L4M1 Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply Questions and Answers

The knowledge to remember: 

A table with text on it Description automatically generated

Essay Plan :

Remember to include examples for each of the six categories of spend. This is specifically asked for in the question so it’s important to include as many examples as you can. To do this you could take an example organisation such as a cake manufacturer and explain which of their purchases would fall into each category and why.

Introduction – explain why procurement categorises spend

- Direct – these are items that are incorporated into the final goods (the cakes) so would include raw materials such as flour, eggs, sugar etc

- Indirect – these are items that the company needs, but don’t go into the end product. For example, cleaning products and MRO supplies for the machines

- Capital Expenditure- these are large one-off purchases, such as buying a new piece of equipment such as a giant oven to cook the cakes.

- Operational Expenditure – these are purchases that are required to ensure the business can function day-to-day. They may include PPE for the workers in the factory and cleaning equipment

- Stock items – these are items procured in advance and held in inventory until they are needed. In a cake manufacturing factory this could be PPE for staff such as hairnets and gloves. The organisation will buy these in bulk and keep them in a stock cupboard, using these as and when they are required

- Non- stock items - items that are not stored and used right away. An example would be eggs- these will need to be put directly into the cakes as they would go off if bought in advance.

Conclusion – the categories are not mutually exclusive – an item can be direct and operational, or indirect and stock. Different companies may use different systems to classify items of spend.

Example Introduction and Conclusion

Introduction

Procurement categorizes spend to efficiently manage resources and make strategic decisions. Three primary ways of categorizing procurement spend include distinguishing between direct and indirect spend, classifying expenditures as capital or operational, and categorizing items as stock or non-stock. These distinctions aid organizations in optimizing their procurement strategies for better resource allocation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, categorizing procurement spend into direct vs. indirect, capital vs. operational, and stock vs. non-stock items is essential for strategic resource management. While these categories provide a structured framework, they are not mutually exclusive, as an item can fall into multiple categories. For example, an item may be both direct and operational or indirect and stock. The flexibility of these categories allows organizations to tailor their procurement strategies based on their specific needs, ensuring efficient resource allocation and effective supply chain management. Different companies may adopt varying categorization approaches depending on their industry, size, and operational requirements.

Tutor notes:

- Because you’ve got 6 categories of spend to talk about you’re only going to need 3-4 sentences for each. Providing you’ve said the category, explained what it is and given one example, you’ll absolutely fly through this type of question

- You could also mention that it is useful to use categories of spend as this helps with budgeting. Different categories may also have different processes to follow for procuring the item (this could form part of your introduction or conclusion).

- This subject is LO 1.3.2 it’s quite spread out in the text book but the main info is on p.49

- Note- different companies/ industries classify items of spend differently. Particularly packaging and salaries. Some say they’re direct costs and some say they’re indirect costs. Honestly, it’s a hotly debated subject and I don’t think there is a right or wrong. I’d just avoid those two examples if you can and stick to ones that aren’t as contentious like eggs and PPE.

How to approach this question

- Sometimes CIPS give you a steer on how to answer the question. My advice is to follow it. The question says you MAY make reference to the following, but I’d use those hints as a guide for content- a paragraph on each and you’re done!

- When you’ve got a ‘may make reference to’ hint – this means you can completely ignore it and do your own thing and bring in your own ideas. May means it’s optional, so you wouldn’t be penalised for this. However, you have to consider the examiner’s mark scheme- it will detail options of stuff you can write for funding, ownership etc. Then there will be a line at the bottom saying something like ‘accept other options such as x and y’. This leaves it up to the examiner to decide whether what you’ve said is relevant. I’d personally not leave it up to chance you get a lenient examiner. If you write what’s definitely going to be on their mark scheme, you’re more likely to get more points.

Example Essay

The modern economy is a complex tapestry of various sectors, each with its own distinct characteristics and functions. The three prominent sectors are the public sector, the private sector, and the third sector. These sectors differ significantly in terms of their funding mechanisms, ownership structures, objectives, the concept of shares, and their administration.

Firstly, the public sector is predominantly funded by the government through taxation, grants, and other forms of public revenue. Its very existence hinges on the provision of essential services and the fulfilment of societal needs. These organizations are owned by the government, be it at the federal, state, or local level. Unlike the private sector, the concept of shares doesn't apply in the public sector. Instead, the government allocates budgets to various departments and agencies for public services and projects. The primary objectives of the public sector revolve around the welfare of the citizens, including the provision ofeducation, healthcare, defence, and infrastructure. It is characterized by bureaucratic administration, with decision-making processes subject to governmental regulations and oversight. A prime example is public schools and healthcare systems, which are funded and operated by the government with the primary objective of ensuring universal access to education and healthcare services.

