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CIPS L5M6 Exam Syllabus

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Before starting your L5M6 exam preparation, it is recommended to review the complete CIPS Category Management exam syllabus and carefully go through the exam objectives listed below. Once you understand the exam structure and objectives, you should practice using our free L5M6 questions. We also provide premium L5M6 practice test, fully updated according to the latest exam objectives, to help you accurately assess your preparedness for the actual exam.

CIPS L5M6 Exam Objectives

Section Objectives
Analyse the data required for the development of a category management process 3.1.1Historical and forecasted data on categories of spend
3.1.2Demand patterns for category groups
3.1.3Current contracts with suppliers and terms that are being applied
3.1.4Reviews of existing relationships and performance
3.1.5Market trends
3.2 Examine the requirements for initiating and preparing the introduction of a category management process

3.2.1Producing category hierarchies for both direct and indirect expenditures
3.2.2Applying portfolio tools to map the categories of expenditures
3.2.3Creating total cost models for category management
3.2.4Conducting stakeholder needs analysis
3.2.5Forming cross functional teams and preparing responsible, accountable, consultative, and informing roles within the team
3.2.6Reviewing the implications of existing legislative requirements and standards
3.3 Analyse supply market factors that impact on the development of a category management process

3.3.1Analysing industry dynamics, competitiveness, and pricing behaviour
3.3.2Analysing financial data on potential suppliers
3.3.3Using requests for information (RFIs) to assess market factors
3.3.4Conducting impact assessments of CSR/sustainability factors
3.3.5Conducting supply chain and value chain analysis
3.3.6Analysing supplier perceptions
Understand the concepts, tools and techniques associated with managing expenditure 2.1 Contrast the types of expenditure that can be analyzed for category management processes

2.1.1Expenditures that are related to direct costs
2.1.2Expenditures that are related to indirect costs
2.1.3Applying Pareto analysis to expenditures and key suppliers
2.2 Compare and contrast the tools and techniques that can be applied to map categories of direct and indirect expenditure

2.2.1Matrices
2.2.2Supply chain mapping
2.2.3Porter’s 5 Forces Model
2.2.4Market share/market growth
2.2.5STEEPLED and SWOT
2.2.6Technology route maps
3.0 Understand the strategic impact of a category management process
Understand approaches that can be used to develop category management strategies 1.1 Critically compare strategic and conventional sourcing processes and their role in category management

1.1.1Defining strategic sourcing and category management
1.1.2The stages of a conventional sourcing process
1.1.3Transactional and strategic sourcing activities
1.1.4Differentiating account management and category management
1.2 Critically compare models for the adoption of category management

1.2.1Models of strategic sourcing such as AT Kearney’s 7 step model
1.2.2Models of category management such as the CIPS Purchasing and Supply Model and CIPS Category Management Model
1.2.3Analysis of similarities and differences between models for strategic procurement, strategic sourcing and category management
1.3 Identify the technical and behavioural skills required to implement category management

1.3.1Technical skills such as financial management and cost analysis, supply chain analysis, supply base research, sourcing processes, risk management, legal aspects and negotiation
1.3.2Behavioural skills such as communication, influencing, working with teams, cross functional working and change agents
Official Information https://www.cips.org/qualifications/advanced-diploma-in-procurement-supply