Which of the following are likely to be advantages of using invitation to tender? Select TWO that apply:
Correct Answer: C,E
Advantages of using invitation to tender may be as below: No Nepotism: Tenders or bids are evaluated on the basis of certain predetermined criteria, such as price, quality and value for money. In other words, the firm offering the highest quality product or service at the lowest price point would win the contract. As most tender documents are opened and evaluated in a public process, I think that there remains little room for nepotism or favoritism of any kind. Value for Money: From the perspective of the client, tenders offer the greatest value for the amount of money spent. This is due to the fact that the client can choose from a wide pool of potential suppliers to select the ones that can produce the highest quality product or service at the lowest price point. This allows the company, establishment or organization to save money without having to compromise on quality. Therefore, despite being quite time consuming, tendering is, in my opinion, a profitable long-term process from an organization's point of view. Encourages Competition: The process of tendering helps promote a competitive market. This is because a number of potential contractors, firms or suppliers get a chance to bid for every project. And because selection depends on quality and price, every bidder tries to reduce operational inefficiencies and redundancies as much as possible in order to lower expenses and improve quality. This entire process encourages healthy competition in the market and prevents complacency and laziness, which in turn provides a boost to innovation and new ideas. Easier Entry: The system of tendering makes it easier and simpler for new firms to enter the market or even a particular industry. This is due to the fact that contracts under this system are awarded on the basis of predetermined, objective criteria. As a result, even a firm that is a new entrant to the market, having no connections or contacts in the industry, can win a prestigious and lucrative contract by providing the highest value for the client's money. This process therefore helps new firms to quickly get a foothold in the market or industry, thus significantly lowering the traditional barriers to entry. Reference: - Characteristics and Benefits of the Tendering Process - CIPS study guide page 6-8 LO 1, AC 1.1
Question 52
Which of the following are likely to be advantages of using request for quotation? Select TWO that apply:
Correct Answer: A,B
One of the advantages of using the RFQ method to procure pricing is that the company making the solicitation does not need to prepare any documentation, as requests are sent out privately. With less paperwork to prepare, turnaround times for quotes are reduced. Administration cost is also lower in compare with other procurement method like ITT or RFP. RFQ is usually used in low value purchase, where buyer knows the detailed specification and the price is the only variable that need to consider. To use RFQ effectively, the buyer should attach the detailed specification and standard terms & conditions. The RFQ should only be sent to verified suppliers. Reference: - What is an RFQ? - CIPS study guide page 3-4 LO 1, AC 1.1
Question 53
A purchase order can become a contract between supplier and purchaser if it is...?
Correct Answer: B
A purchase order is a document sent from a buyer to a seller, with a request to order a product. The purchase order often has its number, description and quantity of the goods, unit prices and total price, name of issuer, time of delivery, standard terms and conditions, etc. It is effectively an offer to supplier. The purchase order will become a formal contract if supplier accepted it by written notice or by performance (such as deliver the goods to the buyer's premise). Reference: LO 1, AC 1.2
Question 54
Bethy sees a coat on shop window with a $100 price tag. She comes and asks the shop owner to buy it. The owner states that the price has not been updated and the current price for the coat is $120. Bethy says the owner should honour the quoted price on window shop. Is Bethy correct?
Correct Answer: C
Based on two famous precedents, Fisher v. Bell (1961) and Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain v. Boots Cash Chemists (1953), the display on shop window is considered as an invitation to treat. The shop owner can change the price when his customer asks to buy. Reference: LO 1, AC 1.2
