Articles
Welcome to recent news from the project and procurement sectors. You are welcome to share the articles for internal knowledge. Each month articles are shared on The Pro Forum Community LinkedIn page to encourage discussions so do follow https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-proforum
In these articles we cover:
- Expert subject Matter
- Legislative Updates that may impact the way you work
- Member Spotlights
- Alternative and critical thinking approaches to the delivery of projects and procurement.
The Rise of Micro-Credentials: Will They Replace Traditional Qualifications?
Micro-credentials are transforming education in Australia but could they really replace traditional qualifications? Find out how RTOs are driving the shift.
From Pay to Pathways: Building Australia’s Procurement Workforce for the Future
Procurement needs more than pay rises. Clear pathways and recognised qualifications are key to building Australia’s future workforce.
Stop Writing Business Cases as Risk Logs: Start Writing Them as Opportunity Blueprints
Learn how to balance risks and unlock opportunities with DoOF™. Build stronger business cases that inspire confident decisions and long-term success.
Procurement is the Strategic Engine: Why Australia Must Match Global Pay Standards
Procurement drives Australia’s success but pay and recognition fall behind. See why valuing talent is vital for the nation’s future.
Feedback That Builds or Breaks: What Are You Modelling?
The feedback you give sets the tone for your workplace. Find out how to model growth, not fear, in your leadership.
Daylight Saving and the Right to Disconnect Impact on East Coast Communication Challenges
With daylight saving and the Right to Disconnect laws colliding, cross-border teams face growing challenges. Here’s why leaders must act now.
Facilitation and Collaboration: Unlocking Better Learning Outcomes for Adult Learners
Discover how facilitation and collaboration transform adult learning. Move beyond lectures to create engaging, inclusive, and lasting learning outcomes.
Who You Surround Yourself With Matters: The Leadership Impact of Your Inner Circle
Discover how your inner circle shapes your leadership. Learn how intentional connections can challenge, inspire, and elevate your impact at work.
Leading Through Disruption: Working from Home When Children Are Sick
Discover how leaders can support employees balancing work and caregiving when children are unwell. Learn strategies to foster trust, flexibility, and resilience in hybrid workplaces.
Contract Management Plans: Safeguarding Success in Government and Business
Discover why a strong Contract Management Plan is essential for government and business success. Safeguard performance, reduce risks, and build stronger partnerships.
Do We Really Need Daylight Savings on the East Coast?
Is daylight savings still needed on Australia’s east coast? Explore the business and lifestyle impacts and whether it is time for a change.
Speak Their Language: Reducing Workplace Tension with DISC
Cut workplace tension with DISC. Learn how to adapt your style, boost teamwork, and lead with impact by speaking the language your people need.
The Critical Role of Probity and Ethics in Ethical Organisations Supplying to Government
Explore how probity and ethics define truly ethical organisations supplying to government - building trust, ensuring compliance, and driving long-term success.
Green and Growing, or Ripe and Rotting: Why Growth Is Not Optional
Discover why ongoing growth isn’t optional - it’s essential for personal, professional, and organisational success in today’s fast-paced world.
The Fragility of Just-in-Time Logistics: A Call for Resilience
Explore how Australia can build resilient supply chains through 3D printing, EVs, hydrogen, and smarter logistics in a volatile global landscape.
Understanding AQF Levels Through Skills Map360: Benchmark Your Procurement Knowledge
Discover how Skills Map360 helps procurement professionals benchmark their knowledge against AQF levels and plan targeted career development.
The Fragility of Just-in-Time Logistics: Fuel Supply Instability
Australia’s fuel supply is increasingly vulnerable due to global instability, limited storage capacity, and outdated industry-led policy.
Overcoming Organisational Stagnation Through Upskilling: A Call to Embrace New Skills
Discover how upskilling can break organisational stagnation, boost morale, and unlock growth in the age of AI and digital transformation.
First Impressions Matter: Inclusive Communication in the Workplace
First impressions count, inclusive communication helps everyone feel respected, safe, and seen from the start.
Managing Conflict of Interest in Regional Government Procurement: A Reality in the NT and Beyond
Managing conflict of interest in small towns is personal. Learn how the 4 R’s help regional procurement teams stay fair, transparent, and trusted.
The Fragility of Just-in-Time Logistics: What Australia Can Learn
Australia must shift from JIT to strategic stockpiling to stay resilient in a disconnected global landscape.
