October 9 2013, Muscat: In the field of construction, delay or disruptions can mean additional and expensive cost escalation. Whilst plans are always made for slight time and budget variations, certain problems that arise pertaining to unforeseen conditions or contractual challenges pave the way for disputes. Effective contract management however, calls for dispute avoidance and resolution to tackle the problem effectively and at the same time meet the client's objectives and requirements.
With the theme "Delay, Dispute Resolution and Management of Construction Contracts", Hill International, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is organising a two day Masterclass from 11th-12th November 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Muscat. Through a host of topics related to the theme delivered by a panel of renowned speakers, representatives from the field of construction and engineering, attendees will gain an understanding of contracts and how to manage their inherent risks. They will be able to comprehend legal processes and dispute resolution techniques, learn risk management and legal cost minimization, gain insights into how to reduce costs and minimize over runs, discover effective records management and programming.
"Companies in every part of the construction and engineering sector require contract strategies. Since 28% of our business in the GCC is Oil and Gas related, let us take this industry as an example. Owing to the complexity of Oil and Gas projects in the form of completion deadlines, costing, quality and revenue, ensuring success and on-time delivery can be particularly challenging. A contract strategy should consider factors such as risk management, responsibility allocation, time constraints etc paving the way for effective contract management" says Jeff Badman, Vice President, Hill International.
Elaborating on the importance of contract management, Mr. Badman goes on to say "One reason for delay may be poor contract management or communication. Sound communication between the contractor, employer and all individuals associated with the contractual process is vital for proper contract execution and management. This must be done leaving adequate room to accommodate changes which could be both internal and external in nature. If disputes do arise, it is necessary to control the escalation process and efforts must be made to resolve the dispute at a practical level amicably between parties before commencing a formal dispute process"
Recently in August, the Omani Society of Contractors (OSC) met to review a draft of the country's new standard conditions of contract and propose changes, attempting to provide clarity in terms of certain ambiguities in the current contract, as well as concerns relating to work processes, contractual and financial matters.
"Such a setting in itself gives our Masterclass the perfect timeframe to raise vital issues in construction and give representatives involved in the field proper understanding of these issues. One of the most important being the need to understand and undertake efficient construction contract management. Although risks, rights and obligations are mentioned in contracts, very few representatives from the field actually understand the contents of the contract and the laws and regulations that these contracts are governed by. It is necessary to understand the same if representatives wish to safeguard against risks and protect their rights. That's where the Masterclass comes in" Mr. Stuart Wilks, Senior Manager, Hill International.
Attendees at the Masterclass will be provided with comprehensive course materials including a copy of the CIOB's Guide to Management of Time in Complex Projects. Course fees include full notes, food and refreshment and are available at various rates. Booking before 31st October 2013 entitles the attendee to R.O 100 discount. CIOB discounts and group discounts are also available on enquiry. Interested attendees may undertake online booking at www.hillintluk.com/masterclass. For any enquiries or further information, please contact Ms. Queenie Monta at 0096824563835/ queeniemonta@hillintl.com
About Hill International
Hill International, with 3,900 employees in 100 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management, construction claims and other consulting services primarily to the buildings, transportation, environmental, energy and industrial markets. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as the 9th largest construction management firm in the United States. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com. The Hill International, Inc. logo is available at www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5733
Certain statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and it is our intent that any such statements be protected by the safe harbor created thereby. Except for historical information, the matters set forth herein including, but not limited to, any projections of revenues, earnings or other financial items; any statements concerning our plans, strategies and objectives for future operations; and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that the expectations, estimates and assumptions reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in the reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.
About CIOB
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.
Our Mission
To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.
Our 7 Guiding Principles
- Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
- Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
- Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
- Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.
- Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.
- Being socially responsible and working responsibly.
- Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.
We have over 47,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process. Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.
Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: +44(0)1344 630 766 or e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk.
Hill International (Middle East) Ltd.
Stuart Wilks
Senior Manager
Hill International Engineering Consultancy LLC.,
Office 206, 3rd floor, Tamimah Building,
P.O.Box 27, PC 102 Qurum,
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Tel: +968 2456 2570
stuartwilks@hillintl.com
The Chartered Institute of Building
Saul Townsend
Press & Communications Manager
CIOB, Executive Office 15, Building 09
Dubai Knowledge Village, PO Box 50221
Dubai, UAE
t. +971 4 457 9107
stownsend@ciob.org.uk
© Press Release 2013
