Which of the following will enable the organisation to achieve this goal?

A procurement organisation is keen to encourage innovation available within the supply market in the execution of an upcoming significant contract opportunity. A team member suggests that the specification should define the performance indicators so that supplier’s solution can be checked against them.

Which of the following will enable the organisation to achieve this goal?
A . Using an outcome focused specification
B. Establishing transparent selection criteria
C. Using an output focused specification
D. Applying a precise performance framework

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

The buying organisation is keen to encourage innovation so they should use the outcome or output based specification. In an outcome-based specification, umbrella statements like ‘good quality’, ‘ambient temperature’, ‘convenient way’ are often used. This may confuse the suppliers, and it’s hard to check the solution that supplier offers. On the other hand, ouput-based specifications often include measurable requirements. For example, a specification for air conditioning system states that the system should maintain the room temperature at 19-24 degrees Celsius. Therefore, output specification is more appropriate in this case.

Reference: CIPS study guide page 119-124

LO 3, AC 3.1