Free CIPS L5M5 Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

When a supplier’s conduct breaches expected standards, the appropriate tools are Root Cause Analysis (to identify why the issue occurred) and a Corrective Action Plan (to detail how the supplier will fix and prevent recurrence). The L5M5 study guide (p.228) emphasises that KPIs should already be established at the start of the contract, and a single conduct issue may not mean performance indicators are being missed. SWOT analysis is not suitable in this scenario, as it is a strategic tool rather than a compliance or corrective measure. Corrective actions ensure continuous improvement and supplier accountability, which are essential for ethical supply chain management.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.228

The economic pillar of the Triple Bottom Line refers to the creation of financial value while maintaining responsibility toward stakeholders. The L5M5 study guide (p.179) explains that sustainability in procurement is not only about compliance with social and environmental standards but also about ensuring financial viability. Activities such as delivering shareholder returns, managing costs, and achieving long-term profitability fall under the economic dimension. "Legal" is not one of the TBL pillars, and while law supports governance, it is not itself a sustainability principle. Therefore, creating value for shareholders through responsible economic performance is clearly categorised under the economic aspect of TBL.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.179

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

While LCCS can reduce costs, it also presents risks. The L5M5 study guide (p.72) identifies disadvantages such as inventory risks (C) from longer lead times, different laws and regulations (D) creating compliance challenges, and currency fluctuations (E) impacting costs unpredictably. Low infrastructure costs (A) and scalability of production (B) are advantages, not disadvantages. Procurement professionals must weigh cost savings against these risks and implement mitigation strategies such as dual sourcing and currency hedging.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.72

SA8000 is a globally recognised certification standard for Social Accountability. The L5M5 study guide (p.264) confirms that it measures compliance with ethical labour practices such as child labour elimination, safe working conditions, fair wages, and working hours. It does not cover quality (A), environmental management (B), or risk management (C). For procurement professionals, SA8000 provides assurance that suppliers operate ethically, helping organisations meet CSR/ESG commitments across supply chains.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.264

A touch point is defined in the L5M5 study guide (old p.85, new p.112) as a stage in the supply chain where risks or problems may occur, impacting costs or performance. Examples include transport (risk of damage or loss) and quality control (risk of defective goods). Identifying touch points enables procurement professionals to implement risk mitigation strategies, such as insurance, supplier audits, or contingency planning, thereby strengthening supply chain resilience.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.112

The L5M5 study guide (p.182) states that sustainability reporting and the adoption of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles can stimulate organisational change and innovation. By measuring and reporting on sustainability, companies often seek new technologies, processes, and supply models to improve performance and meet ESG commitments. Reporting is not mandatory in all cases, so option B is incorrect. While sustainability may improve reputation and sometimes costs, these are not the key focus of this question. CIPS guidance stresses that sustainability reporting can drive innovation—procurement can encourage suppliers to develop new sustainable practices, products, and approaches.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.182

The L5M5 study guide (p.71) explains that the legitimate motive for Low-Cost Country Sourcing (LCCS) is reducing operational expenses by accessing cheaper materials, labour, or manufacturing. However, this must be conducted ethically, balancing cost savings with environmental, social, and legal responsibilities. Options A and B reflect unethical practices, while C is irrelevant. Procurement professionals must carefully evaluate suppliers in low-cost countries to ensure compliance with ethical standards such as labour rights, environmental protection, and anti-bribery legislation. LCCS can create value but must not compromise sustainability or governance.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.71

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

The L5M5 study guide (p.181) explains that sustainability-related measures, such as ESG, are only mandatory in some countries, not universally. For instance, the UK has legislation banning single-use plastic straws, while other countries may not. International organisations like the UN and ILO promote sustainability, but they cannot impose legislation globally—any treaty or framework must be ratified into national law. This means compliance is fragmented and varies across jurisdictions. Procurement professionals must therefore remain vigilant, as sourcing internationally exposes them to differing sustainability obligations and standards.

???? Reference: Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) Study Guide, p.181