br />

matches or exceeds the original specification for the same or a<br />

lower cost.<br />

The product may be of a better quality and be more durable<br />

and therefore more cost effective. This may lead to a better<br />

reputation in the field/brand for the supplier whilst delivering<br />

the protection required- a win/win for buying organisation<br />

and supplier.<br />

2 Capacity<br />

GFATM would want to know that the supplying organisation<br />

had the capacity to produce the quantity of mosquito nets<br />

require. As they are standardising the net there will be less<br />

variation and so potentially they will have one supplier who<br />

will have the required machinery to provide the specified net<br />

in the quantity that is required.<br />

3 Quality<br />

GFATM would want to ensure that the supplier being awarded<br />

the contract have good, robust quality ethics. Quality control<br />

is checking the item (usually a random quantity i.e. 5% as<br />

organisational policy) after it is made and rejecting the item if<br />

found to be faulty this can lead to waste. Quality assurance is<br />

however looking at the processes involved <strong>with</strong>in the<br />

manufacture of the item ensuring that the item is correct and<br />

fit for purpose the first time. This would include monitoring<br />

the materials used, the process and removing any waste<br />

procedures and a quality culture from the management team<br />

down to the shop floor employees.<br />

4 Price/best value for money<br />

Ensuring that the best quality product is provided for the best<br />

possible price. MEAT- Most economically advantageous<br />

tender- as GFATM are a third sector buying organisation they<br />

may not be looking at price only. As the funding comes via<br />

government grants and public donations their funding is<br />

under huge scrutiny as they are spending public money.<br />

3/5 marks<br />

Innovation – this is one of the relevant criteria<br />

for contract award. This part of the answer could<br />

have been improved by reference to the case<br />

study information.<br />

For <strong>exam</strong>ple, the case study information states<br />

that GFATM has recently carried out a review to<br />

explore how efficiency could be improved.<br />

Innovation on the part of the supplier might<br />

help to achieve this.<br />

3/5 marks<br />

Capacity – this is also a relevant point. But more<br />

discussion of what capacity means, in addition to<br />

machinery, would have resulted in a higher mark,<br />

e.g. manpower and financial resources.<br />

4/5 marks<br />

Quality - this is a good answer, of a distinction<br />

pass standard. A good knowledge of quality<br />

control and quality assurance is demonstrated.<br />

TQM could have been mentioned.<br />

4/5 marks<br />

Value for money - a good understanding of<br />

price, best value for money and MEAT is<br />

demonstrated. Also, it is applied to GFATM and<br />

the fact that it is a third sector organisation.<br />

Total mark = 14/20, a strong credit pass answer<br />

07


Question 2: A new and structured sourcing process was established by GFATM as part of its new<br />

proactive approach to procurement. This would involve the development of sourcing plans for goods<br />

