Business

WorldCC’s Certification Programs: Elevating Standards in Contract Management

Published

5 months ago

October 31, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: WorldCC

By: Andi Stark

World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) is widely recognized for its leadership in commercial and contract management. For over two and a half decades, WorldCC has transformed the discipline, developing comprehensive online certification programs based on rigorous research and industry best practices. These programs equip professionals with the skills to navigate complex contracts and commercial relationships.

With over 75,000 members from 180 countries, WorldCC is the foremost global body advocating for commercial and contract management excellence. It offers certification in Commercial & Contract Management, at four ability levels —Fundamentals, Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner, and Expert—providing a clear progression path for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and advance in their careers.

A Structured Path to Mastery

WorldCC’s certification framework is designed to meet professionals at various stages of their careers. For those just entering the field, the Fundamentals of Commercial & Contract Management program is a strong introduction, offering essential knowledge about the contract lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation to post-award management. This certification covers core principles that underpin successful commercial relationships, enabling newcomers to gain a practical understanding of contract management.

The Practitioner level, one of the most popular offerings that has been refreshed for 2024, dives deeper into specialized areas such as negotiation strategies, risk management, and contract design. The curriculum, which runs through six essential courses, emphasizes the importance of balancing legal, operational, and strategic considerations to optimize contract performance and gain better outcomes. As contracts become increasingly complex, the Practitioner level equips professionals with the skills necessary to handle multi-faceted agreements and large-scale projects.

“We’ve designed our certification programs to be flexible and rigorous,” says WorldCC’s Global CEO Sally Guyer. “The goal is to build both technical proficiency and strategic expertise, preparing professionals to handle the evolving demands of contract management.”

Navigating Advanced Challenges

For professionals at a more senior level in commercial or contract management seeking to tackle more complex and high-stakes situations, WorldCC offers Advanced Practitioner and Expert certifications. These programs address advanced topics such as cross-border contracting, dispute resolution, and strategic supplier relationship management. The focus here shifts from operational contract management to leadership in contract strategy, providing insights on how contracts can serve broader organizational objectives.

At the Advanced Practitioner level, professionals are trained in leadership and business acumen, and they are shown how to manage performance, oversee contract implementation, and handle change management. These are all key skills as contracts increasingly involve multiple stakeholders across jurisdictions. The curriculum includes case studies, workshops, and interactive elements that challenge participants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The Expert certification is the highest level of WorldCC’s offerings. It is designed for seasoned professionals who lead contract management teams or play a strategic role within their organizations. Experts are asked to transform their learning into business value with a syllabus that supports the creation of a business case. The purpose is to drive innovation in contracting practices, ensuring their organizations remain competitive.

Tim Cummins, president of WorldCC, notes, “The Expert certification reflects a holistic understanding of the role contracts play in achieving business outcomes. Contracts today are not just legal documents but strategic tools that influence performance, governance, and corporate responsibility.”

Professional Impact and Industry Recognition

WorldCC’s certification programs have garnered widespread recognition, not just for the depth of their content but also for their alignment with industry needs. The certification process has been shaped by ongoing input from WorldCC’s research and benchmark reports, which highlight emerging trends and challenges in commercial management.

According to WorldCC’s latest Benchmark Report, 65% of organizations now use contract management software, and 47% employ advanced contract analytics—a trend driven in part by WorldCC’s advocacy for digital transformation. These innovations have reshaped contract management, making it more dynamic and data-driven, and WorldCC’s certifications ensure that professionals are equipped to use these technologies.

The organization’s Most Negotiated Terms (the latest of which has been launched October 224) and Benchmark Reports, published biennially, provide a critical resource for contract managers. These reports highlight common sticking points in negotiations, such as liability and payment terms, helping professionals identify areas where they can gain competitive advantage. Certification holders often report enhanced career prospects, with many moving into senior roles within legal, procurement, and finance teams due to their demonstrated mastery of these topics.

Addressing Global Challenges Through Education

WorldCC’s certification programs are particularly relevant as contract managers face challenges due to globalization, digitalization, and regulatory changes. The organization’s focus on relationship management, a recurring theme across all certification levels, helps professionals balance risk mitigation and collaborative partnership. As supply chains become more complex and businesses engage in cross-border contracts, the need for skilled contract managers to ensure compliance and performance is critical.

The global reach of WorldCC’s certifications is evident in the diversity of its membership, spanning much of Europe and Africa, in North America, and a growing contingent in India and the Middle East. In fact, they have members across 180 countries.

“Contracts are the backbone of modern economies,” says Cummins. “Our certification programs are about much more than compliance—they are about fostering trust and collaboration in commercial relationships across the globe.”

A Focus on Lifelong Learning

Another key feature of WorldCC’s certification programs is their commitment to continuing professional development. As contracts evolve in response to technological and regulatory shifts, WorldCC ensures that certified professionals remain at the lead of industry developments. The organization offers a range of resources, including webinars, market insights, case studies, and networking opportunities, to support ongoing learning. Professionals are encouraged to participate in these events to stay current on best practices and emerging trends.

