Online Access Free L6M1 Practice Test

See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
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 control?
1) Direct control - issuing orders, direct supervision, can lead to resentment
2) Bureaucracy - clear definitions, standardisation and processes
3) Influencing - bring a person's values in line with the values of the organisation
4) Social / Cultural - encourage people to conform by changing the norms of the organisation
5) KPIs - individuals are evaluated to set standards
Conclusion - leader should use a variety of methods
Example Essay
Control in leadership refers to the processes, strategies, and mechanisms that leaders use to regulate, guide, and manage the activities and behaviours of individuals or groups within an organization. Effective control helps leaders ensure that the organization operates efficiently, achieves its goals, and adheres to its values and standards. This essay will discuss a variety of methods that a leader can use to exercise control.
1) Direct Control:
Direct control is a leadership method where leaders issue explicit orders and closely supervise tasks, often making decisions without significant input from others. For example in a manufacturing company, a supervisor instructs workers on the assembly line to follow a specific sequence of tasks and closely monitors their work to ensure compliance. The advantage to this method is that tasks are executed as instructed, resulting in predictable outcomes and that expectations and roles are well-defined, which reduces ambiguity. However this method of control can lead to resentment, decreased motivation, and a lack of autonomy among team members. Team members may be less inclined to propose innovative solutions or take initiative when micromanaged.
2) Bureaucracy:
Bureaucracy is a method of control characterized by clear definitions, standardized processes, and established rules and procedures within an organization. Government agencies often operate within a bureaucratic framework, where specific rules and regulations guide decision-making and operations. The advantage of this form of control is that it ensures decisions and actions align with established rules and procedures. It also promotes equal treatment of individuals within the organization. The disadvantage is that Bureaucratic structures may struggle to adapt to changing circumstances and hinder organizational agility. Moreover, excessive bureaucracy can lead to administrative burdens and create barriers to efficient decision-making.
3) Influencing:
Influencing is a control method focused on aligning an individual's values, beliefs, and behaviours with those of the organization. It encourages voluntary compliance. An example of this is a manager motivating their team to meet sales targets by emphasizing the benefits of achieving those goals for both the company and individual team members. This form of control can be highly effective as it encourages voluntary compliance; team members willingly align their values and behaviours with the organization's goals and it fosters a shared sense of purpose and commitment among employees. However it has many limitations; it is time consuming, requires effort to build trust and rapport, is dependant upon the personality, skill and likeability of the leader and it is not an effective form of control in situations where immediate compliance is crucial.
4) Social/Cultural Control:
Social/cultural control involves shaping an organization's culture and norms to encourage individuals to conform to desired behaviours and values. For example an organization promotes a culture of innovation and creativity, encouraging employees to share ideas and experiment with new approaches. They may do this by allowing staff members designated time to work on creative projects. Another example is cultivating a culture of inclusivity and diversity by celebrating festivals and traditions from other countries. The advantage of this form of control is that it creates lasting commitment to desired behaviours and values; of all the types of control mentioned in this essay, this form of control has the longest lasting effect. However changing an existing culture can be challenging and may face resistance from employees accustomed to the status quo. Shaping culture is a long-term endeavour that requires ongoing effort but a positive culture brings many benefits including enhances employee engagement, motivation, and satisfaction.
5) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
KPIs are metrics and performance indicators used to evaluate the performance of individuals, teams, or the organization as a whole. For example an e-commerce company sets KPIs for customer satisfaction, measuring it through surveys and feedback ratings. This form of control provides clear targets, ensuring individuals and teams understand expectations. It also allows for data-driven decision making. Leaders can make informed decisions based on performance data, for example on whether a supplier is performing sufficiently to renew the contract with them. The disadvantage to using KPIs as a form of control is that overemphasizing KPIs may lead to a narrow focus on metrics at the expense of broader organizational goals and values. People may also prioritize meeting KPIs over the quality or integrity of their work.
In conclusion, effective leadership requires a nuanced approach to control. Leaders should recognize that different situations and individuals may require varying degrees and types of control. Relying solely on one method, such as direct control or bureaucracy, can limit the organization's adaptability and hinder employee engagement. Instead, a balanced approach that incorporates influencing, cultural shaping, and the use of KPIs can promote a healthy balance between control and autonomy, leading to a more effective and motivated workforce. Ultimately, leaders should use a combination of these control methods to achieve their organizational goals while maintaining a positive and engaged work environment.
Tutor Notes
- I've purposed made this question very vague, because sometimes CIPS do make vague questions. Things you should think about when approaching this question are: exercise control over what? (processes?) or over who? (staff?) why do you need control? (is something bad happening?). Because it's so open, you will need to bring in your own examples into this type of essay. Everyone's essays will look very different for this question.
