The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS)

Graduate Diploma Handbook

Introduction

This booklet has been prepared for all those wishing to undertake professional studies in purchasing and supply chain management. It deals with registration requirements, the policy on exemptions, detailed syllabuses, study facilities and methods, and how and when to take examinations. It also provides information and guidance on a number of other issues which are particularly important to those undertaking a study programme.

Registration

If you wish to take the CIPS Graduate Diploma, you must first register with the Institute. While you are studying your membership will be categorized as “Student Member” and you will be able to take advantage of a substantially reduced membership subscription rate. The Institute’s magazine will be provided to you free of charge, you will have access to the member-only pages of the CIPS website, and you will be entitled to use the full services of the CIPS. Your registration with the Institute is important for several reasons.

• There are minimum entry requirements and we must ensure you meet these fully. The CIPS programme is a very demanding one and requires a great deal of commitment. This is not a course of study which can be undertaken lightly. If you are unable to meet the registration requirements we can advise you of possible alternative routes.

• You may already have gained qualifications and experience which are included in the CIPS programme and which may, therefore, be acceptable for exemption purposes. This ensures that you concentrate your studies on those subjects you need to take.

• Your registration enables the CIPS to keep in touch with you through its publications and through special mailings. You are advised to register before enrolling on a course of study. Those who are not registered will not be permitted to take CIPS examinations.

Membership

Your membership grade will change from Student to Associate on completion of the Foundation Stage, and you will be issued with a certificate. You will also receive a certificate on completion of the full Graduate Diploma. Those who have gained the full diploma will normally be invited into Corporate (or full) Membership of the CIPS, with the right to use the designatory letters MCIPS, and will be eligible to attend the CIPS Graduation Ceremony in the UK.

The Study Programme

The changing business environment and the need for organisations in the public and private sectors to seek ways of becoming more efficient and more effective in ensuring supply of goods and services has pushed the pace of development of both the function and the profession of purchasing and supply. Increasing recognition of the importance the managing of the supply processes has strengthened the need to improve strategic and tactical control. Personnel with holistic perceptions of all the activities are required in order to function effectively and add value to their organisations. The emergence of new techniques and novel ideas with regard to managing the supply processes has widened the repertoire of possibilities.

The Institute recognises the broader purchasing and supply processes perspective and yet, at the same time, allows for the development and application of specialist expertise in different parts of the supply processes. The structure of the professional education scheme supports both these objectives.

In order to pursue advanced studies in purchasing and supply processes management, a sound understanding is essential of those issues which affect the business environment and impinge upon the purchasing and supply function. The Foundation Stage focuses on these crucial areas.

In order to achieve the objectives of the Professional Stage, all students pursue a common core of compulsory subjects in purchasing and supply processes management, and then make appropriate selections from the list of ‘Specialist Options’ and ‘Electives’ according to their own requirements and interests. The only condition being that at least one ‘Specialist Option’ subject must be studied.

The need to demonstrate competence in the function, as well as knowledge, is recognised. The Case Study examination is, therefore, a compulsory element of the assessment process. In addition a large proportion of every individual subject examination focuses on practical application as well as knowledge and understanding. Many organisations will recognise the considerable value of The Project as not only providing an opportunity to investigate and analyse a particular issue or problem, but also to appraise the skills and analytical abilities of the student.

Subjects to be Studied

The Graduate Diploma scheme contains six compulsory subjects at the Foundation Stage. At the Professional Stage there are four core compulsory subjects, three specialist option subjects, and six elective subjects. Those wishing to obtain the Institute's Graduate Diploma are required to complete, by examination or approved exemption, all subjects in the Foundation Stage, four core compulsory subjects, one specialist option subject, and three subjects from either the specialist option or electives of the Professional Stage.

Examinations for subjects within either stage may be completed in any order but all examinations in the Foundation Stage must be completed before progressing to the Professional Stage. Only in exceptional circumstances, and if one subject remains outstanding, may permission be given to proceed to the Professional Stage. The limitations of the examinations timetable must be observed and may affect the mix of subjects you wish to take at the Professional Stage.

Foundation Stage

Compulsory Subjects :

Business Organisation and Processes

Business Analysis in Purchasing and Supply

Legal and Procurement Processes

Introduction to Supply & Materials Management

Professional Stage

Professional Stage Compulsory Subjects :

PSCM 2: Tactics & Operations

Case Study

Professional Stage Specialist Options:

Distribution

Professional Stage Elective Subjects :

The Project

Operations Management

Project and Contract Management

International Supply Chain Management

Exemption Policy

Graduate Diploma

You must pass the Foundation Stage before attempting the Professional Stage.

