Author: Charles W. Cook
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317658515
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 467
Book Description
The success of every construction project begins with reading and understanding the contract. Contract Administrators and Project Managers for all parties in the construction process must realize the major impact their actions have on cost, schedule, and quality in relation to the contract terms and conditions. Written in a clear and accessible way from a Constructor’s perspective, Successful Contract Administration guides the student through the critical issues of understanding contract law and obligations for effective project execution. Through examples, exercises, and case studies, this textbook will: Improve knowledge and comprehension of key contract elements Help the student apply knowledge to real case scenarios Improve the student’s ability to analyze and create different scenarios for success Evaluate critical issues of responsibility and ethics in relation to contract administration. The text is supported by a companion website featuring additional resources for both students and instructors. Resources for the student include additional case studies, links to useful websites, video commentary and interviews for increased understanding of important chapter material, true/false sample quiz questions and a flashcard glossary to reinforce comprehension of key terms and concepts. Additional instructor material includes a testbank of questions, (including true/false, multiple choice, and sample essay questions), website links to contract documents and PowerPoint slides.
Successful Contract Administration
Author: Charles W. Cook
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317658515
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 467
Book Description
The success of every construction project begins with reading and understanding the contract. Contract Administrators and Project Managers for all parties in the construction process must realize the major impact their actions have on cost, schedule, and quality in relation to the contract terms and conditions. Written in a clear and accessible way from a Constructor’s perspective, Successful Contract Administration guides the student through the critical issues of understanding contract law and obligations for effective project execution. Through examples, exercises, and case studies, this textbook will: Improve knowledge and comprehension of key contract elements Help the student apply knowledge to real case scenarios Improve the student’s ability to analyze and create different scenarios for success Evaluate critical issues of responsibility and ethics in relation to contract administration. The text is supported by a companion website featuring additional resources for both students and instructors. Resources for the student include additional case studies, links to useful websites, video commentary and interviews for increased understanding of important chapter material, true/false sample quiz questions and a flashcard glossary to reinforce comprehension of key terms and concepts. Additional instructor material includes a testbank of questions, (including true/false, multiple choice, and sample essay questions), website links to contract documents and PowerPoint slides.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317658515
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 467
Book Description
The success of every construction project begins with reading and understanding the contract. Contract Administrators and Project Managers for all parties in the construction process must realize the major impact their actions have on cost, schedule, and quality in relation to the contract terms and conditions. Written in a clear and accessible way from a Constructor’s perspective, Successful Contract Administration guides the student through the critical issues of understanding contract law and obligations for effective project execution. Through examples, exercises, and case studies, this textbook will: Improve knowledge and comprehension of key contract elements Help the student apply knowledge to real case scenarios Improve the student’s ability to analyze and create different scenarios for success Evaluate critical issues of responsibility and ethics in relation to contract administration. The text is supported by a companion website featuring additional resources for both students and instructors. Resources for the student include additional case studies, links to useful websites, video commentary and interviews for increased understanding of important chapter material, true/false sample quiz questions and a flashcard glossary to reinforce comprehension of key terms and concepts. Additional instructor material includes a testbank of questions, (including true/false, multiple choice, and sample essay questions), website links to contract documents and PowerPoint slides.
