Contract Administration and Contractual Issues for Engineering and Construction Projects

Dr. George Jergeas, P.Eng.

Chair, iProjects Inc.

Dr. George Jergeas is a civil engineer with an M.Sc. and PhD in construction management from Loughborough University, UK with over 45 years of industry and academic experience. He served as a professor of project management at the University of Calgary from 1994–2020.

George has a strong passion for increasing the efficiency and competency of teams delivering major engineering and construction projects. His expertise includes project governance, assurance and readiness, risk management, project execution planning, contract strategies, partnering and collaborative relationships, claims and disputes with a focus on dispute resolution, and project management training and coaching. George’s partnering methodology has been successfully implemented on over 180 projects across North America.

George has delivered project management training, leadership coaching, and consulting services to professional associations and companies across North America, Asia, and Europe. George is also the author of three books, a chapter in a fourth book, and over 100 articles and publications.

His books are:

• "Risk Navigation Strategies for Major Capital Projects: Beyond the Myth of Predictability", Springer, 2011;
• "Benevolent Dictatorship for Major Capital Projects", LearnAcademy, 2017, Amazon.ca;
• "Project Risk and Opportunity Management, The Owner’s Perspective", Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2019; and
• "Evolving Toolbox for Complex Project Management", Taylor & Francis Group, November 2019 – The Legal Issues chapter.

Seminar Description

This session will cover legal and contractual issues related to the effective management and administration of construction projects. It focusses on the roles and responsibilities of owners, contractors, and engineers. It provides project managers with a good understanding of the practical implications of legal precedents and improves their ability to make better decisions. Dispute situations will be reviewed and discussed with participants.

The course covers current topics:

• Law of contract;
• Law of tort;
• Contractual arrangements;
• Contract documents;
• Bidding and tendering procedures;
• Payment structures;
• Project kick-off meeting and ground rules;
• Roles and responsibilities;
• Changes and change orders;
• Project communication and documentation; and
• Contractual claims and disputes with focus on avoidance, protection, and resolution of disputes.

Objectives

Upon completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

• Improve their performance in contracting, negligence, disputes, and contract administration;
• Explain the practical implications of the law on company’s performance;
• Implement the contracting process;
• Apply contract administration practices that contribute to success; and
• Protect their company’s interests and avoid and resolve disputes.

What Previous Participants Have Said About the Seminar

• "Great case studies that set precedence, liens, claims, and disputes."
• "Really useful content and great examples."
• "Very good at explaining the course using examples. Kept the class interesting. Would definitely take another course with the instructor."
• “Great examples, engaging speaker, highly recommend to others.”
• “Great course, very relevant material. George was a very knowledgeable and interactive presenter.”