L4M4 Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Questions and Answers

Explanation

In a 'Credit Account' payment mechanism- the supplier receives payment after the goods are delivered, in line with agreed payment terms (which may be 30 days or something like that).

Informing suppliers of non-conformances and improvement opportunities supports responsible sourcing by promoting continuous improvement. Preparing a report for supplier review also aligns with transparency and collaborative improvement, integral to ethical sourcing standards.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a market basket of goods and services. It reflects price variations in specific geographical locations and tracks the weighted average prices of selected commodities, providing insights into inflation and cost of living.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"The Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks variations in prices for a range of consumer goods and services over time, in a particular geographic location."

In situations of global commodity shortages, basic supply-and-demand principles mean that prices increase when demand remains constant or high. This reduces the buyer’s bargaining power, making it difficult to negotiate lower prices (C). Instead, suppliers are likely to increase costs due to scarcity. Options A and D are incorrect because reduced availability drives prices up, not down. Option B is misleading — prices are affected by shortages. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to anticipate such volatility through market intelligence, consider alternative supply sources, or explore hedging/forward contracts to mitigate risks.

Explanation

gross profit = total revenue - cost of sales.

Learn all you can about financial ratios and financial statements for the exam- it's a very common topic

For urgent, low-value local services, targeted sourcing (e.g., RFQs to pre-vetted suppliers) is more efficient than open advertising that can create excess, low-quality responses and slow down delivery. Responsible practice also considers proportionality and timely risk control.

A balance sheet sets out assets, liabilities and equity at a point in time. Current (short-term) liabilities such as overdrafts and tax creditors are part of it. Cash receipts (A) sit in cash-flow statements; expenses and profit (B) are in the income statement; ratios (C) are derived metrics, not items on the statement.

Explanation

GDP = gross domestic product = "the monetary value of goods and services manufactured or sup-plied in a financial period". People use it to say whether a country's economy is strong or weak.

Stock markets look at the value of public limited companies within a country.

Commodity indices look at the value of commodities such as steel, oil and wheat at a point in time

Average changes in price over a year can be measured by CPI or PPI

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) requires the supplier to cover all delivery costs, including import duties and taxes. This term ensures that the buyer receives the goods without additional charges, aligning with public sector procurement practices for cost-effective and transparent sourcing.

Explanation

the correct answer is 'marketplace competition'.

Ethical practice is about prohibiting corrupt and unfair practice, rather than issues of supply and demand. Although being in a cartel is 'unethical behavior' this option doesn't fully answer the question which talks about limiting supply- this is related to marketplace competition.

Local anti-corruption laws (A) provide insight into the legal framework and enforcement environment, while Transparency International (B) publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index and reports on bribery risks worldwide. These are reliable sources for assessing corruption levels and associated risks. UNSDGs set broad sustainability goals but not country-specific corruption risks. The ICC deals with arbitration, not anti-bribery. ISO standards provide frameworks for compliance but do not analyse country risk. Responsible sourcing requires due diligence on governance environments to mitigate bribery risks and comply with anti-corruption legislation such as the UK Bribery Act.

Regulatory frameworks that affect procurement focus on ethical practice (anti-bribery, modern slavery, human rights), data protection (GDPR and similar), and competition law (to prevent collusion and monopolistic practices). While digitisation and innovation are important trends, they are not regulatory requirements. Similarly, culture, branding, and uniforms are internal matters, not regulatory areas. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to ensure compliance with these regulations to protect stakeholders, maintain fairness, and safeguard organisational reputation.

When supplier audits reveal issues, buyers should implement constructive measures. Supplier development programmes (A) help improve performance through training, mentoring, and joint improvement initiatives. Corrective action plans (E) outline specific steps and timelines to address identified gaps. Options like hiring supplier staff or informal brainstorming do not provide structured improvements, while violating contracts would undermine governance. Responsible sourcing emphasises supplier engagement and continuous improvement, ensuring suppliers meet ethical, quality, and sustainability expectations rather than simply penalising them.