Contract Management
Author: Alain Brunet
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030680762
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 292
Book Description
This book presents the latest findings relating to behavioral economics and the digital tools applied to contract management. There has been a decisive change in the role of contracts in the past decade, with contracts being transformed from purely legal necessities designed to protect against worst-case scenarios into tools for optimizing ongoing and mutually profitable business relationships with customers. There is an increasing emphasis on tight contracts, where time-risk and additional costs are passed on to the prime contractor, who may suffer heavy penalties in the event of non-performance. Contracts shape the behavior of the parties involved and as such have a major impact on project success. The contract manager’s goals are to protect the interests of the company and its shareholders by minimizing the company’s financial and contractual liabilities and to maximize its profitability while ensuring end-user satisfaction. The contract is usually written before the design is fully developed, and there is often a mismatch between contractual specifications and what the customer actually wants. Good contract management entails preserving the rights of the contractor by ensuring all parties respect their contractual obligations; providing advice to the project managers and engineering team; preparing profitable amendments to contracts or change requests; maintaining good record-keeping in the event that claims arise; filing notices when necessary; and guiding the project to a profitable conclusion. Like the ancient Chinese game of Go, moves made early in the game (notification of events) can shape the nature of a potential conflict one hundred moves later (arbitration threat). Contract management can also smooth the relationship between partners, allowing well-balanced “don’t-trade-a-dollar-for-a-penny” contracts to be managed through an established process rather than as sporadic events (we cannot claim to be in control of our business if we are not in control of the contracts on which it depends). Managing a contract with a mix of incomplete manuals, fragmented information, and poor planning can drive companies to “reinvent the wheel.” Contract management promotes a three-phase sequence to streamline information flows across the contract lifecycle, from the bid phase to performance, project closeout, and final payments.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030680762
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 292
Book Description
This book presents the latest findings relating to behavioral economics and the digital tools applied to contract management. There has been a decisive change in the role of contracts in the past decade, with contracts being transformed from purely legal necessities designed to protect against worst-case scenarios into tools for optimizing ongoing and mutually profitable business relationships with customers. There is an increasing emphasis on tight contracts, where time-risk and additional costs are passed on to the prime contractor, who may suffer heavy penalties in the event of non-performance. Contracts shape the behavior of the parties involved and as such have a major impact on project success. The contract manager’s goals are to protect the interests of the company and its shareholders by minimizing the company’s financial and contractual liabilities and to maximize its profitability while ensuring end-user satisfaction. The contract is usually written before the design is fully developed, and there is often a mismatch between contractual specifications and what the customer actually wants. Good contract management entails preserving the rights of the contractor by ensuring all parties respect their contractual obligations; providing advice to the project managers and engineering team; preparing profitable amendments to contracts or change requests; maintaining good record-keeping in the event that claims arise; filing notices when necessary; and guiding the project to a profitable conclusion. Like the ancient Chinese game of Go, moves made early in the game (notification of events) can shape the nature of a potential conflict one hundred moves later (arbitration threat). Contract management can also smooth the relationship between partners, allowing well-balanced “don’t-trade-a-dollar-for-a-penny” contracts to be managed through an established process rather than as sporadic events (we cannot claim to be in control of our business if we are not in control of the contracts on which it depends). Managing a contract with a mix of incomplete manuals, fragmented information, and poor planning can drive companies to “reinvent the wheel.” Contract management promotes a three-phase sequence to streamline information flows across the contract lifecycle, from the bid phase to performance, project closeout, and final payments.
Enterprise Contract Management
Author: Anuj Saxena
Publisher: J. Ross Publishing
ISBN: 1932159908
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 345
Book Description
Globalization, increased economic and geopolitical uncertainty, technological advancements, and a rise in the number of regulations and legislations have led to a significant rise in the importance, volume, and complexity of modern contractual agreements. Yet, in spite of these profound changes, many organizations still manage the contracting process in a fragmented, manual, and ad-hoc manner, resulting in poor contract visibility, ineffective monitoring and management of contract compliance, and inadequate analysis of contract performance. The net effect of this has been a heightened interest in re-engineering and automation of Enterprise Contract Management (ECM) processes across industry sectors and geographies. Enterprise Contract Management: A Practical Guide to Successfully Implementing an ECM Solution addresses all the questions surrounding ECM, ECM solutions, and the project management, change management, and risk management considerations to ensure its successful implementation. This concise text will help your organization manage the challenges of the contract life cycle and the key success factors and pitfalls in a typical ECM solution. It is a must read for corporate executives, buyers, procurement and strategic sourcing specialists, contract administrators and procurement managers. There is currently no other book available on ECM solutions. All existing books on contract management focus on the legal aspects of contracts, but none describe the functions, features, capabilities of technology solutions that support ECM, nor do they explain the key considerations for ensuring a successful ECM solution implementation.