Australia’s Procurement Challenges in 2025: Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience – Part 1
In 2025 Australian organisations must rethink their supply chain strategies and build robust frameworks that withstand global disruptions.
From Competent to Compelling: The Power of Executive Presence
Executive presence isn’t about being loud - it’s about inspiring trust, clarity, and confidence in how you lead.
Social Media and Mental Health: Finding the Right Balance
Social media can be a great tool for connection but it also has risks if used excessively. Taking control of your social media habits so you can enjoy the benefits while avoiding the downsides.
Email Protocols: Navigating the Nuances between Business, Professional and Personal Emails
Emails remain an indispensable tool for communication across various spheres of life. View business, professional and personal email differences and tailoring your approach to suit each context.
Personal Cybersecurity: How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Phishing Emails
Cyber threats are everywhere so its important to understand personal cybersecurity and learn how to spot scams to help protect your identity, finances, and sensitive data.
The Silent Ground: The Parade Ground and Its Enduring Connection to the Fallen
In military tradition, the parade ground is more than a place of drill or ceremony. It is sacred space - where discipline meets dignity, and where soldiers honour both their purpose and their past.
The Future of Retail in Australia: Online vs. In-Store Shopping Trends
The Australian retail landscape is in the midst of a significant transformation, it is clear that the future of retail lies in blending the best of both online and in-store shopping experiences.
5 Steps to fix any work problem
Most successful corporate executives deal with problems swiftly, providing a solution, often with change and then move on to the next big issue. Read about Anne Morriss' 5 step plan to fix any problem at work.
Is Australia Ready for High-Speed Rail?
Australia's high-speed rail is finally happening, but to succeed, it must match air travel in cost, convenience, and accessibility.
Re-designing manufacturing with 3d Printing
3d printing gives organisations a decentralised manufacturing capacity to develop items and this will change the current methods of procurement, supply chains and production within Australia.
The Trump Approach to Negotiation: A Case Study in Deal-Making
Trump's negotiation style relies on distributive bargaining, a zero-sum approach where one side's win means the other's loss. Trump's deal-making approach provides a fascinating case study.
Australia Greenlights V2G and V2H Technology for EVs
Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home technology enables EVs to do more than just transport us, they can now serve as portable energy solutions.
Cash is King in Business Operations: The Power of Liquidity
A strong cash position is critical in business operations as it provides businesses to operate efficiently, meet obligations and seize new opportunities.
Opportunity only knocks once
By identifying and assessing potential gains alongside traditional risk factors, organisations can adapt quickly to changes and creates sustainable competitive advantages.
Budget Plan vs Financial Plan: Understanding the Key Differences
Budget plans and a Financial plans may seem similar, but they serve distinct purposes and cover different aspects of financial management.
The Use of AI in the Government Sector: A Balanced Perspective on Pros, Cons, Risks and Opportunities
Let's explore the pros and cons of AI in the government sector, while addressing the risks and opportunities associated with potential information breaches.
Agreeing to Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions is mostly to protect the business’s best interest, so should you read them when accepting the terms.
Value For Money and Government Procurement
The Australian National Audit Office report found that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australian Passport Office did not always follow processes that aligned with Value For Money principles.
Mental Health Month in Australia: Promoting Wellbeing and Awareness
October is Mental Health Month and it helps individuals, communities and organisations break down stigma and support those affected by mental health challenges.
The Importance of Strategic Supply Chain Management in Government Procurement
Strategic supply chain management encompasses the design, planning, execution and control of supply chain activities for organisations aiming to achieve a competitive advantage.
Risk Management Tools and Their Benefits
By leveraging risk management tools, businesses can not only protect themselves from potential threats but also position themselves to capitalise on opportunities.
Identifying Risks and the Benefits of Risk Management in Business
While risks can threaten business’ stability and growth, they also present opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
R U OK? Day 2024: A Call to Check In and Start Conversations Any Day
R U OK? Day 2024 is on the 12th September, mark your calendars. A day that serves as a powerful reminder to reach out to those around us by simply asking, "Are you OK?".
The Benefits of Implementing Workplace Sustainability Policies
Sustainability is a powerful tool for business success by enhancing corporate reputation, reducing costs, attracting talent and driving innovation.
Avoiding Friday Deployments and Updates
There's a saying among developers and IT professionals: "Never deploy on a Friday." Read why pushing updates and making things go live on a Friday is generally discourage.