- Other forms of control mentioned in the study guide include: Self-control - no direct intervention; Trust-control - where trust is high, control reduces (Handy 1993) and Motivation - see the table on p. 189

See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
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
Intro - what is it
P1 - what makes up the informal organisation. Example
P2 - positive
P3 - negative
Conclusion - organisations need to appreciate its existence, harness the positive (communication and helping each other) but mitigate the bad (cliques and rumours).
Example Essay
The "Informal Organization" refers to the unofficial, and often spontaneous network of relationships, interactions, and communication that develop among employees within an organization. It exists alongside the formal structure and hierarchy of the organization, which is usually defined by the organizational chart, job roles, and official reporting relationships. The informal organization, on the other hand, is not documented or officially sanctioned but plays a significant role in shaping the work environment and influencing how work gets done.
The informal organisation is composed of : social networking (informal groups of friends), the Grapevine (informal messages, rumours) and collective values (groups making assumptions - familiarity breeds contempt). An example of this may be employees from different departments who routinely have lunch together and 'gossip' about the company. The Informal Organization exists in all types of organisation, regardless of the formal structure and it can have both positive and negative impacts on an organization:
Positive Impact:
Enhanced Communication: Informal networks often facilitate communication and information flow that might be limited within the formal structure. Employees can share ideas, solutions, and concerns more freely, leading to increased innovation and problem-solving.
Rapid Response to Change: Informal groups can adapt quickly to changes in the work environment, helping employees cope with uncertainty and transitions. They can be valuable during times of crisis or when the organization needs to pivot.
Social Support: Informal relationships can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, reducing workplace stress and improving employee morale and job satisfaction. This can lead to higher retention rates and productivity. This is particularly true when activities or hobbies are included, for example a group of colleagues who create a football league and play after work.
Knowledge Transfer: Informal networks often facilitate the transfer of tacit knowledge (knowledge that is not easily documented) among employees, helping with onboarding, skill development, and organizational learning. For example, a more senior employee telling a new starter that Client A is a hothead so to make sure you answer his emails first.
Problem Resolution: Employees within informal networks may assist each other in resolving work-related issues, leading to quicker problem resolution and improved overall efficiency.
Negative Impact:
Cliques and Exclusivity: Informal groups can sometimes lead to cliques or exclusionary behaviour, which may create a sense of favouritism or inequality. This can negatively impact morale and teamwork. For example if the manager plays in the football league mentioned above he may consciously or unconsciously pick someone else who plays football for a promotion.
Resistance to Change: In some cases, informal groups may resist organizational changes that threaten their established norms or power dynamics, hindering the implementation of necessary reforms.
Gossip and Rumours: Informal communication can lead to the spreading of rumours, misinformation, or negative perceptions, which can harm employee morale and create a culture of distrust.
Conflict and Discord: Informal networks can sometimes breed conflicts and rivalries, which may spill over into the formal organization and disrupt teamwork and productivity. This may be those who play football vs those who don't.
Lack of Accountability: In the absence of clear reporting structures, the informal organization can undermine accountability, as individuals may not be held responsible for their actions or decisions.
In summary, the informal organization can have a significant impact on an organization, both positive and negative. Understanding and managing these informal dynamics is essential for creating a productive and harmonious work environment. The organisation should foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity to reduce the formation of cliques and utilise informal networks for knowledge sharing and employee engagement initiatives.
Tutor Notes
- The football example is from my own personal experience. Another example is a split between people who go for a drink after work and those who don't.
- Informal organisations is on p. 250 of the study guide. It came up as a topic in May 22 but that was about how it can impact change, specifically. So you could get a question like the above on pros and cons. Or a question with a case study.
- I love this quote: "Gossip is just the news wearing a tutu." - Barbara Kingsolver. I think it perfectly sums up the informal organisation. It's communication channels and relationships, just in a tutu.

See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
Introduction
Management effectiveness is critical for organizational success, particularly in functions like procurement, where balancing cost efficiency, supplier relationships, and operational effectiveness is key. The Blake Mouton Managerial Grid provides a framework for evaluating leadership styles based on a manager's concern for people (team members, stakeholders, suppliers) versus concern for production (task completion, efficiency, and profitability).
This essay will discuss the five approaches to management outlined in the Blake Mouton Managerial Grid and explore how procurement managers can apply them to enhance procurement performance.
Understanding the Blake Mouton Managerial Grid
The Blake Mouton Managerial Grid (1964) classifies management styles based on two axes:
Concern for People - The degree to which a leader considers employee motivation, satisfaction, and well-being.