Explanation

A supplier who follows the CIPS Code of Conduct is more likely to meet the buyer's needs is the correct answer.

The other options are wrong:

1) Compliance with Codes of Conduct from professional bodies is optional. E.g. CIPS - no organi-sation is forced to comply with CIPS.

2) Unethical behaviour is not impossible to detect, it may be difficult but with correct due diligence and things like audits it's completely possible

3) ISO 14001 is quality management so is irelevent.

Explanation

"Meet current liabilities" is a posh way of saying "can you pay your bills". You're therefore looking for a liquidity ratio- a ratio that looks at assets vs liabilities (i.e. money in the bank vs money owed out). The Acid Test is a liquidity ratio. It's sometimes called the 'quick ratio'. Both terms come up on the exam. The other options are financial ratios but aren't for liquidity.

Explanation

Open tenders should be used when the buyer expects there to be little interest / fewer bids. The opportunity is advertised widely allowing any supplier that wishes to submit a bid the opportunity.

The other options limit the number of suppliers and Ji Yuan doesn't want to do that, because he risks getting no interest and no supplier.

P.23

An open tender is advertised publicly and open to all interested suppliers. For it to be effective, there must be a sufficient supplier market (A) to justify competition. If supplier numbers are too low, restricted or negotiated procedures may be more appropriate. Pre-qualification applies to restricted tenders, not open ones. Price-only evaluation breaches responsible sourcing principles, which require balanced criteria. Responsible sourcing highlights that open tendering ensures transparency and fairness but must be used appropriately depending on market conditions.

Explanation

This is an Invitation to Tender.

The only other real document listed in Request for Quotation. This is incorrect because the document asks questions relating to how they will deliver the service. This means price isn't the only factor, which is the case for a RfQ.

Request for Tender and Invitation to Quote are not real things.

Explanation

weighted points systems for assessments should add up to 100. This is 100%.

An example is how this would work is

Price = 50%

Health and Safety questions= 30%

Qualifications = 20%

Explanation

energy, agriculture, metals, livestock are the four trading categories on the stock exchange. Some-times there's a 5th category added which is 'environmental credits'. This is a fairly new thing and you don't need to know anything about this for this exam.

Question no commodities will mainly centre around characteristics of commodities and factors that affect pricing.

Commodities are discussed much more in detail in L5M4. At level 4 you just need a basic overview.

In addition to price, factors like lead times, add-on costs, and past performance are important to ensure the supplier meets the buyer's requirements sustainably and reliably. These criteria align with ethical sourcing by promoting value and accountability beyond just cost considerations.

Explanation

EXW- exworks is a suitable incoterm for transporting goods both by rail and boat. It can be used regardless of the mode of transport. The other three are for transport over water. P. 143 Shipping Incoterms: the Complete Guide - Guided Imports

Some students report a lot of questions on Incoterms in the exam, some say they only had 1. Best bet is to learn them if you possibly can.

Technical capability focuses on the capacity to meet specification, volume, and reliability (including contingency). While maintenance is relevant, the clearest indicator among these options is the proven ability to deliver required quantities and hold contingency stock. Financial gearing and reputational associations are separate selection dimensions (financial/ethical).

Incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and ethical considerations into tender analysis is crucial for:

Adherence to Sustainability Initiatives:Ensuring that suppliers align with the organisation's sustainability goals and legal obligations.

Risk Identification:Assessing ESG factors helps in identifying potential risks in the supply chain, such as environmental violations or unethical labour practices, which can impact the organisation's reputation and operations.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"This unit focuses on responsible procurement practices, ensuring that sourcing decisions align with legal, environmental, and social governance (ESG) principles."

Explanation

tactical is the correct answer; items that are short-term or low value are considered tactical.

Strategic sourcing is long term and high value.

Outsourcing is moving a key business function to an external company.