Not all Conflicts are of Interest
Not all conflicts will lead to corrupt conduct, however in most situations, a conflict of interest does generally lead to corruption and misuse of power.
Effective Strategies for Resolving Workplace Conflict
Addressing workplace conflicts effectively is crucial to maintaining a healthy, productive, and collaborative environment.
Updates to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules from the 1st July 2024
As of 1st July 2024, there have been some significant updates to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, read the updates here.
Professional and Out-of-the-Box Activities to Enhance Critical and Creative Thinking in the Workplace
Integrating professional and out-of-the-box activities into the workplace can boost critical and creative thinking. Here are some professional and some alternative activities.
Robustness of Supply Chains
With the recent updates to the CPRs, the importance of analysing the supply chain is now more prevalent in procurement than it once was when considering the processes involved with acquiring goods and services.
Nurturing Critical and Creative Thinking in the Workplace
Where challenges are complex and solutions are not always obvious, individuals who possess Critical and Creative thinking stand out as invaluable assets to their organisations.
Public Sustainable Procurement from a global standpoint
Risk-averse organisational cultures within large institutions, including government, pose obstacles to implementing transparent, cost-effective, and sustainable spending practices.
The Diary of a Mental Health Case Worker – Monday Mornings
Our mental health support is generally during business hours, and on Monday, you would always wonder what you would face after the weekend.
Value for Money vs Value for Territory
In 2017, the Northern Territory Government delivered a package of procurement reforms that moved away from ‘Value for Money’ and towards ‘Value for Territory’.
Building Client Relationships – Mental Health
How do you go about building a relationship with someone who has a mental health illness? That was one of the many challenges that Mental health case managers faced on a regular basis.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea: Uniting Communities to Fight Cancer
Mark your calendars for May 23rd, 2024, join hands in the fight against cancer for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.
The ANZAC Spirit
ANZAC Day is a day to honour the sacrifice of all those who have served in our military forces and the sacrifices made by their families.
Harnessing the Third Space: How Work Professionals Can Benefit
The Third Space represents the transitional moments inbetween everything that we do, they offer a golden opportunity for professionals to recharge, refocus, and re-energise.
Rethinking Probity: Beyond Tick-Box Compliance
Probity is more than just following a set of rules, it's about understanding, training, and integrating ethical principles into organisational practices.
Procurement and Paradigms
It is worth asking the Business Area if their planning is using current industry paradigm or if a new paradigm might provide a more effective solution.
A Comparative Analysis: Management in Public and Private Sectors
In the public or private sector the principles of management remain fundamental, albeit with notable distinctions that warrant examination.
The Advantages of Portable Power Stations Integrated into Homes
Most people for home energy storage think only of home solar batteries, but newer high-capacity portable power stations is a new option with some unique advantages.
What is Leadership and Why is it Important
Leadership grows ever more imperative, serving as a linchpin for nurturing constructive evolution and realising collective dreams.
The Benefits of 30 Minutes of Daily Sunlight for Health and Well-being
In the quest for better physical and mental health and well-being, don't overlook the simple and natural remedy of sunlight.
Maximising Returns: Australian Government Asset Disposal
Scrapping whilst a legitimate and effective method of asset disposal brings with it several very important considerations.
Decoding Large Language Models: How ChatGPT-3 and Its Kin are Transforming AI
We will demystify Large Language Models, explain what they are, and illustrate how they differ from other forms of AI.
Understanding Requirements
Business analysts are often confused by the different types of requirements, particularly with functional requirements and non-functional requirements.
To self-manage or not to self-manage?
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) offer several potential advantages over retirement savings and investment decisions. Here is a brief guide of factors to consider.
The Ethical Use of AI in Government and Business
With the AI wave comes the need to navigate the ethical landscape in government and business sectors. We'll look at the ethical principles that should guide AI in these sectors.
The day I found my New Cheese
I realised that I had become comfortable in my old habits and I was not willing to change until I had the courage to take the leap of faith and “just do it”, as Nike puts it.
The Unseen Power of AI: From Stealthy Helper to Headline Grabber
AI has been a quiet companion in our everyday lives for quite some time. It has subtly crept into our routines, aiding us in various ways without most of us even realising it.
Sustainability Starts at the Office: Recycling in the Australian Workplace
This global focus on sustainable practices has not bypassed Australia, the need for recycling in the workplace has become increasingly vital.
