CIPS L4M2 Defining Business Needs Online Training
CIPS L4M2 Online Training
The questions for L4M2 were last updated at Nov 23,2024.
- Exam Code: L4M2
- Exam Name: Defining Business Needs
- Certification Provider: CIPS
- Latest update: Nov 23,2024
Question #21
Which of the following is the best definition of target costing?
- A . The net present cost of the purchase or project and all future revenues flowing from it discounted back to the present time.
- B . The total of all costs in acquiring goods or services from the inception of the demand for them until their safe and satisfactory delivery at the point required.
- C . The cost of a product after analysing its components step by step
- D . A product cost estimate derived from a competitive market price.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Target costing is an activity aimed at reducing the life-cycle costs of new products, while ensuring quality, reliability, and other consumer requirements by examining all possible ideas for cost reduction at the product planning, research and development and prototyping phases of production. But it is not just a cost reduction technique; it is part of a comprehensive strategic profit management system.
Reference: CIPS study guide page 161
LO 3, AC 3.4
D
Explanation:
Target costing is an activity aimed at reducing the life-cycle costs of new products, while ensuring quality, reliability, and other consumer requirements by examining all possible ideas for cost reduction at the product planning, research and development and prototyping phases of production. But it is not just a cost reduction technique; it is part of a comprehensive strategic profit management system.
Reference: CIPS study guide page 161
LO 3, AC 3.4
Question #22
Why should procurement professionals develop business case before seeking approval to purchase capital equipment?
- A . Using business case will prevent new entrants from entering the supply market
- B . A business case can be used as a replacement of purchase order
- C . Business case is a tool that eliminates all risks associated with the project
- D . Devising business case may prompt the procurement to consider different options
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A business case is developed during the early stages of a project and outlines the why, what, how, and who necessary to decide if it is worthwhile continuing a project. One of the first things you need to know when starting a new project are the benefits of the proposed business change and how to communicate those benefits to the business.
Preparing the business case involves an assessment of:
– Business problem or opportunity
– Benefits
– Risk
– Costs including investment appraisal
– Technical solutions
– Timescale
– Impact on operations
– Organizational capability to deliver the project outcomes
These project issues are an important part of the business case. They express the problems with the current situation and demonstrate the benefits of the new business vision. Making business case with multiple options and choices also prompts the procurement and senior management to consider alternatives. As a result, the organisation may opt out the best option.
The business case brings together the benefits, disadvantages, costs, and risks of the current situa-tion and future vision so that executive management can decide if the project should go ahead.
Reference:
– CIPS study guide page 19-21
– How to Write a Business Case – Template & Examples | Adobe Workfront LO 1, AC 1.1
D
Explanation:
A business case is developed during the early stages of a project and outlines the why, what, how, and who necessary to decide if it is worthwhile continuing a project. One of the first things you need to know when starting a new project are the benefits of the proposed business change and how to communicate those benefits to the business.
Preparing the business case involves an assessment of:
– Business problem or opportunity
– Benefits
– Risk
– Costs including investment appraisal
– Technical solutions
– Timescale
– Impact on operations
– Organizational capability to deliver the project outcomes
These project issues are an important part of the business case. They express the problems with the current situation and demonstrate the benefits of the new business vision. Making business case with multiple options and choices also prompts the procurement and senior management to consider alternatives. As a result, the organisation may opt out the best option.
The business case brings together the benefits, disadvantages, costs, and risks of the current situa-tion and future vision so that executive management can decide if the project should go ahead.
Reference:
– CIPS study guide page 19-21
– How to Write a Business Case – Template & Examples | Adobe Workfront LO 1, AC 1.1
Question #23
Which of the following is a tool to define roles and responsibilities of a project team?