Concern for Production (or Task) - The extent to which a leader focuses on achieving organizational goals, efficiency, and productivity.
This results in five distinct leadership styles, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
The Five Approaches to Management in the Blake Mouton Grid

1. Impoverished Management (Low Concern for People, Low Concern for Production) Description:
Leaders with an impoverished management style exert minimal effort to manage people or production.
They often avoid decision-making, fail to motivate employees, and show little interest in organizational goals.
This approach leads to low productivity, disengaged employees, and poor procurement outcomes.
Impact on Procurement Management:
❌ Weak supplier management - Poor relationships with suppliers may lead to delivery delays and contract failures.
❌ No cost control - Procurement teams may fail to negotiate favorable pricing due to lack of leadership.
❌ Lack of strategic alignment - Procurement fails to support organizational goals, resulting in inefficiencies.
Example:
A procurement manager who ignores supplier performance reviews, does not enforce contract terms, and fails to manage procurement risks would be practicing an impoverished management style.
2. Task Management (High Concern for Production, Low Concern for People) Description:
Task-oriented managers focus solely on efficiency, cost-cutting, and productivity, while neglecting employee well-being and engagement.
This style is highly authoritative and focuses on strict rules, efficiency, and results-driven processes.
Impact on Procurement Management:
✅ Strict cost control - The procurement team will focus on cutting costs and maximizing efficiency.
✅ Strong compliance enforcement - Ensures strict adherence to procurement policies and regulations.
❌ Supplier dissatisfaction - Overly aggressive cost-cutting and negotiation tactics may harm supplier relationships.
❌ Low employee morale - Procurement assistants may feel undervalued, leading to high staff turnover.
Example:
A procurement manager who focuses only on cost reduction and efficiency, without considering supplier relationships or team well-being, would fit this style.
3. Country Club Management (High Concern for People, Low Concern for Production) Description:
A country club manager prioritizes employee satisfaction and relationships but neglects productivity and performance.
This results in a friendly, low-pressure environment, but with low accountability and inefficiency.
Impact on Procurement Management:
✅ Strong supplier and stakeholder relationships - Procurement teams collaborate well with suppliers but may overpay due to a lack of tough negotiations.
✅ High team morale - Employees feel valued and motivated.
❌ Lack of cost efficiency - Over-prioritizing relationships may result in weak cost controls.
❌ Ineffective risk management - Procurement managers may fail to enforce strict supplier performance criteria.
Example:
A procurement manager who develops strong relationships with suppliers but fails to hold them accountable for poor performance is practicing country club management.
4. Middle-of-the-Road Management (Moderate Concern for People, Moderate Concern for Production) Description:
Balances both people and task concerns, but does not excel in either.
Ensures some level of efficiency and employee satisfaction, but lacks a strong strategic direction.
Impact on Procurement Management:
✅ Balanced supplier relationships - Ensures cost efficiency while maintaining supplier goodwill.
✅ Moderate employee engagement - The team feels reasonably motivated, but lacks innovation and strong leadership.
❌ Missed cost-saving opportunities - Procurement might fail to maximize value due to a lack of strategic focus.
❌ Lack of strong risk mitigation - The procurement manager may not aggressively manage risks, leading to supply chain disruptions.
Example:
A procurement manager who performs adequately but does not drive significant improvements or cost savings fits this style.
5. Team Management (High Concern for People, High Concern for Production) Description:
The most effective leadership style, where the manager prioritizes both team well-being and achieving high performance.
Encourages collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Focuses on both supplier relationships and cost efficiency.
Impact on Procurement Management:
✅ Optimized supplier performance - Ensures strong contract management, strategic sourcing, and supplier collaboration.
✅ High employee morale and performance - Employees are engaged, trained, and motivated to drive procurement success.
✅ Balanced cost and quality approach - Focuses on achieving cost efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
✅ Encourages innovation in procurement - Uses data analytics, AI, and technology to improve procurement processes.
Example:
A procurement manager who mentors their team, fosters supplier partnerships, and ensures cost savings while maintaining ethical procurement practices follows a team management approach.
Application of the Blake Mouton Grid to Procurement Management
The Blake Mouton Grid helps procurement managers identify their leadership style and improve team performance and supplier management. Here's how:
Developing High-Performance Procurement Teams - Procurement managers should strive for a team management approach, ensuring both efficiency and employee engagement.
Enhancing Supplier Relationship Management - A balanced approach ensures fair negotiations, long-term partnerships, and cost efficiency.
Strategic Cost Management - Managers should avoid being overly task-focused (cost-cutting) or too lenient on supplier pricing.