Insourcing is bringing a previously outsourced part of the company back in-house.

Explanation

The correct answer is current assets and current liabilities. There are many Questions about financial ratios on the exam.

If you're unsure on them I suggest doing further reading outside of the study guide as this will help. I like this youtube video (I'm not associated with the makers of this video but think it's a great way to explain liquidity) Liquidity ratios (youtube.com)

You can be asked to work out liquidity in the exam. If you are asked this, the numbers will be very simple to the point you may be able to do the sums in your head. There is also a calculator on the test app you can use.

Phishing is categorized as fraud because it involves deceptive practices to gain sensitive information or financial benefits. Responsible sourcing includes ensuring that cybersecurity measures are in place to prevent fraud and protect sensitive information within supply chains.

Standards, such as ISO or BS norms, establish clear, universally recognised benchmarks for quality, safety, and performance. Including them in specifications reduces ambiguity, ensuring suppliers know exactly what is required and how compliance will be measured. They do not automatically guarantee lowest pricing or cover all unique buyer requirements. Instead, they improve comparability, fairness, and governance in tendering. Responsible sourcing emphasises use of recognised standards to ensure safety, ethical compliance, and consistent quality, particularly in sensitive categories like healthcare, where patient safety and continuity of service are paramount.

Explanation

The three pillars of sustainability are profit, people and planet. This may also be referred to as social, economic and environmental.

Governance of ethical and sustainable behaviours involves monitoring risk coverage and transparency measures. Reviewing insurance clauses (1) ensures suppliers are prepared to cover liabilities responsibly. Checking conflict of interest registers (3) promotes transparency, reducing risks of corruption or unfair influence. Simply reviewing NDAs (4) or updated policies (2) does not provide direct assurance of ethical and sustainable practices. Responsible sourcing requires robust governance mechanisms that ensure supplier compliance, reduce risk, and maintain ethical integrity across the supply chain.

Explanation

So you can immediately discount the options starting with yes.

Quoting in GBP / £ rather than the supplier's currency reduces the risk to the buyer. It will not re-duce the cost of the import, and will probably increase it as the supplier is then taking on the risk of currency fluctuations.

Thebalance sheet, also known as the statement of financial position, provides a snapshot of an organisation’sassets, liabilities, and equityat a specific point in time. It is the primary financial statement used to analyse what an organisation owns and owes. The profit and loss account focuses on income and expenses, while the cash flow statement shows cash movements. Credit rating reports summarise financial risk but are not financial statements. Ethical and responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to understand balance sheets to assess supplier stability and reduce supply continuity risks.

Secondary sources are data sets and publications that already exist and are not collected directly by the buyer. Examples include published economic indices (A), which provide information on inflation, commodity prices, and market trends, and financial/trade press (D), which offers insights into industries, suppliers, and economic conditions. By contrast, a buyer’s internal database and field observation studies are primary data sources, while supplier marketing materials are biased and less reliable. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to use both secondary and primary sources for comprehensive market analysis, but secondary sources are especially useful for benchmarking and environmental scanning.

International trade relies on proper documentation. A certificate of origin (2) confirms where goods are produced, often required for customs clearance and to determine tariffs. A purchase order (3) provides formal buyer intent and agreement of terms, forming the basis for customs and logistics processes. Product quality statistics (1) and supplier financial position (4) are relevant for supplier selection and monitoring but not directly for import/export processes. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to ensure correct documentation is used to avoid delays, penalties, or breaches of trade regulations.

Explanation

A Bill of Exchange is a payment instruction - it says who will pay whom and when.

Bill of Exchange Definition: Examples and How It Works (investopedia.com)

A full competitive tendering process ensures fairness by treating all suppliers equally, allowing them to compete on a level playing field. This aligns with ethical sourcing principles, especially in the public sector, where transparency and equal opportunity are paramount.

Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, were introduced by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in 1936. These standardized terms are used globally to define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade, helping to avoid misunderstandings by clarifying tasks, costs, and risks involved in the delivery of goods.

Explanation

The correct answer is bribery, corruption and the environment.

ESG stands for environmental and social governance. It's the new buzzword for CIPS and is basically everything to do with ethical procurement- so areas such as bribery and corruption are included as well as the environment.

Option 4 is incorrect as economic doesn't come into it.

Explanation

The correct answer is 'the supplier is able to work at the same technical level as the buyer'. It's about being able to integrate the businesses together in terms of IT systems and such like.

Providing a debrief allows suppliers to understand the tender process and learn areas of improvement, promoting transparency. This practice supports responsible sourcing by fostering a fair, competitive environment and encouraging suppliers to improve their future offerings.

Explanation

a factory ordering a new machine is the correct answer.

Strategic sourcing is for high value, high risk items. The other options given are tactical sourcing as they are low value (eggs, paper and plastic cups).

See p.3 for the differences between tactical and strategic sourcing

Gearing is a measure of a supplier’slong-term financial riskand indicates the proportion of debt used to finance the organisation compared with equity. It is calculated usinglong-term debt (such as long-term loans)in relation toshareholders’ equity (ordinary share capital). High gearing suggests greater reliance on borrowed funds, increasing the risk of financial instability and potential supply disruption. Cost of sales and operating costs relate to profitability, while current liabilities are short-term obligations assessed through liquidity ratios, not gearing. Procurement professionals must understand gearing when conducting financial due diligence to ensure suppliers are financially sustainable and capable of meeting long-term contractual commitments.

A credit rating is a useful but limited indicator of financial health. It reflects a supplier’s likelihood of meeting short-term obligations but may not capture context such as investment stage, government backing, or corrective strategies. Responsible sourcing requires holistic assessments, including liquidity ratios, profitability, gearing, and qualitative factors like market position and management capability. Automatically rejecting suppliers with lower scores can unnecessarily restrict competition or exclude SMEs in emerging markets. Instead, CIPS advocates proportional risk assessment and, where necessary, mitigation measures such as shorter contracts, phased payments, or guarantees.

Explanation

Request for Quotations can include more details than just prices. They can include specs and technical drawings and samples. It's like saying 'we can give you this price with these conditions'.

The other no answer is wrong because RfQ don't always include samples. A sample wouldn't be possible for a quote for an IT consultancy piece of work.

ISO environmental standards (e.g., ISO 14001) provide a structured framework for managing environmental responsibilities. They support sustainability goals by embedding continual improvement, legal compliance, and stakeholder trust. They are relevant to organisations of all sizes and sectors, not just large firms. While they do not automatically guarantee compliance, they enhance systematic control, training, and supplier engagement. Resistance and complexity can be overcome with phased implementation and awareness-building. CIPS emphasises that adoption of recognised standards demonstrates responsible sourcing, aligns with CSR strategies, and reassures stakeholders about commitment to sustainability.

CIPS members who adhere to the CIPS Code of Conduct gain insight into ethical business practices and retain their membership and access to CIPS resources. This commitment to ethical standards supports responsible sourcing by fostering a community of professionals who value integrity and best practices.

Explanation

The CIPS Code of Conduct says to adhere to all laws of countries in which I practice. So if you're in the UK and procure stuff from China, you need to abide by both UK and Chinese laws, not just UK laws.

There's no international procurement laws- these are all different for different countries.

ILO doesn't publish laws.

Explanation

current assets, current liabilities and equity can be found on a balance sheet. Net and gross sales will be found on a profit and loss account.

Explanation

You should investigate automatically low tenders by clarifying the bid with the supplier. It could be they have misunderstood the requirement. Or the bid could be genuine and they can really provide best value for money. But without enquiring, you just don't know.

Explanation

The correct answers are; lead times, product competition and changes in the marketplace.

