CIPS L4M5 Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 23,2026- Exam Code: L4M5
- Exam Name: Commercial Negotiation
- Certification Provider: CIPS
- Latest update: Oct 23,2026
Question #169
Which of the following is the definition of safety margin?
- A . The difference between current or forecasted sales and sales at the break-even point
- B . The amount of revenue that remains after subtracting costs directly associated with production
- C . The production level at which total revenues for a product equal total expenses
- D . The incremental money generated for each product/unit sold after deducting the variable costs
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
As a financial metric, the margin of safety (safety margin) is equal to the difference between current or forecasted sales and sales at the break-even point. The margin of safety is sometimes reported as a ratio, in which the aforementioned formula is divided by current or forecasted sales to yield a percentage value. The figure is used in both break-even analysis and forecasting to inform a firm’s management of the existing cushion in actual sales or budgeted sales before the firm would incur a loss.
This is a question that a student met in her actual exam. The margin of safety is not even mentioned in the CIPS study guide.
A
Explanation:
As a financial metric, the margin of safety (safety margin) is equal to the difference between current or forecasted sales and sales at the break-even point. The margin of safety is sometimes reported as a ratio, in which the aforementioned formula is divided by current or forecasted sales to yield a percentage value. The figure is used in both break-even analysis and forecasting to inform a firm’s management of the existing cushion in actual sales or budgeted sales before the firm would incur a loss.
This is a question that a student met in her actual exam. The margin of safety is not even mentioned in the CIPS study guide.
Question #172
Lina Rawlins is a senior buyer working for a medical equipment company. Lina is in charge of the company’s largest supplier account, Great Barrington Gas (GBG), a medical equipment supplier. Recently, GBG’s performance has declined, leading to an increasing number of rejected items. Lina is aware of the seriousness of this and has asked GBG to attend an urgent meeting. In the meeting, Lina asked the GBG representative, “Can you tell me exactly what you are doing to ensure quality?"
What type of question is Lina asking?
- A . Probing
- B . Leading
- C . Reflective
- D . Hypothetical
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Lina is asking a probing question to gather more detailed information on the actions GBG is taking to address quality issues. Probing questions are intended to delve deeper into a topic and elicit specific details, making them suitable for understanding underlying issues, as per CIPS’s negotiation question types.
A
Explanation:
Lina is asking a probing question to gather more detailed information on the actions GBG is taking to address quality issues. Probing questions are intended to delve deeper into a topic and elicit specific details, making them suitable for understanding underlying issues, as per CIPS’s negotiation question types.
Question #173
Hammad Alsuwaidi is a procurement professional leading a negotiation for a vehicle rental contract. Hammad has a clear goal to negotiate a two-year contract in exchange for a minimum of a 20% discount. During the negotiation, Hammad presents to the supplier the facts, figures, and justification for a 20% discount.
Which of the persuasion methods below has Hammad chosen?
- A . Push
- B . Visionary
- C . Pull
- D . Collaborative
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Hammad’s approach of presenting facts, figures, and justifications aligns with the Push persuasion method. The Push strategy involves directly presenting information, data, and logical arguments to convince the other party of a certain outcome. In this scenario, Hammad is using objective evidence to influence the supplier towards agreeing to a discount, which is characteristic of the Push method, as per CIPS guidance on negotiation tactics.
A
Explanation:
Hammad’s approach of presenting facts, figures, and justifications aligns with the Push persuasion method. The Push strategy involves directly presenting information, data, and logical arguments to convince the other party of a certain outcome. In this scenario, Hammad is using objective evidence to influence the supplier towards agreeing to a discount, which is characteristic of the Push method, as per CIPS guidance on negotiation tactics.
Question #173
Hammad Alsuwaidi is a procurement professional leading a negotiation for a vehicle rental contract. Hammad has a clear goal to negotiate a two-year contract in exchange for a minimum of a 20% discount. During the negotiation, Hammad presents to the supplier the facts, figures, and justification for a 20% discount.
Which of the persuasion methods below has Hammad chosen?
- A . Push
- B . Visionary
- C . Pull
- D . Collaborative
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Hammad’s approach of presenting facts, figures, and justifications aligns with the Push persuasion method. The Push strategy involves directly presenting information, data, and logical arguments to convince the other party of a certain outcome. In this scenario, Hammad is using objective evidence to influence the supplier towards agreeing to a discount, which is characteristic of the Push method, as per CIPS guidance on negotiation tactics.
A
Explanation:
Hammad’s approach of presenting facts, figures, and justifications aligns with the Push persuasion method. The Push strategy involves directly presenting information, data, and logical arguments to convince the other party of a certain outcome. In this scenario, Hammad is using objective evidence to influence the supplier towards agreeing to a discount, which is characteristic of the Push method, as per CIPS guidance on negotiation tactics.
