Developing Effective Specifications and Scopes of Work

Live Instructor-Led Developing Effective Specifications and Scopes of Work

Aims

To enable end users, technical experts, proponents, internal customers and other key stakeholders to work with procurement and contracting to develop effective specifications and scope of work (SOW), to ensure fit for purpose outcomes and to empower participants to be able to collaborate with all key stakeholders. Effective scopes of work and specifications are key in the battle against climate change by reducing waste and the inefficient use of finite resources.

Research shows that 40% of disputes, variations, cost/time overruns and waste of critical resources are due to poor scopes of work and specifications.

The content of this course has been cross mapped with established competency frameworks and other international standards.

Target Audience

This “Live” instructor-led course is designed for all those who have direct or indirect responsibility for the development of effective and robust scopes of work and specifications. This could include end users, technical experts, proponents, project managers, finance, internal customers and other key stakeholders who need to collaborate with procurement and contracting to develop robust scopes of work and specifications. This could also include those seeking a refresher in this subject.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Understand the importance and value of clear and effective specifications and scopes of work
Differentiate between the different methods of creating specifications and SOW, and when to apply them
Develop robust specification templates to ensure consistency
Understand the importance of the factors that affect communication and understanding
Understand the use of appropriate language and syntax, which is critical to creating effective specifications and SOW
Appreciate the need to develop SOW and specifications in cooperation with stakeholders
Make use of techniques such as value analysis and value engineering to define fit for purpose in the context of creating effective specifications and SOW
Embed key KPI into the specification and SOW to ensure delivery
The management and mitigation of legal and contractual risks in the specification and SOW

Course Delivery Options

Classroom Delivery

Research shows that some professionals prefer physical classroom courses. These are held at our training centre in London (or at the client’s venue). Participants will enjoy the benefits of the physical classroom experience delivered by our Subject Matter Expert. They will be able to collaborate with fellow participants, ask questions, discuss case studies, current commercial challenges, and practical insights. They will also benefit from coaching, exploring solutions, and generally interacting in the classroom environment.

Our Delivery Team

They will be able to collaborate with fellow attendees, discuss case studies, ask questions and generally interact in the live-streamed event.

Course duration: 1 day

Course dates: 6th November 2026

Course times: 09.30 to 16.00

Course fees: TBC

This course is also available as an in-house tailored event for individual organisations Learn more

Discounted rates available for self-funding participants (terms apply)

If you require more details or wish to register for this course, please contact admissions@dpss.co.uk

Virtual Delivery

Research also shows that other professionals prefer live-streamed tutor-led events via the Zoom/Teams platforms. This is sometimes due to the logistics of attending training room events. The number of participants will be limited to ensure an effective and enjoyable learning experience. Our Subject Matter Expert will deliver the course. Participants will be able to collaborate with fellow participants, ask questions, discuss case studies and current commercial challenges and gain practical insights. They will also benefit from coaching, exploring solutions and generally interacting in this virtual classroom event.