Publisher: J. Ross Publishing
ISBN: 1932159908
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 345
Book Description
Globalization, increased economic and geopolitical uncertainty, technological advancements, and a rise in the number of regulations and legislations have led to a significant rise in the importance, volume, and complexity of modern contractual agreements. Yet, in spite of these profound changes, many organizations still manage the contracting process in a fragmented, manual, and ad-hoc manner, resulting in poor contract visibility, ineffective monitoring and management of contract compliance, and inadequate analysis of contract performance. The net effect of this has been a heightened interest in re-engineering and automation of Enterprise Contract Management (ECM) processes across industry sectors and geographies. Enterprise Contract Management: A Practical Guide to Successfully Implementing an ECM Solution addresses all the questions surrounding ECM, ECM solutions, and the project management, change management, and risk management considerations to ensure its successful implementation. This concise text will help your organization manage the challenges of the contract life cycle and the key success factors and pitfalls in a typical ECM solution. It is a must read for corporate executives, buyers, procurement and strategic sourcing specialists, contract administrators and procurement managers. There is currently no other book available on ECM solutions. All existing books on contract management focus on the legal aspects of contracts, but none describe the functions, features, capabilities of technology solutions that support ECM, nor do they explain the key considerations for ensuring a successful ECM solution implementation.
Contract Management Success
Author: Khalid Mohamed
Publisher: LinCademy
ISBN:
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 78
Book Description
Unlock the secrets of "Contract Management Success"! Revolutionize how you handle contracts with this transformative guide, a manual for an animated video-based course and an integral part of our HR 9-Book series entitled "Talent Management and Workforce Development.” Dive into effective management practices, legal considerations, and dynamic case studies. Elevate your contract game, whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring contract manager. Don't miss the chance to enhance your business relationships and pave the way for long-term success! Navigating the Complexities: Contracts are the backbone of business relationships, influencing the trajectory of success or failure. "Contract Management Success" is your comprehensive guide to mastering contract management practices. From understanding essential contract elements and legal ethics to calculating and negotiating contracts with finesse, this guide takes you on a captivating journey that includes dynamic animation case studies. Chapters: 1- Getting Started: Introduction sets the stage, outlining the guide's objectives. 2- What is Contract Management? Delve into contract management essentials, exploring types, elements, and the risks of poor management through a compelling case study. 3- Legal and Ethical Considerations: Navigate the legal landscape, covering contract law, ethical guidelines, and case studies to avoid breaches. 4- Requests for Managing Contracts: Strategize effective Request for Proposals (RFPs), calculate value, and make informed decisions using a real-world case study. 5- Contract Creation: Streamline processes with templates and software, ensuring compliance, and understanding the risks of noncompliance. 6- Contract Negotiations: Prepare strategically, prioritize terms, and maintain professionalism in negotiations, with a comprehensive case study. 7- Assessing Performance: Explore assessable performance metrics, effective measurement, and continuous improvement in contract performance, supported by a case study. 8- Nurturing Relationships: Learn about effective relationships in business, building trust, and maintaining relationships through insightful case studies. 9- Contract Amendments: Understand the intricacies of amendments, including redlines, replacing clauses, and their status, with a detailed case study. 10- Auditing Contracts: Delve into the why and how of auditing contracts, from planning to investigation, supported by a comprehensive case study. 11- Renewing Contracts: Involve stakeholders, review contracts, and make decisions on accuracy and changes, accompanied by a practical case study. 12- Wrapping Up: Summarize key takeaways, words from the wise, and outline the next steps, providing a comprehensive understanding of successful contract management. Why Choose This Guide: Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring contract manager, "Contract Management Success" empowers you to elevate your contract management game. Enhance your business relationships, navigate complexities, and unlock the potential for long-term success through strategic contract mastery.