Improving Risk Management - Ensuring strong governance and compliance while maintaining good supplier relationships.
Continuous Improvement - Encouraging innovation, sustainability, and procurement technology adoption.
Conclusion
The Blake Mouton Managerial Grid provides valuable insights into leadership effectiveness in procurement management. Among the five approaches:
Team Management is the most effective style for procurement managers, balancing supplier relationships, cost efficiency, and employee engagement.
Task Management may be useful in cost-control situations, but must be balanced with ethical supplier management.
Country Club, Middle-of-the-Road, and Impoverished Management styles are less effective, as they fail to balance procurement efficiency and supplier relationships.
By adopting a "Team Management" approach, procurement managers can drive strategic value, optimize supplier performance, and enhance procurement team capabilities, ultimately contributing to long-term business success

See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
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 - modern slavery is an issue due to complex international supply chains P1 - risk - subcontracting or outsourcing P2 - risk - lack of visibility P3 - risk - other countries not having strong laws against it P4 - mitigate - supplier due diligence P5 - mitigate - traceability e.g. blockchain P6 - mitigate - training P7 - mitigate - collaboration and reporting P8 - example - DJ Houghton Conclusion - modern slavery is risk legally and ethically and also to business reputation Example Essay Modern slavery, a grave violation of human rights, poses a significant risk to supply chains across the globe. As organizations increasingly rely on complex and globalized supply networks, the risk of unwittingly engaging with suppliers that exploit forced labour and human trafficking becomes ever more concerning. This essay explores the risks associated with modern slavery in the supply chain and suggests possible mitigation strategies for supply chain managers. To illustrate the real-world implications of these risks, I will reference the legal case of Antuzis & Ors v DJ Houghton Ltd.
Modern slavery, which includes practices like forced labour and human trafficking, can infiltrate supply chains in various ways. One significant entry point is through subcontracting and outsourcing. As supply chains become increasingly complex, organizations often rely on subcontractors and suppliers further down the chain. Unfortunately, these lower-tier suppliers may engage in exploitative labour practices to cut costs, which can go unnoticed by the primary organization.
Moreover, the lack of transparency within supply chains poses a considerable risk. Limited visibility into sub-tier suppliers and subcontractors makes it challenging to assess their labour practices. This lack of transparency creates opportunities for modern slavery to thrive undetected, posing a significant risk to organizations and their stakeholders.
Additionally, globalization plays a role in the risk equation. Sourcing materials and products internationally increases the risk of encountering suppliers operating in regions with weaker labour protections and lax enforcement of anti-slavery laws. This is particularly true in countries with less stringent child working laws such as in South East Asia.
Supply chain managers play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating the risk of modern slavery in the supply chain. Several strategies can be employed to address this risk effectively:
Firstly, comprehensive supplier due diligence is paramount. This involves conducting thorough assessments of suppliers, including lower-tier suppliers, to evaluate their labour practices, compliance with anti-slavery laws, and adherence to ethical standards. It also entails implementing regular audits and inspections of suppliers to ensure compliance with labour laws and ethical standards. An organisation can employ a third party to conduct these audits, to ensure that the results are authentic.
Secondly, establishing transparency and traceability within the supply chain is essential. This can be achieved by meticulously mapping the supply chain, identifying potential risks, and ensuring visibility into lower-tier suppliers. Modern technology, such as blockchain and supply chain management software, can be instrumental in tracking and tracing the origins of products and materials.
Thirdly, organizations should develop and communicate a robust supplier code of conduct that explicitly prohibits modern slavery and outlines the consequences for non-compliance. Encouraging suppliers to adopt similar codes of conduct within their own operations can help create a network of ethical supply chain partners.
Moreover, regular risk assessments and impact analyses are critical. These assessments should consider geographical, industry-specific, and supplier-specific factors and help organizations understand the potential consequences of modern slavery-related risks on their reputation and bottom line.
Training and education are also essential components of mitigation strategies. Employees and suppliers should be educated on identifying and reporting instances of modern slavery, and awareness should be raised about the legal and ethical obligations surrounding this issue.
Lastly, collaboration and reporting are crucial. Organizations should collaborate with industry associations, NGOs, and government bodies to share best practices and improve industry-wide efforts against modern slavery. Transparent reporting on efforts to mitigate modern slavery risks demonstrates a commitment to addressing the issue and fosters trust with stakeholders.
The case of Antuzis & Ors v DJ Houghton Ltd serves as a stark reminder of the potential legal consequences of failing to address modern slavery in the supply chain. In this case, the court found that the company, DJ Houghton Ltd, had subjected workers to deplorable working conditions, effectively amounting to modern slavery. What sets this case apart is that the court held the directors personally liable for breaches of their duty of care to the workers. This case underscores the legal liabilities and reputational damage that organizations and their leadership can face if they neglect their responsibilities in the supply chain.
