General Information
Contracts play a vital role in nearly every aspect of construction. This subject provides essential knowledge of many legal aspects of construction contracts and practice in reading and interpreting contract documents. Using ‘real’ documents and scenarios, practical contract administration skills are developed that are directly transferable to the workplace. This subject breaks down much of the complexity often attributed to contracts and will allow the student to approach the administration of a construction contract with confidence.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: SSUD71-308 Subject title: Project Contract Administration Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: January 2024 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Intensive Workload items: - Workshop: x2 (Total hours: 12) - Workshop 1: Thursday
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended study hours
- Workshop: x2 (Total hours: 12) - Workshop 2: Friday
- Workshop: x2 (Total hours: 12) - Workshop 3: Saturday
Attendance and learning activities: As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. It is also necessary for students to engage proactively and contribute positively in discussions, analyses and case studies. The assessments are an important part of developing the knowledge and understanding required to fulfil the minimum requirements of this subject. In addition to face-to-face contact time, students should plan to spend a minimum of 84 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning. More time may be required depending on the student's comprehension of the content delivered in class and aptitude for the subject. Please note that subsequent subjects assume the student has a full understanding of this subject - this content will not be repeated. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Greg Goldfayl (2004). Construction Contract Administration. 2 ED, Sydney UNSW Press 283
- Standards Australia (1997). AS4000-1997: General Conditions of Contract. n/a, Sydney Standards Australia
Others
- RAIA & MBA (2003). ABIC MW-1 2003 Major Works Contract.
- SAI Global (1997). HB 140 Administration Manual. Sydney SAI global
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | SSUD71-308 |
| Subject title: | Project Contract Administration |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2024 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Intensive |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. It is also necessary for students to engage proactively and contribute positively in discussions, analyses and case studies. The assessments are an important part of developing the knowledge and understanding required to fulfil the minimum requirements of this subject. In addition to face-to-face contact time, students should plan to spend a minimum of 84 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning. More time may be required depending on the student's comprehension of the content delivered in class and aptitude for the subject. Please note that subsequent subjects assume the student has a full understanding of this subject - this content will not be repeated. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
Others
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
- Provide advice on the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contract for a specialised and non-specialised audience.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Paper-based Examination (Limited Open) Written Examination (to assess conceptual and detailed knowledge of construction contracts, as well as ability to navigate standard general conditions). 50.00% Final Examination Period 2,3 Computer-aided Test (Limited Open) In class - progressive testing 10.00% Week 1 1,2,4 Computer-aided Test (Open) In class - progressive testing 10.00% Week 6 1,2,4 Skills Assignment Skills Assessment 30.00% Week 10 1,2,3 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students must achieve a minimum 50% cumulative total for all assessment items to be eligible to pass this subject.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-based Examination (Limited Open) | Written Examination (to assess conceptual and detailed knowledge of construction contracts, as well as ability to navigate standard general conditions). | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 2,3 |
| Computer-aided Test (Limited Open) | In class - progressive testing | 10.00% | Week 1 | 1,2,4 |
| Computer-aided Test (Open) | In class - progressive testing | 10.00% | Week 6 | 1,2,4 |
| Skills Assignment | Skills Assessment | 30.00% | Week 10 | 1,2,3 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Pass requirement
Students must achieve a minimum 50% cumulative total for all assessment items to be eligible to pass this subject.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Students will be notified of all assessment grades (except final exam) through the "My Grades" link in iLearn.
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to construction contracts
An overview of the construction industry and procurement processes.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Principles and practice of forming contracts
Examine the motivations for entering into a contract and consider ways that project success is rated. Examine their influence on the process and practice of forming the contract terms and conditions. Balance the rights of one party to a construction contract with the obligations of the other.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
- Provide advice on the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contract for a specialised and non-specialised audience.
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Development of construction contract conditions
Review the range of types of construction works including: by market/sector; by client; by type of work; by size and complexity; and by services delivered. Identify common basic requirements of the construction contract and identify approaches to creation of conditions of contract. Introduce the AS 4000 Standard Form of Building Contract.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
- Provide advice on the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contract for a specialised and non-specialised audience.
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Review of the range of standard forms of contract
Introduction to a range of forms of contract seen in the industry, and their application. Review the various documents available in the AS 4000 suite of contracts and their purpose and application.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Provide advice on the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contract for a specialised and non-specialised audience.
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Components of a construction contract document
Review the typical parts of a construction contract and identify their purpose. Identify documents commonly provided as 'contract documents' and consider their purpose, including: Contract Drawings; Contract Works Specifications; Contract Bills of Quantities (priced)/Contract Schedule of Rates (priced); Contract Program; Scope of Works; Method Statement; Site Investigation Report; Pre-contract Correspondence.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Navigating a standard form of contract
Examine the parts of the AS 4000 Standard Form of Building Contract and ways to find and navigate the Clauses and Annexure items.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
- Provide advice on the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contract for a specialised and non-specialised audience.
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Administration requirements
Consider contract administration requirements generally and particular requirements indicated in administration of the AS 4000 contract.
SLOs included
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
- Provide advice on the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contract for a specialised and non-specialised audience.
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Insurance and security
Review the meaning and purpose of Security and Insurance in the context of construction. Examine the AS 4000 conditions of contract to identify: the alternatives and processes available for their provision, and how they work and the remedies available if/when their provision is not made according to the contract terms and conditions.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Defaults and disputes
Review the meaning of default and dispute and how they might arise generally and in the context of the AS 4000 contract. Identify and explore the remedies provided in the contract.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Subcontracts
Recognise the relationships between the various participants of a project and their responsibilities/relationships to the project, to each other and to the head contract parties. Understand the purpose of subcontracting, what it brings to the industry and a project. Consider the benefits of: adequate consideration, management and treatment of subcontractors and their works when planning the works and handling changes that occur during construction.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Variations
Examine the common causes of variations and the way they are provided for and administered in contracts and the AS 4000 in particular. Understand the responsibility and process for raising, valuing and claiming for varied work(s) in the terms and conditions provided by the AS 4000 contract.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Delays and extensions
Identify contract provisions for works progress and timing/ programming of works. Consider how progress is measured/assessed against what is provided in the contract provisions. Review procedures and remedies available in the event delays to completion are anticipated and/or extensions of time to complete the works are indicated.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Interim valuations
Compare the relative scale of investment and cashflow for a typical construction project (product) with those typically seen in other industries. Understand how interim/regular valuation and payments for works completed enables more active 'players' in the industry and so improves competition. Follow the general principles seen in the industry for evaluation of works completed and the process of making application for and certification of interim payments. Look at provisions in the AS 4000 for this to occur and see how the payments are calculated and flow.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.
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Completion
Recognise: what Completion is; how it occurs and is administered generally and under the AS 4000 conditions of contract. Understand the effect of Practical Completion and implications and changes to the responsibilities of both the parties.
SLOs included
- Critically examine and evaluate the rights and obligations of the various parties to a standard form of building contract.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the mandatory contractual procedures for administering project scope, quality, cost and time.
- Apply practical working skills in key areas of contract administration during the construction phase of a complex building project.