Is legislation to keep Governments honest a smoke screen?
Legislation is designed to keep governments honest and can serve both as a valuable tool for transparency and accountability and, in some cases, as a smoke screen.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Solar panels undoubtedly offer numerous benefits, but should we invest in them when considering the cost and potential savings on your electricity bill.
Why is Government so reliant on Consultants
There will always be a need for specialist and independent advice and consultation to maintain probity and for governments to be seen as transparent and accountable.
The pitfalls of using AI content
Many businesses have jumped to implement this AI technology, some even too eagerly, it must be said, though others have expressed caution about its increasing use.
Innovation and Government: A Perceived Oxymoron?
Innovation is often linked to the private sector due to its profit-driven nature and competitive edge. Governments, on the other hand, are seen as bureaucratic and risk-averse. This makes 'Innovation and Government' appear contradictory.
Cost of living crisis and small businesses
Small businesses must find other solutions for dealing with this cost-of-living crisis, we'll discusses three such strategies that small businesses can use to combat raising business costs.
Digital Driver Licences in Australia: Do you embrace the future of identification?
The concept of carrying your driver's licence on your smartphone might seem appealing, but it also comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
Busy versus Productive
People think that by being busy means you’re getting a lot done, but as experience has shown me in the past, being busy doesn’t mean you’re actually creating or achieving the results you are looking for.
Unveiling the True Worth of Your Business: Unleashing the Passion and Potential
Embark on a journey to explore different methods of determining the fair market value of your business while igniting your passion for its remarkable worth.
Is Australia Ready for Electric Vehicles?
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a step in the right direction but there are pressing concerns if Australia is ready for this automotive revolution.
Hydrogen Production – the Science and the Myths
Hydrogen production is plagued by myths that must first be dispelled before hydrogen projects can gain popular support. Read some of the key myths surrounding hydrogen.
Restraint of Trade
A confidentiality agreement regarding the use of confidential information may have some of the same effects as a restraint of trade, but they are not the same thing.
Mental Health Inclusion in the workplace
Mental health issues have a significant impact on the Australian workforce costing Australian employers $4.7 billion annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism.
Front Office WHS Considerations: Ensuring Safety and Well-being in the Workplace
Amidst the busy nature of the front office, workplace health and safety (WHS) considerations should never be overlooked.
My experience with disability inclusion in the workplace and its continued importance
As someone diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD, I speak from experience when I say that inclusivity often means the world to someone with a disability.
Is Green Cladding the new buzz word?
Green Cladding has the potential to do good in the Australian Community, however some organisations are starting to take advantage of this with little done to stop this practice.
4 Day Working Week
Several Australian companies have trialled a reduced workweek. The Australian Public Service (APS) is now requesting it as part of their latest employment bargaining agreement. But, what is it and is it right for my company?
Employing former military personnel in your business
Play therapy is a form or counselling developed for children between the ages of 2 and 12 however these parameters can certainly be extended based on the individuals needs, cognitive functioning and developmental level.
Play therapy Counselling, is it for me?
Play therapy is a form or counselling developed for children between the ages of 2 and 12 however these parameters can certainly be extended based on the individuals needs, cognitive functioning and developmental level.
Reactive to Strategic: Commonwealth entities must “lean in” to strategic procurement planning to get the best out of procurements
Now is the time for Commonwealth entities to “lean into” their strategic procurement planning to prepare for and anticipate business needs.
Setting Your Standards: The importance of Contract Management
The ANAO has recently highlighted that government departments need to be proactive in their plans for contract management, and be cognisant of contract management matters.
What is the difference between a contract renewal and extension?
A contract renewal and an extension both involve the continuation of a contract beyond its original term, but there are some key differences between them.
Mental Health in the Australian Workplace
The Australian government has invested heavily in mental health services and support, with a focus on early intervention and prevention.
The Treasury Laws Amendment
The new law applies to standard form contracts entered into or renewed on or after 9 November 2023, where one party is a small business and the other party is a larger business or government agency.
2022 – Reflections on a tumultuous year
2022 is definitely the year when the world changed, when we are constantly reminded of our destructive nature, our vulnerability, and our reason to live.
Mental Health Awareness Month
We all talk about mental health and what to look out for in the people around us, but what about us? What are you doing when it comes to your own mental health?