In contrast, the private sector operates on a starkly different paradigm. It is primarily funded by private capital, investment, and profit-seeking activities. Private individuals and corporations own these entities, with ownership shares often represented by stocks. Shareholders invest capital in exchange for ownership stakes and the potential for dividends. The central objective in the private sector is profit maximization, driven by competition in the market. Companies in the private sector are administered by management teams and boards of directors, with decisions guided by market forces. Apple and ExxonMobil are examples of private sector entities, privately owned and publicly traded, with profit motives at their core. Shareholders invest in these companies with the expectation of financial returns.

Lastly, the third sector, often referred to as the nonprofit or voluntary sector, represents a unique economic sphere. It relies on a combination of funding sources, including donations, grants, and earned income, but not taxation. Third sector organizations are not owned by individuals or shareholders; instead, they are governed by boards of directors or trustees. Unlike the private sectors, shares are not applicable in the third sector. These organizations do not seek to distribute profits to owners. The primary objective of the third sector is to serve a social or community purpose, such as addressing societal issues, promoting social change, and providing services that benefit the public. Administration in this sector is overseen by non-profit boards, and it heavily relies on volunteers, philanthropy, and community engagement. For example, the Red Cross operates with the objective of providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, relying on donations and volunteers to fulfil its mission. Any profits that are made are reinvested into the organisation to further its mission.

In conclusion, the public, private, and third sectors represent diverse economic domains, each with its own funding mechanisms, ownership structures, objectives, and administrative models. These sectors play essential and complementary roles in society, contributing to economic development, public welfare, and social progress. Together, they form the foundation of a balanced and dynamic economic landscape.

Tutor Notes

- I’ve structured this essay with a paragraph on each sector, but you could have done a paragraph on each theme, thus having 5 paragraphs instead of 3. Either approach works.

- You’ve got 5 things and 3 sectors, that equals 15 marks. If you give an example of each and a strong intro and conclusion, that’s full marks.

- See LO 4.1 p. 203 – there’s a cute table with this information on.

How to approach this question

- Description of the ‘third sector’ - the part of an economy comprising non-governmental and non-profit-making organisations including charities, voluntary and community groups, and cooperatives. These organisations reinvest surplus profits back into the enterprise to further their objectives. This is worth 10 points so should be a good 2-3 paragraphs, with examples.

- Main objectives – these could include engaging with stakeholders, social or environmental aims, education, providing a service to the community, stewardship role. There’s more points for this question so you should have more content here.

Example Essay

The 'Third Sector' refers to a segment of the economy distinct from the public (government) sector and the private (for-profit) sector. It encompasses a diverse range of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, foundations, social enterprises, cooperatives, and other non-profit entities. These organizations are primarily driven by social, environmental, cultural, or community objectives rather than the pursuit of profit. They often operate based on values such as democracy, equality, and social justice. The Third Sector plays a crucial role in providing services, advocating for social causes, and filling gaps left by the public and private sectors.

The third sector is often called the ‘not-for profit’ sector. It’s distinguished from the private sector in that the main aim isn’t to make money for money's sake. The main aim is to generate money to reinvest back into the organisation so that the organisation can achieve the purpose it was set up for. Whereas the private sector may exist solely to make money, the third sector has a ‘higher aim’.

Organisations operate in a very narrow marketplace. They may be the only provider in that marketplace. For example the RNLI is the only operator of lifeboats and the only organisation that sets out to save lives at sea- there is no ‘competitor’.

3rd Sector Organisations have multiple sources of income; e.g. subscriptions or donations, or from donated goods that they then sell on (such as Oxfam shops), fundraising activities or selling merchandise. The sector also has a wide range of stakeholders.

The third sector is subject to same regulations as private and public companies but also has its own regulations imposed by the Charities Commission. This is a statutory regulation body which checks charities are run for public benefit and not private advantage, ensures charities are independent, and sets out to remedy serious mismanagement. They can audit, offer advice and investigate complaints. Therefore the sector is highly regulated.

Organisations in this sector have a huge range of objectives depending on why they were set up. These can be very specific, for example: charities such as Cancer Research (objective- find a cure for cancer), Museums (objective- educate the public), CIPS (objective - provide professional services to a particular industry), trade unions (objective- defend the rights of workers), pressure groups (objective- change laws and practices they morally disagree with).

However organisations in this sector do have overarching objectives in common.