You wouldn't expect to receive samples or costings from a Request for Information - rather, these should be expected as part of the Tender Competition

A credit rating is one of many tools used to assess a supplier’s financial health. Responsible sourcing requires a comprehensive assessment of suppliers, considering multiple factors, to ensure a balanced and ethical approach to supplier selection.

Multiple sourcing reduces dependency risks and provides flexibility in urgent supply situations. For components needed at short notice, having multiple suppliers ensures continuity and responsiveness. Strategic, high-value, or unique components (B, C) often require single or closer sourcing to ensure collaboration and expertise. Service provision (A) typically benefits from relationship-based sourcing rather than multiple arrangements. Responsible sourcing stresses that multiple sourcing is a risk management tool, best applied where speed, availability, and resilience are essential.

Regularly checking supplier policies and conflict of interest registers helps ensure that suppliers are upholding ethical standards, which supports responsible sourcing practices. This governance activity aligns with ethical guidelines to promote transparency and prevent conflicts that could affect the integrity of the supply chain.

Multi-sourcing allows organisations to diversify their supply base, providing flexibility, and reducing risk by having multiple suppliers. It is an effective strategy to prevent over-dependence on a single source and allows for competition among suppliers, promoting quality and ethical standards in the supply chain.

Explanation

you would use a restricted approach when interest is likely to be high. The buyer needs a method of de-selecting unsuitable bidders and creating a shortlist of acceptable organisations.

For complex requirements you could use both an open or restrictive tender- the difference between the approaches is about how many bids you're likely to get rather than the complexity of it.

Explanation

ISO isn't an indices- it stands for 'International Labour Association'.

The others are all indices that measure economic data; consumer price index, producer price index and gross domestic product.

A Bill of Lading is a critical shipping document in international trade, serving as a receipt for shipped goods and a contract between the shipper and carrier. It is essential for customs clearance and is recognized as a valid document for importing goods into the EU.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"The Bill of Lading (B/L) is a document issued by the shipping company to the operating shipper, which acknowledges that the goods have been received on board."

Phishing is a form of fraud, where deception is used to gain financial advantage or access to sensitive data. It is not corruption (misuse of power), bribery (offering inducements), or a human rights issue. Procurement professionals must be alert to fraud risks in supply chains, including cyber-enabled risks such as phishing and invoice fraud. Responsible sourcing extends to protecting organisational data and finances against such attacks, often through robust controls, training, and supplier verification procedures.

CIPS promotes a constructive and corrective approach when suppliers fall short of ethical standards, especially on critical issues like human rights. Immediately cutting ties can harm workers further and disrupt supply without addressing root causes. A responsible sourcing approach requires buyers to engage suppliers, escalate the concern, and establish a corrective action plan with monitoring to ensure compliance. Only if the supplier refuses to act or breaches persist should termination occur. This supports continuous improvement, supplier development, and ethical due diligence, reflecting global standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Explanation

Incoterms describe who out of the buer and seller; organises transport and what type of transport this is, who pays for insurance, and who organises duty / tariff arrangements when the goods go through customs. See p.131. Note- some students report a lot of questions on Incoterms in the exam, some say they only had 1. If you can, I'd learn them just to be safe.

Questions about equal opportunity and anti-bribery policies assess the supplier's commitment to social and ethical standards. These aspects are part of the ESC criteria, which align with responsible sourcing practices by ensuring suppliers maintain ethical workforce practices and governance.

Explanation

security, consultancy and cleaning are services which are often tendered as they tend to be high value and complex opportunities.

Office supplies and raw materials have less variables so you could use a RFQ for these instead.

A hint for this is also the word services. Security, consultancy and cleaning are services. Raw Materials and Office Supplies are goods.

Explanation

economic indices and comparison websites are secondary sources of data. The other three are examples of primary sources of data.

Primary= you get the data yourself

Secondary = you find the data from somewhere else

Explanation

Incoterms describe the point at which an item is considered 'delivered' and explains who has the risk of what during the transport of the goods.