All exemptions granted will be confirmed in writing and a fee will be payable on a per subject basis. CIPS will not commit to exemptions by telephone.

a) Exemptions on a subject for subject basis from the Foundation Stage are available to those who can demonstrate they have studied the same subject material within an alternative programme, and at an equivalent level. These programmes must be equivalent to at least a BTEC Higher National Award, a Business or Management Studies degree from a UK university, a post-graduate diploma, or a final qualification from another professional institute. To apply for these exemptions, please provide:

• a copy of the Diploma or Degree Award.
• a transcript (pass list or notification of programme) showing the subjects taken. This should have been formally issued to you by the university or relevant institution.
• a statement indicating the subjects from which you are seeking exemptions.

b) Occasionally we will consider exemptions from subjects in the Foundation Stage on the basis of your working experience, but you must be able to demonstrate this. This level of experience is unlikely to have been achieved if you are under the age of 27 years. To apply for these exemptions, please provide:

• Your current job description, endorsed by your line manager. If you have been in your current post for less than three years, a copy of your previous job description. You should show clearly how your experience aligns with the Foundation Stage subjects.
• A copy of your CV
• A statement indicating the subjects from which you are seeking exemptions.

c) No exemptions are available from the core compulsory subjects of the Professional Stage, but exemptions from the Specialist Options or the Electives will be considered. Applicants are required to demonstrate that their degree or post-graduate qualification covered the same subject matter. To apply for these exemptions, please provide:

• a copy of the Diploma or Degree Award.

• a transcript (pass list or notification of programme) showing the subjects taken. This should have been formally issued to you by the university or institution.

• a statement indicating the subjects from which you are seeking exemptions

Examinations

Examinations can only be taken by current CIPS members.

Standards

The CIPS Foundation Stage is equivalent to the standard expected in the first year of a degree programme and the Professional Stage to a good degree. As a higher education, post-experience course, the Graduate Diploma seeks to develop intellectual and imaginative powers, understanding and judgement, problem solving skills, communication skills, and an ability to place what is learned in the field of study in a broader perspective. The pass mark for the Foundation Stage examinations is 40% and for the Professional Stage 50%.

External Examinations

Most candidates for CIPS examinations (including all private study and correspondence course students) will take ‘External’ examinations, which are set and marked centrally. These examinations are held towards the end of May and November each year and it is the responsibility of the individual candidate to ensure that a properly completed examination entry form, together with the correct fees, reaches us by the closing dates of mid March and mid September respectively. In January and July Examination entry forms are sent to all those registered as studying for CIPS qualifications. It is regretted that late entries cannot be accepted.

You may take as many, or as few, subjects as you like at any external examination sitting (up to a maximum of eight, as permitted by the timetable) but in order to enjoy a reduced annual subscription rate you will be expected to attempt examinations at least every two years. If you are unable to do so, you should advise us accordingly. Normally candidates will not be allowed to take a subject more than four times, but further attempts may be permissible at the discretion of the Institute.

CIPS External Examinations Instructions to Candidates

Notes to Candidates. Please read carefully before attending an examination.

1. Please report to the centre at least 20 minutes before the examination is due to start. Late arrivals are admitted only at the discretion of the invigilator and extra time will be granted only in extreme circumstances. If you need directions to the centre please contact the college/ venue before your first examination.

2. You are required to bring to the examination:

• This small letter (see point 4) and, if available, your CIPS membership card,
• Pens, pencils, rulers, erasers.

3. Do not take dictionaries, books, papers or other reading materials into the examination room. If you do you may face disciplinary action. The only exception is for the Case Study Examination.

4. Please ensure that you have been handed the correct examination question paper when papers have been distributed. CIPS is using an electronic reading system to track examination papers. To ensure the quality of this system we have inserted your candidate membership numbers, subject title and centre numbers on answer booklets. You must check that you have received the correct answer booklet showing your CIPS membership number and subject title as shown on this booking letter.

5. All answers must be written in ink. Pencil should only be used where graphs/diagrams are required.

6. The use of silent battery operated non-programmable calculators is permitted. The use of logarithm tables is not permitted.

7. Inability to sit the examination - if illness or some other serious compassionate cause prevents you from attending the examination you may defer your enrolment at no extra charge. Please send in a written explanation to the CIPS Examinations Officer, supported by a medical certificate, or other such documentation within 14 days of the examination. The examination fee will be credited to your account for future use. You are required to re-enter for these examinations. We do not refund examination entry fees for any other reasons.

8. Plagiarism/cheating - Cheating, or attempting to cheat in an examination is considered to be a serious offence and will incur such penalties as the CIPS Assessment Panel may determine but could result in the candidate being barred from CIPS examinations for up to three years.

9. Students will be notified of their results by post during the first 10 days of August 2001. Results will also be available on the member only pages of the web site from the same date.

10. If you have any cause to complain about any aspect relating to the examination, or if you wish to report any incident which may have affected your examination performance, notify the CIPS in writing within 14 days of the examination date. Such incidents cannot be taken into consideration after the issue of results.

