Construction Contract Administration

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

The subject below or an equivalent as approved by the 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

Contractual rights and obligations and construction contracts are presented. Construction legislation and statutory controls are also investigated along with contractual disputes and resolutions. A significant part of the subject aims to provide students with the basic principles and practice of administering building and construction projects in accordance with their respective conditions of contract. Various forms of domestic and international standard building contracts are presented along with the basic principles and practice of administrating a construction contracts. Typical standard contracts are presented and analysed in detail. In particular, conditions of contract, role and responsibilities of parties to the contract, insurance and security, progress payments, variations to the contract, adjustment to the contract, delays, defects, completion of the works and retention monies are covered.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Broadly understand the rights and responsibilities of the parties to a building and construction contract;
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of the mandatory contractural procedures for administering the total project from inception to completion;
• Have a basis upon which to build practical working skills in all areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a building project.

• Two assignments (40%); due in week 6 (20% individual work, 800 words), and week 10 (20% individual work, 800 words);
• One 3 hour exam at the end of semester (60%).

Hurdle requirement: A minimum mark of 40% must be achieved in the examination in order to pass the subject.

G.Goldfayl, Contract Administration, UNSW Press, 2004.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following skills and abilities:

• communication skills;
• analytical skills;
• problem solving skills.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.