A previously used specification must always be robustly challenged to see how well it fits the proposed circumstances. Aspects which appear not to fit should be analysed to understand why they were included in the sample specification and whether this changes the view on whether or not they should be omitted or changed.
Reference:
LO 2, AC 2.1

The market approach is a method of determining the value of an asset based on the selling price of similar assets.
A fixed-price strategy means you set a price and keep it constant for an extended period of time.
Cost-plus pricing is also known as markup pricing. It's a pricing method where a fixed percentage is added on top of the cost to produce A price index (PI) is a measure of how prices change over a period of time, or in other words, it is a way to measure inflation. There are multiple methods on how to calculate inflation (or deflation).
Reference:
LO 3, AC 3.3

Audit trail is a chronological record the sequence of events connected to a given transaction, such as a purchase of raw materials, payroll disbursements, or a detailed financial statement. The record includes all the source documents connected to the transaction, providing context and clarity in the event a review is required. The more comprehensive the documentation, the more effective the audit trail is when used to create financial reports, verify information, and ensure compliance while eliminating fraud.
In the scenario, the procurement team gets the quotation from phone calls and emails which have weak audit trails and lack of transparency. One solution may be increasing the use of e-procurement system.
Reference:
- What is an audit trail?
- CIPS study guide page 6-7
LO 1, AC 1.1

There are number of reasons why the purchaser will want to control the supplier's subcontracting:
- Supply chain transparency: Normally the purchaser has invested a lot of effort into selecting the right contractor. However, the main contractor's selection of subcontractor might not be in such careful manner, which may result in poor performance. Purchaser must know who subcontractors are. Controlling the subcontracting process can help the purchaser control the outcome.
- Contract terms: the purchaser's requirements must be reflected in the subcontracts. The subcontracting clauses may require the main contractor to do this.
- Liability: the main contractor may subcontract the whole or a part of its liabilities. Subcontracting clause may bind the contractor to be liable with the work, it cannot just blame the subcontractor for any faults.
Reference:
LO 3, AC 3.2

- NEC: New Engineering Contract - a family of standard contracts primarily used in construction in the UK; includes works, consultants, services
- JCT: Joint Contracts Tribunal - a family of standard contracts used in construction in the UK; includes works, consultants. subcontracts, services
- AS: Australian Standards contracts - different contracts for a range of purchase types including constructions, consultancy, periodic supply of goods
- IET: Institution of Engineering and Technology which issue jointly agreed model forms covering the design, supply and installation of electrical, electronic and mechanical plant 'including special conditions for the ancillary development of software'
- CIPS: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply - CIPS has developed its own suites of standard forms of contract for IT functions including: supply and installation of computer equipment, support and maintenance of bespoke software, servicing of computer equipment.
Reference:
LO3, AC 3.1