Publisher: LinCademy
ISBN:
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 78
Book Description
Unlock the secrets of "Contract Management Success"! Revolutionize how you handle contracts with this transformative guide, a manual for an animated video-based course and an integral part of our HR 9-Book series entitled "Talent Management and Workforce Development.” Dive into effective management practices, legal considerations, and dynamic case studies. Elevate your contract game, whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring contract manager. Don't miss the chance to enhance your business relationships and pave the way for long-term success! Navigating the Complexities: Contracts are the backbone of business relationships, influencing the trajectory of success or failure. "Contract Management Success" is your comprehensive guide to mastering contract management practices. From understanding essential contract elements and legal ethics to calculating and negotiating contracts with finesse, this guide takes you on a captivating journey that includes dynamic animation case studies. Chapters: 1- Getting Started: Introduction sets the stage, outlining the guide's objectives. 2- What is Contract Management? Delve into contract management essentials, exploring types, elements, and the risks of poor management through a compelling case study. 3- Legal and Ethical Considerations: Navigate the legal landscape, covering contract law, ethical guidelines, and case studies to avoid breaches. 4- Requests for Managing Contracts: Strategize effective Request for Proposals (RFPs), calculate value, and make informed decisions using a real-world case study. 5- Contract Creation: Streamline processes with templates and software, ensuring compliance, and understanding the risks of noncompliance. 6- Contract Negotiations: Prepare strategically, prioritize terms, and maintain professionalism in negotiations, with a comprehensive case study. 7- Assessing Performance: Explore assessable performance metrics, effective measurement, and continuous improvement in contract performance, supported by a case study. 8- Nurturing Relationships: Learn about effective relationships in business, building trust, and maintaining relationships through insightful case studies. 9- Contract Amendments: Understand the intricacies of amendments, including redlines, replacing clauses, and their status, with a detailed case study. 10- Auditing Contracts: Delve into the why and how of auditing contracts, from planning to investigation, supported by a comprehensive case study. 11- Renewing Contracts: Involve stakeholders, review contracts, and make decisions on accuracy and changes, accompanied by a practical case study. 12- Wrapping Up: Summarize key takeaways, words from the wise, and outline the next steps, providing a comprehensive understanding of successful contract management. Why Choose This Guide: Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring contract manager, "Contract Management Success" empowers you to elevate your contract management game. Enhance your business relationships, navigate complexities, and unlock the potential for long-term success through strategic contract mastery.
Contract Management for Non-Specialists
Author: Paul Davies
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781521102763
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 39
Book Description
The success of contract management is measured not by how well the contract was understood but by how successfully the goods and services were delivered. This book is dedicated to helping contract managers achieve that success.Contract Management for Non-Specialists, a Bite-Sized Business Book, is aimed at business managers, project managers and sales people who are engaged with clients delivering services and products within a contractual framework. In around forty pages it distils twenty years of experience of developing, negotiating and managing contracts, and it provides an introducction to contracts and managing them for non-lawyers. It is not designed to replace legal advice from qualified practitioners but will enable you to find your way round a contract, understand legal terms or find out what they mean, and allow you to have confidence in managing a contract either with a supplier or on behalf of a supplier. A contract is focused on payment for a promise - and this simple understanding will help you come to terms with the range of issues that you will have to contend with in contract management.This book and the role of the contract manager isn't about dispute resolution, but about dispute prevention or, at least, mitigation. Disputes will arise in any sale of products and services and knowing where they are likely to occur, and how to defuse them if you can't resolve them will be crucial. By reading this book, and then having it at your side, you will be able to understand how to read a contract actively - that is looking for the triggers, flash points and issues, and then manage it over the lifetime of the contract. It clears away some of the mysteries and the mystification that surrounds contracts and is focused on the practical steps you have to take, as a non-lawyer, to be fair, focused and effective.Like all Bite-Sized Books it is deliberately short and to the point, and because it is based on successful practical experience in business, it is there to help you understand not only what to do but why those actions are significant.Underpinning the aim of the book is a strategy of communication with your opposite number - the contract manager for the other party - and with your own company. It is an invaluable guide for all non-specialists and even if you have great experience in the field, you will find it insightful and supportive.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781521102763
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 39
Book Description
The success of contract management is measured not by how well the contract was understood but by how successfully the goods and services were delivered. This book is dedicated to helping contract managers achieve that success.Contract Management for Non-Specialists, a Bite-Sized Business Book, is aimed at business managers, project managers and sales people who are engaged with clients delivering services and products within a contractual framework. In around forty pages it distils twenty years of experience of developing, negotiating and managing contracts, and it provides an introducction to contracts and managing them for non-lawyers. It is not designed to replace legal advice from qualified practitioners but will enable you to find your way round a contract, understand legal terms or find out what they mean, and allow you to have confidence in managing a contract either with a supplier or on behalf of a supplier. A contract is focused on payment for a promise - and this simple understanding will help you come to terms with the range of issues that you will have to contend with in contract management.This book and the role of the contract manager isn't about dispute resolution, but about dispute prevention or, at least, mitigation. Disputes will arise in any sale of products and services and knowing where they are likely to occur, and how to defuse them if you can't resolve them will be crucial. By reading this book, and then having it at your side, you will be able to understand how to read a contract actively - that is looking for the triggers, flash points and issues, and then manage it over the lifetime of the contract. It clears away some of the mysteries and the mystification that surrounds contracts and is focused on the practical steps you have to take, as a non-lawyer, to be fair, focused and effective.Like all Bite-Sized Books it is deliberately short and to the point, and because it is based on successful practical experience in business, it is there to help you understand not only what to do but why those actions are significant.Underpinning the aim of the book is a strategy of communication with your opposite number - the contract manager for the other party - and with your own company. It is an invaluable guide for all non-specialists and even if you have great experience in the field, you will find it insightful and supportive.
