These study guides cover two subjects of the CIPS professional stage examinations (others are available for both this and the foundation stage subjects).

The guides, which are produced independently of CIPS’s own study guides, have a number of common features that are useful for students who are working independently or who do not have access to a library. These include details of the current syllabus together with the format of the examination paper.

They also analyse the previous six examination papers in both subjects and give hints on how to use the study texts. A set of condensed revision notes accompanies each study guide, providing an outline of the main points covered in each topic. These will provide a valuable revision aid for each subject.

In addition to the study guide, there is an examination workbook that would provide valuable assistance to the student working alone. It contains examples of typical and actual exam questions. In addition, there are detailed model answers, a study plan to help students gauge the pace of their revision and some useful examination techniques designed to help the student tackle the exam in a methodical way.

The guides offer a structured development of material, the basis of which was laid at the foundation stage, supplementing it with charts and diagrams where necessary. The strategy guide covers all topics from an introduction to strategy through to change management and controlling the purchasing function, while the tactics and operations guide ranges from the introduction to negotiation and project management.

These well-written and well-presented study guides should prove a very welcome addition to the material now available to the student studying for the professional stage as a standalone source of information.

Peter Morris

Retired CIPS purchasing

and management lecturer