Introduction

This course provides participants with a deep understanding of contracts in an international context. Delegates will learn the creation, structuring, management, and dispute resolution aspects of contracts, with a focus on improving commercial outcomes, controlling risk, and applying global best practices.

Course Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role and importance of contracts in business.
• Apply strategies to improve contract management and commercial outcomes.
• Interpret and use key contractual clauses, terms, and structures.
• Manage change, variations, and collateral documents (bonds, guarantees, letters of intent).
• Apply dispute resolution techniques in international contexts.

Target Audience

• Contract Managers and Administrators
• Procurement and Purchasing Officers
• Project Managers and Project Directors
• Legal Advisors and Corporate Lawyers
• Professionals involved in tendering, contract negotiation, or supplier management

10-Day Course Outline

Day 1 – Introduction to Contracts & Creation

• The need for contractual relationships
• Offer and acceptance
• Intention to create legal relationship
• Written vs. oral contracts
• Signing, sealing, and witnesses
• Authority to sign and proving authority

Day 2 – Contract Enforcement & Tender Process

• Making contracts enforceable internationally
• Involvement of agents
• What happens if work is carried out without a contract
• Tender process essentials

Day 3 – Structure of Contracts

• Form of Agreement
• General and Special Terms & Conditions
• Schedules and Appendices
• Title transfer and ICC Incoterms
• Notices, laws, and courts

Day 4 – Contractual Structures & Collateral Documents

• Traditional and new contract structures (Middle East focus)
• Bonds and guarantees: Tender, Advance Payment, Performance, Warranty, Parent Company
• Letters of Intent, Award, Comfort/Awareness
• Managing claims and financial security

Day 5 – Changes & Variations

• Need for consent, assignment/novation, and waivers
• Variation clauses and notice provisions
• Valuation of variations and changes
• Claims and how they arise
• Delays caused by client or contractor/supplier

Day 6 – Force Majeure & Disruption

• Understanding force majeure clauses
• Managing project delays and disruptions
• Risk mitigation strategies
• Case studies of common issues

Day 7 – Dispute Resolution – Part 1

• Negotiation strategies
• Staged dispute resolution clauses
• Litigation vs. arbitration
• Modern best practices in resolving disputes

Day 8 – Dispute Resolution – Part 2

• Mediation, conciliation, early neutral evaluation
• Expert determination, mini-arbitration, pendulum arbitration
• Applying techniques in international contexts

Day 9 – Managing Contract Performance & Changes

• Monitoring contract execution
• Change management and controlling risks
• Using bonds and guarantees strategically
• Enhancing supplier relationships and preventing conflicts

Day 10 – Capstone & ILM Endorsed Assessment

• Work-based assignment: identifying a contractual problem
• Demonstrating contracting strategies, legal engagement, and dispute resolution
• Practical implementation of best practices
• Final review and feedback