CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Module Purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to describe the key elements and legal aspects of formal commercial contracts, analyse and interpret the fundamentals of specifications and key performance indicators that are included in contractual arrangements made with suppliers.

Module Aims

In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is based around the contracting process. If they are to be successful, contracts must be clearly defined, aligned with legal requirements and contain key clauses and terms.

This module is applicable for all procurement and supply professionals as it highlights legal principles that professionals should consider when developing contractual relations.

Module Purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to devise a business case for requirements to be externally sourced and will understand the role of market management and competitive forces as they specify goods and services in procurement and supply.

Module Aims

The development of a business case and the ability to analyse markets are key if an organisation is to successfully work with external suppliers. Similarly, the clear definition of specifications for through-life contracts is crucial to overall business achievement.

This module is designed for those who are expected to analyse, interpret and evaluate information on the different types of markets utilised by procurement and supply. It explores a variety of elements that underpin the development of business cases and specifications, and considers the options that should be explored when procurement and supply personnel are involved in defining requirements.

Module Purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to explain the options and associated processes available for sourcing with external suppliers. They will also examine the legal and ethical impact and the implications of sustainability, encompassing economic, environmental, social and governance factors on the final sourcing decision.

Module Aims

In any organisation, a significant element of procurement and supply activity is based around decisions to internally conduct activity or to source from an external supplier. The selection of the optimal external suppliers is a vital contributor to overall organisational success.

This module enables professionals with roles in procurement and supply to formulate sourcing strategies and selection criteria to ensure that the organisation can make the best choice of external suppliers. It explains options for sourcing and examines the key processes that can be applied to the analysis of potential external suppliers to ensure sourcing arrangements meet sustainable, environmental, social and ethical goals.

Module Purpose

On completion of this module learners will be able to identify approaches to successfully achieving negotiated commercial agreements with external organisations.

Module Aims

The creation of formalised agreements is a critical part of the success of any organisation. Those involved in procurement and supply activity will therefore be able to effectively negotiate with stakeholders and understand the methods associated with preparing and carrying out commercial negotiations. It enables the learner to analyse approaches to the negotiation of agreements made with external parties, how to prepare for them and what techniques are available to ensure successful outcomes.

Module Purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to explain methods of inventory management, inventory analysis and the concept of whole-life asset management cost, from idea through to disposal.

Module Aims

Whole-life asset management takes into account the total cost of a product or service, from idea through to disposal including purchase, hire or lease, maintenance, operation, utilities, training and disposal. It is important for those involved in procurement and supply to take these elements into consideration when assessing options of buying, renting or leasing equipment. Although costly, there are a range of factors organisations assess to determine the approach to inventory, and the management and control of inventory is an important driver for organisational success.

This module is designed for those with responsibility for the whole-life management of assets and enables learners to analyse methods for inventory movement and control and to consider the concept of whole-life asset cost.

Module Purpose

On completion of this module, learners will be able to analyse the dynamics of supplier relationships, examine the processes and procedures for working with stakeholders and explain the concept of partnering.

Module Aims

In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is based around decisions to source activity from external suppliers. Once agreements have been made, the relationship established with the supplier is paramount to success.

This module is designed for those with responsibility for managing relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders, and those with the responsibility for establishing and developing formal partnership relationships.

Module Aim

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 Purpose

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.