Contract Management Essentials

Course Title: Contract Management Essentials

Course Duration: 5 Days

Course Overview:
This five-day intensive course is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in contract management, emphasizing the role of contracts as significant assets that must be strategically managed to maximize efficiency. Attendees will develop practical skills and gain valuable insights to manage contracts effectively, improve supplier relationships, and mitigate risks associated with supplier defaults. The course combines theoretical knowledge, best practice guidance, and hands-on exercises to ensure that participants leave with a comprehensive understanding of contract management processes and strategies.

Course Objectives:

• Understand current best practices in contract management for optimizing efficiency and delivering value.
• Develop essential contract management skills to achieve Organisational objectives.
• Gain insights into the skills and resources needed to manage contracts across their lifecycle.
• Learn prioritisation techniques and approaches tailored to specific contract types.
• Identify risks related to supplier defaults and explore remedies for managing these challenges.
• Obtain practical guidance on implementing best practices in contract management.

Day 1: Foundations of Contract Management

• Introduction to Contract Management
  Overview of contract management as a strategic asset for organizations.
• Understanding the Contract Lifecycle
  Examining the stages of a contract from planning through execution and closeout.
• Key Roles in Contract Management
  Overview of responsibilities and accountabilities across the organization.

Activities: Group discussions, case studies on contract lifecycle stages.

Day 2: Best Practices for Driving Efficiency and Value

• Current Best Practices in Contract Management
  Exploring strategies for maximising value through effective contract management.
• Delivering Value for Money
  Understanding cost management, efficiency drivers, and value-added elements.
• Performance Measurement and Evaluation
  Establishing metrics and KPIs for contract success.

Activities: Practical exercises on setting performance metrics and value assessment.

Day 3: Skill Development for Effective Contract Management

• Essential Skills for Contract Managers
  Developing negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
• Conflict Resolution in Contract Management
  Approaches to resolving disputes and maintaining supplier relationships.
• Tailoring Contract Approaches Based on Contract Type
  Strategies for prioritizing tasks based on contract complexity and scope.

Activities: Role-play in negotiation scenarios, conflict management case studies.

Day 4: Managing Contract Risks and Supplier Performance

• Risk Management in Contracts
  Identifying potential risks, including supplier default and mitigation techniques.
• Supplier Performance Monitoring
  Tracking supplier performance to ensure compliance and contract adherence.
• Remedies for Supplier Default
  Available options for managing underperforming suppliers effectively.

Activities: Scenario-based risk assessment and group discussions on default remedies.

Day 5: Implementing Best Practices and Course Wrap-Up

• Best Practices in Contract Management
  Guidance on implementing contract management improvements in daily operations.
• Developing a Contract Management Plan
  Building a simple yet effective contract management strategy tailored to your organisation.
• Course Review and Final Assessment
  Summarising key takeaways and evaluating participant understanding through a practical assessment.

Activities: Case study analysis, contract management plan development, final quiz, and Q&A session.