Procurement and Contract Management

Unit 6: Procurement Risks and Contract Management

• Assignment Brief 1: Consultancy Report on Procurement Expansion in a Multinational Context
• Submission Date: 20 July 2024
• Submission Format: Comprehensive report addressing six tasks (approximately 3,000 words)

Task 1: Define Procurement and Contract Management

• Define procurement: processes involved, including cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and risk management
• Define contract management: differs from and complements procurement, focusing on contract administration and performance
• Relate definitions to current projects and potential projects in the UK and Europe

Task 2: Analyze Principles and Best Practices of Procurement and Contract Management

• Identify key principles: cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and risk management
• Discuss best practices: supplier relationship management, technology integration, and sustainable procurement
• Provide examples and case studies illustrating principles and practices in action

Task 3: Assess Sustainable Procurement Practices

• Discuss environmental, social, and economic impacts of construction projects
• Explore how sustainable procurement can mitigate negative impacts and enhance corporate social responsibility
• Explain how adopting sustainable practices can lead to long-term success and improve reputation

Task 4: Examine Legislative Frameworks and Regulations

• Identify key legislation and regulations in home country, UK, and Europe
• Analyze how laws influence procurement processes and strategies
• Discuss potential challenges and propose strategies for navigation

Task 5: Evaluate Role of Regional Organizations in Regulating Procurement Practices

• Explain functions and roles of ECOWAS and the EU in regulating procurement practices
• Discuss implications for international businesses and propose strategies for compliance

Task 6: Assess Importance of Establishing Clear Contract Procedure Rules and Adhering to Financial Regulations

• Explain what Contract Procedure Rules are and why they are important
• Discuss potential consequences of non-compliance and propose measures for ensuring compliance and integrity

Recommended Resources

• Websites: CIPS, IACCM, United Nations Environment Programme, European Commission, ECOWAS
• Journals and articles: Research papers and book chapters on procurement, contract management, and sustainable procurement
• Essential Textbooks: "Practical Contract Management", "Procurement Principles and Management", "Procurement and Supply Chain Management"
• Perlego Digital Library: Access to a vast library of core and secondary textbooks

Academic Integrity Practices and Pledge

• Use AI for research, but ensure original work and analysis

• Be transparent about sources and methods

• Clearly cite AI-generated content and explain its integration

• Seek guidance on appropriate AI use and promote academic integrity

• Sign the Academic Integrity Pledge to attest to original work and adherence to guidelines### Academic Integrity and Holistic Assessment

• The College's Moodle platform provides training modules on Academic Integrity for all students.

• The OTHM programme uses a holistic assessment approach, evaluating student work as a whole rather than in parts.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

• Each unit of study has specific learning outcomes, which are covered in part or whole by the assignment.
• The assessment criteria determine the level of achievement (Pass, Merit, or Distinction) based on the quality of responses.
• Command verbs, concepts, and their interrelations are integrated to demonstrate understanding and application of learning.

Assessment Criteria

• The assessment criteria include:
  • Understanding and definition of key concepts
  • Analysis of principles and best practices
  • Significance of sustainable procurement
  • Examination of legislative frameworks and regulations
  • Evaluation of regional organizations
  • Explanation of contract procedure rules and regulations
  • Application of personal work experience
  • Overall cohesion and comprehensiveness of the report

Assessment Levels

• The assessment levels are:
  • Outstanding (Pass): comprehensive and clear definitions, thorough analysis, and excellent application of learning.
  • Proficient (Pass): clear definitions, good analysis, and adequate application of learning.
  • Basic (Pass): basic definitions, limited analysis, and some application of learning.
  • Needs Improvement (Referral): incomplete or inaccurate definitions, insufficient analysis, and little or no application of learning.

Importance of Contract Procedure Rules and Financial Regulations

• Clear 'Contract Procedure Rules' and adherence to financial regulations are crucial for companies operating in multiple countries.
• These rules ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance in procurement processes, reducing the risk of legal repercussions and loss of reputation.

Definition and Scope of Procurement

• Procurement refers to the process of acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source.
• It involves planning, sourcing, contracting, and managing the entire procurement process.

Importance of Sustainable Procurement

• Sustainable procurement practices consider environmental, social, and economic impacts.
• It is essential for long-term success and improved reputation.

Legislative Frameworks on Procurement

• Public procurement legislation varies across countries and regions.
• The European Commission and ECOWAS have established rules and guidelines for public procurement.

Role of Regional Organizations

• Regional organizations like the EU and ECOWAS play a crucial role in shaping procurement policies and procedures.
• They provide guidelines and frameworks for sustainable procurement practices.

Principles of Procurement and Contract Management

• Principles of procurement and contract management include transparency, accountability, and compliance.
• These principles are essential for multinational corporations operating in multiple countries.

Contract Management Principles

• Contract management principles involve planning, sourcing, contracting, and managing the entire procurement process.
• Effective contract management ensures compliance with financial regulations and reduces the risk of legal repercussions.

Financial Regulations for Procurement

• Financial regulations for procurement ensure transparency and accountability in procurement processes.
• These regulations vary across countries and regions, and it is essential to comply with them to avoid legal repercussions.