Social and environmental criteria are often incorporated into which of the following type of specification?
Developing and using generic specifications is as import in the sustainable procurement process as it is in the traditional procurement process. During this stage, human/labour rights and environmental performance criteria should be translated into specifications that meet specific requirements of the specified outcome, desired by the procurement action.
The specification stage is key to all types of contract. Building in environmental and social considerations at this early stage, provides a clear indication to suppliers that sustainability is important to the UN organization. Consider available alternatives which are less environmentally and socially damaging. Consider all the phases of a product's life cycle (e.g. production, transportation, maintenance, disposal, etc) when determining its cost and environmental impact. Assess the overall environmental and social integrity of suppliers by looking at their policies and practices.
Specifications which are output-based rather than input-based can increase supplier innovation, reduce waste and minimise harmful social and environmental impacts.
- Sustainable Procurement
- CIPS study guide page 95-99
LO 2, AC 2.1
Which of the following contracts would be best suited to a 'variable pricing' arrangement?
Variable pricing is suitable to situations when the cost of certain elements of the product fluctuate unpredictably. For road building, asphalt fluctuates regularly. Furthermore, 5 years are long period, then variable pricing is the most appropriate method to achieve value for money and control budget.
A contract for window cleaning during the next three months is a short-term service contract, fixed price is the most suitable method.
A contract for the supply of lubricating oil for immediate delivery is an one-off contract, only fixed price is applicable.
A contract for the supply of 100 printing machines to be delivered next month is also an one-off contract.
LO 3, AC 3.3
According to mailbox rule in some common law countries, at which point the offeree's acceptance will be effective?
When parties do not negotiate face-to-face, a key Question: becomes when
things like acceptances, rejections and revocations take effect. The general rule is that acceptances are effective on dispatch (when they are mailed). Everything else becomes effective when the offeror actually receives them. This idea is codified by the ''mailbox rule'' which states that acceptance is effective on dispatch, even before the offeror has received it. (The one minor exception to this rule involves option contracts for which acceptances are not effective until they are received by the offeror.)
- The Mailbox Rule
- CIPS study guide page 34
A tire manufacturer entered into a contract with a distributor. In the contract, the distributor is prohibited from selling the tire under the price list. The distributor must pay $5 for each tire sold in breach. The amount of $5 is known as...?
This scenario is in fact based on a famous case law: Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company v New Garage & Motor co [1915] AC 79. In this case law, the House of Lords identified the clause as liquidated damages, and therefore enforceable.
However, if this case had happened in 2015 or afterwards, there would be some legal issues:
- The price agreement is prohibited by Competition Act 1998
- If the agreement is allowed by Competition Act, as in the case Cavendish Square Holding BV (Appellant) v Talal El Makdessi (Respondent), the clause can also be identified as a penalty and it is still enforceable.
LO 3, AC 3.2
What is the purpose of using key performance indicators in procurement and supply?
Procurement teams use key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure vendors comply with (and hopefully exceed) the obligations outlined in a contract. They help us better understand suppliers' performance, measure their output over a long period of time, and identify areas where improvement is needed.
Put simply, it's good business sense to make sure you're actually getting what you've paid for. This might be as straightforward as confirming a product or service is delivered on time, which means the KPIs you need to use will be minimal and basic.
- Supplier KPIs | 7 Performance Indicators You Should Be Measuring - Una
- CIPS study guide page 101-102
LO 2, AC 2.2