Question #175
Which type of power is considered the opposite of coercive power?
- A . Referent power
- B . Informational power
- C . Reward power
- D . Expert power
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The coercive power comes from the belief that a person can punish others for non-compliance. It can be considered as opposite to reward power, which results from one person’s ability to compensate or reward another for compliance.
LO 1, AC 1.3
C
Explanation:
The coercive power comes from the belief that a person can punish others for non-compliance. It can be considered as opposite to reward power, which results from one person’s ability to compensate or reward another for compliance.
LO 1, AC 1.3
Question #176
The stage in the product life cycle
- A . 1 and 2 only
- B . 1 and 4 only
- C . 2 and 3 only
- D . 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Risk management (3) and the stage in the product life cycle (4) are internal factors within the supplier’s control and directly influence pricing decisions. These internal factors guide strategic pricing policies. In contrast, price elasticity of demand and environmental legislation are external factors, as per CIPS’s guidelines on pricing influences.
D
Explanation:
Risk management (3) and the stage in the product life cycle (4) are internal factors within the supplier’s control and directly influence pricing decisions. These internal factors guide strategic pricing policies. In contrast, price elasticity of demand and environmental legislation are external factors, as per CIPS’s guidelines on pricing influences.
Question #177
An oil refinery plant imports much of its crude oil from overseas. A procurement manager in the refinery suggests that fixing the crude oil contract price for 36 months would be beneficial for the company.
Would this be a right thing to do?
- A . Yes, financial budgeting task would be a lot easier with fixed pricing arrangement
- B . No, fixed price should be only applied to contracts that last 60 months or longer
- C . No, the refinery would not be able to reap the benefits from falling commodity price and currency rates
- D . Yes, the supplier would bear the risk when the material price increased
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2
Question #177
An oil refinery plant imports much of its crude oil from overseas. A procurement manager in the refinery suggests that fixing the crude oil contract price for 36 months would be beneficial for the company.
Would this be a right thing to do?
- A . Yes, financial budgeting task would be a lot easier with fixed pricing arrangement
- B . No, fixed price should be only applied to contracts that last 60 months or longer
- C . No, the refinery would not be able to reap the benefits from falling commodity price and currency rates
- D . Yes, the supplier would bear the risk when the material price increased
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2
Question #177
An oil refinery plant imports much of its crude oil from overseas. A procurement manager in the refinery suggests that fixing the crude oil contract price for 36 months would be beneficial for the company.
Would this be a right thing to do?
- A . Yes, financial budgeting task would be a lot easier with fixed pricing arrangement
- B . No, fixed price should be only applied to contracts that last 60 months or longer
- C . No, the refinery would not be able to reap the benefits from falling commodity price and currency rates
- D . Yes, the supplier would bear the risk when the material price increased
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2
Question #177
An oil refinery plant imports much of its crude oil from overseas. A procurement manager in the refinery suggests that fixing the crude oil contract price for 36 months would be beneficial for the company.
Would this be a right thing to do?
- A . Yes, financial budgeting task would be a lot easier with fixed pricing arrangement
- B . No, fixed price should be only applied to contracts that last 60 months or longer
- C . No, the refinery would not be able to reap the benefits from falling commodity price and currency rates
- D . Yes, the supplier would bear the risk when the material price increased
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2
C
Explanation:
Fixed price contract is the contract in which the price is static throughout the contract period. A fixed-price contract may give certainty to budget and simplify contract management. However, it may lead to other problems since it requires bidders to estimate and bear the financial risks associated with price escalations. If the estimates are too high or events do not materialize, the buyer will pay a steep price that may affect the economy and efficiency of the contract. In the worst case, it may mean that the bid price is then above budget and may lead to a reduction in the requirements or rebidding. If the estimates are too low, it may appear as an abnormally low bid and disrupt contract execution.
On the other hand, price adjustment provisions include formulas designed to address problems, and can protect both the borrower and contractors from price fluctuations. Price adjustment formulas allow contractors to offer more realistic prices at the time of bidding. Despite concerns that they may lead to budget uncertainties, price adjustment formulas will estimate the actual cost implications that will be encountered. They use indexes that can be used for cost projection.
According to Asia Development Bank (ADB), any contract with a delivery or completion period beyond 18 months should contain an appropriate price adjustment clause.
In the scenario, the crude oil contract is planned to last 36 months. This period is pretty long with a fluctuating commodity. Therefore, the company should use price adjustment agreement.
Reference: – CIPS study guide page 113-117
– Guidance Note on Procurement: Price Adjustment (adb.org) LO 2, AC 2.2