Explanation

The correct answers are innovation, on time in full deliveries and sustainability.

The other options are pricing mechanisms rather than 'added value'. Added Value is giving the buyer something extra that's not necessarily financial. It can be as simple as delivering orders quicker than expected, or having a dedicated customer service phone line. Something that makes their lives a little easier.

Sourcing services locally can deliversocial and economic benefits, including the creation oflocal employment opportunitiesandeconomic stimulation within the community. Local suppliers often reinvest in the local economy, supporting regional development and social value objectives. While reduced environmental impact may occur, it is not guaranteed for services, and contract management requirements remain regardless of supplier location. Ethical and responsible sourcing encourages consideration of social value outcomes, particularly where procurement decisions can positively impact local communities and stakeholders.

Explanation

Ex-Works has the lowest risk to the supplier- in Exworks the buyer collects the items directly from the supplier - so they have all the issues and risks of transporting it back home.

There are many question on Incoterms CIPS can ask. But as there's such a huge bank of questions it's really hit or miss if you'll get one of those question. Two students sitting the exam at the same time in the same study centre can get different question sets. One person can get 3 Incoterm questions and the other gets 0.

I would learn the major ones- the ones at the ends of the table in particular because these are the ones question are likely to be about. Ex works / Free carrier and Delivered at Place Unloaded/ De-livered Duty Paid in particular.

I like this graph as I'm a visual person. I think it makes it easier to understand than the study guide:

Shipping Incoterms: the Complete Guide - Guided Imports

Transparency International provides the Corruption Perceptions Index, which ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, offering valuable insights into the anti-bribery risks of a specific country. Additionally, understanding the local anti-corruption legislation helps the buyer assess the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms in place, which is crucial when entering into contracts with suppliers in new jurisdictions.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index is a key resource for assessing the risk of corruption in different countries. Local anti-corruption legislation provides the legal context within which suppliers operate, and understanding these laws is essential for ensuring compliance and ethical sourcing."

ITT is appropriate for complex/high-value procurements needing detailed submissions and robust evaluation. RFQ suits simple, well-specified, lower-value buys where price comparison is primary.

Explanation

Coercion is not a type of fraud. The other three are.

The most effective way to demonstrate zero tolerance is by embedding a comprehensive anti-bribery framework: clear policies, mandatory staff and supplier training, reporting channels, and monitoring. Simply requesting suppliers’ policies or avoiding known offenders is reactive, not proactive. Requiring suppliers to read policies without internal enforcement lacks substance. CIPS highlights that robust governance structures, supported by recognised frameworks such as the UK Bribery Act or FCPA, reinforce organisational credibility, protect reputation, and ensure compliance. This builds trust across supply chains and ensures ethical standards are maintained.

Porter's Five Forces and the STEEPLED model are valuable tools for analyzing supply markets. These models help identify external pressures and market dynamics, supporting responsible sourcing by enabling buyers to understand and respond to market influences effectively.

Explanation

Open account (aka credit account) is most beneficial to the buyer. The supplier delivers the goods then the buyer pays.

Cash in advance is most beneficial to the supplier. The buyer pays for the item before receiving it.

This is a known exam topic.

Explanation

The buyer should seek a 'collaborative' relationship. Transactional and arms-length relationships are more suited to tactical sourcing. Partnerships are reserved for joint-ventures.

The balance sheet (statement of financial position) shows assets, liabilities, and equity at a point in time. The profit and loss account (income statement) shows revenues, expenses, and profit over a period. These are the two core statements used to assess supplier stability and performance. The cash flow statement is useful but supplementary, while chairman’s statements are narrative, not financial records. Responsible sourcing emphasises using balance sheet and P&L analysis to evaluate supplier financial strength, ensuring continuity of supply and risk management.

Explanation

Cleaning and Facilities Management are the most appropriate items to outsource. They would not outsource the making of confectionary products as this is the 'core' business.