- A . RACI Matrix
- B . Monte Carlo model
- C . STEEPLE Analysis
- D . SCAMPER Method
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
A responsibility assignment matrix [1] (RAM), also known as RACI matrix[2] (/resi/) or linear responsibility chart[3] (LRC), describes the participation by various roles in complet-ing tasks or deliverables for a project or business process. RACI is an acronym derived from the four key responsibilities most typically used: responsible, accountable, consulted, and
informed.[4] It is used for clarifying and defining roles and responsibilities in cross-functional or departmental projects and processes.[5] There are a number of alternatives to the RACI model.
Role distinction[edit]
There is a distinction between a role and individually identified people: a role is a descriptor of an associated set of tasks; may be performed by many people; and one person can perform many roles. For example, an organization may have ten people who can perform the role of project manager, although traditionally each project only has one project manager at any one time; and a person who is able to perform the role of project manager may also be able to perform the role of business analyst and tester.
R = Responsible (also recommender)Those who do the work to complete the task.[6] There is at least one role with a participation type of responsible, although others can be delegated to assist in the work required (see also RASCI below for separately identifying those who participate in a sup-porting role).
A = Accountable (also approver or final approving authority)The one ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the deliverable or task, the one who ensures the prerequi-sites of the task are met and who delegates the work to those responsible.[6] In other words, an accountable must sign off (approve) work that responsible provides. There must be only one accountable specified for each task or deliverable.[7]
C = Consulted (sometimes consultant or counsel)Those whose opinions are sought, typical-ly subject-matter experts; and with whom there is two-way communication.[6] I = Informed (also informee)Those who are kept up-to-date on progress, often only on completion of the task or deliverable; and with whom there is just one-way communication.[6]
Very often the role that is accountable for a task or deliverable may also be responsible for com-pleting it (indicated on the matrix by the task or deliverable having a role accountable for it, but no role responsible for its completion, i.e. it is implied). Outside of this exception, it is generally recommended that each role in the project or process for each task receive, at most, just one of the participation types. Where more than one participation type is shown, this generally implies that participation has not yet been fully resolved, which can impede the value of this technique in clarifying the participation of each role on each task.
Reference:
– CIPS study guide page 17
– Responsibility assignment matrix – Wikipedia LO 1, AC 1.1
A
Explanation:
A responsibility assignment matrix [1] (RAM), also known as RACI matrix[2] (/resi/) or linear responsibility chart[3] (LRC), describes the participation by various roles in complet-ing tasks or deliverables for a project or business process. RACI is an acronym derived from the four key responsibilities most typically used: responsible, accountable, consulted, and
informed.[4] It is used for clarifying and defining roles and responsibilities in cross-functional or departmental projects and processes.[5] There are a number of alternatives to the RACI model.
Role distinction[edit]
There is a distinction between a role and individually identified people: a role is a descriptor of an associated set of tasks; may be performed by many people; and one person can perform many roles. For example, an organization may have ten people who can perform the role of project manager, although traditionally each project only has one project manager at any one time; and a person who is able to perform the role of project manager may also be able to perform the role of business analyst and tester.
R = Responsible (also recommender)Those who do the work to complete the task.[6] There is at least one role with a participation type of responsible, although others can be delegated to assist in the work required (see also RASCI below for separately identifying those who participate in a sup-porting role).
A = Accountable (also approver or final approving authority)The one ultimately answerable for the correct and thorough completion of the deliverable or task, the one who ensures the prerequi-sites of the task are met and who delegates the work to those responsible.[6] In other words, an accountable must sign off (approve) work that responsible provides. There must be only one accountable specified for each task or deliverable.[7]
C = Consulted (sometimes consultant or counsel)Those whose opinions are sought, typical-ly subject-matter experts; and with whom there is two-way communication.[6] I = Informed (also informee)Those who are kept up-to-date on progress, often only on completion of the task or deliverable; and with whom there is just one-way communication.[6]
Very often the role that is accountable for a task or deliverable may also be responsible for com-pleting it (indicated on the matrix by the task or deliverable having a role accountable for it, but no role responsible for its completion, i.e. it is implied). Outside of this exception, it is generally recommended that each role in the project or process for each task receive, at most, just one of the participation types. Where more than one participation type is shown, this generally implies that participation has not yet been fully resolved, which can impede the value of this technique in clarifying the participation of each role on each task.
