The Essentials of Contracting

Organizations gain or lose significant revenue depending on the contractual terms governing purchases of goods, services, and equipment. Since all business activities are guided by contractual relationships, it is increasingly important for professionals engaged with external parties to understand how to secure the best possible agreements.

This program examines how contracts are created, the main clauses involved, alternative contracting strategies, and practical negotiation techniques, including handling variations and claims. The focus is on contracts written in English, but the methods have wide international application.

Participants will:

• Understand how contracts are formed and structured
• Analyze major contract clauses and associated legal implications
• Apply contracting strategies suitable for different project types and risks
• Develop negotiation skills for contracts and dispute resolution
• Learn how and why disputes arise and manage them proactively
• Transfer and mitigate risk through contractual provisions
• Use contract provisions to reduce the likelihood and impact of disputes

• Contract Administrators
• Procurement and Purchasing Professionals
• Project Managers involved with vendor or supplier contracts
• Legal and Commercial Professionals working with contracts
• Non-lawyers who participate in drafting, reviewing, or negotiating contracts