CIPS - Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply - Level 5

12 credits 

Management is the administration of an organisation, whether it be a business, a not-for-profit organisation, or government body. Management includes the activities of setting the strategy of an organisation and coordinating the efforts of its employees or volunteers to accomplish its objectives through the application of available resources, such as financial, natural, technological, and human resources. In keeping with other organisational functions, those who are called upon to manage procurement and supply activity must possess expertise in developing and fulfilling organisational and functional objectives. It is therefore, essential that learners gain a wider appreciation of theories and techniques that relate to managing teams and individuals involved with the procurement and supply function.

12 credits 

In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is based around the contracting process. Those involved in the formulation and management of contracts with external suppliers must therefore have a clear understanding of the strategic nature of contractual performance measures in procurement and supply. Financial management refers to the efficient and effective management of money (funds) to accomplish organisational objectives. This module is designed for those working in the procurement and supply field, with responsibility for contracting elements of the procurement and supply function who must also have a strategic awareness of the impact of the main financial aspects of their discipline.

6 credits 

Risk management is a central part of an organisation’s strategy. It is a process whereby the organisation will identify, record and then address the risks associated with their activities with the aim of driving out or controlling those risks to the overall benefit of organisational efficiency and effectiveness. The supply chain is by its very nature a complex activity therefore, susceptible to risk and its associated impacts. This module enables learners to examine the nature of supply chain risk and to evaluate available mitigation techniques as they deal with the associated challenges. They will undertake risk analysis and consider the advantages of a risk register as they apply a range of appropriate risk management tools and techniques to the supply chain.

6 credits

As organisations outsource more and more activity it is vital that they ensure that the associated contracts deliver expected services and/or products. Hence, a fundamental area that those who are tasked with managing the procurement and supply function are faced with is the identification, monitoring and management of contractual risk. This module is designed to enable learners to examine the nature of contract risk and the associated legal implications that relate to contract formation and non-conformance. They will also consider the impact of breach of contract and the main coping strategies to address such breaches.

6 credits 

The global economy and the associated advantages of sourcing from a global base of suppliers requires organisations to be prepared to address the ethical challenges that such approaches may present for procurement and supply activity. Similarly, the concept of sustainability and its impact on the supply chain should not be underestimated as organisations strive to be seen to play their part in the global agenda. This module gives those with managerial responsibility for the procurement and supply function an understanding of ethical and sustainability impacts on the supply chain, and the opportunity to analyse initiatives to improve practice and ensure organisational compliance with international standards in respect of ethical and sustainable procurement and supply chain management.

Choose three elective modules from*:

• Category Management (6 credits) 
• Advanced Negotiation (6 credits) 
• Achieving Competitive Advantage Through the Supply Chain (6 credits) 
• Project and Change Management (6 credits) 
• Operations Management (6 credits) 
• Logistics Management (6 credits) 

The three elective modules make up the final 18 remaining credits

*Elective modules run subject to number of students and availability of subject specialist lecturers.