Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The administration of construction contracts is primarily important to you in developing the ability to administer and understand construction contracts and identify and use the appropriate forms of construction contracts applicable to the various construction procurement methods available. This unit occurs once you have gained an understanding of contract law in the unit Applied Law.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to familiarise you with the administration of standard form contracts.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following discipline specific capabilities at sub-professional level:

1. Understand the application of legal principles as expressed through standard forms of head contract, minor works and design;
2. The ability to select, prepare and administer construction contracts;
3. Be able to judge the costs and benefits of the literal application of the contract versus the development of longer term relationships; and
4. Develop a sense of professional responsibility and impartiality and an awareness of business ethics.

Content

This unit covers the following: Duty to the contract vs. duty to the client and employer; Standard form contracts versus uniquely drafted conditions and e-contracts; Special conditions of contract; Contract addenda; Contract documentation; Bills of Quantities; Tendering; Precedence of documents; Financial management of contracts from formation to discharge; Construction procurement and evaluation systems; Tender code; Construction insurances; Sub-contractors and nominated sub-contractors; Adjustment of provisional sums; Variations; Correction of bill errors; Interim claims and certificates of payment; Forms of security; Bank guarantees and retention; Counting of days; Delays; Extensions of time; Liquidated and ascertained damages; Prolongation costs; Dispute clauses; Practical completion; Completion; Defects liability; Warranties; Collateral warranties; Final accounts.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will involve lectures (normally 2 hours/week) to introduce general principles, including guest lectures (given the specialist nature of the content to be covered). You will also be given the opportunity to discuss current issues and scenarios within small groups to help with communication skills during tutorials (normally 2 hours/week). Individual presentations will also contribute to developing these generic skills. The on-line teaching site which will include the facility for you to undertake on-line chat sessions and submit questions to the coordinator and guest lecturers.

Assessment

The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in the Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP) section 5.1.1 .
The assessment will comprise formative assessment (to help you find out how your work is progressing) and summative assessment (to grade your work against expected outcomes).The unit coordinator and lecturer will be available to discuss issues that relate to Assessment 1. Questions based on past examination papers will be made available to you as part of your seminars to trial and receive feedback.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: You will be required to answer questions to problems based on a case study relating to construction contract administration.
Relates to objectives: 1. Understand the application of legal principles as expressed through standard forms of head contract, minor works and design;
2. The ability to select, prepare and administer construction contracts;
3. Be able to judge the costs and benefits of the literal application of the contract versus the development of longer term relationships; and
4. Develop a sense of professional responsibility and impartiality and an awareness of business ethics.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: The examination will assess your understanding of the key principles and concepts covered in the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1. Understand the application of legal principles as expressed through standard forms of head contract, minor works and design;
2. The ability to select, prepare and administer construction contracts;
3. Be able to judge the costs and benefits of the literal application of the contract versus the development of longer term relationships.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Texts
You are required to have your own copy of the following:
1. Standards Australia (1992) Handbook for general conditions of contract, AS2124, HB42
2. Standards Australia (1994) The user's manual for lump sum contract, AS2124, HB57.
3. Standards Australia (1994) Code of tendering, AS4120

References
The following are recommend for you to use:
1. Standards Australia (1996) General conditions of contract for Minor Works, AS 4305
2. Standards Australia (1995) General conditions of contract for design and construct, - AS4300.

Other Resources
You are required to visit and use the following:
1. The unit Blackboard site.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Additional Costs
You should allow for costs involved in downloading materials from unit's Blackboard site.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012