1. Survival – Generating Enough Money to Continue Operations: Survival is a fundamental objective for Third Sector organizations. Unlike for-profit entities, these organizations do not aim to generate profits for shareholders but need sufficient funding to sustain their operations. This funding often comes from donations, grants, fundraising activities, and sometimes income from services provided. The challenge lies in balancing the mission with the need for financial stability, ensuring that the organization can continue to serve its community and pursue its goals over the long term. Financial sustainability is crucial, particularly in a sector where funding sources can be uncertain and competition for donations is high.

2. Creating Awareness of Their Cause: Raising awareness is vital for Third Sector organizations, as it helps to educate the public, garner support, attract volunteers, and drive fundraising efforts. Awareness campaigns are essential in highlighting the issues these organizations address, whether it's health, environmental conservation, social justice, or cultural preservation. Effective communication strategies, including the use of social media, public events, and collaborations, are employed to reach a wider audience. The more people know about a cause, the more likely they are to support it, either through donations, volunteering, or advocacy.

3. Compliance with Regulations and the Charities Commission: Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is a critical objective. In many countries, including the UK, Third Sector organizations are regulated by bodies like the Charities Commission. These organizations must adhere to specific legal standards, including financial transparency, governance practices, and ethical guidelines. Compliance ensures credibility and trustworthiness, which are essential for maintaining public confidence and the continued support of donors and volunteers. It also ensures that the organization operates within the law, avoiding legal issues that could jeopardize its mission.

4. Providing a Service to the Community: The core of a Third Sector organization's mission is to provide services or benefits to the community. These organizations often address needs that are unmet by the private or public sectors, focusing on improving the quality of life for certain populations or addressing specific societal issues. This objective can take many forms, from offering direct services like healthcare and education to advocating for policy changes that benefit underserved communities. The impact of these services on the community can be profound, often bringing about significant social change.

5. Fulfilling a ‘Gap in the Market’: Many Third Sector organizations exist to fill gaps in services not provided by the public or private sectors. A classic example is the provision of air ambulance services in the UK. While the government provides comprehensive healthcare services, there's a gap in the rapid transportation of critically ill patients, which is filled bycharities operating air ambulances. These organizations identify specific needs that are not adequately addressed and work to meet them, often innovating in the process. By fulfilling these gaps, they play a crucial role in complementing existing services and enhancing the overall welfare of society.

In conclusion, Third Sector organizations operate with a unique set of objectives that distinguish them from other sectors. Their focus on survival, awareness-raising, compliance, community service, and filling market gaps is essential not only for their existence but also for the significant societal impact they make. These objectives align with the overarching mission of the Third Sector to contribute positively to society, addressing needs and issues often overlooked by other sectors.

Tutor Notes:

- A strong essay will use real life examples of organisations in the third sector and their objectives. I’ve mentioned a couple above such as Cancer Research UK: Our strategy to beat cancer | Cancer Research UK and North West Air Ambulance Charity: Home | North West Air Ambulance Charity (nwairambulance.org.uk) but pick charities you know well.

- LO 4.4. P.230

- Firstly start with a definition of Corporate Governance – this means the rules, policies, processes and organisational structures that ensure an organisation adheres to accepted ethical standards, good practices, the law and regulations. It’s the systems put in place which directs and controls organisations to do ‘the right thing’.

- Then move on to discuss why having this is important – I’d maybe think of 3-4 examples here such as: protects the interest of shareholders, reduces risk, moral obligations, legal obligations

- The last part of your essay should talk about the 2 obstacles – describe two from the following list: lack of executive support, poor stakeholder co-operation, lack of clarity and / or resources, having poor IT systems, lack of co-ordination of procurement responsibilities. Because you’re only talking about 2 here, you’ll need to go into detail about them. So pick 2 you know well. Don’t be tempted to talk about more than 2. You won’t get extra marks.

Example Essay:

Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, processes, and structures by which a company is directed and controlled. It encompasses the relationships among a company's management, its board of directors, shareholders, and other stakeholders. The primary objective of corporate governance is to ensure that the company operates in an ethical, transparent, and accountable manner, safeguarding the interests of shareholders and promoting long-term value creation. Corporate governance can be defined internally (by shareholders/ managers) or externally (by governments and international standard-setting bodies such as ISO) and is important for all organisations

Corporate governance is needed because you can’t assume everyone will act ethically- rules and procedures need to be written down and the organisation needs to have recourse for dealing with behaviour that falls outside of what is accepted. Procurement’s role in Corporate Governance includes control over finance and expenditure, ensuring the supply chain is ‘clean’ (i.e. not involved in unethical business practices such as child labour) and risk management.

Why having a corporate governance structure is important:

1) The procurement department has a ‘stewardship’ role – it controls large sums of organisation’s funds. There are many opportunities to commit fraud, make unethical or biased decisions so it’s important that there are corporate governance structures in place to prevent this. It protects the organisation from individuals with bad intent, scandal, and legal repercussions.

