FastAdTraining Consultants | Course Work Document
Course
DIPLOMA IN PROFESSIONAL PROCUREMENT & SUPPLY MANAGEMENT
Title
Course Code PSCPRO4 December 2025
Exam Session
* 2 8 9 4 7 8 9 0 4 1 *
Number of Course Modules: 5 Due Date 28 November
2025
Program Facilitator: Coach Lee Chagwera
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
● All assignments should typed
● Assignments should be submitted via the provided email address
● All work should be submitted before the stated due date to be considered for forthcoming
● All assignments should be submitted in pdf format
● All work should be submitted before the stated due date to be considered for forthcoming
● Any form. of cheating or plagiarism will lead to nullification of coursework
INFORMATION
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].
© fast-adtraining consultants 2025 [Turn over
Unit 1: Procurement and Purchasing
1. Types of Procurement
a) Describe the different types of procurement (e.g., goods, services,
works). (10 marks)
b) Explain the importance of understanding the type of procurement in the
procurement process. (15 marks)
2. Key Stages of Procurement
a) Outline the key stages of the procurement process (e.g., needs
identification, supplier selection, contract management). (12 marks)
b) Discuss the importance of each stage in ensuring effective procurement.
(13 marks)
3. Components of Procurement for Organizational Success
a) Identify the components of procurement that contribute to organizational
success (e.g., cost savings, quality assurance, risk management). (10 marks)
b) Explain how these components can be measured and evaluated. (15
marks)
4. Purchasing and its Role in Procurement
a) Define purchasing and its role in the procurement process. (8 marks)
b) Discuss the importance of effective purchasing practices in achieving
organizational objectives. (12 marks)
5. Procurement Process
a) Describe the procurement process from needs identification to contract
award. (12 marks)
b) Explain the importance of transparency and accountability in the
procurement process. (13 marks)
6. Supplier Selection
a) Outline the criteria for supplier selection (e.g., price, quality, delivery
time). (10 marks)
b) Discuss the importance of evaluating suppliers based on these criteria.
(15 marks)
7. Contract Management
a) Define contract management and its importance in procurement. (8
marks)
b) Explain the key elements of contract management (e.g., performance
monitoring, dispute resolution). (12 marks)
8. Procurement Risks
a) Identify common procurement risks (e.g., supply chain disruptions, non-
compliance). (10 marks)
b) Discuss strategies for mitigating these risks. (15 marks)
9. Procurement Strategies
a) Outline different procurement strategies (e.g., strategic sourcing,
category management). (12 marks)
b) Explain the benefits and challenges of implementing these strategies.
(13 marks)
10. Procurement Performance Measurement
a) Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for procurement (e.g., cost
savings, supplier performance). (10 marks)
b) Discuss the importance of measuring procurement performance and how
it can inform future procurement decisions. (15 marks)
Unit 2: Supply Chain Processes
1. Core Concepts of Supply Chain
a) Define supply chain management and its importance in business. (10
marks)
b) Explain the key components of a supply chain. (15 marks)
2. Continuous Improvement in Suply Chain
a) Describe the concept of continuous improvement in supply chain
management. (10 marks)
b) Explain the benefits of implementing continuous improvement in supply
chain processes. (15 marks)
3. Challenges in Supply Chain
a) Identify common challenges in supply chain management (e.g.,
inventory management, transportation disruptions). (10 marks)
b) Discuss strategies for mitigating these challenges. (15 marks)
4. Impact of Technology in Supply Chain
a) Explain the impact of technology on supply chain management (e.g.,
increased visibility, improved efficiency). (10 marks)
b) Discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing technology in
supply chain processes. (15 marks)
5. Supply Chain Optimization
a) Describe the concept of supply chain optimization. (10 marks)
b) Explain the benefits of optimizing supply chain operations. (15 marks)
6. Supply Chain Visibility
a) Explain the importance of supply chain visibility. (10 marks)
b) Discuss strategies for improving supply chain visibility. (15 marks)
7. Supply Chain Risk Management
a) Identify common risks in supply chain management (e.g., supply chain
disruptions, quality issues). (10 marks)
b) Discuss strategies for mitigating these risks. (15 marks)
8. Supply Chain Collaboration
a) Explain the importance of collaboration in supply chain management.
(10 marks)
b) Discuss strategies for improving collaboration with suppliers and
partners. (15 marks)
9. Supply Chain Performance Measurement
a) Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply chain
management (e.g., lead time, inventory turnover). (10 marks)
b) Explain the importance of measuring supply chain performance and how
it can inform future business decisions. (15 marks)
10. Supply Chain Sustainability
a) Explain the importance of sustainability in supply chain management.
(10 marks)
b) Discuss strategies for promoting sustainable practices in supply chain
management. (15 marks)
Unit 3: Inventory and Stock Control
Question 1
A) Describe the inventory process and its importance in supply chain
management. (10 marks)
B) Explain the concept of inventory turnover and its significance in
inventory management. (15 marks)
Question 2
A) What are the different types of inventory, and how are they classified?
