MANAGING EXTERNAL VENDORS
 
As companies downsize and decentralize, external vendors and contractors are going more and more critical work.  It is generally not possible to micromanage all the external vendors and their tasks, so project managers must macro-manage these activities.

This course is currently offered as a 1-day workshop.  Ask about our customization options.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Individuals attending this session are involved in one or more of the following areas:

  • Coordinating multiple external vendors and their deliverables.
  • Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of internal and external staff.
  • Tracking and communicating project status for projects with internal and external players.
  • Creating a cohesive plan for a diverse project team of internal and external players.
WHAT THE SESSION PROVIDES
Our experienced facilitators can help provide the answers to the following questions: How can I estimate, manage and control external vendor deliverables?  How can I monitor activity dependencies between external vendors or between internal and external staff?  How can I focus multiple agendas into a successful project completion (on time, within budget, meeting the clients’ needs)?
 
WHAT PARTICIPANTS LEARN
After attending this session, the participants will be able to:

  • Determine and monitor measurable deliverables from external vendors.
  • Accurately estimate and control the activities of multiple vendors on one project.
  • Integrate external vendor impact into the Project Plan.
  • Build procedures that create an environment of shared risk.
  • Create a plan allowing knowledge transfer between internal and external project members.

 

 
UNIT 1
 Overview of External Vendor Coordination
  • The Secret to Success
  • Detail vs. Flexibility
  • Steps to Great Projects
  • Constraints
  • Assessing Risk
  • Scope
  • Initial Objectives
  • Estimates
UNIT 2
 Negotiating with External Vendors
  • Conflict
  • Barriers to Cooperation
  • Negotiating
  • Five Techniques
UNIT 3
 Project Management Basics
  • Activity Networks
  • Gantt Charts
UNIT 4
 Tips and Techniques
  • Contractor Law
  • Confidentiality
  • Communication Standards
  • Change Management
  • Knowledge Transfer
  • Shared Risk
Bibliography
Exercises