L4M3 practice question 3 of 25

Which of the following are most likely to be substantive elements of the specification of a truck? Select TWO that apply:

Full set: 258 questions
Answer options
A: Guarantee Correct answer
B: Foreword
C: Expected lifespan Correct answer
D: Ethics
E: Abbreviation
Correct Answer:
A. Guarantee; C. Expected lifespan
Explanation

A specification details the requirements for a product, service, or work. Substantive elements are the core, essential requirements that define the product's performance, quality, and value. A guarantee (or warranty) is a substantive commitment from the supplier regarding the product's quality, reliability, and durability over a specified period. It directly impacts the total cost of ownership and provides assurance to the buyer. The expected lifespan is a critical performance metric that defines the product's durability and operational life. It is a key factor in evaluating the long-term value and suitability of the truck for its intended purpose. Both are fundamental to the buyer's requirements.

Why Incorrect

B. Foreword: A foreword is an introductory section; it provides context but does not define the technical or performance requirements of the truck.
D. Ethics: Ethical requirements are typically addressed in the overall contract terms or a supplier code of conduct, not as a technical specification of the product itself.
E. Abbreviation: A list of abbreviations is a formatting element used for clarity within the document, not a substantive requirement of the product. ---

References

1. Lysons

K.

& Farrington

B. (2020). Procurement and Supply Chain Management (10th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 7

"Specifying and Managing Product Quality

" the text discusses the components of a specification

emphasizing performance

conformance

and service life. It states

"The specification may also include requirements for reliability

maintainability

and availability... and details of any guarantee or warranty required" (p. 215). This directly supports 'Guarantee' and 'Expected lifespan' as core elements.

2. CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). (2018). L4M3 Commercial Contracting. Profex Publishing. The official CIPS study guide for this module details the content of specifications. In Section 2.1

"Preparing specifications

" it distinguishes between core technical/performance criteria and ancillary information. It identifies aspects like "performance and functional requirements" (which includes lifespan) and "quality requirements and assurance" (which includes guarantees/warranties) as central to the specification's substance.

3. Monczka

R. M.

Handfield

R. B.

Giunipero

L. C.

& Patterson

J. L. (2016). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management (6th ed.). Cengage Learning. Chapter 9

"Supplier Quality Management

" explains that specifications must define all critical performance and quality characteristics. It notes that "durability and service life" (p. 312) and "warranty provisions" (p. 325) are essential components that ensure the product meets the buyer's needs and provides value over its lifecycle.

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