Reference:
– CIPS study guide page 17
– Responsibility assignment matrix – Wikipedia LO 1, AC 1.1
Question #24
Which of the following is the disadvantage of embedding standards in a specification?
- A . Standards do not improving buyer’s bargaining power
- B . Embedding standards into specification requires enormous time and effort
- C . Standards are too static and discourage innovation
- D . Standards are too flexible and may cause ambiguity in the specification
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
"Standards are often produced by professional bodies (maybe national or international bodies). Standards tend to be stable for a period of time, therefore, they are likely to be static and discourage innovation."
Reference: CIPS L4M3 study guide page 125
LO 3, AC 3.1
C
Explanation:
"Standards are often produced by professional bodies (maybe national or international bodies). Standards tend to be stable for a period of time, therefore, they are likely to be static and discourage innovation."
Reference: CIPS L4M3 study guide page 125
LO 3, AC 3.1
Question #25
Which of the following factors are likely to be direct barriers to a new entrant in a supply market?
- A . Threat of forward integration
- B . Value to price
- C . Brand identity
- D . Availability of substitutes
- E . Cost advantages
Correct Answer: C,E
C,E
Explanation:
There are many types of barriers to entry into a market. Some of these include:
– Economies of Scale: When manufacturing or selling at a large scale, companies are able to avail cost advantages because per unit costs of the product fall. So the more the company produces in quantity the more the benefit. When existing companies have this advantage, it can act as a barrier to entry because a new entrant will have to try to match the scale to achieve the same cost ad-vantage as the existing company. This may not be possible at the initial stage.
– A Differentiated Product: If the product being sold by the existing company or companies is highly differentiated or enjoys strong brand loyalty, then this can act as a strong barrier to entry. The new entrant will have to invest in creating a product with newer and unique features and bene-fits that surpass those offered by the old company. In addition, there will need to be strong efforts to break existing brand loyalties and shift them to a new untested company.
– High Capital Costs: If an industry requires huge capital investments at the onset, then this will act as a barrier to entry for many of the potential entrants. Only those will attempt to enter the competitive fray who have the resources to make this high initial investment.
– Other Cost Advantages: Apart from those cost benefits that come from economies of scale, there are other advantages that an existing firm may enjoy. These include access to the best suppliers, an understanding of existing materials and knowledge of their quality, possession of any necessary and important patents, and proprietary information and technological knowledge. There are also learning advantages, achieved over years of business and experience.
– Cost of Switching: The cost associated with a consumer’s move from one company or product or another is called the switching cost. If there are significant switching costs, then a new entrant may not be able to create means of removing these. Or, they may have to offer significant advantage to counter these switching costs at their own expense.
– Distribution Network: Often, distribution relationships are well established and may prove to be a strong barrier to entry for a new company. A new entrant will obviously need access to these dis-tribution channels but will need to invest extra in order to engage distributors who have established relations with existing competitors.
– Suppliers: As with distributors, suppliers may be vital to the operations of a new business. Exist-ing suppliers may have contracts or loyalties with existing companies and may prove to be difficult to form relationships with.
– Legal and Government Created Barriers: Government and regulatory requirements such as permits and licenses may be a strong barrier to entry. There may also be laws governing ways to conduct business that may conflict with a company’s practices in other countries.
– Barriers to Exit: Interestingly, barriers to exit may act as a deterrent to entry by new companies. If a company is unable to easily leave a competitive environment in case business does not work out, then it will have to stay and compete even if that is a detrimental business practice. In this case, the company may choose to not enter the market in the first place.