and services from external suppliers.<br />

Describe FIVE elements that GFATM should include in sourcing plans<br />

(20 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

Carter’s 10 Cs<br />

1 Ethics/Corporate social responsibility (CSR)<br />

As GFATM are sourcing internationally and as stated in<br />

the case study looking to place some contracts <strong>with</strong><br />

suppliers using the mosquito nets, the countries may<br />

not be developed and so to ensure GFATMs<br />

reputation they would have to ensure that labour and<br />

pay for these countries were fair and equal, child<br />

labour is not used and that the relevant laws are<br />

adhered to.<br />

2 Staffing/expertise<br />

The case study states that GFATM are looking to<br />

develop the commercial expertise of its field staff. This<br />

would give the staff a better understanding and<br />

knowledge of the sourcing procedures and GFATM<br />

sourcing plan as an organisation. As GFATM are a third<br />

sector organisation the transparency they would<br />

achieve and expert knowledge would be of great<br />

benefit.<br />

3 Stakeholders needs/ compliance<br />

Stakeholders are individuals or organisations that can<br />

influence or put pressure on the organisation in either<br />

a positive or negative manner. Stakeholders can be<br />

either internal or external to the organisation. In the<br />

case of GFATM the stakeholders would be their<br />

employees, directors, supplier, taxpayers, public,<br />

service users. It is important to have stakeholder buyin<br />

to ensure that the best value for money is achieved.<br />

4 Market intelligence/ continuity<br />

It is important that GFATM looks at the market to<br />

review the options <strong>with</strong>in it. This involves reviewing<br />

current suppliers as well as seeking new suppliers and<br />

the innovation and experience they can bring to add<br />

value and expertise to the individual requirement or<br />

project.<br />

5 Locality/transportation<br />

By using local suppliers and reducing the<br />

transportation required to get the finished product to<br />

its place of need bring value in that sustainability,<br />

‘green’ practice is used. It uses the skills of local<br />

workers bringing economic viability to the areas and<br />

potentially improving their living and working<br />

conditions.<br />

Assessor comments:<br />

This was not a good answer and much of it did not<br />

address the question. The candidate has used sections of<br />

the Carter model of supplier evaluation as the basis of<br />

their answer and this is only indirectly relevant.<br />

A good answer would have described five of the<br />

following elements or others that GFATM could have<br />

included in a sourcing plan:<br />

• Whether the supply base should be wide or narrow<br />

• Whether sourcing should be by negotiation or tender<br />

• Should there be partnership relationships or arm’s<br />

length agreements or any of the options between<br />

these extremes<br />

• Set up a supplier appraisal process<br />

• Develop KPI's to monitor supplier performance<br />

• Consider supplier development activities to be<br />

included in the sourcing plan<br />

These should have been applied to the case study<br />

information for higher marks.<br />

Some marks was awarded for mention of the Carter 10<br />

C's model, the section on Ethics/CSR and the section on<br />

stakeholders, because they are involved in the sourcing<br />

process.<br />

Marks were also awarded for the section on market<br />

intelligence, as this could be considered to be part of a<br />

sourcing plan.<br />

Marks were awarded for the section on locality, because<br />

this was related to the case study information.<br />

Total mark awarded = 9/20, a fail grade answer overall,<br />

mainly because it lacked breadth of detail and depth of<br />

detail. The individual points made were generally valid.<br />

www.cips.org


Question 3a: The case study information states that the move towards using smaller local suppliers<br />

would need to be managed carefully in order to ensure the suppliers’ financial stability.<br />

Describe THREE sources of financial information about suppliers which could be used to assess their<br />

financial stability. (9 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

1 Presentation<br />

The supplier could be asked to make a presentation to the<br />

buying organisation’s finance and procurement managers. They<br />

would outline where they are financially, how they have<br />

improved, any information they could give that shows them to<br />

be a sound, financially healthy organisation. No current or<br />

potential supplier should refuse this opportunity.<br />

2 Credit rating companies<br />

Usually used by using an online website i.e. Experion or Dun +<br />

Bradstreet. For a small fee the credit rating company would<br />

supply information regarding the supplier’s financial health and<br />

status.<br />

3 Using financial statements<br />

For <strong>exam</strong>ple balance sheets, cash flow statements and profit<br />

and loss accounts. The information can be used to calculate<br />

indicators and ratios that can help in the assessment of a<br />

suppliers financial health.<br />

Assessor comments:<br />

3/3 marks<br />

A very good answer.<br />

2/3 marks<br />

Lacks some detail, but the main point is covered.<br />

2/3 marks<br />

Lacks some detail, but the main points are<br />

covered.<br />

Total mark for part (a) = 7/9, a good answer<br />

overall.<br />

Development of the credit rating and financial<br />

statements responses would have been beneficial<br />

as they are both rather brief.<br />

09


Question 3b: Describe TWO liquidity ratios that GFATM might use to assess a supplier’s financial<br />

