L5M6 Online Practice Questions

Explanation:
Category Management is a strategic approach to procurement. According to CIPS, it is defined as “a rigorous fact-based, end-to-end process for proactively collaborating with stakeholders to develop and implement sourcing strategies that deliver significant value from an organisation’s external spend.”
Unlike tactical or reactive procurement, which focuses on immediate needs or firefighting, category management emphasises long-term planning, data analysis, supplier relationships, and alignment with business objectives. It goes beyond simply planning purchases in advance [which could apply to “planned procurement”] by integrating market intelligence, risk assessment, and value optimisation.
Being strategic means that category management seeks not only cost savings but also innovation, sustainability, and resilience. It requires cross-functional collaboration and the use of analytical tools like Kraljic matrices, total cost of ownership, and supplier segmentation.
Therefore, the most accurate categorisation is strategic procurement, not merely tactical or planned. [Ref: CIPS L5M6 Study Guide, p.2 C Category Management as a strategic approach]

Explanation:
When many suppliers exist, buyers have multiple options, increasing their bargaining power.
Suppliers must compete for contracts, shifting power toward the buyer.
[Ref: CIPS L5M6 Study Guide, p.112 C Porter’s Five Forces: Buyer Power]

Explanation:
Kaizen translates to “continuous improvement” in Japanese. It is a philosophy that encourages making small, incremental changes that collectively lead to significant performance enhancements over time. Within procurement and category management, Kaizen focuses on ongoing collaboration with suppliers to identify ways to reduce waste, improve quality, and optimise processes. Unlike one-off cost-reduction initiatives, Kaizen is embedded in the organisational culture and requires engagement from all levels of the supply chain. For example, small adjustments in packaging design might reduce material use, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits. This approach fosters long-term supplier partnerships and supports innovation. In competitive markets, organisations that adopt Kaizen are more resilient and adaptable, making it a key concept for category managers to understand.
Reference: CIPS L5M6 Study Guide, p.40

Explanation:
In deciding the correct Sourcing Business Model, stakeholders must clarify two fundamental issues:
The most appropriate contractual relationship [C]: This could be transactional [short-term, cost-focused], relational [long-term collaboration], or investment-based [joint ventures, alliances]. The choice defines how risks and rewards are shared with suppliers.
The most appropriate economic model [D]: This determines the pricing and performance framework, e.g., transactional [pay-per-unit], output-based, or outcome-based [pay-for-results].
Options A and B are important but secondary considerations. Risk appetite and TCO factors are inputs to decision-making, but the contractual and economic models define the overall sourcing structure.
This reflects the study guide’s emphasis that sourcing models should be tailored to category complexity and business objectives. Using the wrong model can undermine supplier relationships and value delivery.
[Ref: CIPS L5M6 Study Guide, p.32 C Key questions in Sourcing Business Models]

Explanation:
This situation represents a Threat within SWOT analysis. SWOT distinguishes between internal and external factors. Strengths and weaknesses are internal to the organisation, while opportunities and threats are external.
Here, the short-term spike in demand is external to Callie’s business. It is also potentially harmful because increased competition for raw materials [rubber, metal, etc.] can lead to higher prices, longer lead times, and supply shortages. Therefore, this is categorised as a threat.
It cannot be an opportunity, as the increase in demand benefits suppliers rather than Callie’s firm. Nor is it a strength or weakness, as those describe factors within the company such as production capabilities or financial resources.
Using SWOT in category management allows managers to anticipate and mitigate external risks while leveraging internal strengths. Recognising this threat means Callie may develop strategies such as dual sourcing, supplier collaboration, or forward buying to reduce exposure.
[Ref: CIPS L5M6 Study Guide, p.122 C SWOT analysis in category management]