Reference: CIPS study guide page 96
LO 2, AC 2.2
C,E
Explanation:
There are many types of barriers to entry into a market. Some of these include:
– Economies of Scale: When manufacturing or selling at a large scale, companies are able to avail cost advantages because per unit costs of the product fall. So the more the company produces in quantity the more the benefit. When existing companies have this advantage, it can act as a barrier to entry because a new entrant will have to try to match the scale to achieve the same cost ad-vantage as the existing company. This may not be possible at the initial stage.
– A Differentiated Product: If the product being sold by the existing company or companies is highly differentiated or enjoys strong brand loyalty, then this can act as a strong barrier to entry. The new entrant will have to invest in creating a product with newer and unique features and bene-fits that surpass those offered by the old company. In addition, there will need to be strong efforts to break existing brand loyalties and shift them to a new untested company.
– High Capital Costs: If an industry requires huge capital investments at the onset, then this will act as a barrier to entry for many of the potential entrants. Only those will attempt to enter the competitive fray who have the resources to make this high initial investment.
– Other Cost Advantages: Apart from those cost benefits that come from economies of scale, there are other advantages that an existing firm may enjoy. These include access to the best suppliers, an understanding of existing materials and knowledge of their quality, possession of any necessary and important patents, and proprietary information and technological knowledge. There are also learning advantages, achieved over years of business and experience.
– Cost of Switching: The cost associated with a consumer’s move from one company or product or another is called the switching cost. If there are significant switching costs, then a new entrant may not be able to create means of removing these. Or, they may have to offer significant advantage to counter these switching costs at their own expense.
– Distribution Network: Often, distribution relationships are well established and may prove to be a strong barrier to entry for a new company. A new entrant will obviously need access to these dis-tribution channels but will need to invest extra in order to engage distributors who have established relations with existing competitors.
– Suppliers: As with distributors, suppliers may be vital to the operations of a new business. Exist-ing suppliers may have contracts or loyalties with existing companies and may prove to be difficult to form relationships with.
– Legal and Government Created Barriers: Government and regulatory requirements such as permits and licenses may be a strong barrier to entry. There may also be laws governing ways to conduct business that may conflict with a company’s practices in other countries.
– Barriers to Exit: Interestingly, barriers to exit may act as a deterrent to entry by new companies. If a company is unable to easily leave a competitive environment in case business does not work out, then it will have to stay and compete even if that is a detrimental business practice. In this case, the company may choose to not enter the market in the first place.
Reference: CIPS study guide page 96
LO 2, AC 2.2
Question #26
Which of the following are typical environmental considerations throughout the contract life cycle? Select the TWO that apply.
- A . Modern slavery
- B . Health and safety
- C . Inequality
- D . Waste management
- E . Pollution control
Correct Answer: D,E
D,E
Explanation:
All procurement has some level of impact on the environment that needs to be minimised to ensure sustainable procurement practices.
The greatest opportunity to influence environmental outcomes is by selecting products and services with the least ongoing environmental impacts, such as use of water, electricity and fuel, waste/disposal management, and impact on human health over the life of the product or service.
Lifecycle stages that impact on the environment:
D,E
Explanation:
All procurement has some level of impact on the environment that needs to be minimised to ensure sustainable procurement practices.
The greatest opportunity to influence environmental outcomes is by selecting products and services with the least ongoing environmental impacts, such as use of water, electricity and fuel, waste/disposal management, and impact on human health over the life of the product or service.
Lifecycle stages that impact on the environment:
Diagram
Description automatically generated
Most goods and services will have an element of environment impact in a number of areas.
The five main impact areas are listed in the following table.
Graphical user interface, text, application, email
Description automatically generated
Source: Buying for Victoria
Reference: CIPS study guide page 137-139
LO 3, AC 3.2
Question #27
Which of the following indicates types of waste that procurement department concentrates on when adopting Lean methods?
- A . DOWNTIME
- B . VA/VE
- C . OWN-IT
- D . SCAMPER
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Copious amounts of waste can occur in the workplace, particularly in a manufacturing process, but do you know what the eight most commons wastes are and how they impact your organization?
