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Want to learn about CIPS Objective Response (OR) exams? This episode delivers exactly what you need to succeed.

We're joined by Nic, a procurement professional from a multi-generational procurement dynasty, who shares how he's achieved an impressive 90% average across his multiple choice exams.

Rather than generic study tips, Nick reveals the specifics that appear in virtually every exam (Porter's Five Forces, Whole Life Asset Management, Mendelow's Matrix) and explains how understanding these core concepts enables you to tackle questions across different procurement contexts.

The conversation takes you behind the scenes of the exam experience itself - from managing pre-exam nerves to the strategic approachs required for success and helping you settle in.

Nic's candid discussion about exam formats (including the differences between Level 3 and Level 4) provides crucial insights for anyone preparing for their next certification. You'll learn which practice resources proved most valuable and why online exams at home offer advantages over testing centers.

Learn Nic's stand out tip for mindset: ensuring you've done enough preparation to know you'll pass before entering the exam room. This confidence-building strategy has served him well through 13 consecutive exams.

Whether you're considering starting your CIPS certification journey or looking to advance to higher levels, this episode offers both practical tactics and the psychological framework to approach your exams with confidence.

**Shout-out to Kareem for this week's episode idea**

Ready to transform your exam experience? Listen now, take notes, and watch your certification success rate soar. Have questions about your own procurement journey? Reach out to us at 2Lukes1CIP@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice,

Cya Later

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The hosts discuss global strategic supply chain management while revealing Luke 10s third assignment results live.

Lowlights
• Haircuts and barber experiences sets a light tone for the episode
• Celebration of reaching 6,000 podcast downloads with shout-outs to new listener locations worldwide
• Detailed discussion about the challenges of globalization in procurement, including resource access benefits and ethical considerations
• Live reveal of third module assignment results with feedback on areas for improvement
• Critical importance of applying strategic models like Porter's Five Forces in procurement assignments
• Suggestions for future podcast content can we start procurement TikTok dances?

Support the show

Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice,

Cya Later

Send us a text

We dive deep into what procurement professionals actually do day-to-day, breaking down misconceptions and revealing the strategic value behind the function. Sharing personal experiences, we explore how procurement is about far more than simply blocking progress or finding the cheapest price.

• Procurement isn't about delaying projects out of spite but conducting essential due diligence to protect companies financially and reputationally
• Supplier selection often involves working with stakeholders' preferred suppliers rather than always running formal tenders from scratch
• Contract negotiation requires commercial and legal understanding despite most procurement professionals not having formal legal training
• Best value doesn't mean lowest price - procurement aims to find the right quality at the right price without compromising what's important
• Stakeholder management and education takes up a significant portion of a procurement professional's time, often more than supplier engagement
• Typical daily activities include reviewing contracts, attending meetings, processing requisitions, and maintaining supplier relationships
• Public and private sector procurement differ significantly in approach to supplier selection and contractual terms

Support the show

Please get in touch as we love to hear from you listeners! You can use the "text" function above or drop us on email: 2lukes1cip@gmail.com or visit our website www.letstalkprocurement.co.uk

It would also mean the world if you can drop us a cheeky 5* rating on your platform of choice,

Cya Later