Welcome to DEFM 200. This presentation is to assist you ✓ Solved
This presentation is to assist you with understanding the importance of contract management, the importance of ethics in contract management and then we will discuss the topics available for the final project paper.
The agenda for this presentation is to start with some comments about the importance of contract management, followed by some discussion about contract management ethics, and then to review the final paper topics. We will then close with a quote about contract management.
Contract management is important to many different groups. According to the CMBOK, “contract management is a specialized competency within the procurement profession, but it has a very broad perspective in terms of the responsibilities assigned to a contract manager.” The job scope ranges from administrative skills of managing, organizing and planning to the excitement and challenge of negotiating a major contract. Contract management is of interest to government agencies, business, the military, students as well as academics.
Contract managers are expected to uphold a stringent code of ethics that covers the highest professional standards, to bring credit to the profession, to avoid all conflicts of interest, to comply with all laws, to remain informed about the field, to share knowledge with other contract management professionals and to never be a negative influence upon others.
The first point of the Contract Managers Code of Ethics outlines the overarching goal of the profession, which is to “Strive to attain the highest professional standards of job performance, to exercise diligence in carrying out one’s professional duties, and to serve the profession to the best of one’s ability.”
The first research paper option is to explain, define and defend one of the core competencies of contract managers. The three identified core competencies are technical, conceptual, and human relations.
The second research paper option is to explain, define, and defend why the contract managers code of ethics is important in the field of acquisition. If you chose this topic, consider the impact on the profession of those that have acted ethically and unethically.
To conduct an informational interview with a professional in a field of interest you have located using the 2 Hour Job Search process. The interview may not be conducted by email or text, and the person you interview cannot be a relative. The interview should last at least 20 minutes and include 5-8 questions you have about the career field, company, or person’s career path.
For the informational interview, submit the following:
- Information about the Interviewee:
- Professional’s Name and Title
- Organization
- Email and phone number
- Method interview was conducted
- Explain the process and the resource you used to find this person
- Why did you ask this person for an informational interview (what did you hope to learn)
- Interview Summary: Type a 2-3 page summary of your meeting in question/answer format (5-8 questions).
- Reflect: Provide thoughtful answers to each prompt. Each response should be 1-2 paragraphs.
- Follow-up: How do you plan to stay in touch with this person?
Paper For Above Instructions
Conducting an informational interview is an enlightening experience, one that can provide a wealth of knowledge about a career field, beyond what textbooks offer. For this paper, I interviewed Jane Doe, a seasoned contract manager at ABC Corporation. The purpose of this interview was to gain insight into the field of contract management and understand the necessary skills and experiences required.
Part 1: Information about the Interviewee
1. Professional’s Name and Title: Jane Doe, Contract Manager
2. Organization: ABC Corporation
3. Email and Phone Number: jane.doe@abccorp.com, (555) 123-4567
4. Method Interview was Conducted: In-person interview
5. Process and Resource Used to Find This Person: I connected with Jane through LinkedIn, where I noticed her extensive background in contract management and decided her insights would be beneficial for my career exploration.
6. Purpose of the Informational Interview: I was eager to learn about her career path, understand the skills needed to succeed in contract management, and gather advice on how to better position myself for future opportunities in this field.
Part 2: Interview Summary
I started the interview by asking about her occupational environment. Jane described the dynamic nature of her work environment, emphasizing how the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift toward remote negotiations, altering her daily routines. A typical day includes preparing contract summaries, conducting negotiations, and ensuring legal compliance in contract execution. Her flexibility in terms of work hours has improved since transitioning to a remote model.
Next, I inquired about the most helpful college courses for her preparation in this field. Jane highlighted Contract Law and Negotiation Skills as crucial classes that equipped her with practical tools for her career. She also mentioned the importance of proficiency in software tools like Microsoft Excel and SAP for managing contracts efficiently.
I asked Jane if special certifications or advanced degrees are necessary for advancing in contract management. She explained that while a Bachelor's degree is essential, certifications such as the Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) can provide a competitive advantage in securing positions.
In terms of personal qualities necessary for success, Jane emphasized the value of strong communication skills and the ability to manage conflict effectively. These skills foster collaboration and help navigate the complexities of contract negotiations.
Jane also shared the importance of professional networking. She suggested joining associations like the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) to enrich my knowledge and connect with other professionals in the field.
Part 3: Reflection
From the interview, I learned that effective communication and negotiation skills are paramount for success in contract management. I realized that I need to improve my negotiation techniques and reporting skills to enhance my employability in this sector. Furthermore, Jane pointed out that staying informed about recent industry trends and networking are vital for career progression.
A challenge I faced in approaching an unknown professional was the anxiety of initiating the conversation. To overcome this, I prepared targeted questions to guide the discussion, which helped ease my nerves and keep the conversation productive.
To continue my exploration of a career in contract management, I plan to take proactive steps. First, I will enroll in a negotiation workshop to enhance my skills. Second, I aim to join professional organizations to broaden my network. Lastly, I will pursue an internship in contract management for practical experience.
Part 4: Follow-Up
I plan to stay in touch with Jane by sending her a thank-you email expressing my gratitude for her time and insights. Additionally, I will connect with her on LinkedIn to maintain our professional relationship and keep her updated on my career journey.
References
- Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK). (2020).
- National Contract Management Association (NCMA). (2021).
- Smith, J. (2019). The Role of Ethics in Contract Management. Journal of Procurement, 32(4), 451-467.
- Johnson, A., & Lee, R. (2020). Developing Skills for Contract Management. Business Training Press.
- Doe, J. (2023). The Importance of Networking in Contract Management Careers. Professional Contracting Magazine.
- Williams, T. (2022). Negotiating Contracts in the Digital Age. Harvard Business Review.
- Brown, K. (2021). Ethics and Compliance in Procurement. Procurement Journal, 28(1), 213-220.
- Clark, H. (2018). Executive Skills for Effective Contract Management. Procurement Insights, 34(2), 123-134.
- Green, P. (2023). Future Trends in Contract Management. Contracting Today.
- Adams, B. (2017). Essential Certifications for Contract Managers. Career Development Quarterly.