WorldCC’s certifications are globally recognized, with many organizations mandating them for senior roles in contract and commercial management. By combining academic rigor with practical application, these programs have made the company a thought leader in the field. Guyer emphasizes the importance of this: “Contracting is no longer just about minimizing risk; it’s about creating value and building relationships. Our certifications equip professionals to manage contracts not as legal obligations but as opportunities for strategic growth.”

WorldCC’s certification programs set the standard for commercial and contract management excellence in an environment where contracts govern complex and often high-value relationships. You can access the full suite of learning programs via their website. They are currently running an online guided learning program at the CCM practitioner level, with learners beginning on 18 November 2024. You can register to join here – https://info.worldcc.com/ccmp_guided_learning

Business

Jellyfish Pictures Suspension Reveals Outsourcing Opportunity, Says BruntWork

Published

2 days ago

March 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Jellyfish Pictures, a well-known UK visual effects studio, has temporarily shut down due to financial struggles. The company, recognized for its work on major films and streaming projects, is searching for buyers or investors while halting all ongoing work. This situation has raised concerns across the visual effects industry, which is already dealing with economic pressures, labor disputes, and production changes. BruntWork, one of the top outsourcing companies, sees this as an opportunity for companies to reassess how they operate and how outsourcing can help VFX studios lower costs and stay financially stable.

A Leading Studio Brought to a Standstill

Jellyfish Pictures started as a small operation in 2001 and became a respected name in visual effects. With multiple offices in London and a portfolio of high-profile projects, the studio built a strong reputation. However, rising costs and growing competition from lower-cost studios made it harder to stay profitable. Financial pressure mounted, forcing the company to suspend operations.

Clients relying on Jellyfish Pictures are now left searching for alternative vendors to complete their projects. The suspension has also put hundreds of employees in a difficult position, leaving them uncertain about their future. Company leaders have stated they are looking into all possible options, including selling the business or bringing in outside investors.

Why VFX Studios Are Struggling

Visual effects companies have long worked with tight profit margins. The financial setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made things even tougher. Many VFX studios kept projects moving remotely but struggled with delayed payments and cancellations. In 2023, the global VFX industry was valued at $11.3 billion, but continued production delays and tighter budgets are making it difficult for companies to grow.

The writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 added more complications. With productions on hold, many VFX studios found themselves with fewer projects in the pipeline. A recent industry survey found that 72% of VFX companies faced financial struggles due to the combined effects of the pandemic and the strikes. Mid-sized studios with high fixed costs, like Jellyfish Pictures, have been hit the hardest.

Winston Ong, CEO of BruntWork, believes this situation exposes weaknesses in traditional business models. “Studios operating in expensive cities like London face overwhelming costs that outsourcing could help reduce,” he says.

The Role of Outsourcing in Keeping VFX Studios Afloat

Some experts believe outsourcing can help visual effects companies manage financial risk. According to Ong, studios that rely entirely on in-house teams in high-cost cities struggle to keep expenses under control, while those that blend in-house work with outsourcing can operate more efficiently.

The shift to remote work during the pandemic showed that collaboration across different locations is possible. Data from outsourcing firms suggests that studios using a mix of in-house creative direction and outsourced production can lower expenses by 40-60% without sacrificing quality. Some companies have already moved in this direction, allowing them to stay competitive without driving up costs.

Beyond production outsourcing, some VFX studios are also exploring ways to streamline marketing efforts. Hiring a digital marketing virtual assistant allows companies to manage campaigns, social media, and client outreach more efficiently. This helps studios maintain a strong industry presence without the overhead costs of full-time marketing teams.

Still, outsourcing comes with potential risks. Some industry veterans warn that relying too much on external teams can lead to quality issues and production delays. Studios must find the right balance between saving money and maintaining the level of quality audiences expect from high-end visual effects.

What Comes Next for Visual Effects?

Jellyfish Pictures’ troubles have sparked discussions about how VFX studios can stay in business. More flexible production models, outsourcing, and smarter budgeting could become the standard technique. Advances in technology continue to make remote collaboration smoother, allowing studios to complete projects without keeping all operations in expensive locations.

“This reflects a larger problem across the industry,” says Ong. Studios that adjust their operations and use outsourcing effectively may be better prepared for economic swings. Companies that maintain strong creative leadership while using global production teams seem to have an advantage.

For many, this also extends to marketing. Some of the most successful VFX firms are those that recognize the benefits of outsourcing digital marketing to specialists who can handle branding, social media, and client engagement without the high costs of in-house teams. This allows studios to maintain visibility and credibility even in uncertain market conditions.

Larger firms may continue to acquire struggling studios, but smaller businesses that improve their financial strategies could stay independent. The challenge is finding a way to keep artistic vision intact while managing expenses.

Moving Toward Stability

Jellyfish Pictures’ shutdown is a warning for the visual effects industry. High operating costs and unpredictable changes in production schedules show why studios need flexible business strategies. Some will turn to outsourcing, while others may merge with larger firms or adopt hybrid models to stay competitive.

For mid-sized studios, financial stability must be a priority without sacrificing creativity. The next few years could bring more studio buyouts, with bigger companies taking over smaller ones. However, independent studios that adjust how they work could still succeed by reducing costs without lowering the quality of their output.

“Adaptability is what matters. Studios that adjust their structures and use global talent wisely will be the ones that remain strong in this industry, ” Ong concludes.