Explanation
Currency exchange rates are determined bymacroeconomic factors and demand and supply. In general, countries with stable political and economic systems, a growing economy and a strong rule of law will have stronger and more stable currency than those without these characteristics. In this question, the British Pound is stronger than other currency, which means that buyers who import goods from the UK have to pay higher in their own currencies.
LO 2, AC 2.2

Explanation
The supplier's perspective model has two axes: Spend value and Attractiveness:
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Exploit is the quadrant where the buyer has high spend but low attractiveness. Overarching supplier objective would be: "Milk this customer and charge a high price to compensate for all the painthey put us through".
The buyer should increase its attractiveness to raise the position to Core customer. To do this, a buyer may:
- Simplify procurement processes
- Simplify contracting processes
- Use clear and concise documentation
- Eliminateonerous supplier terms and conditions
- Make the payment on time
- Use transparent processes
- Promote ethical behaviours
LO 1, AC 1.4

Explanation
The question asks about the point in time when Jane should make concessions with the supplier. These concessions should be traded afterpreliminary stages such as opening, testing and proposing are over and proposals move from being tentative and general to being more definite and specific. This stage is called bargaining phase. The bargaining phase is the 'meat' of the negotiation meeting.
LO 3, AC 3.1

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the monetary value of the goods and services manufactured or supplied in a financial period. In general terms, when the GDP rate falls or slows down, there will be a fall in demand forgoods and services demanded in the economy, with a fall in firms' revenue and profit margins. When GDP is rising, there will be an increase in demand.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) is weighted measurement that evaluates the average cost of a basket of goods bought by a consumer.
Producer Price Index (PPI) is average changes in prices that a producer receives in return for its goods or services.
Small Business Lending Index (SBLI) is an indicator of small business lending trends.

Explanation
There are many factors that can influence the balance of power in a negotiation. These factors are classified into 3 levels:
- Macro level: STEEPLE framework: social, technological, economic, environment, political, legal and ethical
- Micro level: Porter's five forces:

Diagram Description automatically generated
- One-to-one buyer-supplier dynamics.
The question asks about the micro factors that increases buyer's bargaining power. Among 5 answers, only 2 are likely to increase buyer'spower:
- JCB's switching costs are low: Buyer may easily switch its suppliers anytime
- These components are highly standardised: The products are not different any more, buyer may choose to buy from any supplier available.
Other answers cannot be correctbecause:
- Suppliers are more concentrated than buyer: Suppliers are forming oligopoly market, their bargaining power tend to be greater.
- Eruption of epidemic in supply market: this is a macro factor. Eruption of epidemic may cause factories closed and disruptions on supply chain.
- Buyers purchase in small volumes: Buyer will be seen as less potential to suppliers. Buying organisation may have difficulties to deal better price with suppliers.
LO 1, AC 1.3