(12 marks)
B) Discuss the importance of inventory accuracy and how it can be
achieved. (13 marks)
Question 3
A) Describe the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model and its application
in inventory management. (15 marks)
B) Explain the concept of safety stock and its role in inventory
management. (10 marks)
Question 4
A) What are the benefits and challenges of implementing a Just -in-Time
(JIT) inventory system? (12 marks)
B) Discuss the role of inventory management in reducing costs and
improving efficiency. (13 marks)
Question 5
A) Describe the role and operations of warehousing in supply chain
management. (15 marks)
B) Explain the importance of warehouse management systems (WMS) in
improving warehouse operations. (10 marks)
Question 6
A) What are the different types of warehouse layouts, and how do they
impact warehouse operations? (12 marks)
B) Discuss the importance of warehouse safety and security measures. (13
marks)
Question 7
A) Describe the accounting and finance practices within the supply chain,
including cost accounting and financial reporting. (15 marks)
B) Explain the importance of supply chain finance and its impact on cash
flow management. (10 marks)
Question 8
A) What are the benefits and challenges of implementing a Vendor-
Managed Inventory (VMI) system? (12 marks)
B) Discuss the role of technology in inventory management, including
inventory management software. (13 marks)
Question 9
A) Describe the concept of inventory optimization and its significance in
supply chain management. (15 marks)
B) Explain the importance of demand forecasting in inventory
management. (10 marks)
Question 10
A) What are the different types of stock control methods, and how do they
differ? (12 marks)
B) Discuss the importance of inventory classification and its role in
inventory management. (13 marks)
Unit 4: Business Operations
(a) Identify THREE business functions. (6 marks)
(b) Explain how a logistics business may analyse its business environment.
(14 marks)
Question 2
(a) Explain what is meant by currency fluctuations. (6 marks)
(b) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks to a logistics business committing
to sustainable
practices. (14 marks)
Question 3
Amy works as a logistics manager at a large distribution business. A local
community group
has asked her to come their monthly meeting and provide them with
information about the
role of logistics in the distribution of goods and services.
(a) Recommend an appropriate communication method that Amy may use
in the meeting.
(6 marks)
(a) With reference to your answer to Question 3a, explain what Amy needs
to consider when
using this method of communication. (14 marks)
Question 4
(a) Describe what is meant by breach of contract. (6 marks)
(b) Discuss the role of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). (14
marks)
Question 5
Distinguish between a limited company and a public limited company
(PLC). (20 marks
Question 6
(a) Explain the importance of aligning business functions with
organizational objectives. (6 marks)
(b) Discuss how technological advancements can influence the decision-
making process in a logistics business. (14 marks)
Question 7
(a) Define exchange rates and their significance in international trade. (6
marks)
(b) Analyze the impact of currency depreciation on the operations of a
logistics business. (14 marks)
Question 8
Sarah is the operations manager at a logistics firm. Her team is preparing
for a presentation to potential stakeholders.
(a) Suggest a visual aid that Sarah might use during the presentation and
justify its use. (6 marks)
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of combining digital and in-person
communication methods for stakeholder presentations. (14 marks)
Question 9
(a) Outline the key elements required to establish a legally binding contract.
(6 marks)
(b) Assess how international trade agreements, influenced by the ICC,
affect logistics operations globally. (14 marks)
Question 10
Compare the governance structures of sole proprietorships, limited
companies, and public limited companies (PLC). (20 marks)
Unit 5: Logistics
1. Concept of Logistics
a) Define logistics and its role in supply chain management. (8 marks)
b) Explain the importance of logistics in business operations. (12 marks)
2. Distribution Networks
a) Describe different types of distribution networks (e.g., hub-and-spoke,
decentralized). (10 marks)
b) Discuss the factors that influence the design of distribution networks.
(15 marks)
3. Logistics Providers
a) Identify different types of logistics providers (e.g., 3PL, 4PL). (8 marks)
b) Explain the benefits and challenges of outsourcing logistics to third -
party providers. (12 marks)
4. Innovative Technologies in Logistics
a) Describe innovative technologies used in logistics (e.g., RFID,
blockchain). (10 marks)
b) Discuss the impact of these technologies on logistics operations and
supply chain management. (15 marks)
5. Transportation Methods
a) Identify different transportation methods (e.g., road, air, sea, rail). (8
marks)
b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each transportation method.
(12 marks)
6. Logistics Considerations
a) Identify key considerations for logistics operations (e.g., cost, speed,
reliability). (10 marks)
b) Explain how these considerations impact logistics decision-making. (15
marks)
7. Supply Chain Integration
a) Explain the importance of integrating logistics with supply chain
management. (8 marks)
b) Discuss the benefits of supply chain integration for businesses. (12
marks)
8. Inventory Management in Logistics
a) Describe the role of inventory management in logistics. (8 marks)
b) Explain strategies for effective inventory management in logistics
operations. (12 marks)
9. Logistics and Customer Satisfaction
a) Discuss the impact of logistics on customer satisfaction. (10 marks)
b) Explain how logistics can be used to improve customer satisfaction. (15
marks)
10. Sustainability in Logistics
a) Discuss the importance of sustainability in logistics operations. (10
marks)
b) Explain strategies for reducing the environmental impact of logistics
operations. (15 marks)
These questions cover various aspects of logistics, and the format allows
for in-depth answers and explanations.
