A credit rating generates a score which reflects 'the level of risk an organisation poses when dealing with other businesses'. It's saying how risky it is to loan them money or do business with them by looking at how good they are at paying people. So a high credit rating will say they're good at paying back their loans and paying their suppliers on time. A poor credit rating will say they often miss payments or pay late.
A credit rating will not tell you how much money they have, or details on their prices. Credit scores looks at purely financial data so wouldn't help you analyse whether their business practices are ethical or not.
Question # 82
One approach to managing supply risk is having multiple suppliers for a product. Which condition justifies multiple sourcing?
A.
It is suitable for high-value, one-off requirements such as machinery
B.
It increases risk and costs of switching suppliers
C.
It is suitable for high-value requirements such as raw materials
Multiple sourcing is most suitable for strategically important, high-value requirements such as raw materials. This approach reduces dependency on a single supplier, improves resilience, and increases competition. One-off requirements like machinery (A) are not suited to multiple sourcing, while options B and D describe disadvantages, not benefits. Responsible sourcing requires risk mitigation strategies tailored to the category, and multiple sourcing is effective where continuity and bargaining power are critical.
[Reference: CIPS L4M4 Study Guide (v2), LO: “Application†– sourcing strategies and supply risk management., , , ]
Question # 83
Which of the following is an advantage to the TUPE regulations?
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)
Question # 84
When might a company send a Request for Information (RFI) instead of a Request for Quotation (RFQ)? (Select TWO)
A.
To obtain indicative prices that could be offered for a range of required products
B.
To negotiate the payment terms detailed in the terms and conditions of sale
C.
To ask for details of the product or range of services that the supplier has to offer
D.
To establish the details of environmental and quality certificates that the supplier may have
E.
To determine whether the supplier can fulfil a purchase order already placed
An RFI is an exploratory tool, used to gather information before specifications or tendering. It is appropriate for obtaining indicative pricing (A), understanding the range of products/services (C), and confirming certifications like environmental or quality standards (D). RFQs, by contrast, request firm pricing based on defined specifications. RFIs are not used to renegotiate existing contracts (E) or agree payment terms (B). Responsible sourcing emphasises using RFIs to identify suppliers aligned with ethical, environmental, and operational expectations before moving to a formal competitive process.
[Reference: CIPS L4M4 Study Guide (v2), LO: “Implementation†– RFI, RFQ, and ITT differences., , , ]