What is a Business Case, and do I need one?
A business case provides the ‘why’ for the project, why are we doing this, why now, and why is the success of this project so important?
Is a four-day working week a good idea?
Who wouldn't want to work less and have more free time, but is moving to a four-day working week as good as it sounds?
What should Australia look like post-QEII?
With the sad announcement that Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at Balmoral, discussions about moving Australia to a republic is likely to happen in due course.
The Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) have changed, again!
Disregard the last version of the CPRs, this version is the current one.
Why Naidoc is Important
Celebrating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during NAIDOC week is the first step towards building a unified country.
Brink of Wellbeing Recession
What exactly are standard hours these days? It is not surprising that the next generation is concerned about their wellbeing and feeling overworked.
The Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) are changing!
Written by: Brett Lyndon – The Pro Forum Community of Practice The current version of the CPRs came into effect in December 2020. That was in the middle of the pandemic! As we’re now starting to [...]
Now that the Election is over…
Written by: Jacqui Sealy – The Pro Forum Community of Practice As the Federal election is now over, and the new Government is sworn in, many changes will happen in the coming weeks with changes to [...]
Acknowledgement of Country – NRW 2022
Written by: Jacqui Sealy – The Pro Forum Community of Practice The ProForum acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. An Acknowledgement of Country is [...]
Stress testing Procurement & Projects!
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Often thought of as an engineering process to test functions or usage, a stress test is used to diagnose just what it might take to [...]
Revisiting Contracts and Force Majure 2 years into the pandemic
Its impossible to make sense of a particular contract without reading it first, but here are few guidelines to help those of you dealing with force majeure clauses, or contracts that don’t have them.
Flexible working arrangements
Written by: Brett Lyndon – The Pro Forum Community of Practice The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) provides the following information regarding Flexible working arrangements. Flexible working arrangements Employers and employees can agree to change standard [...]
The WFH vs BTO Debate
Written by: Brett Lyndon – The Pro Forum Community of Practice The recent CoVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes in both our professional and working lives. From hand sanitizer galore and QR Codes, to artful [...]
Car parks, sports grants or is it a Conflict of Interest?
Written by: Phil Sealy – The Pro Forum Community of Practice In Section 6.4.6 of the APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice1, states “If an APS employee has a significant role in a political [...]
Why on earth does it continue to go wrong!
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice A story that wouldn’t normally get much traction made headlines recently – it involves two areas that procurement and project professionals must consider: Stakeholder engagement [...]
Lobbying influence – The good and the bad!
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice The definition of a Lobby Group1 is a body formed to influence legislation on a particular issue. Lobby groups are important and a legitimate activity. [...]
Why is training treated differently to annual leave?
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice When employees schedule annual leave, processes are generally implemented that allows for another employee or temp staff to undertake the duties of the employee on [...]
What Social Procurement really looks like.
Written by: Brett Lyndon – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Successful social procurement is built on: Context & catalysts: how social procurement is relevant to the procurement and the reason for inclusion and consideration; Culture [...]
Socially Responsible Procurement – SRP
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Socially Responsible Procurement is a framework of measurable corporate policies and procedures and resulting behaviour designed to benefit the workplace, and by extension the individual [...]
Transitioning between the Public & Private Sectors
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Few of us start work as school leavers and remain in the same job or role until we retire. There was a time when this [...]
Stakeholder engagement goes wrong…again!
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Stakeholder Engagement: Touted as a fundamental skill of any project, procurement, and contract manager – the ability to truly communicate and incorporate a wide variety [...]
Probity Challenges us all sooner or later!
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice If Probity is simply the evidence of ethical behaviour – why do, we keep getting it wrong? It doesn’t matter whether you are in the [...]
Current issues impacting Procurement & Project professionals
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice The last year has seen unmitigated stress placed on supply chains throughout the world which in turn has made procurements far more complicated than they [...]
Do you know where procurement can take you?
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice When it comes to procurement there are many different roles and titles, none of which are necessarily obvious to know exactly what they entail. However, [...]
Modern Slavery Action – What is being done (Part2)
Written by Brett Lyndon, General Manager Training Pro Leaders Academy, a leading trainer in procurement and ethical behaviour. In its COMMONWEALTH MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT 2019 –20 “The (Australian) Government recognises that responding to modern slavery risks [...]
