The Essentials of Contracting: From Strategy to Close-Out
Course Overview
Contracts form the legal and commercial backbone of business relationships. The “The Essentials of Contracting” course equips professionals with the strategic, operational and legal skills to manage contracts effectively **from formation through to close-out**. You’ll learn how to align contracting strategy with business risk, implement robust contracting processes, monitor performance and handle disputes with confidence.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand how contracts are formed and the strategic choices of contract types.
2. Choose the right procurement/contracting strategy and contract form for different business models.
3. Analyse key contract clauses and allocate risks appropriately.
4. Monitor contract performance, manage changes and variations, and mitigate contractual risk.
5. Handle contract close-out, claims and dispute resolution proactively.
6. Apply commercial, legal and operational best practice in contracting to improve outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
* Select suitable contract types and delivery models aligned with business objectives.
* Draft, evaluate and negotiate contracts with sound risk-allocation and legal awareness.
* Apply performance metrics and controls to supplier/contractor relationships.
* Manage contract modifications, novations and defaults effectively.
* Reduce the likelihood of claims and disputes and respond appropriately when they arise.
* Close contracts cleanly, ensuring lessons learned and value captured.
Who Should Attend
* Contract Managers, Administrators and Commercial Professionals
* Project Managers and Engineers with contracting responsibility
* Procurement & Sourcing Managers
* Legal and Compliance Officers
* Finance and Risk Managers involved in contract exposure
* Suppliers, Contractors and Consultants who negotiate or manage contractual obligations
Course Outline (5 Days)
Day 1 – Contract Strategy and Formation
* Rationale for contracts and contracting strategy
* Key delivery models and contract types (fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, EPC, etc)
* Selecting procurement & contract strategy
* Contract formation: offer, acceptance, authority, legal formalities
* Workshop: Choosing the best contract strategy for a given scenario
Day 2 – Contract Structure and Key Clauses
* Anatomy of a contract document: forms, schedules, general/p&a conditions
* Major contract clauses: scope, time, cost, quality, warranties, indemnities, insurance, termination
* Risk-allocation through contract terms
* Legal jurisdiction and governing law
* Exercise: Analysing a sample contract’s clause-by-clause risk profile
Day 3 – Managing Contract Performance, Change & Variations
* Performance standards, KPIs and contract monitoring
* Change management: variations, novation, extension of time, cost escalation
* Supplier/contractor relationship and subcontracting issues
* Assignment, novation, delegation
* Case study: Managing a major contract variation and its impact
Day 4 – Risk, Claims & Dispute Avoidance
* Identifying and mitigating contractual risks – design, timeline, cost, quality
* Claims management: detecting entitlement, notice requirements, documentation
* Dispute avoidance: early warning systems, partner-behaviour, performance reviews
* Alternative dispute resolution: ADR, arbitration, mediation, escalation tiers
* Role-play: Simulating a contract dispute meeting
Day 5 – Contract Close-Out & Continuous Improvement
* Contract completion, hand-over, acceptance, retention release
* Lessons learned, performance reviews, contract audit and close-out checklist
* Capturing value, continuous improvement, contract management maturity
* Final Workshop: Presenting a contracting improvement plan
* Certification briefing and next steps
Certification
Participants who attend all sessions and successfully complete the final workshop will receive the **Professional Certificate in Contracting Essentials (PCCE)** from KE Leaders Training Centre (London).
Key Benefits
* Develop a strong foundation in contracting strategy, structure and execution.
* Improve ability to negotiate and manage contracts with reduced legal/commercial risk.
* Enhance performance monitoring, change management, and claims prevention.
* Gain recognized certification and credibility in the contracting function.
* Network with peers, share best practice and apply immediate workplace improvements.
Contact Info:
Enquiry at : admin@keleaders.com
Whatsapp: 0044 790 125 9494
For more details visit our website : www.keleaders.com
