Student NEC research

Dear all,

More student research on NEC3 Contracts for you to contribute to. The student is currently studying for an undergraduate honours degree in Quantity Surveying at Glasgow Caledonian University.
 

The topic of his research is “Investigating the Use of, and Effectiveness of the NEC3 Contract and its Secondary/Optional Clauses” and the main purpose of the dissertation is to investigate the relevant selection of certain secondary and optional clauses for inclusion in contracts procured using the NEC3 form of contract and to question whether or not a lack of knowledge of these clauses in the industry actually leads to the inclusion of clauses which have no implications on the project whatsoever?

The student says he seeks to observe the current industry opinion on these clauses and the relevance of their use therefore, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take the time to assist him in his research by completing this questionnaire - your knowledge, experience and opinions on the NEC3 Contract will prove invaluable.

 

Many thanks in advance,

Rob (& the student of course!)

 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2LX6MKY

Student NEC research

Dear all,

We have a request from an undergraduate collating NEC3 research and data for his dissertation, if you would like to take part and complete his survey it would be very much appreciated.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2LX6MKY

Thanks,

Rob

NEC launches free ECC Works Information Guidance

NEC has marked the start of 2012 by publishing a new best-practice guide on preparing the all-important works information for NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contracts (ECC). The purpose of the guide is to help and encourage all NEC users to create better quality works information documents in their ECC contracts. This in turn will improve the outcome and delivery of projects, which is increasingly critical in the current economic climate. The link is below, let us have your feedback in use. Rob http://www.neccontract.com/documents/works_info.pdf

Greater use of project bank accounts in UK

Cash is king in the construction industry and the UK Cabinet Office recently announced £4bn to flow directly to SMEs through project bank accounts (PBAs) over the next 3 years.

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/%C2%A34-billion-flow-directly-smes-through-government-construction-projects-and-new-construction-pip

All good stuff of course and would be nice to have a revolutionary approach to payment. Remember that NEC already has in place a Z clause for this, link below, the clause is half way down the useful downloads page

http://www.neccontract.com/about/ContractDownloads.asp

I wonder what if there is an appetite in the UK private sector and public/private sectors in other countries for this? I hope so......

Rob

Achieving cost certainty with NEC

A few times now I have heard people suggest that cost certainty is more likely achieved by using NEC3 ECC Option A than any of the other Options. Interesting. All Option A is at the end of the day is a pricing mechanism, this one happens to be lump sum. In the highly unlikely event that no compensation events arise, the lump sum agreed is that which is paid so I suppose cost certainty has been achieved. Whether this is a lower price paid than would have been obtained using Option C is debatable however my point is these are just finer points and surely the best way for clients to achieve 'cost certainty' is to act intelligently by having a good, clear scope of works with little change thereafter (ie know what you want); sensibly avoid, reduce or mitigate as much project risk as you can; sensibly allocate the residual risk left over (of course ensuring the contract matches this); surround yourself with sensible people; make sure the 'price' is realistic; and then press the go button......

So which do you think is likely to achieve cost certainty
1. Option A?
2. Option C?
3. The intelligent client?

Rob

NEC questionnaire

Dear all,

Two senior lecturers in civil engineering at Leeds Metropolitan University have put together this questionnaire to research your experience of using NEC compared to other forms of contract. Your input would be most gratefully received.

Rob

NEC student dissertation

Dear all,

Another student survey if you have a few minutes to spare please. In the student's own words....

I am undertaking a Masters' Degree in Surveying (Quantity Surveying and Construction Management route) at the College of Estate Management as part of my final dissertation and the Sir Ian Dixon Award for the Chartered Institute of Building; I am researching the question of whether the NEC3 contract has met its aim in delivering client satisfaction.

I am trying to understand and describe what client satisfaction looks like to a wide selection of major clients that use the NEC3 contracts.

I would be grateful if you would kindly complete the attached questionnaire. All information given will be treated with strict confidence and I will be happy to share a copy of the summary of results.

Thanks,

Rob

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=M5kN9_2fqwOn4_2b9x_2fBc97aHQ_3d_3d