Supplier Relationship Management

Understanding Vendor Management:

• Define what constitutes a “vendor” and generate a comprehensive list.
• Learn the phases of the vendor management lifecycle process.
• Understand the placement of responsibility for vendor management.

Risk Assessment and Control:

• Discover processes and controls organizations should conduct throughout the Vendor Lifecycle.
• Assess vendor risk and conduct vendor audits.

Cybersecurity Focus:

• Overview of common cybersecurity risks in IT vendor relationships.
• Identifying potential cybersecurity threats from IT vendors.
• Best practices for assessing and mitigating cybersecurity risks.
• Developing vendor cybersecurity policies and protocols.
• Real-world examples of cybersecurity breaches and lessons learned.

Quality Management:

• Establish clear quality standards and expectations.
• Methods for ongoing quality assessment and monitoring.
• Resolving quality issues effectively and maintaining strong vendor relationships.
• Case studies of quality management successes and failures.

Building Strong Vendor Relationships:

• Techniques for fostering transparent and collaborative vendor relationships.
• Importance of regular communication and feedback loops.
• Contract negotiation tips focusing on cybersecurity and quality requirements.

1. Comprehensive Vendor Understanding

• Develop a clear definition of what constitutes a “vendor” in the context of your organization.
• Learn how to compile and maintain a comprehensive list of vendors.

2. Mastering the Vendor Management Lifecycle

• Understand the key phases of the vendor management lifecycle.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities within each phase.

3. Effective Risk Management

• Discover methodologies for assessing and mitigating risks associated with IT vendors.
• Conduct thorough vendor audits to ensure compliance with organizational standards.

4. Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures

• Gain insight into common cybersecurity risks linked to IT vendors.
• Implement best practices for developing and enforcing vendor cybersecurity policies.
• Learn from real-world examples of cybersecurity incidents and their resolutions.

5. Quality Assurance Practices

• Establish and communicate clear quality standards and expectations to vendors.
• Implement ongoing monitoring and assessment methods to ensure quality deliverables.
• Develop strategies for resolving quality issues while maintaining productive vendor relationships.

6. Building and Sustaining Strong Vendor Relationships

• Acquire techniques for fostering transparent and collaborative partnerships with vendors.
• Understand the importance of regular communication and feedback in maintaining healthy vendor relations.
• Learn effective contract negotiation strategies that emphasize cybersecurity and quality requirements.

7. Practical Application of SRM Strategies

• Participate in hands-on workshops to practice risk assessment and vendor evaluation.
• Engage in scenario-based activities to develop customized SRM strategies tailored to your organization’s needs.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is a critical component of modern business operations, particularly when it comes to managing IT vendors. This event delves into the essentials of defining and identifying vendors, developing comprehensive vendor lists, and understanding the lifecycle of vendor management. By mastering these foundational elements, organizations can ensure they are well-equipped to handle their vendor relationships efficiently and effectively.

A significant focus of this event is on managing cybersecurity risks associated with IT vendors. Participants will learn to identify common cybersecurity threats, implement best practices for risk assessment and mitigation, and develop robust cybersecurity policies. Additionally, the program covers quality assurance by establishing clear standards and expectations, utilizing ongoing monitoring techniques, and addressing quality issues promptly while maintaining strong vendor relationships.

The practical application of these concepts is emphasized through interactive workshops and real-world case studies, allowing participants to apply SRM strategies in scenarios that mimic actual challenges. Expert panel discussions and networking opportunities further enhance the learning experience, providing insights into emerging trends and fostering connections with peers and industry leaders. By the end of the event, attendees will be armed with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their organization from cybersecurity risks and ensure high-quality vendor deliverables, earning 8 CPE credits in the process.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

• Comprehensive guidelines on cybersecurity best practices and risk management.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework

ISACA

• Leading global provider of knowledge, certifications, community, advocacy, and education on information systems assurance and security, enterprise governance, and IT-related risk and compliance.
• ISACA Resources

Gartner

• Trusted insights and advice for leaders in IT, finance, HR, customer service, and support to make the right decisions and stay ahead of change.
• Gartner IT Vendor Management

SANS Institute

• Information security training, certification, and research organization.
• SANS Security Resources

Harvard Business Review (HBR)

• Articles and studies on effective vendor management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.
• HBR Vendor Management Articles

These resources provide invaluable insights and best practices to help you enhance your organization's approach to supplier relationship management.