In the daily operations of a construction project, it is common to encounter difficult situations leading to different parties expressing conflicting views. When disputes arise, how should they be better managed?

This course is developed to provide practising engineers and their employers with the fundamental understanding of dispute resolution, common types of disputes, parties involved in disputes, legal principles of dispute resolution, methods of dispute resolution, and access to dispute resolution professionals, so that time and costs can be saved when disputes arise. During the course, participants will be given practical examples and a walk-through of actual cases to enhance better understanding of the concepts and principles.

Upon completion of this seminar, participants will learn:

1. Why disputes so frequently arise in construction projects?

2. Common types of disputes

(1)     Money

(2)     Time

3. Parties involved in disputes
4. Legal principles commonly encountered and illustrative case

(1)     Interpretation of terms of the contract

(2)     Quantum merit

(3)     Prevention principle/time at large

(4)     Wrongful termination of contract

(5)     Waiver and estoppel

5. Methods commonly used for resolving disputes

(1)     Direct negotiation

(2)     Mediation

(3)     Adjudication

(4)     Arbitration

(5)     Expert determination

6. Access to various dispute resolution professionals

(1)     Listed candidates of professional bodies

(2)     HKIAC