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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!

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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Our hosts discuss practical strategies for progressing in a procurement career, covering everything from education pathways to handling imposter syndrome and building influential stakeholder relationships.

• Multiple pathways into procurement including degrees, apprenticeships, qualifications, or transferring from adjacent roles
• Exposure to senior stakeholders is a key benefit of procurement roles, requiring preparation and solution-oriented approaches
• CIPS qualifications valuable for career progression, but pursue them to genuinely improve skills rather than just for promotion
• Networking through CIPS branches, online forums, and LinkedIn groups creates learning opportunities and potential job connections
• Finding mentors who excel in areas you wish to develop can accelerate growth in specific procurement competencies
• Overcome imposter syndrome by acknowledging the learning curve in new roles and remembering you earned your position
• Document achievements and successful negotiations to track your growth and provide evidence of impact
• Career paths aren't always linear – procurement knowledge creates opportunities for specialization in various areas
• Stay current with emerging trends like AI in procurement to position yourself ahead of the market
• Building relationships with stakeholders is crucial as they often determine your opportunities for growth

Join our community by following us on Instagram at lets_talk_procurement or email us at 2lukes1cip@gmail.com

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

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We discuss the challenges and unexpected triumphs of tackling the CIPS Commercial Management in Procurement module, revealing Luke 10's results to you listeners and Luke live on this recording.

• Deep dive into the content of the Commercial Management module focusing on organisational strategy
• Exploring the connections between corporate strategy and supply chain management
• Challenges of linking theoretical strategy frameworks to practical procurement applications
• Explaining how financial considerations affect supplier relationships and pricing models
• Live reveal of exam results
• Discussion of study approaches and applying feedback between modules
• Celebration of reaching the one-third milestone toward completing MCIPS qualification

Thanks to our listeners for helping us reach 5,000 downloads! We appreciate your support and feedback. Special thanks to Jim for his encouraging message about how the podcast has helped him continue his CIPS studies.

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

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Confused about Statements of Work (SOWs)? You're not alone! We cut through the jargon to reveal what truly matters in this essential procurement document.

We start by addressing a common misconception that procurement professionals simply "press buy" - when in reality, we're crafting sophisticated frameworks for accountability and project success. The humble Statement of Work stands at the center of this process, yet it's often misunderstood by stakeholders and suppliers alike.

A well-crafted SOW is your secret weapon for project clarity. We break down the critical elements every effective Statement of Work must contain: clear objectives, specific deliverables, defined timelines, unambiguous scope statements, and detailed pricing structures. But perhaps most importantly, we explore how SOWs fit within your broader contractual framework - they can't stand alone!

Through practical examples (some involving our fictional employee Dave and his adventures in Swindon), we demonstrate how SOWs create accountability, manage expectations, and provide legal protection when deliverables don't meet standards. We also clarify the crucial difference between SOWs and simple order forms, helping you determine which document serves your procurement needs.

Whether you're a procurement professional looking to sharpen your documentation skills or a stakeholder trying to understand why procurement keeps asking for more detail, this episode provides actionable insights for creating SOWs that protect your organization and drive project success.

Have questions or procurement challenges of your own? We'd love to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram @lets_talk_procurement or email us directly at 2lukes1cip@gmail.com.

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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

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Ever wondered if there's a more direct route into procurement than the typical "falling into it" story most professionals share? In our fascinating conversation with Loren, we uncover the surprising world of dedicated procurement degrees and how academic pathways can provide unique advantages in this ever-evolving profession.

Loren shares her journey from a curious business management student to a fully-qualified procurement professional with not just one, but two procurement degrees. What makes her story particularly compelling is how she earned her MCIPS qualification as part of her university experience - skipping the grueling process of balancing full-time work with professional development that many in our field endure.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the differences between public and private sector procurement, shattering the myth that public procurement is simply process-driven and uninteresting. Loren's candid assessment of her experiences reveals why she ultimately found her home in the public sector, where no two procurement exercises are ever quite the same.

We dive deep into social value in procurement, with Loren explaining her role as a social value lead and how public sector organizations now mandate at least 10% of scoring be allocated to social value considerations. This growing emphasis demonstrates how modern procurement extends far beyond just "buying things" to creating positive societal impacts.

The discussion also addresses the elephant in the room - artificial intelligence and its potential impact on procurement careers. Loren offers pragmatic insights into how her organization approaches AI in tender responses, balancing innovation with accountability.

Whether you're considering a career in procurement, looking to enhance your qualifications, or simply curious about the profession, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who took the road less traveled. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with procurement professionals who are shaping the future of the industry.

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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

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Today's discussion unveils the five procurement trends set to dominate in 2025, highlighting the critical role of technology, sustainability, and collaboration. We explore how these trends will reshape decision-making processes and supplier relationships in the procurement landscape.

• Importance of AI and automation in enhancing procurement efficiency
• Rising demand for sustainability and eco-friendly practices in procurement
• Role of blockchain in improving transparency and traceability
• Shift from transactional to collaborative supplier relationships
• Increasing reliance on data-driven decisions for smarter procurement strategies

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