| Title | Date | Start Time | Duration | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluating Tender Pricing - Leading Practices in Securing Optimal Value
Leading practice requires that we look beyond the offered price. There are multiple methods of analysing and comparing offered pricing, e.g., simple prices versus whole-of-life and TCO, market basket prices, and other models. We must consider additional methods such as NPV and amortization - and realize when these methods are most appropriate. Procurement leaders and practitioners need a comprehensive understanding of the various methods available for analyzing and comparing tender pricing, ensuring that they can make informed decisions that reflect the true cost and value of goods and services. In this one-hour session, we will discuss: Introduction • Overview of tender pricing evaluation • Importance of selecting the right pricing analysis method Pricing Evaluation Methods • Simple cost comparison • Whole of life cost approach • Basket of goods analysis Additional Analytical Methods • Net Present Value (NPV) • Amortization schedules • When to use each method Factors Influencing Methodology Selection • Representation of Value for Money (VFM) • True cost reflection, including delivery and transition costs • Commercial and economic considerations Best Practices • Ensuring fair and transparent pricing comparisons • Avoiding common pitfalls in pricing evaluation Tools and Resources • Software and tools that aid in pricing analysis • Resources for further learning Join us in this engaging session and share your insights, as well as any questions! | 1/28/2025 | 10:30am AEDT | 1 hour | Register |
| Understanding Gateway Reviews in Public Sector Procurement
Gateway Reviews are an essential element of public sector procurement, allowing the procurement leader and practitioner to establish credibility and reliability with the eventual sourcing decision. However, procurement leaders and practitioners require an occasional refresh and reminder of the Gateway Review process, its significance in enhancing project delivery within the public sector, and how it’s applied across different jurisdictions. In this one-hour session, we will discuss: Introduction • Overview of Gateway Reviews • Importance in public sector procurement The Gateway Review Process • Origins and adoption across jurisdictions • Purpose and objectives of Gateway Reviews Key Stages of Gateway Reviews • Description of the different stages • What each stage entails and why it’s important Roles and Responsibilities • The Gateway Review team composition • Stakeholder involvement Preparing for a Gateway Review • Documentation and information requirements • How to prepare for each stage of the review Conducting the Review • The review process and methodology • Best practices for effective reviews Post-Review Actions • Understanding and implementing recommendations • Monitoring and reporting on progress Challenges and Solutions • Common challenges encountered during Gateway Reviews • Strategies to overcome these challenges Benefits of Gateway Reviews • Improved project delivery and outcomes • Enhanced accountability and transparency Join us in this engaging session and share your insights, as well as any questions! | 2/25/2025 | 10:30am AEDT | 1 hour | Register |
| Managing Proactive Procurement Audits - Strategies for Integrity and Compliance
Procurement leaders and practitioners, along with their stakeholders, realize that procurement audits, proactive approaches, and methodologies reduce the risk of compromising procurement integrity and compliance. At times, these team members require a comprehensive understanding of how to proactively conduct procurement audits and employ methodologies that reduce the risk of process breaches, ensuring that procurement integrity and compliance are maintained. In this one-hour session, we will discuss: Introduction • Overview of procurement audits • Importance of proactive approaches in mitigating financial risks The Role of Procurement Audits • Definition and objectives of procurement audits • How audits contribute to financial integrity Proactive Audit Approaches • Anticipating potential issues before they arise • Implementing continuous monitoring and review processes Audit Methodology • Steps involved in conducting a procurement audit • Tools and techniques for effective auditing Identifying Risks • Common financial risks in procurement • Methods for risk identification and assessment Mitigating Financial Breaches • Strategies to prevent financial breaches • Best practices for risk management and control Legal and Regulatory Compliance • Understanding the legal framework governing procurement • Ensuring compliance with regulations to avoid financial penalties Technology in Procurement Audits • Leveraging technology for efficient audits • The role of data analytics in risk reduction Join us in this engaging session and share your insights, as well as any questions! | 3/25/2025 | 10:30am AEDT | 1 hour | Register |
| Attracting and Engaging Top Talent in Procurement - Pitching to the Right Candidate
Employing top talent is a key driver of success – leading to innovation, productivity, and a competitive advantage that can lead to long-term growth and sustainability. It’s not just about filling positions but finding individuals who can contribute significantly to the organization’s goals and culture. Procurement leaders and practitioners need insight into the nuances of recruiting procurement staff and how to effectively pitch to and engage with the right candidates in a competitive employment market. In this one-hour session, we will discuss: Introduction • Overview of the current employment market for procurement professionals • Importance of effective pitching and engagement strategies Understanding the Candidate Market • Characteristics of the procurement talent pool • Trends and expectations of candidates The Pitching Process • Crafting a compelling value proposition for potential candidates1 • Tailoring your pitch to align with candidate motivations and career goals Effective Job Descriptions • Writing job descriptions that stand out • Highlighting opportunities for growth and development Recruitment Marketing • Utilizing various platforms to reach potential candidates • Building an employer brand that resonates with procurement professionals Engaging Candidates • Strategies for initial candidate outreach • Maintaining communication throughout the recruitment process The Interview Experience • Creating a positive and informative interview experience • Assessing candidate fit beyond technical skills Closing the Deal • Negotiating offers that meet candidate expectations • Communicating the long-term benefits of joining your organization Onboarding and Retention • Best practices for onboarding procurement staff • Fostering a culture that encourages retention and professional growth Join us in this engaging session and share your insights, as well as any questions! | 4/30/2025 | 10:30am AEST | 1 hour | Register |
