In which phase of the CIPS Category Management Cycle do you decide what products or services procurement will manage within each project?

• Step 1 - Initiate and Prepare

• Step 3 - Prepare and Present the Strategy

• Step 5 - Maintain

Answer explanation

In Step 1, procurement professionals define the scope by naming categories and deciding which products or services fall within each category's management. This phase sets the foundation for category management.

What is the primary focus of Step 2A - Identifying Opportunities?

• Establish a vision for the category aligned to the corporate vision

• Measure category performance through KPIs

• Implement category strategies to achieve objectives

Answer explanation

Step 2A focuses on identifying opportunities by developing a category vision that aligns with the overall corporate goals. This vision guides the later stages of the procurement strategy.

What is the main objective of Step 2B - Prioritising Opportunities?

• Develop a performance management framework for the category

• Define and document objectives to achieve the category's vision

• Roll out the strategies and achieve buy-in

Answer explanation

In Step 2B, the objectives needed to fulfill the category vision are determined. This step prioritizes what actions will help meet the goals set in Step 2A.

In which phase do you agree on the strategies required to meet the objectives of the categories?

• Step 3 - Prepare and Present the Category Strategy

• Step 4 - Implement Category Strategy

• Step 6 - Improve and Enhance

Answer explanation

Step 3 involves preparing and agreeing on the strategies that will be used to meet the objectives set in previous steps. This is crucial for aligning stakeholders and ensuring a structured plan is in place.

Which step involves rolling out the strategies and securing buy-in from stakeholders?

• Step 1 - Initiate and Prepare

• Step 4 - Implement Category Strategy

• Step 5 - Maintain

Answer explanation

Step 4 is about executing the agreed strategies and obtaining buy-in from key stakeholders, ensuring that the category strategy is put into action effectively.

In which step are KPIs or SLAs used to track the performance of category strategies?

• Step 2B - Prioritising Opportunities

• Step 5 - Maintain

• Step 3 - Prepare / Present Category Strategy

Answer explanation

Step 5 focuses on performance management using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to monitor the progress and success of the implemented category strategies.

What is the main goal of Step 6 - Improve and Enhance?

• Establish a vision for the category

• Measure the effectiveness of the current strategy and make necessary adjustments

• Develop and agree on strategies for achieving category objectives

Answer explanation

Step 6 focuses on evaluating whether the category strategies are still relevant and whether adjustments or enhancements are required to improve performance or address new opportunities.

Which of the following best describes the activities in Step 4 - Implement Category Strategy?

• Documenting objectives and priorities for each category

• Rolling out agreed strategies and securing stakeholder commitment

• Measuring category performance with SLAs and KPIs

Answer explanation

Step 4 involves putting the category strategies into action and ensuring stakeholders are aligned and supportive of the strategy, which is essential for successful implementation.

At which point in the CIPS Category Management Cycle should you align the category vision with the corporate vision?

• Step 2A - Identifying Opportunities

• Step 3 - Prepare and Present the Category Strategy

• Step 6 - Improve and Enhance

Answer explanation

In Step 2A, procurement establishes a vision for the category that aligns with the broader corporate vision. This ensures that the category's direction supports the overall business goals.

What is the purpose of Step 5 - Maintain?

• Continuously assess if the category strategy is aligned with market changes

• Ensure performance management of the strategies through KPIs or SLAs

• Initiate the procurement categories and assign responsibilities

Answer explanation

Step 5 is focused on maintaining and tracking the progress of the implemented strategies using performance metrics such as KPIs or SLAs, ensuring the strategy is working as intended.