2) Strong Corporate Governance is required to successfully manage a supply chain. It’s important to ensure good relationships- suppliers need to see you as a ‘good customer’. If your organisation is seen to be unethical or underhand, suppliers may not want to work with you.

3) Financial impact – where corporate governance isn’t implemented, there may be financial costs for the organisation. For example, in the Public Sector if a supplier successfully challenges a tender award, the buyer may have to award the value of the tender – so there’s financial impact on a company if corporate governance isn’t followed.

Obstacle 1 – lack of senior management support

Unless there is buy-in from the senior leadership team it will not be possible for departments such as Procurement to implement sound Corporate Governance procedures. Corporate Governance needs to be directed from the top of an organisation to ensure all departments and staff give importance to this. If Senior Leadership are seen not to care about implementing or following Corporate Governance, other staff won’t care either. They need to lead by example to ensure the whole organisation ‘buys into’ the processes.

Obstacle 2 – Poor IT infrastructure.

For Corporate Governance to be effective, an effective IT system must be implemented. For example, to avoid fraud it’s not just necessary to have a written anti-fraud policy, there must be ways of checking that fraud isn’t being committed. The way to do this is to have an effective IT system which can flag anomaly payments and procurement activities outside of what is considered ‘normal’. Therefore, having a poor IT infrastructure is a barrier to effective Corporate Governance.

In conclusion, corporate governance is essential for building trust among stakeholders and contributing to the overall success and sustainability of a company. Effective governance structures and practices instil confidence in investors, enhance the company's reputation, and foster a culture of responsibility and accountability throughout the organization. Good corporate governance is a cornerstone of sound business management and contributes to the long-term prosperity of the company.

Tutor Notes

- Corporate Governance became a big thing in the 70s and 80s following high profile scandals and the collapse of several companies. Investors were concerned about what companies were doing which led to increased control on the powers of directors and greater transparency of corporate actions.

- Examples of Corporate Governance. Enron is a good real life example you could use: Impact of Bad Corporate Governance - Corporate Fraud and Corruption: A Holistic Approach to Preventing Financial Crises (ebrary.net)

- This is a really good real-life example of Public Sector procurement gone wrong: Flawed nuclear tender sees £100m payout to firms - BBC News

- Adding in some real life examples will take your essay from a Merit result (50-70%) to a Distinction (70% +)

- Another way this topic can come up as a question is describing the elements of corporate governance, or asking what a procurement manager should do when corporate governance is broken/ not followed.

- LO 3.1 p.117

How to approach the question

Your answer should provide details on 3 of the following:

- Contract Award and Implementation

- Warehouse Logistics

- Contract performance and Improvement

- Supplier Relationship Management

- Asset Management

Because the question is only asking for 3 stages, you’re going to have to go much more into detail for each stage, giving lots of information about why each stage is important and examples. You could consider thinking of an example procurement you have done recently and explaining the stages for that. Or you could take a hypothetical procurement too. Either will get you the same marks. Pick the three that you can write the most about.

Essay Plan

Introduction – explain that sourcing of goods and the role of Procurement doesn’t end once a contract is signed. There is ongoing management and processes which must be carried out to ensure success.

Paragraph 1 – Contract Performance and Improvement

· This is about ensuring contract obligations are fulfilled. Contract administration includes P2P procedures, database management, budgeting / costs monitoring, reporting and dispute resolution

· Procurement’s role may be in managing contract performance through the use of SLAs and / or KPIs. This can be done via reporting, using a Supplier Scorecard and meeting regularly to discuss.

· It’s important KPIs are measured and that there are consequences for failing to meet them. An example of consequences could be using a Performance Improvement Plan.

· Contract Management also includes updating the contract where required – e.g. issuing variations to contract and updating the change control log

· Another important aspect of this is ensuring the costs remain within scope of the budget

· Contract performance can be compared if you have several suppliers delivering the same goods- could use a Factor Rating Method.

· Performance could be measured against several criteria such as on time deliveries, response time of supplier, number of complaints.

Paragraph 2 – Supplier Relationship Management

· There is a difference between managing the contract and managing the supplier relationship. It’s possible to have excellent contract performance and a terrible relationship. However, the two are generally linked- where there is a good relationship, the contract often performs well.

· The supplier management approach depends on where the relationship falls on the relationship spectrum (e.g. transactional or collaborative)

· This involves; maintaining regular contact with the supplier, motivating the supplier, working collaboratively with them (e.g. on performance issues or resolving any disputes)

· Incentivising the supplier leads to collaboration and mutual support

· To assess or rank suppliers you could use a vendor rating method or supplier evaluation forms

· Supplier relationship management may involve investing in the supplier- e.g. through training or technology sharing

Paragraph 3 – Asset Management

· Includes creating a post contract ‘lessons-learned’

· Assessments should be carried out to determine if business requirements have changed, whether the agreement is still required and fit for purpose, what can be learnt from the process and how improvements can be incorporated next time.