The shame of Modern Slavery – What is the relevance (Part 1)
Written by Brett Lyndon, General Manager Training Pro Leaders Academy, a leading trainer in procurement and ethical behaviour. The Pro Forum held an event recently discussing Prioritising the Eradication of Modern Slavery . Following that event, [...]
Procurement or purchasing fraud doesn’t just hurt the bottom line – it damages reputations.
Written by Donna Kirk, General Manager Business Pro Leaders Academy. Whether it’s a person, a business or government department, when fraud is exposed, the repercussions are real and serious. Despite process, policy and legislation it still [...]
The challenges of procurement from both sides
Written by: Tara Palmer – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Tender evaluations can be a long and arduous process. Questions, clarity, an unenviable amount of information and deadlines can create considerable stress for all parties. [...]
The Procurement Process
Written by: Tara Palmer – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Why is it that so many people think that procurement is such a simple process. I have heard it asked many time, “so you buy [...]
Budgets from a Government Perspective
Written by: Tara Palmer – The Pro Forum Community of Practice At the Commonwealth level, the Government is guided throughout the budget process by the The Charter of Budget Honesty Act 1998 which details the principles [...]
How to ensure your supply chain is sustainable
Written by: Tara Palmer – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Having a sustainable supply chain has many benefits for business financially and from a public relations point of view. Some benefits include a reduction in [...]
Sustainability within Procurement
Written by: Tara Palmer – The Pro Forum Community of Practice We often discuss the challenges of sustainability in regard to the physical environment, however there seems to be less focus on the practical and pragmatic [...]
Procuring Sustainable Clothing
What would it take for you to change your buying habits? Written by: Tara Palmer – The Pro Forum Community of Practice We often talk about global warming and the need to change but what exactly [...]
Procurement skills in a strategic world- why what you know now isn’t enough
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Project Management as a discipline has evolved from a Cost| Quality| Time methodology to a less rigid approach that incorporates those non-technical skills of [...]
MIA – the missing steps in procurement
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice MIA – the missing steps in procurement Toshihiro Nishiguchi, defined the key steps to continuous strategic sourcing as: Assessment of a company's current spending (what [...]
Strategic Procurement – was Covid the catalyst for Change?
Written by: Donna Kirk – The Pro Forum Community of Practice Did you know there is no official definition for Strategic Procurement? There are a range of descriptions and methodologies that have evolved from an early [...]
How to empower yourself with responsibility.
Written by: Karen Fischbach – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Each workday we take ourselves to our place of work. Many of us are on autopilot. The question is, do we take responsibility for what [...]
Debriefing – more than just for the military
Written by: Karen Fischbach – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Debriefing originated in the military as a live, situational learning tool. Teams in the field could literally learn on the spot what mistakes were made [...]
Succession and Future Leaders
Written by: Karen Fischbach – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Many articles are written about future proofing your business by the succession planning of the workforce – but what about the leadership talent? It sometimes [...]
Creating Unenforceable contracts – are you doing it without realising?
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd We all know we must read the fine print – but when it comes down to it, we don’t. We skim. We can be forgiven [...]
Are purpose-led tenders the way of the future?
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Evaluating tenders is what leads to a contract in government. Developing the tender requirements prior to determining the tender criteria is more important as it [...]
Procurement Management or Project Management
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd John Donne famously wrote, “No man is an island.” He could have been talking about a project because projects cannot be completed without drawing from resources [...]
An Ethical Australia with Ethical Behaviour
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd An ethical Australia with ethical behaviour is what we believe to be our current state in general. However on Monday 26 October Q&A aired a [...]
Part 3 – What must and should be done about a Conflict of interest?
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd In this final of our 3-part series we look forward to what must be done after a Conflict of Interest is disclosed. It is reasonably [...]
It’s all about the Value!
Written by: Jacqui Sealy – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Value for Money – it is a term that we don’t often think about automatically when we consider buying goods and services for ourselves. When [...]
A caretaker government – is it Business as Usual?
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Australia is a representative democracy. In this political system, eligible people vote for candidates to carry out the business of governing on their behalf. The democratic [...]
Part 2 – Why is a Conflict of Interest perceived as a negative?
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd In the first part of this article, published in August we looked at what a Conflict of interest is. In this, Part Two of our [...]
Client Requirements – the Art of Gathering Meaningful Detail
Written by: Karen Fischbach – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Everyone wants something different in their vision of a solution outcome. So what will it take to get the clear and right details from them [...]
