CASE STUDY

The cases in this Capstone course are probably very different from those you have seen in other classes. In the first place, they are tightly coupled with the SLPs. Together, they comprise a type of “consulting project” where you will evaluate an enterprise’s contract management practices and needs, and make recommendations of how automated contract management tools could be adopted to the benefit of your client.

The SLP is the data collection and analysis part of the project. You will want to complete the SLP after reading the background material and before you undertake the case.

Each module’s case comprises a piece of a report that you will give to your “client” company. As you prepare each report, be mindful that this is a formal business report and should be prepared in accordance with the standards of business communications.

1. Each section of the report (corresponding to each module’s case), should have an introduction and a conclusion.
2. Use headings that describe the topic of each section of the paper and guide the reader through it.
3. Use bullet points judiciously – for example, when listing key points for the reader’s consideration.
4. Use in-text (parenthetical) citations or footnotes where you cite data or information you got from outside sources. Provide a reference list at the end.

Here are some optional readings that can help you format your cases:

McMurrey, D.A. (n.d.). Online technical writing: Headings. Retrieved from http://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/headings.html

Hibbard, C.S. (2001). Using bullet points and lists. Cypress Media Group. Retrieved from http://www.cypressmedia.net/pages/article7.htm

Write for your audience – the business owner, CFO, or procurements officer. Keep your presentation and language simple and professional. Spelling errors, typos and grammatical errors are the death knell of business reports. Proof read and edit until you are sure your paper is error-free.

Case Assignment

This module’s case will serve as an introduction to your report. You want to start by explaining what Contract Lifecycle Management is and how it works. In other words, make the business case for contract lifecycle management. The main part of the paper should center on a discussion of the following question:

What are the benefits of a CLM solution?

• Contract security and accessibility
• Increased revenue
• Decreased cost
• Contractual, regulatory, procedural compliance
• Risk mitigation

Use data and statistics from the background reading (and your own research if desired) to make your case!

Finish by laying out a brief roadmap for the rest of the report. (You will need to look ahead to the next 3 cases.) Explain how you will assess the organization, the possible software they might consider, and the role of contract management in compliance and risk mitigation.

Assignment Expectations

1. Answer questions with clarity.
2. Show depth and breadth in your paper to enhance the quality of your paper.
3. Try your best to search in our library to find some papers/articles to support your argument and show them in the reference list.
4. This paper should be 3 or 4 pages long, plus references.

______________________________________

 

SLP

The SLP and Case in the Capstone course project work together. The SLP involves gathering information and assessing needs and the cases write up your findings in a form that serves as a report to management. This report can assist management in assessing their contract management capabilities, and evaluating possible CLM/ECM options.

In essence, you will be acting as a “consultant” advising a “client” on what an automated contract management system can do for his or her organization. The first step is to locate a business whom would like your assistance in receiving a free evaluation as a part of a class project for a course in contract management. Be sure to read the background material thoroughly before you approach a potential “client” so that you can knowledgably discuss CLM. You might want to complete the first part of the case to reinforce that knowledge before you talk to your “client”.

Explain that your services will include the following:

An assessment of the company’s need for a contract management system, consisting of:

1. A diagnosis of the company’s current contract procedures and processes.
2. An evaluation of different automated systems currently available.
3. A recommendation on which systems(s) might best fit the company’s needs and resources.
4. A written report to management of your findings and recommendations, accompanied by a presentation, if desired.

Explain that you will need to interview the chief executive, or person in charge of contract administration for the first two parts of this consultation, after which you may need limited follow-up as you finish your evaluation of systems and recommendations. Interviews can be in person, by phone, web conference, or even by email – though the last option is probably least preferable. The initial interview will probably take 60 – 90 minutes.

If you and your client opt for a final presentation of the report, it will take 45 minutes to one hour.

Arrange for an interview with the business owner, chief executive, CFO, controller, or person significantly involved in the administration of the company’s contracts.

SLP Assignment Expectations

In a one page paper,

• Identify the business you will be working with for this project and briefly describe the business they are in.
• Who will you be interviewing and what is his/her job title?
• What is the date of your interview and where will it take place?
• Is it in person, by phone, on the Internet – or by some other means?

1. Answer questions with clarity.
2. Show depth and breadth in your paper to enhance the quality of your paper.
3. Try your best to search in our library to find some papers/articles to support your argument and show them in the reference list.

BACK GROUND INFO

Required Reading

Anonymous. (2006). Contract management- A strategic asset. White Paper: Open Text Corporation. 1-22. retrieved November 27, 2012 from http://www.opentext.com

Saxena, A. (2008). Enterprise Contract Management: A Practical Guide to Successfully Implementing an ECM Solution. Fort Lauderdale, FL: J. Ross Publishing

Domains of Compliance

Quayle, Michael (2006) Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Strategies and Realities. Idea Group Publishing, ISBN: 9781591409014

Hannon, David (2008). Blueprint for a merger. (P&G) (Gillette). Purchasing. 137.1 (Jan. 17, 2008): 46. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from Proquest. ProQuest document ID 214445415.

Teague, Paul E. (2006) Centralization streamlines purchasing. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from Purchasing.com.

Stundza, Tom (2002) Metal Service Centers tighten inventory controls. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from Purchasing.com.

Staff (2002) Fastenal adds inventory to stores, enhances service. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from Purchasing.com.

Optional Reading

McMurrey, D.A. (n.d.). Online technical writing: Headings. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from http://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/headings.html

Hibbard, C.S. (2001). Using bullet points and lists. Cypress Media Group. Retrieved November 27, 2012, from http://www.cypressmedia.net/pages/article7.htm