| Excelling in Contract Management - Navigating Imperfect Situations with Strategies for Improvement
Procurement leaders and practitioners seek ways to make the best of an imperfect situation. For example, what can they do if they inherit a contract with suboptimal documentation? How can an inexperienced contract manager harness the requisite insights in managing a contract assigned to them – and drive continuous improvement? Contract managers are seeking practical insights into how to be an effective customer in the realm of contract management, turning imperfect situations into opportunities for growth and learning. In this one-hour session, we will discuss: Introduction • Overview of contract management challenges • Emphasizing the role of the customer in successful contract management Current Challenges • Common issues faced in contract management and procurement planning • Impact of these challenges on organizational efficiency Inheriting Imperfect Contracts • Common issues with inherited contracts • Strategies for dealing with incomplete or patchy documentation Best Practices for Contract Management • Identifying and understanding industry best practices • Resources for inexperienced contract managers to gain knowledge Evaluating Guidance and Advice • How to assess the reliability of guidance received • Steps to take if guidance does not align with best practices Effective Communication with Suppliers • Importance of clear and proactive communication • Building relationships to improve contract outcomes Documentation and Record Keeping • Best practices for maintaining comprehensive contract documentation • Utilizing technology for document management Contract Management Continuous Improvement Areas • Streamlining contract administration processes • Enhancing contract performance monitoring • Leveraging technology for contract lifecycle management • Learning from imperfect situations to enhance future contract management • Implementing feedback loops and improvement processes And more! Join us in this engaging session and share your insights, as well as any questions! | 5/28/2025 | 10:30am AEST | 1 hour | Register |
| Implementing Best Practices in Supplier Due Diligence - Ensuring Compliance and Mitigating Risks
Supplier due diligence is a vital process that supports risk mitigation, informed decision-making, compliance assurance, cost optimization, and strategic sourcing - all of which are essential for successful procurement management. Procurement leaders and practitioners are seeking insights into best practices related to supplier due diligence. There is a need to understand sourcing strategies and effectively assess and manage potential risks associated with suppliers. In this one-hour session, we will discuss: Introduction • Overview of supplier due diligence • Importance of due diligence in the procurement process Scope of Due Diligence • Defining the breadth and depth of due diligence • Legal and regulatory considerations1 Identifying Risks • Types of risks associated with suppliers • Methods for risk identification and assessment Due Diligence Process • Steps involved in conducting due diligence • Tools and techniques for effective assessment Financial Analysis • Reviewing financial stability and performance of suppliers • Understanding financial indicators and red flags Operational Assessment • Evaluating the supplier’s operational capabilities • Assessing quality control, production capacity, and delivery reliability Legal and Compliance Checks • Verifying compliance with laws and regulations • Ensuring adherence to ethical standards and practices Technology and Automation • Leveraging technology to streamline due diligence processes • Incorporating automation into your due diligence practices1 Continuous Monitoring • Strategies for ongoing supplier evaluation • Responding to changes and emerging risks Join us in this engaging session and share your insights, as well as any questions! | 6/25/2025 | 10:30am AEST | 1 hour | Register |
| Enhancing Interpersonal and Leadership Capabilities - Procurement-related Leadership and Soft Skills
Leaders need to lead the change in procurement. Their interpersonal and managerial capabilities are crucial for success in supporting the development and retention for both procurement and contract management professionals. Procurement leaders and professionals are seeking insights into the essential soft skills and leadership qualities needed to excel in their roles, along with practical strategies for development and application in the workplace. In this one-hour session, we will discuss: Introduction • Overview of soft skills and leadership in procurement • Importance of these skills in the current procurement landscape Core Soft Skills for Procurement • Communication: Effective verbal and written skills • Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions • Negotiation: Persuasion and conflict resolution Leadership Skills in Procurement • Strategic Thinking: Long-term planning and vision • Decision Making: Analyzing information to make informed choices • Team Management: Inspiring and leading procurement teams Developing Soft Skills • Techniques for improving active listening and empathy • Exercises for enhancing negotiation and persuasion abilities Cultivating Leadership Abilities • Strategies for developing a leadership mindset • Leadership styles and their application in procurement Applying Skills in Procurement Scenarios • Role-playing exercises for real-world procurement challenges • Case studies highlighting the impact of soft skills and leadership Overcoming Common Challenges • Addressing communication barriers with suppliers and stakeholders • Leading teams through complex procurement projects Tools and Resources • Resources for further development of soft skills and leadership • Technology tools that support skill enhancement Join us in this engaging session and share your insights, as well as any questions! | 7/30/2025 | 10:30am AEST | 1 hour | Register |
- Leadership Licensee Case Study: Huawei and the European 5G Landscape: How to Manage Your Commercial Risk Strategy When a Link in Your Supply Chain is Strained
- Leadership Licensee Case Study: Bottled-Up Value – How Outcome-Based Contracts Helped Create Global Brand Recognition for Coca-Cola
- Leadership Licensee Case Study: Burning Your Reputation – How A Defective Transformer and the California Wildfires May Impact PG&E’s Reputation and Existence
- Leadership Licensee Case Study: $1280 for Coffee Cups – What is Behind the US Air Force’s Commercial Strategy?
- Corporate Licensees – these are private sessions, restricted to team members at those corporations, organizations, and government agencies related to specific topics selected by the Corporate Licensee. For example, the US Federal Government has commissioned Commercial Officers Group to conduct “Avoiding the Pitfalls in Commercial Management in the US Public Sector”.