Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What are the primary functions of the buying team in a supply chain?

1. Inventory management and sales

2. Purchasing, procurement, and sourcing

3. Delivery planning and storage

4. Manufacturing and production

The correct answer is: Purchasing, procurement, and sourcing

The primary functions of the buying team in a supply chain involve purchasing, procurement, and sourcing. These activities are crucial because they ensure that an organization acquires the necessary goods and services to meet its production and operational needs effectively. Purchasing refers to the actual act of buying products and services needed for operations. Procurement encompasses the broader process, which includes negotiating contracts, selecting suppliers, and managing relationships with those suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality compliance. Sourcing describes the strategic approach of identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers, which is essential in helping organizations maximize value while minimizing risk in their supply chain. Understanding these functions is integral for effective supply chain management, as they directly impact cost efficiency, product availability, and overall supply chain performance. Options that focus on inventory management, delivery planning, storage, manufacturing, and production do play important roles in the supply chain but do not specifically encapsulate the core responsibilities of the buying team. Instead, those activities are often considered as separate functions within a broader supply chain framework.