Level 4, M 6

CIPS Level 4 – Diploma in Procurement and Supply

About CIPS

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is an internationally recognised professional organisation in procurement and supply. CIPS qualifications are designed to develop professional knowledge and competencies, support recognised standards of practice and enhance career development opportunities.

SCM by BMS – Official CIPS Study and Exam Centre

  • SCM by BMS holds CIPS Approved Study Centre and CIPS Approved Computer-Based Exam Centre status in Azerbaijan.
  • Our centre provides preparation for CIPS qualifications and access to relevant computer-based examination opportunities.

Your Qualification

  • The CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a professional qualification designed for individuals seeking to develop their procurement and supply knowledge and skills.
  • The programme covers the procurement cycle, commercial contracts, supplier sourcing, negotiation, supplier relationships, asset management and the practical application of professional procurement principles.

Level 4 provides a foundation for progression to the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma.

Who Is It For?

This qualification is suitable for individuals planning a career in procurement and supply, professionals working in operational roles, and those supervising or managing procurement activities.

What Will I Learn?

Learners develop the ability to analyse procurement and supply processes, apply practical and theoretical knowledge in the workplace, address complex non-routine problems and evaluate the effectiveness of procurement decisions.

Entry Requirements

  • According to the CIPS syllabus, applicants should meet one of the following requirements:
  • A minimum of two A-level qualifications or their international equivalent;
  • A CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate qualification;
  • Alternatively, at least two years of relevant experience in a business environment.

Credit Values

  • The Level 4 Diploma consists of eight compulsory core modules totalling 60 credits.
  • One credit represents 10 hours of total learning time. Individual modules carry either 6 or 12 credits.

Examination Formats

  • Objective Response (OR): A computer-based examination in which learners select answers from available response options.
  • Constructed Response (CR): An examination requiring learners to develop written responses, which may include essays or case-study-based answers.

Study Commitments

  • For the complete Level 4 qualification:
  • Total Qualification Time (TQT): 600 hours
  • Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 250 hours
  • Self-Study Requirement (SSR): At least 335 hours recommended

Total Exam Time: 15 hours

These figures apply to the full Level 4 qualification rather than to each individual module.

 Core Module · 6 Credits · 60 Hours Total Learning Time · Objective Response (OR) Exam: 1.5 Hours

L4M6 — Supplier Relationships

About the Module

This module examines supplier relationship management, stakeholder collaboration, supplier portfolio analysis and the development of strategic partnerships.

Course Content

1. Relationship Dynamics in Supply Chains

1.1. Commercial relationships

  • Internal and external relationships
  • Supply chain relationship models
  • Relationship life cycle

1.2. Portfolio analysis

  • Supplier and buyer positioning
  • Portfolio matrices
  • Relationship improvement plans

1.3. Competitive forces

  • Competitive rivalry
  • Buyer and supplier bargaining power
  • New entrants and substitutes
  • STEEPLED factors

1.4. Added value through relationships

  • Cost and price management
  • Quality improvement
  • Timeliness and delivery performance
  • ESG improvements

2. Working with Stakeholders

2.1. Organisational procedures

  • Value for Money
  • Supplier identification and selection
  • Relationship-focused selection criteria

2.2. Team management

  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Conflict resolution
  • Stages of team development

2.3. Practical relationship management

  • Cost modelling
  • Managing price volatility
  • Early supplier involvement
  • Knowledge and innovation sharing
  • Risk management and continuity of supply

2.4. Ending relationships

  • Reasons for termination
  • Termination procedures
  • Legal and financial considerations
  • Continuity of supply

3. Strategic Partnering

3.1. Partnership concepts

  • Types of partnerships
  • Comparison with traditional contracts
  • Partnership benefits
  • Application to high-risk and complex procurement

3.2. Partnership implementation

  • Identifying suitable activities
  • Internal stakeholder engagement
  • Joint performance standards
  • Partnership monitoring and audits

3.3. Reasons for partnership failure

  • Communication problems
  • Lack of trust or management support
  • Poor planning
  • Market changes
  • Cultural and logistical differences

Learning Outcomes

Learners develop skills in analysing supplier relationships, managing stakeholders and evaluating strategic partnering arrangements.

The training schedule will be communicated to you once the group has been formed.

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