stability. (6 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

1 Quick ratio or acid test ratio<br />

Assets – stock =<br />

Liabilities<br />

Assessor comments:<br />

2/3 marks<br />

The formula given is incorrect. It should be current<br />

assets - stock divided by current liabilities. But 2<br />

marks awarded for the narrative, which is correct.<br />

This is the more accurate of the liquidity ratios as it removes<br />

unsold stock from the financial indicator. The ratio ideally<br />

should be one or above indicating that the company has<br />

sufficient ‘cash’ to be able to pay its liabilities in the short term.<br />

Stock is removed as it may take time to sell/invoices to be paid<br />

and so the cash is not freely available.<br />

2 Working capital ratio<br />

Assets =<br />

Liabilities<br />

Ideally this indicator total should be 2 or above again indicating<br />

that the organisation has sufficient ‘cash’ to cover their short<br />

and long term liabilities. It is important that this is only a<br />

snapshot taken by using the company’s balance sheet. This<br />

information would only be true on the date of the balance<br />

sheet and so may be outdated.<br />

0/3 marks<br />

The working capital ratio is not a liquidity ratio.<br />

The formula given is not used as a financial<br />

liquidity ratio. Current assets and current<br />

liabilities are the items and their elements that are<br />

compared to analyse liquidity.<br />

Total mark for part (b) = 2/6, a fail grade answer.<br />

Question 3c: Explain the significance of liquidity ratios to GFATM in assessing the financial stability of a<br />

supplier. (5 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

1 The liquidity ratios give an idea as to how much cash the<br />

supplier has to cover its own liabilities or debts. This would also<br />

indicate whether a supplier is likely to have good financial<br />

health and resource to take on additional business of producing<br />

more or any mosquito nets. The supplier may need to employ<br />

additional staff, purchase materials to start the contract <strong>with</strong><br />

payment from GFATM not coming for maybe a month or two<br />

depending on the terms agreed in the contract.<br />

Assessor comments:<br />

3/5 marks<br />

This answer lacks some detail. Debtors, and the<br />

other different <strong>exam</strong>ples of current assets, could<br />

be included in the explanation. A mark of a credit<br />

standard is justified.<br />

Total mark for part (c) = 3/5<br />

Total mark for Q3 is = 12/20, a credit pass grade,<br />

mainly because of the good answer to part (a).<br />

www.cips.org


Question 4a: One of GFATM’s first sourcing activities was to carry out the world’s first tender for the<br />

supply of mosquito nets. The organisation aims to follow it up <strong>with</strong> another sourcing exercise for medical<br />

supplies.<br />

Outline FOUR electronic systems that GFATM could use to source its requirement from external<br />

suppliers. (8 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

1 E-catalogues<br />

These are easily obtained via the supplier websites to download<br />

or view online. For one-off, small value items or those that have a<br />

framework agreement <strong>with</strong> pre-qualified suppliers may also allow<br />

purchase online by using a trolley/basket and checkout model.<br />

2 E-auction and reverse e-auction<br />

These can speed up the process dramatically.<br />

E-auction- the supplier advertises the auction and buyers bid for<br />

the items being sold. Usually via an auction site, the bidding is<br />

timed (usually 2 hours), the bidding is open and so bids can be<br />

seen but not the buyer’s identity. The highest bid at the end of the<br />

allotted time ‘wins’ the purchase.<br />

Reverse e-auctions- is where the buyer advertises their<br />

requirement via the auction site. Suppliers then bid competitively<br />

to win the business, bids can be updated throughout the process,<br />

timed as above. Bids are open but the suppliers are not identified<br />

at the end of the process, the lowest bid that meets the<br />

specification and criteria wins the business.<br />

3 E-tender<br />

This is where the tender is advertised via OJEU or another webbased<br />

site used by markets or industries.<br />

All documentation- specification, requirement, tendering process,<br />

award and selection criteria are placed onto the site. Some<br />

industries use CPV- common procurement vocabulary codes for<br />

<strong>exam</strong>ple, cleaning, security, catering contracts for ease of use.<br />

