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.