Andre Naude

Effective Contract Management Andre Naude

The purpose of this work is to create a simple guide to effective contract management for the contractor and sub-contractor who simply do not have the expertise on board to ensure that contracts are effectively managed. It may also be used as a check of all the items to be considered by contract managers who have the expertise when carrying out their tasks. Without "legal speak," it seeks to guide the contractor and subcontractor through the considerations and steps necessary to successfully deliver a project and in the process avoid potential conflict. Furthermore, it will guide the Contractor on the actions required to ensure that the correct processes are implemented to protect the Contractor should any dispute arise that may or may not be the fault of the Contractor. All contracts commence with the best of intentions, but unfortunately it is becoming increasingly common for contracts to go awry and the Contractor will need to ensure that all changes to the contract are properly addressed and that the correct processes as stipulated in the contract are implemented. Impeccable record keeping will ensure effective contracts management and is the best defence against any potential claims that may occur due to disputes which arise when the project is not delivered as originally envisaged. These records will enable a professional to successfully prepare the required claim and defence when and if the need arises. There is no intention in this guide to focus on any specific form of contract, legal opinion or clauses within contracts but rather to guide the contractor in the effective management of the contract. What is set out in the following chapters are the fundamentals of contract management in a simple format which is easy to follow for the successful delivery of a project. It will be of paramount importance that the required processes are implemented from the very beginning of the project and continuously updated and maintained until the Final Certificate of Completion has been obtained and that the full payment dues have been received. This guide will also ensure that the contractor acquires an understanding of contract obligations and the implementation of the processes necessary for a successful project delivery.