Joining a CIPS qualification programme means you will enter the largest institution in the world for those working in procurement and supply.

A valuable management tool for those moving into junior and middle management procurement roles or those supervising the procurement function.  It focusses on organizational procedures and processes including negotiation, planning, risk management and data analysis.

This Diploma (Level 4) in Procurement and Supply is ideal for those who have previous business experience or qualifications in procurement, purchasing or supply chain operations. On successful completion of Levels 4, 5 and 6 you may apply for full membership of CIPS and use the designatory letters MCIPS after your name. It’s what companies and employers are now looking for.

YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO

The Advanced certificate in procurement and supply operations consists of five compulsory units. All units are assessed individually using a range of assessment methods.

This is a highly intensive training to prepare you to pass all five compulsory units of the Diploma In Procurement And Supply.

The CIPS Level 4 Diploma is an advanced qualification which demonstrates to employers a high level of skills in purchasing and supply. Challenging economic times and growing corporate social responsibility are making the role of buyer more pivotal to any business.

You’ll develop advanced skills in negotiation, and understand the complexities of contracts and other commercial arrangements. You’ll learn how to measure the effectiveness of supply chains and analyze their impact on your business, and delve more deeply into the intricacies of your buyer/supplier relationships. Procurement principles are applied in a number of varied contexts, such as private and public sector, not-for-profit and government: you’ll explore these, and learn how to manage their different needs.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

Requirements

This is the entry point to our CIPS Diploma qualifications and requires a minimum of two A Levels (or international equivalent) or a CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate qualification. Alternatively, you need a minimum of two years’ experience in a business environment.

The CIPS Level 4 Diploma provides natural progression following successful completion of the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate, but it is not essential to join this programme. You can enter the CIPS learning ladder at the CIPS Diploma Level 4 if you are a buyer looking to go into management or if you have at least 2 years’ professional experience in a purchasing, procurement or supply chain role.

This course provides a valuable management tool for those moving into junior and middle management procurement roles or those supervising the procurement function. It focuses on organizational procedures and processes including negotiation, planning, risk management and data analysis.

Assessment

Assessment is via 5 x 3-hour exams and the required pass mark is 50%. Successful exams results are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. All CIPS Level 4 exams are scheduled in January, March, May, July, and November every year throughout CIPS own international test centers.

COURSE OUTLINE

Explain the categories of spend that an organization may purchase

Analyse the impact of the not for profit or third sector on procurement or supply chain roles
Explain the categories of spend that an organization may purchase

Analyse the different sources of added value in procurement and supply

Compare the concepts of procurement and supply chain management

Differentiate the stakeholders that a procurement or supply chain function may have

Explain the main aspects of sourcing processes

Analyse the main stages of a sourcing process

Explain how electronic systems can be used at different stages of the sourcing process

Analyse the relationship between achieving compliance with processes and the achievement of outcomes

Explain the main aspects of corporate governance of a procurement or supply chain function

Analyse the impact of organizational policies and procedures on procurement

Compare the different structures of a procurement or supply chain function

Explain the common IT systems that can be used by a procurement or supply chain function

Identify different economic and industrial sectors

Analyse the impact of the public sector on procurement or supply chain roles

Analyse the impact of the private sector on procurement or supply chain roles

Analyse the impact of the not for profit or third sector on procurement or supply chain roles

Module 2: Business needs in procurement and supply
Analyse how business needs influence procurement decisions

Explain how costs and prices can be estimated for procurement activities

Explain the criteria that can be applied in the creation of a business case

Explain the operation of financial budgets for the control of procurements

Assess different types of specifications used in procurements of products or services

Explain the content of specifications for procurements

Develop examples of key performance indicators (KPIs) in contractual agreements

Explain sources of contractual terms for contracts that are created with external organizations

Interpret examples of contractual terms typically incorporated into contracts that are created with external organizations

Assess the main types of pricing arrangements in commercial agreements

Differentiate outsourcing from other types of procurement

Assess how outsourcing can impact on procurement

Develop a plan for procuring outsourced work or services

Module 3: Sourcing in procurement and supply
Explain the sourcing process in relation to procurement

Compare the main approaches to the sourcing of requirements from suppliers

Develop selection and award criteria that can be commonly applied when sourcing requirements from external suppliers

Explain the main consequences on supply chains when sourcing requirements from suppliers

Choose appropriate selection criteria to inform the identification of appropriate external suppliers in the sourcing plan

Choose a balance of commercial and technical award criteria in the sourcing plan

Produce a plan for the sourcing of goods or services from external suppliers

Identify the main sources of information on potential suppliers’ financial performance

Calculate measures of liquidity, profitability, gearing, investment from relevant financial data on potential suppliers

Evaluate the financial performance of potential suppliers using relevant financial data

Assess commonly used sources of information on market data that can impact on the sourcing of requirements from external suppliers

Explain the main processes used for obtaining quotations and tenders

Evaluate the criteria that can be commonly applied to the assessment of quotations or tenders

Explain how electronic systems can be used to help the sourcing of requirements from external suppliers

Analyse the main legislative, regulatory and organizational requirements when sourcing in the, not for profit, private and public sectors, and international suppliers

Module 4: Negotiating and contracting in procurement and supply
Explain the documentation that can comprise a commercial agreement for the supply of goods or services

Assess the legal issues that relate to the creation of commercial agreements with customers or suppliers

Explain the main types of contractual agreements made between customers and suppliers

Analyse the application of commercial negotiations in the work of procurement and supply

Compare the types of approaches that can be pursued in commercial negotiations

Explain how the balance of power in commercial negotiations can affect outcomes

Analyse the different types of relationships that impact on commercial negotiations

Evaluate costs and prices in commercial negotiations

Explain the economic factors that impact on commercial negotiations

Explain the main variables that can be used in a commercial negotiation

Analyse the resources required for a negotiation

Explain the stages of a commercial negotiation

Evaluate the main methods that can influence the achievement of desired outcomes

Evaluate the main communication skills that help achieve desired outcomes

Explain how to analyze the process and outcomes of the negotiations to inform future practice

Module 5: Managing contracts and relationships in procurement and supply
Classify types of commercial relationships in supply chains

Apply portfolio analysis techniques to assess relationships in supply chains

Classify the competitive forces that impact on relationships in supply chains

Evaluate the elements of a legally binding agreement

Compare implied and express terms that affect performance issues

Explain the recourses for non-performances in contract

Analyse the sources of added value that can be achieved through supply chain relationships

Explain the main approaches to conflict resolution in commercial contracts

Assess the main types of contractual risk

Interpret financial, technical and performance data relating to the performance of contracts

Compare contract management and supplier relationship management

Explain the main techniques for supplier relationship management

Explain the main techniques for supplier development

Explain the main responsibilities of a contract manager

Explain techniques for relationship improvement