Taiichi Ohno, considered the father of Toyota Production System, created a lean manufacturing framework, which was based on the idea of preserving (or increasing) value with less work. Any-thing that doesn’t increase value in the eye of the customer must be considered waste, or "Muda", and every effort should be made to eliminate that waste. The following 8 lean manufacturing wastes, mostly derived from the TPS, have a universal application to businesses today. The acro-nym for the eight wastes is DOWNTIME.
Downtime stands for:
– Defects
– Overproduction
– Waiting
– Not utilizing talent
– Transportation
– Inventory excess
– Motion waste
– Excess processing
OWN-IT is the acronym for the process of collecting and analysing the data and information needed in any field SCAMPER is acronym for options addressing the underlying issues and achieving target VA/VE is value analysis and value engineering
LO 3, AC 3.4
A
Explanation:
Copious amounts of waste can occur in the workplace, particularly in a manufacturing process, but do you know what the eight most commons wastes are and how they impact your organization?
Taiichi Ohno, considered the father of Toyota Production System, created a lean manufacturing framework, which was based on the idea of preserving (or increasing) value with less work. Any-thing that doesn’t increase value in the eye of the customer must be considered waste, or "Muda", and every effort should be made to eliminate that waste. The following 8 lean manufacturing wastes, mostly derived from the TPS, have a universal application to businesses today. The acro-nym for the eight wastes is DOWNTIME.
Downtime stands for:
– Defects
– Overproduction
– Waiting
– Not utilizing talent
– Transportation
– Inventory excess
– Motion waste
– Excess processing
OWN-IT is the acronym for the process of collecting and analysing the data and information needed in any field SCAMPER is acronym for options addressing the underlying issues and achieving target VA/VE is value analysis and value engineering
LO 3, AC 3.4
Question #28
A hospital extensively spends on medical and implantable devices, medical, surgical and pharma-ceutical supplies, costs of supplies related to buildings and maintenance operations. Hospital’s procurement manager suggests that the hospital has an opportunity to reduce operational costs by reducing variation of medical devices and pharmaceutical supplies.
Which of the following best describe the procurement manager’s suggestion?
- A . Process standardisation
- B . Product standardisation
- C . Value engineering
- D . Process re-engineering
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The hospital is buying too many product variants. This may cause bottleneck in its operation and increase operational expense. So procurement manager suggests to standardise products.
This is an example of the benefits of product standardisation:
Saint Thomas Health, a system of 5 hospitals, needed to find a way to reduce costs. They were purchasing different SKUs for products that were very similar, in this case, labels. They bought label rolls for $3 and a very similar product for $1. This oversight in product purchases impacted the overall costs of the system. After partnering with a sole source vendor it was able to save $200,000 over a four year span. They accomplished this simply by standardizing label products. These savings, however, only account for the immediate savings from standardizing products. The saving that are not factored into that number are the savings from soft or hidden costs.
On a national scale, hospitals lose millions of dollars per year in hidden expenses due to missed opportunities for cost containment and incorporation.
Some of the hidden elements that increase overall costs for a healthcare provider include the following:
– Redundant purchasing
– Freight
– Excessive purchase orders
– Multiple vendor relations
– Low efficiency
– Joint commission fines
– HAI
By implementing product standardization, hospitals and health systems reduce vendors, are able to reduce SKUs, purchase orders, inefficiency, freight costs, fines, and off-contract spending. All of this adds up to large savings for the organization as a whole.
96% of the respondents in the survey agree that consolidating suppliers and standardizing product purchases across organization would reduce hidden costs.
Reference:
– CIPS study guide page 157-159
– 3 Ways Product Standardization Can Help You Get a Bonus C ConnectID (pdchealthcare.com)
LO 3, AC 3.4
B
Explanation:
The hospital is buying too many product variants. This may cause bottleneck in its operation and increase operational expense. So procurement manager suggests to standardise products.
