Overview

This unit equips students with the skills to manage common contractual issues in construction projects. Students will learn to assess claims for progress payments, design changes, delays, and unexpected costs, as well as prepare professional reports for insurance, contract disputes, and final payments. Focus areas include understanding legal obligations, resolving disagreements, and ensuring all parties meet their responsibilities fairly and efficiently.

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate different types of construction contracts and their suitability for various project contexts.
  • Interpret and manage contract documentation, including drawings, specifications, and payment provisions.
  • Manage contract processes such as tendering, progress claims, variations, and final accounts.
  • Assess and respond to contractual claims and disputes, applying appropriate resolution mechanisms.
  • Utilise digital tools and platforms for effective contract management and documentation control.
  • Apply ethical and professional standards in contract administration within the construction industry.

Teaching methods

All applicable locations

Activity Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)

On-Campus
Class

 2 12 weeks 24
Online
Lecture		 2 12 weeks 24
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		 8.5 12 weeks 102
Total     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULOs
Assignment 1 Individual 30-40 % 1, 2
Assignment 2 Individual 30-50 % 3, 4, 5
Online Tests Individual 20-30 % 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Content

  • Contract documentation: scope, specifications, drawings, schedules
  • Payment provisions and progress claims
  • Variations and change management procedures
  • Insurance requirements and performance bonds
  • Claims management and assessment techniques
  • Dispute resolution: mediation, adjudication, arbitration, litigation
  • Final accounts and contract closure processes
  • Digital tools for contract administration (e.g., eTendering, document control systems)

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.