· This is the final stage of the Procurement Cycle and takes us back to the start of cycle, which begins again when the item needs to be reprocured

· Whole life costing should be considered at this stage: this is the total cost of ownership over the life of an asset. The concept is also known as life-cycle cost (LCC) or lifetime cost, and is commonly referred to as "cradle to grave" or "womb to tomb" costs.

· Generally used on large purchases such as machinery and vehicles. Full Asset Management may not necessary for direct cost items such as raw materials incorporated into final goods.

· Considerations may include; costs of running the asset, how long it will perform, insurance, maintenance, opportunity costs, disposing of the asset.

· Also consider environmental and social impacts of the procurement.

Conclusion – it is important that procurement are involved at every stage of the cycle, not just in the pre-award stages. Procurement can add value at every stage.

Tutor Notes

- Depending on the examples you choose to use, you could talk about how the type of item procured could impact on the different stages. For example, high risk purchases may require more contract management than low risk purchases, and capital expenditure items such as new machinery may require more attention to the Asset Management stage.

- You could also think about how procurement adds value at each of the stages.

- Study guide p. 79

How to approach this question:

- There are 3 terms and an advantage and disadvantage for each you need to talk about. So that’s 9 things. Out of 25 points you can see you’ll probably only get 1-2 points for each aspect of the question. That shows you the level of detail you need to include – not that much!

- In terms of structure feel free to use headings and bullet points for this one

Example Essay

Outsourced procurement, shared service units (SSUs), and consortium procurement are distinct approaches to managing procurement activities within organizations. Each method carries its own set of advantages and disadvantages, catering to different organizational needs and circumstances.

Outsourced Procurement: Outsourced procurement involves engaging a procurement consultant or an external organization to provide advice or handle the entire procurement process on behalf of the company. The advantages of outsourced procurement are that it frees up internal resources, allowing them to focus on other tasks. The expertise and skills brought by external consultants can also fill gaps in the organization's capabilities. Moreover, this approach is flexible, adapting well to irregular procurement needs. However, drawbacks include a potential loss of control, higher costs, the need for an additional management layer, and the risk of losing intellectual property (IP).

Shared Service Unit (SSU): A Shared Service Unit is an internal procurement support function within an organization that various divisions can access for assistance, resembling the outsourcing concept but within the organizational structure. The advantages of SSUs lie in potential cost savings, the ability to aggregate demand, and the establishment of common standards and processes across the company. The expertise utilized is internal, providing a sense of familiarity. The disadvantage is that measuring the success of an SSU can be challenging, and there is a risk of stifling innovation. The unit may also be perceived as remote from end users, and procurement processes might be slower due to serving multiple departments.

Consortium Procurement: Consortium procurement involves a collective effort where separate organizations join forces to purchase goods, thereby increasing their bargaining power. The advantages of this approach are in the aggregated demand, resulting in more economical purchases. Pooling knowledge and expertise within the consortium enhances the collective capabilities of its members, providing a sense of safety in numbers. However, disadvantages include a potential loss of individual organizational power, prolonged decision-making processes within the consortium, challenges in responding quickly to demands, and the potential hindrance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) competing if demand is aggregated.

In conclusion, organizations must carefully consider their specific needs, priorities, and the nature of their procurement requirements when choosing between outsourced procurement, SSUs, or consortium procurement. Each approach offers unique benefits and challenges, and the decision-making process should align with the organization's overall goals and strategies.

Tutor Notes:

- I’ve named lots of advantages and disadvantages for each of the models. 1-2 advantages and disadvantages of each is all you need to secure you the marks. Remember you only have 35 minutes to write this. A danger with this type of question is spending too long on one aspect of the question and running out of time to answer the rest of it.

- A good idea is to pace yourself and give yourself 10 minutes per term (outsourced, SSU and consortium) then 5 minutes at the end to review and edit your response.

- Some further details you may wish to include:

- Outsourced procurement – this is often used when the organisation doesn’t have the expertise to procure the item they need. This often happens for complex / technical procurements or highly regulated industries. An example may be a housing provider who runs a block of flats where the lift has just broken down and cannot be fixed. They need to procure a new lift but have no idea how to write a specification for this as they don’t have the technical knowledge of how lifts work. Hiring a consultant who is experienced in tendering for lifts, although expensive, may actually save money by reducing the risk of procuring the wrong thing.