Managing Construction Contracts
Author: Robert D. Gilbreath
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471569329
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
This Second Edition focuses on the commercial issues of contracting, covering the lifespan of a contract in four stages: inception of need, bid and award, administration, termination. Written from the owners' perspective, it is appropriate for construction managers and contract administrators. New material includes the effects of the computer on construction management practices, the risks and rewards of cross-border contracts and the role of the lawyer.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471569329
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
This Second Edition focuses on the commercial issues of contracting, covering the lifespan of a contract in four stages: inception of need, bid and award, administration, termination. Written from the owners' perspective, it is appropriate for construction managers and contract administrators. New material includes the effects of the computer on construction management practices, the risks and rewards of cross-border contracts and the role of the lawyer.
The Construction Project Management Success Guide
Author: Andreas P
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1329043332
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 55
Book Description
THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS GUIDE 2ND EDITION: Everything You Need To Know About Construction Contracts, Estimating, Planning And Scheduling, Skills To Manage Trades And Home Renovations You're about to discover how to the re-emergence of the real estate market sparked renewed optimism in construction. Across different states in the country, residential construction jobs are being undertaken in order to satisfy the demands in housing. Since residential construction projects are still a business (except when you want to build your own home), the idea is to build enough living spaces and to offer them to prospective clients or leasers at an affordable price. Of course the success of such a goal still lies on income and the general economic outlook, but one thing is for certain: now that the housing crisis is over, more people will look forward getting a place to call their home.
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 1329043332
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 55
Book Description
THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS GUIDE 2ND EDITION: Everything You Need To Know About Construction Contracts, Estimating, Planning And Scheduling, Skills To Manage Trades And Home Renovations You're about to discover how to the re-emergence of the real estate market sparked renewed optimism in construction. Across different states in the country, residential construction jobs are being undertaken in order to satisfy the demands in housing. Since residential construction projects are still a business (except when you want to build your own home), the idea is to build enough living spaces and to offer them to prospective clients or leasers at an affordable price. Of course the success of such a goal still lies on income and the general economic outlook, but one thing is for certain: now that the housing crisis is over, more people will look forward getting a place to call their home.
Procuring Successful Mega-Projects
Author: Ms Louise Hart
Publisher: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN: 1472455088
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Mistakes on mega-projects continue to embarrass Governments all over the world. No country has been immune from such fiascos, but the failures are eminently avoidable - if you know how. Governments don’t need the costs of failure, they don’t need the aggravation. They do need Louise Hart’s Procuring Successful Mega-Projects. Within the context of large public projects, the author explains how to structure the project, how to build and manage a team, how to run the procurement process and how to ensure that the handover to the delivery phase is not a hospital pass.
