Free Practice Questions for CIPS L4M4 Exam

When sourcing internationally, one of the first evaluation considerations is the use of Incoterms (B), which define the allocation of transport costs, risks, and responsibilities between buyer and supplier. They are essential for evaluating total cost and risk implications of international offers. Contract management and supplier development are post-award activities, while benchmarking is an internal tool. Responsible sourcing stresses the importance of clear Incoterm agreements to avoid disputes, ensure compliance, and fairly allocate responsibilities in global supply chains.

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.

Intra-company trading aims to optimize internal resources by enhancing production capacity utilization and offsetting fixed costs. By supplying goods or services internally, organizations can achieve economies of scale and better allocate resources. However, compensating for less effective technology or ensuring superior internal technology over external suppliers are not primary objectives of intra-company trading.

Financial assessments help ensure a supplier can meet the demands of a high-value contract without disruptions. This aligns with responsible sourcing principles by promoting stable supplier relationships and reducing the risk of supply chain interruptions due to financial instability.

Liquidity ratios assess a company's capacity to meet its short-term obligations using its most liquid assets. These ratios, such as the current ratio and quick ratio, provide insight into the financial health of a company by indicating whether it has sufficient resources to pay off its immediate liabilities without raising external capital.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Liquidity ratios: − Typical ratios: current ratio, quick ratio, cash flow ratio, etc. − Formulae of those ratios − Implications of liquidity ratios

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.

For low-value, routine purchases where price is the primary consideration, employing a weighted points system may not be necessary. Such systems are more suitable for complex procurements where multiple factors, such as quality, delivery, and sustainability, need to be evaluated alongside price. In the case of purchasing standard items like pens, a straightforward price comparison is typically sufficient.

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)

The bill of lading serves as both a receipt of goods and a document of title, which means it confirms the contract of carriage and can transfer ownership. Responsible sourcing in international trade requires precise documentation, which is why the bill of lading is critical in verifying both carriage and title.

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.