SA8000 is an internationally recognised certification standard for social accountability. It requires organisations to adopt management systems to monitor compliance with social standards, including child labour elimination, safe working conditions, and fair wages. According to the L5M5 study guide (p.264), one disadvantage is the cost of implementing and maintaining the management system, which can be resource-intensive for smaller organisations. SA8000 is not industry-specific, is recognised globally, and is applicable to both large and small organisations. However, the investment in audits, training, and compliance documentation can be significant, making this a barrier for some companies.
📖 Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.264
Question # 26
There are many different drivers of globalisation. Which of the following would be considered a cost driver?
Globalisation is driven by a variety of factors, including cost, technology, and regulation. A cost driver is a factor that helps organisations reduce expenses and achieve financial efficiency. According to the L5M5 study guide (p.56), one of the most significant cost drivers is the opportunity to build economies of scale, where larger production volumes reduce per-unit costs. While improvements in technology (A) and relaxed trade rules (C) are drivers of globalisation, they are not specifically cost-related. "Value for stakeholders" (B) is broader and not strictly a cost driver. Procurement professionals should recognise economies of scale as a primary cost incentive for international sourcing and trade.
📖 Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.56