ABC describes a COVER UP in Coronavirus Hotel Quarantine Contract.
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd As a lay person reading a recent article from the ABC, one could get a little rattled at what seems to be a complete and [...]
Part 1 Your Conflict of Interest (COI) – Brett Lyndon
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Pro Leaders Academy Facilitator, Brett Lyndon will take you through a 3-part series looking deeper into the area of Conflict of Interest, its implications and [...]
Understanding Project Requirements – Tips for the Road to Clarity
Written by: Karen Fischbach – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Requirements are a key stability and focus element of a Project. Scope is the starting point for understanding what is included in and excluded from [...]
The Devil is surely in the detail – working from (WFH) does not escape notice
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Regardless of where you work, an Employer has a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment for staff. If this is not provided and [...]
What makes a good team mentor?
Written by: Karen Fischbach – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Mentoring and guiding play a crucial role in staff development and long-term retention. This is because mentors are usually members of the organisation and are [...]
What do ‘Value-for-Money’ and ‘Broader Economic Benefits’ mean in procurement?
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Value-for-money is a term that is regularly used in Government procurement when deciding which potential vendor to purchase from. It is the primary principle for [...]
How Procurement & Projects Collide!
Written by: Phil Sealy – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd We talk Value for Money and yet consistently see coverage in the media of yet another publicly funded project with cost overruns and delays and [...]
How to Ethically Negotiate Contract Price
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd As a facilitator teaching Government employees procurement and contract management, I am regularly questioned about Government’s ability to negotiate the price of a contract. In [...]
Business Continuity Plan – why every business needs one
Written by: Karen Fischbach – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd The last few years have taught us that we must be prepared for anything. Australia can be a harsh land with wild bushfires and flash [...]
Fraud and Corruption in the COVID-19 Environment
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd The impact of COVID-19 is significant across every sector of society, none more so than how we buy and sell products and services. Social Distancing [...]
Why assumptions are damaging
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd The world is discussing supply chains in a manner that has not been seen before, detailing ad nauseam the uncertain outcomes and global social and [...]
Scrutiny of contracts
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Awarding contracts is a straightforward task and yet is often fraught with challenges. The awarding of contracts or choosing suppliers is standard practise in both [...]
Force Majeure in contracts
Written by: Jeanette Jifkins – Onyx Legal, 10 April 2020 For a lot of people, it is like the world has gone crazy in a few short weeks and it would be a relief to [...]
Procurement within disrupted supply chains
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd No matter how much preparation goes into contingency scenarios, companies, organisations and governments can still be faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges when disaster strikes. The [...]
Probity, getting it right!!
Written by: Phil Sealy – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd If we look at probity as being the evidence of ethical behaviour, then does ethical behaviour automatically make me get it right? As a probity [...]
Public Procurement from a global standpoint
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd In 2015 the United Nations formulated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States, of [...]
The importance of lessons learned and audits
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd A recent Australian National Auditors Office (ANAO) audit of Western Sydney Airport Company (WSA Co) a wholly owned Australian Government Business Enterprise (GBE), and therefore [...]
Clarity around Transparency
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd As a project or procurement manager working with funds that are tax or ratepayer derived, you have specific accountability that are bounded by procurement rules. [...]
Procurement Relationships
Written by: Jeanette Jifkins – Principal Lawyer at Onyx Legal A business coach I work with has recommended we grade our clients. So, as part of our client segmentation for marketing, we’ve identified five core [...]
Anti-corruption: Why Australia is out of the top 10
Written by: Donna Kirk – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd Anti-corruption, how knowing the basics can help every project manager avoid being challenged. Since 1995, countries around the world have been assessed and surveyed on [...]
The Black Economy Procurement Connected Policy (PCP)
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd What is the Black Economy? The Australian Tax Office (ATO) describes Black Economy as: “dishonest and criminal activities that take place outside of, or involves misuse [...]
Judicial Review Legislation
Written by: Brett Lyndon – Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd The Australian Government’s new Judicial Review legislation is now an active legislative component that all government procurement professionals must adhere to, but what is the [...]
Slavery still exists in Australia
Written by: Phil Sealy - Pro Leaders Academy Pty Ltd The Federal Government introduced a tough new regime designed to stamp out modern slavery late last year, which compelled corporations to do more to end the [...]