CIPS Exam L4M8 Topic 8 Question 17 Discussion

Actual exam question for CIPS's L4M8 exam

Question #: 17
Topic #: 8

[All L4M8 Questions]

What are advantages and disadvantages of the two types of specifications?

AExplanation:
Ones the need is understood, the procurement professional develops the specifications while working together with stakeholders and colleagues to ensure that the final design is fit for purposes that it meets the generated need.
Specification can be focus on performance or conformance.
Performance specification states what the product or service must do or how it should perform but leave the supplier the freedom to achieve this, however they wish.
Performance specification brings the following advantages; it allows supplier innovation, promote competition in the market place, shorter document, quick to prepare. The disadvantage of perfor-mance specification is that buyers may not know exactly what they will be getting.
Conformance specification gives clear instructions to the supplier about what is required and how it should be achieved. Examples of conformance specifications are chemical formulae, recipes and technical drawings. Conformance specification specifies which standards a requirement must meet or exceed. The advantage of using it is; buyers know exactly what they will get. It has the following disadvantages; the buyer bears the risk, it does not encourage supplier to innovate, take longer and complex documentation.
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Suggested Answer: A

by Jutta at May 25, 2023, 08:12 PM

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Melina

2 months ago

Hmm, I think I'd go with conformance if I'm dealing with something mission-critical, like medical equipment or aircraft parts. Can't really afford to take chances there, you know? But for something more routine, maybe a little performance spec action would keep things interesting.

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Thaddeus

15 days ago

Performance specification could be more suitable for routine items where innovation is key.

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Raina

22 days ago

I agree, it's important to know exactly what you're getting in those situations.

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Donte

1 months ago

Conformance specification is definitely the way to go for mission-critical items.

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Carmen

2 months ago

As a procurement pro, I'm all about finding that sweet spot between flexibility and control. Gotta keep an open mind, but also make sure I'm not getting any surprises down the line, you know?

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Vivienne

7 days ago

I agree, it's important to balance flexibility and control in specifications.

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Laurene

10 days ago

Conformance specs may be more detailed, but at least you know exactly what you're getting.

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Florinda

12 days ago

Yeah, performance specs can be risky if you're not sure what you'll end up with.

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Wenona

1 months ago

Performance specifications sound great for allowing innovation, but conformance specs give more clarity.

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Elfriede

1 months ago

I totally get what you mean. It's a balancing act for sure.

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Hubert

2 months ago

That's true, but conformance specifications can be more complex and take longer to prepare.

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Benedict

2 months ago

Performance specs sound great, but I can just imagine the supplier getting a little too 'innovative' and sending me something totally unexpected. At least with conformance, I know what I'm getting, even if it's a bit more work upfront.

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Raelene

2 months ago

User 2

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Maurine

2 months ago

User 1

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Shayne

2 months ago

Yes, but with conformance specifications, buyers know exactly what they will get.

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Karima

2 months ago

Ah, the age-old debate between performance and conformance specifications! It's like choosing between a recipe or a freestyle cooking show - one gives you the exact steps, the other lets you get creative.

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