Introduction

Effective contract management is critical for organizations handling significant procurement, projects, or service delivery. This program equips participants with world-class contract selection, drafting, administration, and dispute resolution skills. Participants will learn to maximize organizational value, reduce risks, and manage contracts efficiently from pre-award through closeout.

Objectives

By the end of this 10-day program, participants will:

• Master advanced contract selection, drafting, and management practices
• Understand the legal and commercial framework for contracts
• Identify and mitigate contract and project risks
• Implement best practices for contract administration and performance monitoring
• Handle disputes proactively and effectively
• Improve negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Integrate contract management with organizational and project strategies

Target Audience

• Contract Managers, Administrators, and Coordinators
• Procurement and Purchasing Professionals
• Project Managers and Supervisors
• Legal and Compliance Officers
• Senior Management involved in contracts and supplier relationships
• Professionals responsible for risk and performance in contract execution

Course Outline – 10 Days

Day 1: Introduction to Contracting Principles

• Principles of good contracting
• Importance and purpose of contracts
• Key steps in contract creation
• Essential elements of a valid contract
• Legal aspects: authority, signing, law of agency, and when to seek advice

Day 2: Tendering & Contract Award Process

• Overview of tendering and award procedures
• Distinguishing price and value
• Obligation documents: bonds, guarantees, letters of intent, letters of award, comfort letters
• Side letters – risks and implications
• International contracting considerations

Day 3: Organizing Contract Management

• Defining responsibilities and roles
• Contract planning and scheduling
• Communication and expectation management
• Risk assessment and selecting the right contract structure
• Apportioning and incorporating risk management

Day 4: Types of Contracts & Performance Management (Part 1)

• Contract types: traditional, EPC, BOT/BOOT, alliance/partnering
• Warranty and service obligations
• Major contract clauses for performance management
• Work ordering, obligations, and ownership transfer
• Contract administration and reporting mechanisms

Day 5: Types of Contracts & Performance Management (Part 2)

• Cost control and recovery clauses
• Insurance and indemnities
• Termination, suspension, and dealing with breaches
• Managing subcontractors and suppliers
• Case studies on performance management

Day 6: Managing Change & Variations

• Understanding and handling change
• Variations in scope, timing, and methods
• Risks of uncontrolled change
• Documenting and managing change requests
• Practical exercises on contract amendments

Day 7: Drafting Contract Terms and Conditions

• Using standard form documents and templates
• Modifying forms for specific situations
• Drafting special conditions
• Contract compliance and monitoring
• Tools for standardization and checklists

Day 8: Dispute Avoidance & Resolution

• Identifying potential disputes
• Eliminating sources of conflict
• Negotiation strategies for internal and external disputes
• Legal remedies: litigation, arbitration, mediation, expert determination
• Alternative dispute resolution techniques

Day 9: Advanced Negotiation & Risk Management

• Stage processes and compromise in negotiation
• Managing risk in international contracts
• Med/Arb and Pendulum Arbitration
• Lessons from strategic alliances, BOT/BOOT contracts, and consolidated sourcing
• Risk-based decision making in contract management

Day 10: Contract Review, Closeout & Action Planning

• Post-award contract review and audit
• Performance evaluation and lessons learned
• Contract closeout procedures
• Implementing best practices in your organization
• Participant action planning and workshop