Technological factors play a pivotal role in IT equipment supply chains. Advancements, obsolescence, and innovation significantly affect production, cost, and competitiveness, making it a primary focus in supply chain development.

The definition of value mapping is given on p.69 this is; 'a process in which value is created through the elimination of waste and operational inefficiencies'. It ties into JIT / Lean.

Poor communication leads to misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and conflict, undermining partnerships.
CIPS stresses the importance of transparent and regular communication to ensure alignment and success.

The correct answers are; no tender process, early supplier involvement and no defined end-period. A partnership wouldn't automatically mean lower costs, and in a partnership the KPIs are usually a joint performance measurement rather than set to the supplier. For more information on the difference between partnerships and contractual relationships see p.124-5

Note the word 'NOT' in the question. In order for a competitive tender to be successful, there should be a clear specification in place (i.e. you need to know what you want, in order for suppliers to bid for it).
Competitive tendering should also only be used for high value purchases; it's time consuming to do, so you wouldn't do it for low value items such as pens for the office. Therefore the correct answer to this question is
'items are of low value' and 'there isn't a clear specification'. There's a useful table on p.73 of when you would and wouldn't use a competitive tender.