This is an example of the benefits of product standardisation:
Saint Thomas Health, a system of 5 hospitals, needed to find a way to reduce costs. They were purchasing different SKUs for products that were very similar, in this case, labels. They bought label rolls for $3 and a very similar product for $1. This oversight in product purchases impacted the overall costs of the system. After partnering with a sole source vendor it was able to save $200,000 over a four year span. They accomplished this simply by standardizing label products. These savings, however, only account for the immediate savings from standardizing products. The saving that are not factored into that number are the savings from soft or hidden costs.
On a national scale, hospitals lose millions of dollars per year in hidden expenses due to missed opportunities for cost containment and incorporation.
Some of the hidden elements that increase overall costs for a healthcare provider include the following:
– Redundant purchasing
– Freight
– Excessive purchase orders
– Multiple vendor relations
– Low efficiency
– Joint commission fines
– HAI
By implementing product standardization, hospitals and health systems reduce vendors, are able to reduce SKUs, purchase orders, inefficiency, freight costs, fines, and off-contract spending. All of this adds up to large savings for the organization as a whole.
96% of the respondents in the survey agree that consolidating suppliers and standardizing product purchases across organization would reduce hidden costs.
Reference:
– CIPS study guide page 157-159
– 3 Ways Product Standardization Can Help You Get a Bonus C ConnectID (pdchealthcare.com)
LO 3, AC 3.4
Question #29
Which of the following problems may be identified as closed problems? Select TWO that apply:
- A . A cyber attack takes down whole company’s IT system
- B . Shortage of key medicines in healthcare industry
- C . There are not enough data for procurement analytics
- D . Logistics costs incur a large portion in wholesale prices
- E . The suppliers don’t comply with the company’s policy on underage labour.
Correct Answer: A,B
A,B
Explanation:
Closed problem is something happens that should not have happened. To solve this type of prob-lem, procurement professional should find a way to correct the situation or try to adapt to it. On the other hand, open ended problem is a obstacle to your short-term objective. You will need to overcome this obstacle.
Shortage of key medicines is a situation in which procurement must find a substitution or try to save the current stock.
In case of cyber attack, procurement should find a way to recover the IT system as soon as possible.
Otherwise, ‘There are not enough data for procurement analytics’ is an open-ended problem be-cause it prevents company to conduct procurement analytics (an objective). ‘Logistics costs incur a large portion in wholesale prices’: In this situation, logistics costs are hur-dles that prevent companies to reach lower wholesale.
‘The suppliers don’t comply with the company’s policy on underage labour’: In this situation, pro-curement should seek ways to help supplier comply with the company’s labour policy. LO 1, AC 1.1
A,B
Explanation:
Closed problem is something happens that should not have happened. To solve this type of prob-lem, procurement professional should find a way to correct the situation or try to adapt to it. On the other hand, open ended problem is a obstacle to your short-term objective. You will need to overcome this obstacle.
Shortage of key medicines is a situation in which procurement must find a substitution or try to save the current stock.
In case of cyber attack, procurement should find a way to recover the IT system as soon as possible.
Otherwise, ‘There are not enough data for procurement analytics’ is an open-ended problem be-cause it prevents company to conduct procurement analytics (an objective). ‘Logistics costs incur a large portion in wholesale prices’: In this situation, logistics costs are hur-dles that prevent companies to reach lower wholesale.
‘The suppliers don’t comply with the company’s policy on underage labour’: In this situation, pro-curement should seek ways to help supplier comply with the company’s labour policy. LO 1, AC 1.1
Question #30
Robert is a senior buyer at MMC Construction Ltd. His company is doing multiple development projects in the country, which increases procurement workload significantly. Meanwhile, most of the tasks are handled manually, which causes bottlenecks in the workflows. The procurement team is overwhelmed by the workload and complains from other departments. From previous experience, Robert knows that electronic system may help his procurement team. He writes a business case to submit to the senior management, in which he insists on the possible productivity improvement by adopting e-system in procurement.
Is Robert’s action reasonable?
