IACCM Learning

IACCM Profesional Development Message Board

The IACCM Learning Program now has Message Board capability. There is a General Message Board, accessible below, and individual Training Module Message Boards with each training module topic. Message Board access requires log-in.

Overview
IACCM has developed the commitment management development program for both Procurement and Sales.

IACCM's purpose is to raise the status, profile and professionalism of commercial contracting. As the only global, not-for-profit association focused in this field, we are dedicated to the interests of commercial contracting professionals around the world. With members from more than 1,000 corporations in over 90 countries, IACCM is proud of its innovation and outstanding research and training capabilities.

IACCM training and professional accreditation is a key element in delivering this value - and ensuring the growing status of our members. The IACCM program is unique and brings attributes and objectivity far beyond that of similar professional associations. It is simple, low cost - and designed to recognize all aspects of your professional achievement and contribution. Our materials and approach offer convenience and continuing access.

ELearning
This program incorporates the latest technology in self-paced eLearning. The training focuses on the elements of the Contract Life Cycle, as well as advanced topics including contemporary information on best contracting practices important to a complete professional understanding of today's contract management environment.

The complete program consists of 34 or 38 training modules (depending on which curriculum you selected), averaging one hour each to complete.

Successfully completing all of the modules and passing each of the module exams will prepare you for the IACCM Certification Examination, which is a component in earning IACCM Commercial Contracting Certification.

Assessment and Certification
In recent benchmark studies, IACCM's approach to international certification and global association management has been recognized as 'best of breed'.

The IACCM certification process includes competency assessments, reviews, and examinations and personalized training curriculums, recognized by leading executive search firms and major international employers. As an Association, we are interested in best practice - individuals, functions and processes.

IACCM's unique web-based assessment system supports evaluation of current knowledge and skill set. This approach enables comprehensive professional development planning and provides a global overview of individual capabilities. The assessments are available online, 24 x 7 through our secure application to participants and designated reviewers.

There are four level of certification available: Associate, Practitioner, Expert and Fellow.

The IACCM Certification Program is undertaken on-line and includes Skills Assessment and validation, and an examination to confirm knowledge of the Contract Management Life Cycle. Certification applications will be approved by a review board of senior managers / executives.

Introductory welcome video:

Upcoming Events

News & Upcoming Initiatives

Using Benchmarks to Drive Performance This recent article from cio.com reinforces the suggestion by IACCM that organization's need to re-think the use of benchmark clauses in their contracts.

International Trade & The Flat World Strategy+Business recently carried an update on the debate over whether globalization is creating 'a flat world' or whether the forces arguing that this is 'globaloney' have the upper hand.

Global Contracting The Flat World concept has strongly influenced the approach to contracting. Large corporations bought into this idea as they sought to impose standard templates around the world. Yet experience has confirmed the IACCM view which has always been that, at best, the world is 'spiky'. Strategy+Business reviews the current state of the argument in this article.

What value contract templates? Many organizations develop contract templates or standards as a way to impose internal controls. However, few have undertaken analysis to determine the impact on external relationships or contract effectiveness.

Contract Management & Legal: A Match Made In Heaven? Several IACCM members forwarded the most recent newsletter from legal placement firm Kerwin Associates. The reason for interest is that it states 'the value of the Contract Manager is steadily rising' and it highlights their growing role in development of company policies, not only their oversight. The article describes today's Contract Manager as 'the hub in the wheel', overseeing numerous contracts and maintaining relationships with all relevant parties.

RPost E-Signature Services Cited as a Strong Performer by Independent Research Firm RPost achieves top score in breadth and depth of e-signature services, compliance with industry/country regulations and technical standards, and enterprise scalability categories

Competitive Bidding - does it deliver benefits? It will surprise few that over 90% of suppliers say that a customer's competitive bidding practices impact trust, loyalty and behaviour. Indeed, customers would be rather disappointed if the use of competitive bidding did not impact behaviour. But the key question is whether the effect is positive or negative - and there the answer seems to vary.

IP: Brand protection and expansion It is estimated that intellectual property comprises a full 80 percent of the value of most businesses today. A good percentage of this value comes from the goodwill consumers associate with the company's image and brands. Protecting and enhancing these intangible assets involves a multi-disciplinary approach, including marketing and communications management, the careful selection and administration of licensing programs, and a targeted approach to registration and enforcement of the intellectual property surrounding the product/service-a mix of trademark, copyright, and patent protection.

IP: Battling against foreign trade secret theft Companies should consider three options for enforcement

IACCM's 2012/13 Salary Survey for Contracts Professionals 2012/13 Salary Survey Reveals Limited Change. The latest IACCM Salary Survey looks at the state of the US market for contracts and commercial professionals.