Explores the important role that contracting and purchasing play in the project environment, especially in light of meeting or exceeding goals.

Additionally, and in order to be competitive in today’s worldwide market place, many companies, and to a certain extent government organizations, went through a cycle of downsizing during the 1990s and early 2000s. This downsizing forced many organizations to concentrate and further develop their core business. Organizations began to rely on procurement and contracting administration techniques to obtain the products and services that were no longer available within the company. In order to meet project goals and objectives, project managers and teams have become dependent on contractors and subcontractors to supply the needed technology or expertise.

This course explores two important knowledge areas of project management – procurement and quality. Students will learn how to define procurement requirements, solicit and evaluate bids and proposals, successfully negotiate a contractual agreement and manage the resulting vendor relationship. Practical hands-on case studies will reinforce theoretical concepts and students will be equipped with proven templates for deliverables. As well, the course will include an analysis of critical quality planning practices and how to implement evaluations and audits as part of a quality assurance program. Students will be introduced to statistical and graphical methods for managing quality.

This online class provides the students with an understanding of procurement and contract administration techniques in order that they may gain the expertise which enables them to meet their goals.