Some tenders may be open and so any supplier can compete for<br />

the contract whilst others maybe restricted and so a PQQprequalification<br />

questionnaire stage will be added. This can help<br />

eliminate bids that do not have essential criteria by the use of<br />

yes/no, pass/fail questions that the system can eliminate.<br />

4 E-inventory/E-POS<br />

Some organisations may have an automated inventory where all<br />

lines are set <strong>with</strong> a minimum reorder level. When this minimum is<br />

reached the system automatically reorders stock from the<br />

appropriate suppliers. This system gives real time information<br />

regarding stock control.<br />

Assessor comments:<br />

2/2 marks<br />

A good answer <strong>with</strong> the item supported by<br />

<strong>exam</strong>ples.<br />

2/2 marks<br />

Also a good answer <strong>with</strong> useful additional detail<br />

to demonstrate understanding.<br />

2/2 marks<br />

Also a good answer. OJEU (journal of the<br />

European Union) would only actually be<br />

relevant in a European context but the <strong>exam</strong>ple<br />

could be valid.<br />

2/2 marks<br />

E-Inventory is not part of sourcing, but 2 marks<br />

awarded for an outline of E-POS, which might be<br />

perceived as part of sourcing. Some latitude<br />

allowed due to relevant supporting content for<br />

the <strong>exam</strong>ple.<br />

Total mark for part (a) = 8/8, a very good<br />

answer, full marks, that is of a distinction pass<br />

standard.<br />

11


Question 4b: Explain THREE benefits that GFATM might gain by using electronic systems to source its<br />

requirements from external suppliers. (12 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

1 Speed<br />

GFATM is operating globally and so by using electronic<br />

systems information can be sent quickly, efficiently and<br />

securely (<strong>with</strong> correct governance) to any or all of the<br />

locations worldwide. This can save a lot of time as to send the<br />

paper copies could take several days. Additional benefits in<br />

saving on paper and adding to sustainability and ‘green’<br />

policies are achieved. Decisions can be made promptly that<br />

may effect urgent attention.<br />

2 Duplication of effort/documentation<br />

When updating information on the system this can be done as<br />

one task i.e. supplier details would be updated across the<br />

system network. This would save on duplication of tasks and<br />

human error. Whilst updating tender or contract documents<br />

version control can be applied ensuring that the correct<br />

version is always available when writing new contracts or<br />

tenders then the use of ‘copy and paste’ can speed up the<br />

process and ensure that wording is correct and not having to<br />

retype it each time that may lead to errors.<br />

3 Timescales<br />

As GFATM operate globally they will need to be aware of time<br />

zones. This may mean that one office may be open the other<br />

may be shut due to it being night time. A similar issue would<br />

be encountered <strong>with</strong> a variation of cultures, public holidays<br />

etc. The use of email and general electronic systems ensures<br />

that business continues as messages and tasks are dealt <strong>with</strong><br />

the next working day.<br />

Assessor comments:<br />

4/4 marks<br />

A very good answer, marks also awarded for the<br />

good contextualisation of the answer.<br />

3/4 marks<br />

A good answer, but some slight duplication of the<br />

previous answer in terms of speed. There are<br />

limited <strong>exam</strong>ples included in the answer which<br />

restricts it from full marks.<br />

2/4 marks<br />

The candidate seems to have headed the section<br />

incorrectly. The response, while a valid benefit in<br />

terms of time zones, has not been explained well.<br />

Examples of how time zones might have an<br />

impact could also be included. A pass grade only<br />

for this section.<br />

Total mark for part(b) = 9/12<br />

Total mark for Q4 = 17/20, a distinction pass<br />

grade.<br />

www.cips.org


Question 5: The case study information states that GFATM is an international organisation which<br />

supports local production in several countries.<br />

Analyse FOUR legislative, regulatory or organisational requirements that GFATM will need to take into<br />