- A . No, there’s no need to make a business case for new purchase
- B . Yes, productivity improvement is a mandatory element in every business case
- C . No, adopting e-system may make procurement department jobless
- D . Yes, his reason may appeal the senior management
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Composing a compelling business case requires the proposer to write in the language of the approvers. Generally, approvers are business executives or important shareholders whose major interest is the profitability of the firm.
Business case proposer may embed the following contents:
– Return on investment: according to Investopedia, Return on Investment (ROI) is a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of a number of different investments. ROI tries to directly measure the amount of return on a particular investment, relative to the investment’s cost. A business case would seem more attractive if the proposal is expected to have high ROI.
– Time to market: Time-to-market (TTM) refers to the time from which a company initially con-ceives a product or service idea to the point when the actual product or service is accessible to buyers in the market (Afonso et al., 2008). The speed at which companies can introduce products into the market is critical for sustaining competitive advantage, and the reduction of product development cycle time has become a strategic objective for many technology-driven firms.
– Customer satisfaction: Keeping existing customer to stay in the business can affect
greatly on the profit margin of a firm. A new proposal that finds the way to innovate while keeping the current customers satisfied may gain the interest of senior management.
– Improving productivity: Productivity is the measure of how efficient and effective a firm is. Im-proving the productivity means that with the same or lesser input, better output is generated. In-creasing productivity also improves the profitability of a company.
– Risk management: Any business activity contains inherent risks. For example, for a mining company to be truly responsible, it must keep all of its workers safe, healthy and motivated, meet the expectations of the local community and government for the region in which it is operating, ensure it impacts on the environment positively if at all, as well as achieve the financial objectives set by its investors for both the short and long term. Managing risks well improves the production throughput and maintains customer
satisfaction.
In the scenario, Robert is trying to convince the senior management to adopt e-procurement system by insisting on potential productivity improvement. This is the right approach. A business plan should engage and please senior management and directors. An appealing business case tells them how important things to the business (such as productivity, return on investment, customer satisfaction or costs) are affected by the plan.
Reference: CIPS study guide page 19-21
LO 1, AC 1.1
D
Explanation:
Composing a compelling business case requires the proposer to write in the language of the approvers. Generally, approvers are business executives or important shareholders whose major interest is the profitability of the firm.
Business case proposer may embed the following contents:
– Return on investment: according to Investopedia, Return on Investment (ROI) is a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of a number of different investments. ROI tries to directly measure the amount of return on a particular investment, relative to the investment’s cost. A business case would seem more attractive if the proposal is expected to have high ROI.
– Time to market: Time-to-market (TTM) refers to the time from which a company initially con-ceives a product or service idea to the point when the actual product or service is accessible to buyers in the market (Afonso et al., 2008). The speed at which companies can introduce products into the market is critical for sustaining competitive advantage, and the reduction of product development cycle time has become a strategic objective for many technology-driven firms.
– Customer satisfaction: Keeping existing customer to stay in the business can affect
greatly on the profit margin of a firm. A new proposal that finds the way to innovate while keeping the current customers satisfied may gain the interest of senior management.
– Improving productivity: Productivity is the measure of how efficient and effective a firm is. Im-proving the productivity means that with the same or lesser input, better output is generated. In-creasing productivity also improves the profitability of a company.
– Risk management: Any business activity contains inherent risks. For example, for a mining company to be truly responsible, it must keep all of its workers safe, healthy and motivated, meet the expectations of the local community and government for the region in which it is operating, ensure it impacts on the environment positively if at all, as well as achieve the financial objectives set by its investors for both the short and long term. Managing risks well improves the production throughput and maintains customer
satisfaction.
In the scenario, Robert is trying to convince the senior management to adopt e-procurement system by insisting on potential productivity improvement. This is the right approach. A business plan should engage and please senior management and directors. An appealing business case tells them how important things to the business (such as productivity, return on investment, customer satisfaction or costs) are affected by the plan.
Reference: CIPS study guide page 19-21
LO 1, AC 1.1
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