Wednesday, 20 October 2010

Student NEC research

Hi,

Another survey if you would be so kind. Some words from the student below.....

I am a student completing a study into the useage and percieved effectiveness of the NEC family of contracts within the UK construction industry. To assist in this I have developed a survey for industry bodies to complete in order to better aid the understanding of user's perceptions of the NEC.

The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and can reached by clicking on the link below. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JLYGYFW

Rob

Monday, 11 October 2010

NEC in use statistics?

We get quite a few queries on the use of NEC contracts - who, where, how many etc. We get such questions coming as part of student research and from potential clients in particular, looking to assess the market's knowledge of NEC before they implement NEC in their organisations.

I recall a good few years back that NEC Users' Group members were asked to feedback some brief contract particulars to help keep some sort of basic handle on NEC use, alas very few replies were received.

The only 'independent' survey of contracts in use to my knowledge comes from the RICS and this is, in my opinion, flawed to render it almost useless. I will separately blog why I feel that way soon.

Any ideas therefore as to
(1) Do we actually need some statistics on who, where etc?
(2) How do we capture reliable data, and do so both timely and efficiently?

Look forward to your thoughts.

Rob

Student dissertation

Dear all,

A questionnaire on Key Dates if you would be kind enough to contribute to the research. Some background is below.

Rob

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/65QBFNN

I am currently studying for a Masters Degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at Leeds Metropolitan University. As part of my course I am writing a dissertation on ‘The NEC ECC3 Key Dates - What do they achieve?’

It is noticeable that the NEC3 has recently gaining support and increased use, and is probable that endorsement by Government bodies has driven this. However it is generally accepted that owing to its intended use of simple language concepts and that little legal authority has at this time been offered, some aspects of the contract are potentially unclear.

In consideration of a subject for research for my Masters dissertation, I wanted to consider this potential problem with the NEC3 ECC. I have formed the opinion through literature review that the Key Date Mechanism is one of these concepts that has limited authoritative interpretation and may result in the parties to a contract being unclear about the risks they are managing under a contract containing this mechanism. With this in mind the following aim developed:

The aim of this dissertation is to consider the Key Date Mechanism under the NEC form of contract in relation to existing authority on Time and Damages mechanisms under Construction Contracts and through industry opinion.

I therefore ask if you would be willing to complete the attached questionnaire, as part of this process and should take approximately 15 minutes.

My dissertation may be made available to other students and the general public in the University Library. I will ensure your anonymity by excluding identifiable personal data from the dissertation. However, please be aware that one of your colleagues or another person who knows you have taken part in the study may be able to recognise your input from what is said. Your participation in this study is on a voluntary basis. The first question of the survey is a consent, please answer this question ‘yes’ if you wish your input to be used in this research.

Should you have any further comments with regards NEC ECC3 Key Dates, please do not hesitate to contact me.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire, I am all aware your time is very valuable, your response if very much appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Jennifer Chadwick

Student

MSc Construction Law and Dispute Resolution, Leeds Metropolitan University