Overall explanation
Below you will find how you can plan and draft the essay. Remember this is an example of one way you could approach the question. At Level 6 the questions are much more open so your response may be completely different and that's okay.
Essay Plan
Introduction – what is it?
Paragraph 1 – standing
Paragraph 2- integrity
Paragraph 3 – promote
Paragraph 4 – proficiency
paragraph 5 – regulations
Conclusion – it’s super important
Example Essay
The CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) Code of Conduct serves as a guiding framework for procurement and supply chain professionals to maintain ethical standards and professional integrity in their work. This essay will explore how procurement professionals can apply various aspects of the CIPS Code of Conduct to ensure ethical business practices. It will address each of the five core principles outlined in the Code of Conduct: Standing, Integrity, Promotion, Proficiency, and Regulations, providing relevant examples for each.
Standing:
One of the key principles of the CIPS Code of Conduct is to enhance and protect the standing of the profession. Procurement professionals can apply this by avoiding conduct that would bring the profession or CIPS into disrepute. For example, if a procurement manager discovers evidence of bid rigging among potential suppliers, adhering to this principle would involve promptly reporting the suspicious activity to their organization's compliance department. By doing so, they not only uphold professional standards, but also safeguard the organization's reputation.
Integrity:
Maintaining personal and professional integrity is fundamental to ethical business practices. The Code of Conduct emphasizes that procurement professionals should never engage in conduct, either professional or personal, that would bring the profession or CIPS into disrepute. For instance, if a supply chain manager is offered an extravagant gift by a vendor during negotiations, they should decline the gift and report the offer to their supervisor or compliance department. This action upholds personal and professional integrity, ensuring impartiality in supplier selection.
Promotion:
Procurement professionals can actively promote ethical practices within their organizations and supply chains, aligning with the Code of Conduct. For example, they can advocate for sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. If a procurement manager selects suppliers who adhere to fair labour standards and environmentally responsible practices, they set an example that encourages others to prioritize ethical practices. By actively promoting these principles, they contribute to a culture of integrity and social responsibility.
Proficiency:
Enhancing and protecting the standing of the profession also involves a commitment to proficiency. Procurement professionals can apply this principle by continually developing and maintaining their professional skills and competencies. For instance, attending training programs and industry conferences regularly can help them stay updated on the latest ethical standards and best practices. Pursuing certifications related to ethical sourcing, such as sustainable supply chain management credentials, further demonstrates their commitment to proficiency.
Regulations:
The CIPS Code of Conduct underscores the importance of compliance with relevant laws and regulations in procurement and supply chain management. Procurement professionals should ensure that all sourcing activities align with legal requirements. For example, they can conduct due diligence to confirm that suppliers adhere to anti-corruption laws, trade restrictions, and environmental regulations. This not only minimizes legal and ethical risks but also ensures ethical conduct within the supply chain.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, procurement professionals play a crucial role in maintaining ethical business practices by applying the principles outlined in the CIPS Code of Conduct. By adhering to these principles related to Standing, Integrity, Promotion, Proficiency, and Regulations, they contribute to the ethical and responsible functioning of their organizations and the broader supply chain industry. Upholding ethical standards not only safeguards professional integrity but also fosters trust and transparency in procurement and supply chain management.
Tutor Notes
- The CIPS code of conduct has come up as a 25 point question in Level 4 and Level 5 exams, so there is no reason to believe it couldn’t come up at Level 6. Nothing has changed in terms of content, but at this Level be prepared to give more examples of it being applied in practice.
- Another way this could be asked is in relation to a case study. E.g. Mark is a procurement professional and X and Y are going on at his organisation. Using the CIPS Code of Conduct, what should he do about X and Y?