account when sourcing from international suppliers (20 marks)<br />

Sample answer:<br />

1 Ethical<br />

GFATM would need to ensure that their suppliers conformed<br />

to labour laws for <strong>exam</strong>ple fair pay for a fair day’s work, that<br />

men and women are paid fairly, that child labour is not<br />

acceptable. The international labour organisation has many<br />

policies and directives that support and advise on these<br />

matters. As a third sector organisation that is financed by<br />

government and public donation they are under huge scrutiny<br />

by the public at large. By the public donations they have got<br />

the support but if they were found to exploit the people they<br />

are trying to help this would lead to reputational damage,<br />

donations may fall or stop<br />

2 Incoterms<br />

If GFATM wish to import or export items they will need to<br />

ensure the relevant terms are in the contract and negotiated<br />

<strong>with</strong> the supplier. Incoterms are the international terms set by<br />

the international Chambers of Commerce. The terms state<br />

who has responsibility and when that changes in the<br />

movement of the supplies from the supplier to the buyer.<br />

5/5 marks<br />

A very good answer, demonstrating a good<br />

knowledge of ethical issues and why GFATM<br />

would need to take this into account. The use of<br />

supporting <strong>exam</strong>ple justifies the award of full<br />

marks.<br />

4/5 marks<br />

Also a very good answer, demonstrating good<br />

knowledge of Incoterms. But some application<br />

to the case study could have been included.<br />

For <strong>exam</strong>ple:<br />

EXW- Exworks- stipulates that the supplier is to leave the<br />

supplies as a destination for the buyer to upload- making<br />

supplies available. The supplier may assist <strong>with</strong> transit but this<br />

is not necessary.<br />

FOB- free on board- The supplier has responsibility for the<br />

consignment up until it is on the ship, at this point the<br />

responsibility passes to the buyer for the rest of the journey<br />

and transit.<br />

DDP- Delivery- The supplier has full responsibility for the<br />

whole transportation process and so will incur any costs for<br />

insurance, breakages that may occur.<br />

Depending on the cargo it would be up to the buyer to<br />

stipulate their requirements to the supplier.<br />

13


Question 5: The case study information states that GFATM is an international organisation which<br />

supports local production in several countries.<br />

Analyse FOUR legislative, regulatory or organisational requirements that GFATM will need to take into<br />

account when sourcing from international suppliers (20 marks)<br />

3 HMRC<br />

Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise have duties to ensure<br />

that goods entering or leaving the country have paid the<br />

taxes and duties on them as appropriate. They are also<br />

required to produce statistical data and seize any illegal or<br />

banned products. Taxes are enforced in two ways; Ad<br />

valorum- by value or; by quantity- weight or measurement<br />

i.e. container.<br />

4 Payment<br />

Payment terms would be complicated for GFATM as there are<br />

multiple currencies as they trade globally. They would want to<br />

minimise the number of currencies that they trade in whilst<br />

ensuring that they get the best value <strong>with</strong>in the exchange<br />

rate. Payment could be done in a number of ways:<br />

Normal trading- pay for goods when they are received, this<br />

would require trust and only undertaken <strong>with</strong> known<br />

suppliers.<br />

PIA- Payment in advance. Goods are paid for by the buyer in<br />

advance usually for strategic relationships.<br />

1/5 marks<br />

This part of the answer does not address the<br />

question very well. It is a UK centric and<br />

parochial response as HMRC would not need to<br />

be taken into account by GFATM. However 1<br />

mark awarded for the mention of taxes and<br />

duties which would be relevant but in a more<br />

international context.<br />

4/5 marks<br />

A good answer demonstrating good knowledge<br />

of payment mechanisms, but limited application<br />

to the case study. The analysis of payment<br />

methods could include the advantage and<br />

disadvantages of each approach. Development<br />

of this answer to include these would have<br />

resulted in full marks being justified.<br />

Total mark for Q5 = 14/20, a good credit pass<br />

standard.<br />

Letter of credit- Once the contract has been signed, the order<br />

is placed. The buyer notifies its bank of the arrangement that<br />

then they contact a bank in suppliers area. Once all<br />

documents have been agreed and goods are received and<br />

checked, payment is passed from the buyer’s bank to that of<br />

the supplier.<br />

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Command words<br />

Finally, make sure you have read and understood the list of command words below.<br />