Publisher: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN: 1472455088
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Mistakes on mega-projects continue to embarrass Governments all over the world. No country has been immune from such fiascos, but the failures are eminently avoidable - if you know how. Governments don’t need the costs of failure, they don’t need the aggravation. They do need Louise Hart’s Procuring Successful Mega-Projects. Within the context of large public projects, the author explains how to structure the project, how to build and manage a team, how to run the procurement process and how to ensure that the handover to the delivery phase is not a hospital pass.
Contract and Commercial Management - The Operational Guide
Author: Katherine Kawamoto
Publisher: Van Haren
ISBN: 9087536283
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 657
Book Description
Almost 80% of CEOs say that their organization must get better at managing external relationships. According to The Economist, one of the major reasons why so many relationships end in disappointment is that most organizations 'are not very good at contracting'. This ground-breaking title from leading authority IACCM (International Association for Contract and Commercial Management) represents the collective wisdom and experience of Contract, Legal and Commercial experts from some of the world s leading companies to define how to partner for performance. This practical guidance is designed to support practitioners through the contract lifecycle and to give both supply and buy perspectives, leading to a more consistent approach and language that supports greater efficiency and effectiveness. Within the five phases described in this book (Initiate, Bid, Development, Negotiate and Manage), readers will find invaluable guidance on the whole lifecycle with insights to finance, law and negotiation, together with dispute resolution, change control and risk management. This title is the official IACCM operational guidance and fully supports and aligns with the course modules for Certification.
Publisher: Van Haren
ISBN: 9087536283
Category : Architecture
Languages : en
Pages : 657
Book Description
Almost 80% of CEOs say that their organization must get better at managing external relationships. According to The Economist, one of the major reasons why so many relationships end in disappointment is that most organizations 'are not very good at contracting'. This ground-breaking title from leading authority IACCM (International Association for Contract and Commercial Management) represents the collective wisdom and experience of Contract, Legal and Commercial experts from some of the world s leading companies to define how to partner for performance. This practical guidance is designed to support practitioners through the contract lifecycle and to give both supply and buy perspectives, leading to a more consistent approach and language that supports greater efficiency and effectiveness. Within the five phases described in this book (Initiate, Bid, Development, Negotiate and Manage), readers will find invaluable guidance on the whole lifecycle with insights to finance, law and negotiation, together with dispute resolution, change control and risk management. This title is the official IACCM operational guidance and fully supports and aligns with the course modules for Certification.
The Contract Scorecard
Author: Sara Cullen
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1317037324
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
Adoption and use of a contract scorecard demonstrates a maturing ability to manage commercial outsourcing arrangements. The process of designing the scorecard helps you nail down the key outcomes and avoid lack of focus, inconsistent objectives, hidden costs, indifferent service and deteriorating relationships with your contract partners. Sara Cullen's The Contract Scorecard will help you design and drive successful contracts. It offers a systematic guide based on practical advice and examples; one that explains the Contract Scorecard concept and demonstrates crucial implementation activities such as: ¢ The development of performance measures that work ¢ Sound Service Level Agreements that make obligations clear ¢ A Governance Charter that ensures both parties will adopt successful management techniques An upfront investment in your contracts, from a commercial rather than legal perspective is probably the single most influential activity you can undertake; one that will ensure your outsourcing relationships have clear business goals as the focus of the deal. Reading a copy of Sara Cullen's The Contract Scorecard should be the first step in that investment.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1317037324
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 262
Book Description
Adoption and use of a contract scorecard demonstrates a maturing ability to manage commercial outsourcing arrangements. The process of designing the scorecard helps you nail down the key outcomes and avoid lack of focus, inconsistent objectives, hidden costs, indifferent service and deteriorating relationships with your contract partners. Sara Cullen's The Contract Scorecard will help you design and drive successful contracts. It offers a systematic guide based on practical advice and examples; one that explains the Contract Scorecard concept and demonstrates crucial implementation activities such as: ¢ The development of performance measures that work ¢ Sound Service Level Agreements that make obligations clear ¢ A Governance Charter that ensures both parties will adopt successful management techniques An upfront investment in your contracts, from a commercial rather than legal perspective is probably the single most influential activity you can undertake; one that will ensure your outsourcing relationships have clear business goals as the focus of the deal. Reading a copy of Sara Cullen's The Contract Scorecard should be the first step in that investment.