Style of Examination

Assessment for all subjects, with the exception of the Project, is by means of a three hour examination. At the Professional Stage, all papers will consist of a compulsory case study question and formal essay-type questions. Past examination question papers are available. CIPS aims, wherever possible, to employ methods of assessment which test both understanding and the application of knowledge.

Notification of Results

Results will be notified to students as soon as possible after each series of examinations. Normally, results for the May examinations are issued in the first 10 days of August, and for the November examination in the first 10 days of February. As results are posted from the UK, candidates should make appropriate allowances for postal delays which may occur. Individuals will also be able to access their own external examinations results through the member only pages of the CIPS website.

Grading of Results

Certification

A Certificate is issued on completion of the Foundation Stage and for the full Graduate Diploma. A status report detailing examination results and exemptions granted can be issued to any candidate at any time upon request.

PRIZES

The TNT Diamond Jubilee Prize

The Diamond Jubilee Prize was introduced to mark the occasion of the Institute’s 60th anniversary in 1992. In 1997 TNT UK Ltd agreed to sponsor this award which enabled the Institute to considerably upgrade the profile of the prize. This is the Institute’s premier national award and is awarded each year to the student obtaining the best overall average mark in the Professional Stage examinations of the Graduate Diploma. Over 1000 Associates qualify for Corporate Membership each year through the examinations route.

The winner of this award receives a cheque for £600 and a certificate. The Hart Medal Competition The Hart Medal is named after FL Hart, President of the Purchasing Officers Association in 1944/45, and was instituted in 1952 by the then President, TL Garner. The competition is open to Corporate Members and Associates studying. The upper age limit is 30 years. The award is made to the Member or Associate within the age group submitting the best project on a Purchasing and Supply topic Professional Stage examination projects are automatically considered. The winner of this competition receives an engraved replica of the Hart Medal, a cheque for £400 and a certificate. The closing date for entries is 31 October each year.

The Frank White Award

The Frank White Award was established in 1977 in recognition of the distinguished services rendered by the late Frank White to the Institute. The Award is open to Corporate Members and Associates studying over the age of 30 and is made to the person submitting the best project on a Purchasing and Supply topic. Professional Stage examinations projects are automatically considered.

The winner of this award receives a cheque for £400 and a certificate. The closing date for entries is 31 October each year.

The Post Office Prize

The Post Office Prize was established in 1982 to celebrate the Institute’s Golden Jubilee The Prize is open to members of all grades and to non-members and is awarded to the person submitting the best project on a Purchasing and Supply topic related to the public sector. Professional Stage examination projects are automatically considered. The winner of this prize receives a cheque for £400, a Post Office Medallion and a certificate.

Confidentiality

Entries submitted for the above-mentioned competitions will be treated as confidential documents by senior staff of the Institute and by the appointed assessors, but authors may be approached at a later date for permission to publish the contents of their entries in the publications of the Institute.

Judging

Judging will be undertaken by assessors appointed by the Institute, whose decisions will be final. The winner will be announced during February each year.

Prize Giving

All prizes will be presented at the Annual Graduation Ceremony.

Graduation Ceremony

The successful achievement of the Graduate Diploma is celebrated at an annual Graduation Ceremony in May/June each year, with full academic dress and the appropriate pomp and ceremony. Details of the following year’s event are sent to recent Graduates, appear regularly in Supply Management and are posted to the CIPS website.

Higher Level Studies

The Graduate Diploma obtained through the CIPS provides an opportunity, for those who wish to do so, to pursue studies at a postgraduate level. Post-graduate programmes.

The Graduate Diploma is increasingly becoming a stepping stone for post-graduate studies and there are a number of specialist purchasing and supply programmes available which CIPS graduates may wish to consider. Details of these are available on the website and a hard copy can be supplied on request. Ultimately, the decision on acceptance onto a post-graduate programme lies with the University authorities and is based not just upon previous qualifications but other specified criteria.

Research

There is already a great deal of research in purchasing and supply chain management being undertaken in many UK universities, with much activity across the rest of the world. Some are doctoral programmes. Several UK universities have established research centres and opportunities exist for company sponsored research to be undertaken within such centres.

This could be particularly valuable to organisations which have both the financial and human resources to commit for a minimum of six months, although some projects can, of course, extend over 2-3 years. Euro diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management The CIPS is a participating association in the Euro diploma scheme which has the support of all 19 purchasing associations in Europe. The scheme combines elements of continuing professional development with a more formal study programme to provide a pan-European qualification with an appropriate focus. Further information is available from the CIPS Education Team or visit the CIPS website

Each syllabus has been set out with an aim and rationale, followed by several sections. Each of these sections is made up of content and a set of learning outcomes. Each section is also given an advisory weighting which gives an indication both to the amount of teaching and study time that should be spent on each section, and the relative weighting of each section in the assessment.