Explanation
The earlier procurement get involved in the procurement processes, the better. If procurement are involved in design at the specification stage they can feed in prices and costs to designer so they know the likely budget implication of choices made. Sending in a procurement team to negotiate at or close to the end ofthe procurement process effectively ties their hands and limits their negotiation leverage. This is illustrated in the graph below:
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LO 2, AC 2.1

Explanation
In the scenario, the length of payment period is particularly important to the supplier as they are investing new facilities. Otherwise, the buyer's company has apositive cash flow position and budget is available for a shorter payment terms. So this tradeable (payment period) is important to supplier but it is not a significant problem with the buyer. This tradeable will fall within 'Easy concession to trade' quadrant in the following matrix:
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If the tradeable fall within this quadrant, Sally should shorten the payment period in supplier's favour and try to win as many concessions as possible in return. Asking for a discount may be a reasonable trade-off.
LO 2,AC 2.3

Explanation
In order to estimate the gap and the progress towards desired level of support, a stakeholder support scale can be used by the procurement internally. The support level scale measures stakeholder commitment. Current support level for the procurement/negotiation objectives should be gained from engagement with key stakeholders. The following is an example of stakeholder support level scale:
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LO 1, AC 1.1

In the scenario, the main cost driver is suppliers' mark-up. The priority should be limit the margin to be added.
XYZ Ltd can agree "cost plus"contracts with their suppliers to ensure no IT product purchased exceeds an agreed maximum margin level. Procurement teams can use their benchmarking tools to police these contracts.
Cost plus contracts are agreements where the contractor's pricing is based on itemising allowable costs and then adding an agreed margin.
Market penetration pricing - pricing low to win a large share of the market Market skimming - pricing a new product high in order to make a large profit from the purchases by initial customers. This is an effective strategy only in the absence of competition.When competition appears, market skimmers usually drop their prices Premium pricing - usually pricing high because the market is prepared to pay extra for the kudos associated with the product, thanks to, say, a reputation for quality, or a highly fashionable brand name, and so on

The opening stage of the negotiation coversthe very first few minutes when the parties meet and greet each other and are seated in the negotiation room in preparation for the main event.
Typical behaviours at the opening stage: 'dos' and 'don'ts'
Do's
Be punctual and well presented (welcome theirarrival)
Break the ice with small talks
Start the conditioning process
Check authority
Check agenda
Consider using visual aid to set out key objectives or make key points
Don'ts
Use strong, pushy, cold or tough style at the opening
Put down marker at thisstage
Criticise other organisations/TOP's previous contacts/third parties.
In this scenario, Diana has made her proposal right at the opening stage. This is an example of 'don'ts'. Good negotiators are very careful about 'red lines'. If she puts such barrier up too early, the supplier may not try to look for more creative solutions later in the negotiation.