Managing Consultants and Contractors

This course articulates into our postgraduate program.
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Organisations that have identified the management of outsourced providers as the key to long-term business profitability will benefit greatly from this course. To engage and manage the services of consultants and contractors well, it is essential to ensure that required outcomes and outputs are being achieved. This course provides comprehensive insight into the what, how and why of managing consultants and contractors, as well as giving you the skills to manage their performance.

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Designed for

Anyone involved in the process of handling contractors or consultants on an ongoing or project basis and is accountable for their level of performance.

Course content

Introduction to project development and managing consultants and contractors
Having a sound knowledge of project management is essential prior to developing and implementing business proposals and tenders for consultants and contractors. Here, you will be given the run-down of what project management is and its processes. Subsequently, an introduction to the course provides the groundwork for the rest of the modules.

Preparing the project brief
Prior to undertaking a contractor or consultant, a project brief needs to be drawn up in which project aims and desired outcomes are clearly stated. Essentially, it is crucial to draw up a feasibility assessment first to further determine the worthiness of the project, that is whether it should proceed or not and this includes drawing up a risk analysis. Only after these are completed, can you define the project and draw up a brief.

Developing strategic alliances to optimise traditional consultancy/contractor contracts
In this section, strategic alliances are examined as a basis to determine when it may be appropriate to form a strategic alliance with a consultant or a contractor, rather than operate on a normal contract basis.

Establishing the contract environment
Here, you are guided through the processes of establishing and formulating the contract from writing a brief to submitting tenders, setting a budget, selecting consultants or contractors and sealing the deal.

Evaluating bids and selecting the right consultant/contractor
This section offers guidelines for formally evaluating and selecting consultants and informally evaluating and selecting contractors for small assignments.

Setting up and managing the project
This section provides the various steps in setting up the project. The following are discussed:

• Finalising the contract
• Financial issues and procedures
• Establishing the project management structures
• Selecting the project management tools
• Managing the paperwork and documentation
• Agreeing on communication process
• Ensuring quality management and assurance

Monitoring consultant's and contractor's performance
Whilst care should be exercised in overseeing that the project runs smoothly, it should be noted and taken into account that reins be loosened at the same time. It is critical that clients know what to do and be equipped with the knowledge to handle any situation. This section is dedicated to controlling and monitoring the progress of contractors and consultants. The following are discussed:

• The monitoring and control model
• Consultancy/contractor modus operandi
• Methods of control – focusing on both outcomes and outputs
• Problem resolution

Completion, evaluation and review
Upon completion of the project, it is always advisable to draw up an evaluation and review plan. This will prepare you, as the client and also inform the contractor or consultant involved of the outcome. At the same time, you will be able to assess if the project objectives and proposed outcomes have been met.
The following topics are discussed:

• Overview of evaluation and review processes
• Designing the evaluation process
• Evaluation of project completion
• Client reflections and continuous improvement

Learning outcomes

• Identify the principles of and best practice approaches to managing consultants and contractors to achieve successful outcomes
• Explain the documentation required to clarify and confirm the outcomes required from consultants and contractors
• Apply the skills and management techniques required to successfully manage the outcomes of consultants and contractors

Presenter

John Coulson

Schedule

Register now | Download an enrolment form

State	City	Date	Fee (AUD $)		Availability
			Member Fee	Standard Fee
NSW	Sydney	16-17 Apr 2009	830	935	Yes
QLD	Brisbane	07-08 May 2009	830	935	Yes
SA	Adelaide	20-21 Nov 2008	830	935	Yes
VIC	Melbourne	17-18 Mar 2009	830	935	Yes