Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Foundation Diploma Level 4
Duration
The five units of this programme (see Contents and Assessment) are studied one at a time, covering three in an academic year (September to May). Each unit is covered over the length of 11 - 12 weeks (one evening per week).
Students can join at the start of any unit – September for the first; late November / early December for the second one; late February / early March for the third.
Introduction
All organisations, in a constantly changing business environment, need to become more efficient and effective in the provision of goods and services. This has increased the importance of the function and profession of purchasing and supply at all levels and in all types of organisations.
Supply and procurement personnel increasingly need an understanding of all activities within the supply/value chain. This course aims to familiarise them with the latest ‘best practice’ techniques and principles so that they can maximise their own performance in whichever sector of the economy is appropriate to them.
Content
The Foundation Diploma is a Level 4 qualification, comprising of five compulsory units:
- Effective Negotiation in Purchasing & Supply
- Developing Contracts in Purchasing & Supply
- Measuring Purchasing Performance
- Managing Purchasing and Supply Relationships
- Purchasing Contexts
The CIPS course tutor will supply details of which units are to be studied and when.
Teaching Methods
Learning is achieved via weekly evening classes (mainly Wednesdays) involving a variety of approaches including reviews of the text and other resources, individual working and note-taking, group and class discussions, attempting set questions and case studies etc. It must be emphasised that these weekly classes form only one part of the programme. Sufficient time must also be allowed for individual study of the appropriate texts.
Assessment
Assessment is via three hour exams (one per unit) which are set by CIPS. These exams are scheduled for the November, January, March, May and July of each year. The Bournville CIPS Level 4 programme is scheduled around the November, March and May exam sittings.
Qualification Gained
Each level of the CIPS qualification “ladder” offers an exit award (a Certificate of Achievement), which is a stand-alone qualification. Completion of the Foundation Diploma stage entitles the student to describe themselves as a Diploma Member of the Institute.
Opportunities for Progression
The Level 4 Foundation Diploma leads to the Level 5 Advanced Diploma, which in turn leads on to the Graduate Diploma (Level 6). Achievement of the latter – together with three years’ relevant experience – qualifies the holder for full Membership of the Institute (MCIPS).
Entry Requirements
There are two entry points to the CIPS qualification ladder – Levels 3 and 4. The CIPS Course Tutor will need details of your education / training to date to advise which is the most appropriate for you.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT
If you have a learning difficulty, disability or medical condition that means that you may require additional learning support during your studies, please ensure that you discuss this with the Assessment & Support Manager before enrolling on a course. It is essential that this is discussed at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that the college has the resources available to meet your support needs. Please contact the Assessment & Support Manager on 0121 477 1300 for further guidance.
For Further Information
Enquiries for this course should be made to the Advice Zone and entry onto the programme will be dependent upon a satisfactory interview/assessment. Please telephone 0121 477 1300 for further information or email info@bournville.ac.uk
Reference
(MP037) 01/11