- SSU – a Shared Service Unit acts as a support function for the organisation. This is described in Porter’s Value Chain- all other departments can call on the SSU when they require assistance. The SSU is responsible for managing its own costs, employs its own resources and may have contractual agreements with other divisions. The main aim of the SSU is to add value. SSUs are common in large organisations where the core activities don’t revolve around procurement (such as finance and service industries).

- Consortium – Consortium buying is encouraged in the public sector in order to maximise value for money. Consortiums can create their own Frameworks. There is a risk that large consortia can abuse their dominant market position.

- LO 3.3 p. 161

How to approach this question

- For the first part of the question you should look to give a definition of the public sector, think about it’s characteristics and give so examples e.g. local government, hospitals, libraries.

- For the second part try to explain 4-5 objectives. Try to remain as broad as you can – think about objectives that all public sector organisations have in common rather than anything very specific to one organisation, what the question is looking for is the higher level, more broad aims.

Example Essay

A public sector organization, is a branch of government responsible for providing a wide range of services and functions to citizens and communities. It is funded by taxpayers' money and operates under governmental authority at various levels, including federal, state, and local governments. Public sector organizations can encompass government departments, agencies, authorities, and public enterprises. The main objectives of these organizations are multifaceted, aimed at serving the public interest and ensuring the efficient functioning of society. Examples include hospitals, schools and libraries. In this essay, we will explore the primary objectives of public sector organizations: improving services, achieving value for money, supporting communities and social value, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Improving Services:

One of the central objectives of public sector organizations is to enhance the quality and accessibility of services provided to the public. These services can range from healthcare and education to transportation and public safety. The focus is on improving the well-being of citizens by ensuring that essential services are accessible, efficient, and responsive to evolving societal needs. For example, public healthcare systems aim to deliver high-quality medical services to all citizens, striving to reduce health disparities and provide equitable care.

Value for Money:

Public sector organizations are entrusted with the responsible and efficient use of public funds. Achieving value for money is a critical objective, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely and that resources are allocated efficiently. Government agencies are tasked with optimizing budgets, reducing waste, and delivering services in a cost-effective manner. For instance, public infrastructure projects must be designed and executed to maximize benefits while minimizing costs and delays.

Supporting Communities and Social Value:

Public sector organizations play a pivotal role in supporting communities and generating social value. This objective involves initiatives and policies aimed at fostering community well-being, economic development, and social cohesion. It includes activities such as urban planning, affordable housing initiatives, and community development programs. By focusing on supporting communities, public sector organizations contribute to the overall betterment of society, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents. In the UK it is a legal requirement for all large public sector contracts to consider Social Value, in line with the Social Value Act 2012.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):

Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is another fundamental objective of public sector organizations. These organizations are tasked with ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities and services. This objective encompasses anti-discrimination policies, diversity hiring practices, and programs that address societal inequalities. Public sector entities strive to create environments where individuals of diverse backgrounds can thrive and participate fully in public life, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other characteristics.

In conclusion, public sector organizations serve as key agents in addressing societal needs and promoting the common good. Their objectives encompass improving services,achieving value for money, supporting communities and social value, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). By pursuing these objectives, public sector organizations contribute to the welfare and development of society, ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and equitably. They play a vital role in shaping the overall well-being and progress of their respective communities and nations.

Tutor Notes

- The study guide talks about the main objective of the public sector as being ‘to improve services’. This is true, but in reality, the public sector may be the only people providing that service. They may be providing a service that the private sector can’t or won’t because it’s simply not profitable. An example is the Forestry Commission which looks at protecting forests and conducting research on forests. No private sector organisation is going to do that because there’s simply no money in it.

- With a lot of public sector organisations there are competing private sector organisations, just look at medical care and the rise of private health insurance. Same with transport. This essay doesn’t ask you to talk about this, and it is outside of the scope of the study guide but it’s an interesting observation: traditionally the aim of the public sector was to serve the public, nowadays it’s actually competing with private sector organisations to do this!

- Social Value Act for anyone who’s not familiar: Social Value Act: information and resources - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

- There’s 2 main approaches to layout you could take for this question. Firstly, divide your essay into three sections for the public, private and third sectors and talk about the key drivers for each sector separately. Alternatively, you could select a couple of drivers and form paragraphs around them, explaining in each paragraph whether the driver is strong or weak or even applicable for the different sectors.

- Drivers you could talk about include attitudes towards money, survival in the industry, differentiation, need for transparency, resources available, stakeholders, regulatory compliance

- Your answer should say why these are drivers in each of the industries, whether these drivers are strong or weak and why.

