Question 1

How many Sustainable Development Goals have the UN set to transform our world?

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals address global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. The CIPS L3M6 module

Question 2

Transportation is responsible for 13% of greenhouse emissions.

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: Transportation accounts for approximately 13% of global greenhouse gas emissions, per data cited in the CIPS L3M6 module (aligned with IPCC estimates). This includes road, air, rail, and maritime transport, with road vehicles dominating. In supply chains, logistics (e.g., trucking goods) significantly contributes, making this a true statement and a focal point in LO2 for emission reduction strategies like green transport adoption. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Transport Emissions, Section on Global Impact. ________________________________________

Question 3

Not-for-profit organizations have well-defined procurement policies that uphold the goals of sustainable procurement. Which of the following organizations fall into the not-for-profit definition?

Accepted Answer

B, D, E, F

Explanation: Not-for-profit organizations operate without the primary goal of profit, focusing instead on social or environmental missions. From the list: • Oxfam, Save the Children, The Red Cross, and The United Nations are not-for-profit entities dedicated to humanitarian, developmental, or peacekeeping goals, often with sustainable procurement policies aligned with CSR. • Apple and Pepsi are for-profit corporations focused on commercial success. The CIPS L3M6 module highlights not-for-profits as key players in sustainable procurement due to their mission-driven nature. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Organizational Types and Sustainable Procurement. ________________________________________

Question 4

It is not possible to achieve a zero-carbon building.

Accepted Answer

B

Explanation: A zero-carbon building—one that produces no net carbon emissions during operation—is achievable and increasingly common. The CIPS L3M6 module explains that advancements in design (e.g., passive heating), materials (e.g., low-carbon concrete), and energy sources (e.g., solar panels) enable this. For example, buildings certified under standards like BREEAM or LEED can offset all operational emissions, often through on-site renewables or carbon credits. While challenging, it’s not impossible, as demonstrated by projects like the Bullitt Center in Seattle. This falsifies the statement, reflecting LO2’s emphasis on feasible environmental solutions in construction. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Energy Efficiency in Construction, Section on Zero-Carbon Buildings. ________________________________________

Question 5

When designing the layout of a warehouse, which of the following factors should you be considering with size and space required, and how it will be allocated among departments?

Accepted Answer

D

Explanation: Size and dimensions determine the warehouse’s capacity and space allocation across departments. The CIPS L3M6 syllabus identifies this as a key layout factor for optimizing storage and workflow, making it the correct answer. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Socially Responsible Warehousing and Distribution, Learning Outcome 3 (LO3) – Understand methods for the storage and movement of inventory. ________________________________________

Question 6

When a new factory is built in the middle of the countryside, it is known as?

Accepted Answer

D

Explanation: Land Take describes converting rural land for industrial use, like a factory, per CIPS L3M6 module. It’s an LO2 concern due to habitat loss and emissions from new supply chains. Other terms lack this specificity, making “Land Take” correct. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Land Take, Section on Rural Impact. ________________________________________

Question 7

What are some of the ways in which organizations can demonstrate good corporate citizenship? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

D

Explanation: Good corporate citizenship involves managing: • Use of Natural Resources: Sustainably sourcing materials. • Waste: Reducing and recycling waste outputs. • Water Consumption: Minimizing water use and pollution. The CIPS L3M6 module cites these as practical examples of CSR and environmental responsibility in action. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Corporate Citizenship. ________________________________________

Question 8

An exceptionally low base price could indicate poor working conditions further down the supply chain and could result in lower quality.

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: An exceptionally low base price often signals cost-cutting measures in the supply chain, which can include poor working conditions (e.g., low wages, unsafe environments) and compromises on quality (e.g., substandard materials). The CIPS L3M6 module highlights that sustainable procurement involves assessing such risks, as low prices may reflect unethical practices that contradict CSR principles. This can lead to reputational damage and legal liabilities for organizations. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chain Risks. ________________________________________

Question 9

Healthy diversity in the supply chain, e.g., elements from different countries or diversity in terms of
the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the employees, can bring benefits to an organization;
however, there could be cultural barriers or difficulties that arise due to working in different time
zones.

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: Diversity in the supply chain—geographical, cultural, or ethnic—can enhance innovation, resilience, and market reach, benefiting organizations. However, it also introduces challenges such as cultural misunderstandings or logistical issues from differing time zones. The CIPS L3M6 module recognizes these dual aspects, advocating for strategies to manage diversity effectively as part of sustainable procurement and CSR. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Diversity in Supply Chains. ________________________________________

Question 10

The media always plays a negative role by issuing reports on and raising awareness of environmental matters.

Accepted Answer

B

Explanation: The media’s role in environmental awareness is not always negative; it can be positive or neutral. The CIPS L3M6 module explains that while it highlights failures (e.g., oil spills), it also promotes positive action—e.g., praising green innovations or pressuring policy change. For instance, coverage of a firm’s solar-powered warehouse can inspire sustainability in supply chains. This dual role makes the statement false, aligning with LO2’s view of media as a balanced influencer. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Media Influence, Section on Environmental Reporting. ________________________________________

Question 11

By respecting employees' individualities and positioning them as an advantage, companies can drive both the individual’s and the organization’s sustainable growth.

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: Respecting employee individuality and leveraging diversity fosters innovation, engagement, and sustainable growth for both individuals and the organization. The CIPS L3M6 module highlights this as a benefit of inclusive CSR practices, aligning with social sustainability goals. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on Diversity and Organizational Growth. ________________________________________

Question 12

What methods can organizations use to reduce a supply chain’s negative impact on the environment? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

D

Explanation: All methods reduce environmental impact: • A: Sustainable suppliers lower upstream emissions (e.g., renewable energy use). • B: Fuel-efficient transport cuts CO2 (e.g., hybrid trucks). • C: Standardized designs optimize logistics, reducing energy waste. The CIPS L3M6 module integrates these into LO2’s green supply chain framework, offering practical steps for sustainability across procurement and logistics. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Environmental Reduction Methods, Section on Supply Chain Strategies. ________________________________________

Question 13

What does CDP stand for?

Accepted Answer

B

Explanation: CDP stands for Carbon Disclosure Project, a global non-profit organization that runs a disclosure system for organizations, cities, states, and regions to report and manage their environmental impacts, particularly carbon emissions. The CIPS L3M6 module identifies CDP as a key tool for environmental transparency in sustainability initiatives. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, Section on CDP and Environmental Reporting. ________________________________________

Question 14

The government needs to ensure their laws keep pace with economic, demographic, and technological change.

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: Governments must update laws to address economic shifts (e.g., green markets), demographic trends (e.g., urban growth), and tech advances (e.g., electric vehicles). The CIPS L3M6 module stresses this adaptability—e.g., new emissions standards for drones reflect tech change. This ensures relevance in regulating supply chains, a true statement central to LO2’s governance focus. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Legislative Evolution, Section on Dynamic Regulation. ________________________________________

Question 15

_______ government, due to their proximity to the people, are in the best position to educate and respond to the needs of their citizens.

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: Local government is closest to communities, enabling tailored education and responses to environmental needs (e.g., recycling programs). The CIPS L3M6 module highlights their role in LO2— e.g., enforcing local noise bylaws or promoting green initiatives—over broader central or smaller parish levels. Reference: CIPS L3M6 Study Guide, LO2 – Government Roles, Section on Local Impact. ________________________________________

Free CIPS L3M6 Actual Exam Questions