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Procurement and Supply in Practice (L4M8)

We strongly recommend that you take this module last for this qualification.

Module purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to demonstrate the practical application of the procurement cycle in an integrated manner, within a workplace context. This module is designed as a summary module, drawing on the knowledge and skills developed in M1 to M7 and applying these in a work 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 in which professionals are expected to perform.

Next steps

Starting a CIPS qualification programme means you will join the largest institute in the world for those working in procurement and supply. You can join as a student member online today. Once joined you can book your examinations online


Key Module Details
Core Module
Constructed Response Exam
Duration 3 Hour
Module learning time - 120 hours
12 credits

Learning outcomes, assessment criteria and indicative content

1.0 Demonstrate the application of the procurement cycle

1.1 Apply the stages of the procurement cycle to the practical procurement and supply contexts

  • 1.1.1 The holistic application of the CIPS Procurement Cycle
  • 1.1.2 The benefits and limitations of structured procurement processes
  • 1.1.3 The application of procurement processes in a range of workplace contexts: public, private and third sectors

2.0 Demonstrate the application of the stages of the procurement process

2.1 Apply the pre-contract stages (stages 1-8) of the CIPS Procurement Cycle to the practical procurement and supply environment/strong>

  • 2.1.1 Apply the pre-contract stages (stages 1-8) of the CIPS Procurement Cycle to practical procurement and supply contexts: public sector, private sector and third sector

2.2 Apply the post-contract stages (stages 9-13) of the CIPS Procurement Cycle to the practical procurement and supply environment

  • 2.2.1 Apply the post-contract stages (stages 9-13) of the CIPS Procurement Cycle to practical procurement and supply contexts: public sector, private sector and third sector/li>

2.3 Calculation and assessment of performance indicators

  • 2.3.1 Calculate performance indicators of profitability, liquidity, gearing and cash from financial statements to assess and make conclusions on the viability of suppliers
  • 2.3.2 Assess the benefits and limitations of calculating performance indicators from financial statements
  • 2.3.3 Calculate and comment on fixed and variable costs, mark-up, margin and breakeven
  • 2.3.4 Assess the benefits and limitations of breakeven analysis

3.0 Demonstrate the application of whole life-asset management

3.1 Apply whole-life asset management principles in a range of sectors and industries

  • 3.1.1 Application of whole-life asset principles in a range of sectors: public, private and third sector
  • 3.1.2 Application of whole-life asset principles in a range of industries: primary, secondary and tertiary industries
  • 3.1.3 Application of whole-life asset principles in global sourcing, considering the risks and benefits associated with extended supply chain
  • 3.1.4 The application of whole-life asset management principles in the management of costs and risks
  • 3.1.5 The application of whole-life asset management principles in the management of stakeholders
  • 3.1.6 The application of whole-life asset management principles to product end-of-life and decommissioning activities

4.0 Demonstrate the application of environmental, social and governance principles in a range of sectors and industries

4.1 Apply environmental, social and governance principles

  • 4.1.1 Application of environmental, social and governance principles in a range of sectors: public, private and third sector
  • 4.1.2 Application of environmental, social and governance principles in a range of industries: primary, secondary and tertiary industries
  • 4.1.3 Use and application of supplier monitoring and KPIs to track and improve performance
  • 4.1.4 To be able to apply practical steps to achieve environmental, social and governance goals in a range of contexts: public, private and third sectors