1PSM304 Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Assignment Brief 2026 | NIT

Greentech Manufacturing Ltd is a Namibian company that produces solar-powered water pumps for rural communities. Due to increasing demand across Southern Africa, the company plans to expand production. To meet its production targets, Greentech must source key components such as solar panels, lithium batteries, and electronic controllers from external suppliers.

The procurement department has identified three potential international suppliers (Supplier A, Supplier B, and Supplier C) located in Asia and Europe. However, management is particularly interested in Supplier B because of competitive pricing and faster delivery times.

Before entering into a long-term contract, Greentech must carefully analyse Supplier B’s capability, ensure regulatory compliance, and verify that the supplier follows ethical and responsible sourcing practices. The procurement team must evaluate risks related to quality standards, environmental regulations, labour practices, and supply chain transparency.

You are part of the procurement and supply chain analysis team tasked with evaluating Supplier B and advising management on whether the company should proceed with the sourcing agreement.

Task 1

Analyse the sourcing requirements that GreenTech Manufacturing Ltd must consider before selecting Supplier B as its external supplier.

Your answer should include:

• Imagine of technical and operational requirements for sourcing the components
• Evaluation of cost, quality, delivery, and reliability factors

[50 marks]

Case Scenario 2

NamPower plans to source renewable energy equipment (solar panels and wind turbines) from external suppliers. The procurement team must analyse global supplier markets, evaluate supplier financial stability, and assess pricing trends before making sourcing decisions. The team gathers data from economic indices, supplier financial reports, and commodity pricing platforms while also reviewing credit ratings of potential suppliers.

Analyse the key processes that NamPower should apply when evaluating potential external suppliers. In your answer, assess the importance of different sources of market information, including expenditure data, economic indices, secondary data, commodity pricing, supplier financial reports, and credit rating agencies.

Task 2

Analyse the key processes that NamPower should apply when evaluating potential external suppliers. In your answer, assess the importance of different sources of market information, including expenditure data, economic indices, secondary data, commodity pricing, supplier financial reports, and credit rating agencies.

[25 Marks]

Case Scenario 3

The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia has recently been involved in a procurement controversy relating to the awarding of fuel supply contracts. Allegations emerged that tendering procedures were not properly followed, with concerns about lack of transparency, inadequate competition, and possible favouritism toward certain suppliers.

An internal audit revealed several weaknesses in the tendering process:

• Limited market research was conducted before issuing the tender
• Early supplier engagement was minimal, leading to unclear specifications
• Tender documents lacked clear KPIs and pricing structures
• Some suppliers were not subjected to proper prequalification checks
• During evaluation, there were inconsistencies and signs of specification creep
• Concerns were raised about non-compliance with principles such as transparency, fairness, and equal treatment

As a result, the government initiated a review of procurement practices to ensure compliance with both national and international tendering regulations.

Task 3

Analyse how effective tendering processes could have been applied in the Namcor case to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money.

In your answer, examine the initial tendering activities, evaluate the role of tender documentation, assess the tender evaluation and acceptance process, and analyse the impact of procurement regulations and ethical standards.

[25 Marks]

Case-Scenario 4

A government infrastructure agency in Oshakati plans to procure a contractor to supply and install equipment for a new public facility. The organisation intends to use a formal tendering process to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money.

Before issuing the tender, the procurement team must conduct supply market research, engage with potential suppliers early, and prepare the necessary tender documentation such as invitations to tender, KPIs, contract terms, pricing schedules, and prequalification questionnaires.

After receiving the tenders, the team must evaluate proposals carefully, avoid specification creep, comply with procurement regulations, and ensure the selected supplier’s performance is effectively monitored using contract performance measurement tools such as KPIs, data analysis, audits, and risk management strategies.

Task 4

Investigate the initial tendering actions required by the procurement team and design a structured tender process for the organisation. Your response should include:

• Supply/market research
• Early supplier engagement
• Pre-contract dialogue
• Invitations to tender and prequalification questionnaires
• KPIs, contract terms, and pricing schedules
• Consideration of regulations such as transparency, equality of treatment, and non-discrimination.

[25 Marks]