CIPS Exam Report for Learner Community:
Qualification:
Unit:
Exam series:
Professional diploma in procurement and supply
PD2 - Corporate and business stratergy
March 2015
Question 1 – Learning Outcome 1
Explain each of the following strategic management terms highlighting the key
features that differentiate them
(i)
Corporate strategy
(ii)
Business strategy
(iii)
Functional/Operational strategy
(9 marks)
(8 marks)
(8 marks)
Learning Outcome(s) covered by these questions: 1.2
Command word: in this question it was “Explain” here we were looking for candidates to account for in clear
terms what each of the above levels of strategy were and to differentiate between them.
Examples of good content/good approaches: (1) Both explaining as well as differentiating each as called for
under the question; (2) Putting in real life examples throughout the response as appropriate and in logical
sequence to points made; (3) Showing a good understanding of the levels of strategy; (4) Its importance to
overall effectiveness with the organisation
Examples of weaker content/poorer approaches: (1) Crucially here candidates who did least well treated this
answer to very short one paragraph descriptions of each level of the strategy and didn’t as a result have
sufficient depth as well as scope; (2) Imbalance writing too much the differentiation as opposed to clearly
explaining each level; (3) non adherence to the command word set in this question. (4) Poor explanations of
Corporate strategy.
Failure to recognise the “command word” associated with the question; (2) Imbalance of answers between
the two aspects of the question; (3) Limited use of examples to illustrate points being made.
Overall though most candidates did pass but too many candidates did so marginally leaving little wriggle room
all for the reasons explained under examples of poor content and common errors above. However there were
exceptions to this with some excellent responses that were balanced and contextualised well in an
organisational setting, although not directly asked for was one very good way to add depth to the answers
given.
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Question 2 – Learning Outcome 2
Once an organisation has identified a range of strategic options, it should evaluate
each of them in an attempt to avoid costly and serious mistakes.
Explain, using examples, how the following criteria could be applied to evaluate
strategic options that have been developed
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Suitability
Acceptability
Feasibility
(9 marks)
(8 marks)
(8 marks)
Learning Outcome(s) covered by the question: 2.4
Command word: in this question it was “Explain” ” here we were looking for candidates to account for the
suitability; acceptability and feasibility factors once strategic options had been chosen with the context
sentence at the start of the question highlighting the stage reached in the strategic management process.
Examples of good content/good approaches to answers: (1) Commencing their response with a paragraph at
most acknowledging the introductory contextualising sentence given in this question; (2) Going to explain
each element under the review with almost the same degree of attention to detail; (3) Good answers were
structured in the approach taken putting in credible examples to illustrate the points being made; (4) Giving a
solid conclusion acknowledging the importance of this stage of the strategic management process ahead of
the all important implantation phase.
Examples of weaker content/poorer approaches in answers: (1) Again, as a recurring theme too many
candidates failed to write to the command word down grading it to a mere descriptive answer and thus lost
marks due to lack of depth and scope; (2) Over elaboration in discussing the contextualising sentence at the
start of the question almost indeed in some cases to the near wipe out of explanation of suitability;
acceptability and ferasibility; (3) Lack of proper understanding of this stage of the strategic management
process
Insufficient depth where in mattered in this question; (2) Exam technique poor evidence of structure in
particular a sound introduction and a solid conclusion.
As was the case in Question 1 most candidates did pass but too many candidates did so marginally leaving
little wriggle room all for the reasons explained under examples of poor content and common errors above.
However on a more positive note there were amongst the scripts some outstanding answers here
contributing to those candidates achieving Merit grades.
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Question 3 – Learning Outcome 3
Evaluate the strategic resources that are required to support the successful
implementation of corporate strategy
(25 marks)
Learning Outcome covered by the question (part a) was 3.2
Command word: in this question it was “Evaluate” here we were looking for candidates to judge and value
the importance of resources to the successful implantation of corporate strategy.
Examples of good content/good approaches to answers: (1) Recognising the impact of the command word
“Evaluate” which required more than a simple explanation and required against the choices chosen to be
embedded in the answers how there could be difficulties in marshalling that resource to fully support the
implementation phase; (2) Putting in sufficient justification for each point being made: (3) Recognising the
right balance between quantity and quality of responses to this question – this is about proper understanding
of exam technique in a question that doesn’t steer on quantity and to recognise at this level talking about less
with more justification and application will score more highly than talking about more with less justification
and application.
Examples of weaker content/poorer approaches in answers: (1) Candidates applying the command word
wrongly (2) Lack of sufficient depth to each of the factors described as a result of putting in too many and
ones which were quite frankly remote considerations as opposed to the more recognised ones as studied
within this Unit; (3) Short responses.
Failure to recognise the “command word” associated with the question. (2) Limited responses in relation to
the marks on offer.
Question 4 – Learning Outcome 4
Using appropriate change management theory, analyse how a strategic change
could be managed and how commitments to it could be achieved
(25 marks)
Learning Outcome(s) covered by the question: 4.2
Command words: in this question in the command word was “analyse” which is to examine a topic and make
judgements in this case how an appropriate change management theory could manage a change situation and
how commitments to it could be achieved.strategic decisions determine an organisations supply chain
functional strategy.
Examples of good content/good approaches to answers: (1) Candidates chose to illustrate their points made
with an example either from their organisation or that of another organisation named, this added greatly to
the understanding they demonstrated in this question (2) Candidates used the command word correctly; (3)
Reinforced within their answers that change requires to be sustained and for that what measures can be
taken to secure full and sustained endorsement of it; (3) putting forward the right balance between what
effectively is a two part question.
Examples of weaker content/poorer approaches in answers: (1) Lack of depth & scope; (2) Command word
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ignored; (3) Over-reliance on theory with little application – giving of a credible example in support was
lacking in the poor responses; (4) Poor exam technique including poor layout and structure to the answer and
non use of introductions and conclusions.
Failure to recognise the “command word” associated with the question. (2) Poor structure (3) Shortness of
responses – lacking justifications etc., (3) Poor introductions & conclusions.
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