In Conclusion, modern slavery poses a significant risk to supply chains, jeopardizing ethical values, legal compliance, and corporate reputations. Supply chain managers have a crucial role in identifying and mitigating this risk by implementing due diligence, transparency measures, and ethical standards. By taking proactive steps to combat modern slavery, supply chain managers can protect their organizations and uphold their moral and legal obligations in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The case of Antuzis & Ors v DJ Houghton Ltd serves as a compelling reminder of the real-world consequences of failing to address this critical issue Tutor Notes
- The case study mentioned above is an excellent one to use in an essay about Modern Slavery. DJ Houghton Ltd was charged £1m in 2016 for trafficking migrant workers from Lithuania to various egg farms in the UK. They were subjected to inhumane conditions, income below minimum wage, they failed to provide adequate facilities to eat, wash and rest, and threatened workers with fighting dogs. The company's Gangmaster Licence was also revoked. Antuzis & Ors v DJ Houghton Ltd | Addleshaw Goddard LLP
- Your answer may also make reference to ethical standards and accreditations such as Fair Trade, using the CIPS Code of Conduct, Modern Slavery Act, having a strong CSR policy, appointing an ethical Ombudsman, ILO Conventions and the 2018 Decent Work Agenda, SA8000. Mentioning these extra bits would likely get you a distinction.

See the Answer is the explanation
Explanation:
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
Intro - explain which three; minimum wage, working hours, H&S
P1 - minimum wage
P2 - working hours
P3 - H&S
Conclusion - law is always evolving
Example Essay
Employment law in the United Kingdom has evolved over the years to safeguard the rights and interests of employees while providing a framework for fair and equitable employment practices. This essay delves into three crucial areas of employment law: minimum wage, working hours, and health and safety.
Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and subsequent amendments established the legal framework for minimum wage rates in the UK. The current legislation sets different minimum wage rates for various age groups. Currently (2023) for those aged 23 and over the minimum wage is £10.42 per hour. This is rising to £11 in 2024. Younger workers will earn less, with those on an apprenticeship, considerably less. Minimum wage legislation has significantly improved the earnings of low-paid workers and reduced income inequality. It ensures that employees receive a fair wage for their labour, promoting economic stability and social well-being.
Interestingly, not all countries have a minimum wage or set it hourly. For example in Spain, minimum wage is set out monthly (around 1000 euros/ month). Sweden doesn't have a minimum wage at all. Sweden relies on collective bargaining agreements negotiated between employers and labour unions to determine wage rates and employment conditions. These agreements are sector-specific and cover a wide range of industries, effectively setting minimum wage standards at the industry level rather than through legislation. This approach allows for flexibility and tailoring of wage rates to different sectors of the economy but also means that minimum wage levels can vary depending on the specific collective agreement in place within a given industry.
Working Hours: The Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) and the EU Working Time Directive establish legal limits on working hours, rest breaks, and paid leave for workers in the UK. The WTR also introduced the concept of the "opt-out," allowing workers to voluntarily exceed the 48-hour weekly working time limit. Working time regulations promote work-life balance, protect employees from excessive working hours, and enhance health and well-being. The "opt-out" provision provides flexibility but must be implemented with respect to workers' rights. It is common in the UK for Junior Doctors to opt out to ensure they have enough time to complete their training within a specific timeframe. Some training programs require a certain number of hours or procedures to be completed during a specific period. Another reason for opting out is the opportunity to earn more money, particularly if overtime is paid at a high rate.
Health and Safety: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the cornerstone of health and safety legislation in the UK. It places duties on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, as well as others affected by their work activities. Specific regulations, such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, provide additional guidance. One of the main areas this legislation covers is the importance of completing risk assessments. The case of R v. Tangerine Confectionery Ltd (2018) emphasized the importance of risk assessments in preventing workplace accidents. The company was fined for failing to adequately assess the risk of an employee's arm getting trapped in a machine, resulting in serious injury. Health and Safety legislation has led to safer workplaces, reduced accident rates, and improved employee well-being. Employers are legally obligated to identify and mitigate workplace risks, ensuring the protection of their workforce.
In conclusion, UK employment law, encompassing minimum wage, working hours, and health and safety, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding employees' rights, promoting fair labour practices, and ensuring safe working environments. As employment dynamics continue to evolve, it is imperative that employment law remains adaptable, responsive, and protective of employees in an ever-changing work landscape.