See p.4 for "what is outsourcing?"

The current ratio is a liquidity ratio that measures a company's ability to pay short-term obligations. It is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. In this case:

Current Assets = $300

Current Liabilities = $150

Current Ratio = 300 ÷ 150 = 2.0

This indicates that the supplier has twice as many current assets as current liabilities, suggesting good short-term financial health.

Explanation

One of the biggest advantages to making an item over buying it is 'improved quality control'.

When you make the product yourself, you can set the quality parameters you require and aren't re-stricted to, or dependant on, what the supplier does. The other options are incorrect- making stuff inhouse would mean you hold more inventory. If the supplier has a higher skillset than you, you would outsource. Threat of substitutions wouldn't impact this decision.

For a list of pros and cons relating to the 'make or buy' decision see p.5. This is a hot topic for the exam.

Expenditure analysis by category/supplier enables buyers to track trends over time (A), supporting benchmarking and financial control. It also identifies opportunities for negotiation (C) by highlighting concentration of spend and potential leverage with suppliers. Marketing strategy, production scheduling, and stock disposal are outside procurement’s primary scope. Responsible sourcing relies on robust spend analysis to identify efficiency opportunities, reduce wasteful expenditure, and support supplier relationship management strategies, all while aligning with sustainability and compliance goals.

Explanation

Carry out due diligence is the correct answer. The other answers are incorrect:

- ensure all 46 suppliers publish an Anti Slavery Statement in line with the Modern Slavery Act is wrong because the question states that some suppliers are international. The legislation is UK, meaning international suppliers don't have to do the statement. It also only applies to companies with a turnover of £36m, and some of Zeb's suppliers may be smaller than this.

- work with less suppliers to reduce the risk of slavery entering the supply chain is a silly answer be-cause Zeb probably needs all of his suppliers. There's probably a reason he uses that many.

- ask all suppliers to get Fair Trade accredited is also a silly answer. Fair Trade only exists in some industries such as cocoa and bananas. Zig Zag Zips is in manufacturing so it's probably not going to be able to fairtrade accredit some of the stuff it buys.

Sourcing relates to identifying suppliers (E) and requesting quotations (D) as part of the market engagement stage of the procurement cycle. By contrast, creating call-off orders, raising requisitions, and goods receipting are post-contract operational activities. Responsible sourcing highlights that supplier identification and quotations are key to ensuring ethical, competitive, and compliant supply chains. These activities help ensure alignment with organisational goals, supplier diversity, and sustainability objectives.

Protectionist measures are designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. The most common form is import duties (tariffs), which raise the landed cost of goods entering the country. This creates a barrier to trade by making imports less competitive compared to local products. Arbitration is a dispute resolution method, not a trade barrier. Carnets are documents for temporary duty-free movement of goods, and inward processing relief is an exemption for goods imported for re-export. Responsible sourcing requires buyers to anticipate the cost and risk implications of protectionism when engaging in international supply.

Explanation

ethics and environment are not a 'right of procurement'.

The 5 rights are price, quality, quantity, time and place.

Explanation

Primary data includes trade fairs and exhibits, and phone calls to current suppliers. The others are examples of secondary data.

Remember primary= you do it yourself, Secondary = someone else did it.

Explanation

Continuity of supply for the buying organisation is an advantage of TUPE regulations.

TUPE is the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment). It's when the workforce / em-ployees of one company go to work for another one, usually after their company is bought out. They're transferred to the new company along with the furniture and buildings.

TUPE is UK specific. You don't need to know too much details about it for this exam - just what it is and the benefits. The main benefit is people don't lose their jobs when their company gets bought out. Basic guide to TUPE (pinsentmasons.com)

Accepting an invitation under such circumstances would violate ethical standards, as it could create a conflict of interest. Ethical sourcing and procurement practices require impartiality, and any perceived favoritism or bias can harm the organisation's integrity.