L4M6 Exam Dumps : Supplier Relationships

The relationship spectrum describes the range of possible supplier relationship types, from arm’s-length transactional relationships to strategic partnerships.

CIPS explains that buyers should segment their supplier base and apply the most appropriate relationship type to:

Maximise value

Manage risk

Allocate resources effectively

The other options describe activities or tools, not the concept of classifying supplier relationships.

L4M6 Reference:

Learning Outcome 3: Understand approaches to managing supplier relationships

Topic: Relationship spectrum and supplier segmentation

CIPS L4M6 Study Guide – Supplier relationship models

Explanation

Jenny should consider whole life costing. Ensuring value for money means considering a combination of price and quality throughout the lifetime of the product. See p.65 for more on ‘Achieving Value for Money’

Improving supplier commitment and loyalty is a core theme of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) within L4M6. CIPS emphasises that long-term, collaborative relationships encourage suppliers to invest time, resources, and innovation into the buyer relationship.

Providing guaranteed order levels reduces supplier uncertainty and risk, improving trust and encouraging commitment. This aligns with the concept of mutual dependency and relationship stability, which strengthens supplier loyalty.

The other options are incorrect because:

A stand-off approach discourages collaboration

Over-promising future work damages trust if unmet

Excessive penalties create adversarial relationships

L4M6 Reference:

Learning Outcome 3: Understand approaches to managing supplier relationships

Topic: Supplier commitment, trust, and collaboration

CIPS L4M6 Study Guide – Relationship spectrum and SRM principles