These words will appear in the questions, and they tell you exactly what the <strong>assessor</strong> wants you to<br />

do. Although you do not need to learn the words and their definitions, you should make sure you<br />

have read and understood the different requirements of each command word.<br />

Definitions of Command words<br />

Analyse<br />

Appraise<br />

Argue<br />

Assess<br />

Comment<br />

on<br />

Compare<br />

Contrast<br />

Criticise<br />

Define<br />

Describe<br />

Discuss<br />

Enumerate<br />

Evaluate<br />

Assess a topic together <strong>with</strong> thoughts and judgments about it, by dividing the<br />

topic into its separate parts and looking at each part in detail<br />

Evaluate, judge or assess something, giving views based on strengths and<br />

weaknesses of a given situation<br />

Provide reasons for or against something, clearly and in proper order, using or<br />

citing evidence so that a case can be proven. Also, compare <strong>with</strong> Discuss<br />

Evaluate or judge the importance of something, referring to the special<br />

knowledge of experts where possible. This may involve quoting from other texts<br />

Write notes explaining your own criticism and observations of the issues. Base<br />

your comments on a balance of fact versus personal views. Often involves<br />

evaluation<br />

Assess one thing in relation to another thing so that points of similarity or<br />

difference become evident<br />

Emphasise the differences between two opposite or dissimilar things. This may<br />

include approaches to a particular aspect of procurement<br />

Give your judgments about the good or bad qualities of theories or opinions,<br />

supporting your decision <strong>with</strong> evidence and where appropriate, literature<br />

Explain the exact meaning of a word or phrase<br />

Give a full account or a detailed representation of something<br />

Consider something by writing about it from different points of view. Compare<br />

<strong>with</strong> Argue or evaluate<br />

List and mention items separately in number order. Compare <strong>with</strong> List, Identify<br />

Calculate or judge the value of something; include your personal opinion in<br />

your evaluation. Often includes an assessment of strengths and weaknesses<br />

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Definitions of Command words<br />

Explain<br />

Identify<br />

Illustrate<br />

Interpret<br />

Justify<br />

List<br />

Outline<br />

Propose<br />

Reconcile<br />

Relate<br />

Review<br />

Show<br />

State<br />

Suggest<br />

Summarise<br />

Give reasons for, or account for something, so that it is clear or easy to understand.<br />

Mention items separately in number order or by using bullet points. Compare<br />

<strong>with</strong> Enumerate, List<br />

Clarify or explain something by using <strong>exam</strong>ples or diagrams<br />

Use your own ideas to explain the significance of something. This may be<br />

qualitative or quantative<br />

Show good reasons for decisions or conclusions, perhaps by referring to other<br />

texts or evidence <strong>with</strong> a case study<br />

Mention items separately in number order or by using bullet points. Compare<br />

<strong>with</strong> Enumerate, Identify<br />

Give the main features, facts or the general idea of something, omitting minor details<br />

Put forward (for <strong>exam</strong>ple, a point of view, idea, argument, suggestion) for<br />

consideration or action<br />

Show how two apparently conflicting things can appear similar or compatible<br />

Establish a connection or association between things to show how they effect<br />

each other or how they are alike<br />

Examine and assess a subject critically<br />

Explain thoroughly or prove something so that the truth can be established<br />

Put something into words clearly and briefly<br />

This means that there may be more than one answer. You must give the most<br />

appropriate answer or <strong>answers</strong><br />

Give a brief, concise account of the main points of something, leaving out details<br />

and <strong>exam</strong>ples<br />

17


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