Contract Management

This subject is not offered in 2012.

120 hours

Admission to the Master of Construction Management or approval from the subject coordinator.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines the principles and procedures for effective contract management from both clients’ and contractors’ perspectives. Practices and techniques of planning and managing a contract through to a successful conclusion are presented.

Topics include: development of legal framework for project delivery (contract formation – principles and philosophies of contract drafting); contract negotiation techniques and execution; contract performance, monitoring and enforcement; managing project close-out; relationship management during the construction phase; project procurement and allocation of risks; payment systems; contractual responsibilities and liabilities imposed by general conditions of contracts; construction delay claims management; conflict and dispute management.

The subject also examines alliancing and partnering contracts, performance-based contracts as well as contract management in the context of BIM-based projects.

Contract management software applications are used where applicable.

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Interpret, explain and compare the obligations and responsibilities imposed by selected general conditions of contracts used locally and internationally.
2. Identify potential situations which may have legal consequences and negatively impact upon the project delivery outcomes.
3. Analyse the complex and interrelated issues associated with contract management and identify when to seek professional advice on a project.
4. Manage and control the contractual environment of projects.
5. Identify, prepare, and analyse extension of time claims as well as explain the management and legal principles involved.
6. Differentiate and explain various conflicts and dispute resolution processes.

1. Written assignment of 1000 words, due week 4 - 20%
2. Written assignment of 2000 words, due week 9 - 40%
3. Two-hour written exam of 2000 words, end of semester - 40%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

1. Work effectively with other professionals on a project;
2. Team building;
3. Critical thinking and problem solving;
4. Adapt to and work effectively in different contract environments, both locally and internationally.