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L4M4 Exams
L4M4 Past Exams
L4M4 Quick Exam-Ready Summary:
- Core Module
- Objective / Response Exam
- 1.5 hours Exam duration
- 60 Questions in exam
- 6 Credits Score
Sourcing Options & Strategy
Make-or-buy, strategic/tactical sourcing, outsourcing implications, sourcing arrangements, tendering, direct negotiation
Supplier Evaluation
Quality, sustainability, systems, labour, financial health), financial analysis (statements, ratios)
Award & Digital Tools
Price, lifecycle cost, added value), e-procurement tools (e-requisitioning, e-auctions, e-tendering
Ethics & Compliance
Sector-specific regulations, ethical risks (bribery, slavery), responsible sourcing practices (CIPS Code, due diligence)
CIPS L4M4 Focus Areas – 2025 (Master List)
“These are core learning areas, but CIPS may include questions from other parts of the syllabus.” ⚠️
1. Sourcing Options & Strategies
- Understand the sourcing process (aligned with pre-contract stages 1–8 in the CIPS Procurement Cycle):
- Definitions: sourcing vs. outsourcing
- Make-or-buy decisions; intracompany trading
- Strategic vs. tactical sourcing
- Costs and benefits of outsourcing
- Outsourcing core vs. non-core work/services CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
- Different sourcing approaches:
- Single, dual, and multiple sourcing arrangements
- Tendering types: open, restricted, negotiated
- Direct supplier negotiations CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
2. Supplier Selection & Evaluation
- Selection criteria and trade-offs:
- Typical criteria: quality, environmental/sustainability, technical ability, systems, labour standards, financial strength, credit ratings CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
- Use of financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet, cash flow) to assess supplier viability
Interpretation of financial ratios (profitability, liquidity, gearing, investment); limitations of ratio analysis CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
3. Award Criteria & Electronic Systems
- Defining award criteria:
- Common awards: price, total lifecycle cost, technical merit, added-value solutions, systems/resources CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
- Use of digital tools in sourcing:
- E-requisitioning, e-ordering, e-catalogues, e-auctions, reverse auctions, e-tendering CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
4. Compliance, Ethics & Responsible Sourcing
- Regulatory and organisational compliance:
- Legislative and regulatory requirements across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors; importance of competitive tendering and public accountability CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
- Ethical standards and risk mitigation:
- Impact of international ethical procurement standards (e.g., anti-corruption, human rights, modern slavery)
- Practices supporting ethical procurement: CIPS Code of Conduct, supplier prequalification, due diligence, risk assessment CIPS Distance Learning, L3RN Online
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