Example essay:

Organizations across the public, private, and third sectors operate within different paradigms, driven by distinct motivations and constraints. Understanding these key drivers is essential for comprehending how these organizations function and achieve their objectives. This essay explores the fundamental drivers of organizations in each of these sectors, focusing on attitudes towards money, survival, differentiation, need for transparency, resource allocation, and stakeholder management.

Attitudes Towards Money:

The approach to profit significantly differentiates the sectors. In the private sector, profit is a primary driver, essential for survival and rewarding shareholders. Conversely, the public sector is not profit-driven; its primary aim is to provide essential services to society, regardless of financial gain. The third sector, often termed 'not-for-profit', also requires profit generation, but uniquely, all profits are reinvested into the organization to further its aims, rather than being distributed as shareholder dividends. The Public-Sector needs to ‘balance the books’ but it is not a profit-generating area of the economy. The priority around money is ensuring that taxpayer money is well spend and that procurement activities represent value for money.

Survival in the Industry:

Survival strategies vary across sectors. Private and third sector organizations must focus keenly on survival, necessitating efficiency and sound business processes. The public sector, by contrast, can continue operating even when inefficient or running at a deficit, as seen in cases like local councils operating with budget shortfalls. This difference underscores a greater urgency for efficient management in the private and third sectors.

Differentiation:

Differentiation is a key driver in the private sector due to competition. Private entities often strive to distinguish their goods or services to gain a competitive edge, either through cost competitiveness or unique offerings. However, differentiation is less of a driver in the public and third sectors, where organizations are often sole providers of certain services or focus on specific social causes without direct competition.

Need for Transparency and Regulatory Compliance:

Transparency and adherence to regulations are paramount in the public and third (not-for-profit) sectors. These sectors are highly regulated, with public organizations adhering to regulations like the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and third sector organizations following guidelines set by bodies like the Charities Commission. The public's right to information through mechanisms like Freedom of Information requests further underscores this need for transparency. In contrast, the private sector faces less pressure for transparency, though it is not entirely exempt from regulatory compliance.

Resource Availability:

The availability and management of resources are different across sectors. Public and third sector organizations often operate with limited funds, making value for money a critical driver. They must achieve their objectives within these financial constraints. In contrast, the private sector generally has greater flexibility in resource acquisition, able to raise funds through loans or share sales, providing them with a broader scope for investment and expansion.

Stakeholder Management:

Stakeholder dynamics vary significantly among sectors. Public and third sector organizations often have a wide range of stakeholders, though these stakeholders may not wield significant power. Conversely, stakeholders in private organizations, like employees, can exert considerable influence, as seen in cases where employees might strike for better working conditions. Therefore, managing and satisfying stakeholders can be a more pressing concern in the private sector compared to the public sector, where actions like strikes can be legally restricted.

Conclusion:

In summary, organizations in the public, private, and third sectors are driven by different motivations and constraints. While profit is a major driver in the private and third sectors, it serves different purposes in each. Survival strategies, the need for differentiation, transparency requirements, resource management, and stakeholder relations all vary significantly across these sectors, reflecting the distinct roles and responsibilities they hold in society. Understanding these key drivers is crucial for anyone looking to navigate or interact with these diverse organizational landscapes effectively.

Tutor Notes:

- If you’re asked about different sectors of the economy it can be difficult to know what to talk about. An easy way to remember topics you can discuss in your essay is the acronym CAROLS which stands for: Competition, Activity, Responsibilities, Objectives, Legal Restrictions and Stakeholders. This acronym may generate some ideas of things you can discuss in your essay.

- This question takes some content from different Learning Outcomes throughout L4. Charities are discussed separately from Public and Private Sectors in LO 4.4 p.230.

How to approach this question:

- This is quite an open question and there are many different things you could mention. One way to approach it would be to use Carter’s 10 Cs- discuss a couple of these. OR just give a couple of criteria in different paragraphs. Some ideas include: Supplier financial status, Reputation / References, Quality, Availability, CSR Policies / Ethics / Environmental considerations, Accreditations, Added Value. This list is not exhaustive.

- If you’re going for Carter’s 10 Cs you could name a couple of these: competency, consistency, capability, control, cost, cash, clean, communication, culture, commitment

- I don’t think either approach is better or worse. Choose the criteria you know the most about and write about those.

- The question doesn’t tell you how many criteria to name, so you have to make a judgement call here. I would aim for 5-6. But if you can only remember 4 that’s fine. The main thing they’re looking for is that you explain for each one 1) what it is 2) how procurement can check 3) why procurement would look at that criteria 4) an example. If you do too many you risk not going into enough detail on each. It’s a balance. 5 is always a good number to aim for if the question doesn’t state.

Example Essay

In the procurement cycle, the supplier selection phase is a critical juncture that demands consideration. Procurement Managers shoulder the responsibility of identifying and awarding contracts to suppliers who not only meet immediate needs, but contribute to the long-term success of the organization. This essay explores various criteria a Procurement Manager can employ to ensure the selection of the best supplier: financial stability, reputation, quality, availability, CSR policies, and added value.

Financial stability is a foundational criterion in supplier selection. Assessing a supplier's financial status involves a multifaceted evaluation, with liquidity and gearing ratio taking center stage. The acid test, comparing short-term assets to liabilities, offers insights into a supplier's ability to settle debts promptly, with a ratio exceeding 1 indicating financial health. Meanwhile, the gearing ratio, reflecting the proportion of capital funded by loans,aids in gauging financial risk, with a ratio below 50% considered low-risk. Relying on published Profit and Loss statements and income statements, along with financial credit checks from platforms like Dun and Bradstreet, empowers Procurement Managers to make informed decisions. This financial scrutiny is imperative to avoid entering contracts with suppliers facing imminent financial struggles, safeguarding against potential disruptions to the supply chain.

Reputation and references are another pivotal criterion. Seeking references from previous contracts allows Procurement Managers to gauge a supplier's track record in successfully delivering on similar commitments. Independent reviews and informal market inquiries supplement this information, providing a holistic understanding of a supplier's performance. However, caution is advised in overreliance on past performance, as variables like personnel changes or contract scale differences may impact outcomes. Recognizing that past shortcomings may have been addressed internally further emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to reference evaluation.

Thirdly, Quality. Beyond the product itself, considerations extend to the supplier's technological capabilities, manufacturing processes, and relevant accreditations such as ISO 9001. Physical visits to supplier sites may be warranted, especially for products like raw materials where samples can be requested. Adhering to recognized safety standards and assessing factors like fire retardancy ensures that the quality of manufactured goods aligns with established benchmarks.

Next, Availability is another important criteria to consider. Procurement Managers must evaluate a supplier's capacity and capability to meet specific requirements. Inquiries about existing contracts and flexibility in response to demand fluctuations provide insights into a supplier's commitment and responsiveness. Assessing the supplier's workload and the significance of the buyer in their client portfolio helps determine the level of attention and service the buyer can expect. A buyer may wish to avoid working for a supplier who is already stretched very thinly with other contracts.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and ethical considerations have gained prominence in supplier selection. Beyond legal compliance, Procurement Managers may scrutinize a supplier's history for convictions or negative press related to corruption, bribery, or fraud. The presence of a Modern Slavery Policy and Environmental Policy, along with relevant accreditations like ISO14001 or Fair Trade certification, attests to a supplier's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Procurement would likely seek to appoint a supplier who’s CSR vision aligns with their own company’s.

Lastly, added value is an important criteria to consider. This is particularly so for Public Sector Organizations governed by the Social Value Act. In addition to meeting contractual requirements, suppliers may offer knowledge sharing, training, improved processes, or contribute to social value by employing local community members or providing apprenticeships. This criterion aligns procurement decisions with broader organizational goals, enhancing the overall impact of supplier relationships and benefitting the local community.

In conclusion, a careful combination of financial scrutiny, reputation assessment, quality evaluation, availability considerations, CSR policies, and added value analysis forms the bedrock of effective supplier selection in the procurement cycle. Procurement Managers, armed with a holistic understanding of these criteria, should seek not only to fulfil immediate needs, but also consider the long-term impact of supplier appointments.

Tutor Notes

- A ‘good’ scoring answer (50-70%) will explain the criteria well and give examples. If you’re looking for a distinction level answer (70% +) you could also mention advantages, disadvantages and risks associated with each of the criteria. For example, when looking at references and reputation it’s important to know that a supplier would only ever provide a good reference to you, they would never tell you of a contract that failed. Another example is that financial data may be skewed- a supplier may have a low score if they are just starting up or have recently remortgaged a property. It’s therefore important to get a commentary as well as the figures / scores.

- You could also mention that criteria could be weighted e.g. more importance given to quality than financial status and also consider how easy or difficult it would be to get the information e.g. a supplier may say they have lots of availability to deliver the service you require, but they may just be saying this to win business. How do you know for sure?

- Social Value Act isn’t in this syllabus. If you work in Public Sector procurement it’s something you’ll be very familiar with. If you don’t or you’re outside of the UK do not worry about this. I’ve just included it to show how you can bring in your own knowledge to questions like this. You could think of particular criteria that’s important to your industry and write about that. The Social Value Act: What is it, and why is it important? (samtaler.co.uk)

- Study guide p.77