andrew agapiou

Construction disputes by their very nature are often complex, sometimes multi-party disputes, many of which are not suited to either adjudication or traditional forms of dispute resolution (these being potentially slow, expensive and divisive). The sheer complexity of construction disputes often leading to expensive, time-consuming and stressful paths being trodden through the traditional resolution terrain, creates a compelling case for the introduction of alternative approaches within this adversarial industry. The construction industry has become increasingly aware of the substantial legal costs it burdens itself with as a consequence of its high incidence of disputes. Moreover, this expenditure, which globally represents a substantial sum each year, is by no means reflective of the hidden costs of disputes, such as the damage to reputations and commercial business opportunities. Over recent years, the Scottish Government and key players in Scottish commerce have emerged as advocates of mediation as a first choice method of settling disputes. The value of mediation has also been widely acknowledged worldwide, as evidenced by the number of jurisdictions in which the courts enforce obligations on parties to negotiate and adopt mediation to settle construction disputes. In most contexts, voluntary uptake of the process is low, however, and research into prospective client perceptions is particularly valuable.  The principal aim then of this study was to explore construction participants’ [construction clients hereafter] awareness, attitudes and experiences relative to mediation, drawing upon quantitative and qualitative analyses of small and medium-sized contracting firms in Scotland. This was reflected in the main objectives of this research which were to evaluate the effectiveness of prevailing construction dispute resolution methods in Scotland; establish baseline information about the current extent of construction mediation activity in Scotland, determine the willingness of Scottish construction clients to shift away from traditional approaches to dispute resolution to mediation; and if they are, to ascertain the drivers towards the adoption of of mediatory techniques, and if not the barriers to change.

Architects are currently grappling to exploit new forms of communication made possible with developments in internet communication. At the same time, the construction industry is in a state of flux as novel project management systems are being introduced. Students need to understand the first principles of project management within the context of our changing environment. One of the best ways

Abstract Built Environment education entails the acquisition of complex technical knowledge by students. Currently, the conventional lecture format is the dominant educational method used, with the main principle being that of information transfer. As the required knowledge base increases, so the ability of the students to effectively absorb and use information is reduced. There is, therefore, an identifiable need to establish alternative modes of learning for students. To address this challenge, Strathclyde University has developed an ...

Architects are currently grappling to exploit new forms of communication made possible with developments in internet communication. At the same time, the construction industry is in a state of flux as novel project management systems are being introduced. Students need to understand the first principles of project management within the context of our changing environment. One of the best ways for students to learn about the legalities of the construction process is through role play and simulation, but there is a Catch 22. Unless students have a basic understanding of project management, the contractual process can be confusing and intimidating. Even fifth and sixth year architecture student are reluctant to ask practitioners questions, for fear of appearing ignorant. This paper describes the use of a web-based simulation game to deliver the Management, Practice and Law syllabus to Architecture Students. The web-based game allows students to critically observe the transformation of designs into buildings through the exploration of the contract management process. A questionnaire survey was used to assess the efficacy of the simulation game as a learning tool, and in particular the effectiveness of the web-based simulation in facilitating the development of professional practice skills in undergraduate Architecture students. The initial results of the assessment indicate that the simulation game is both a useful and complementary adjunct to traditional teaching and learning methods, as observed through the evaluation of outcomes, and helpful in developing generic professional practice skills of undergraduate students. Further game development will require more formal evaluation over a series of uses.

... employer, there has been a paucity of empirical research into the nature of this highly complexlabour market. This has resulted in the industry being ill-prepared for fl uctua-tions in skill demands with which the ... A challenge for vocational education and training agencies in the ...

... The trend towards consolidation in the sector, driven by the need to reduce costs, has meant that the large merchanting ®rms now control around 60 ... Materials usage ... Figure 1 Total overseas trade in construction related materials and components, 1982± 95 (Flanagan et al., 1995 ...

This paper analyses the time-series behaviour of con-struction output in the United Kingdom over the period 1955±95. When we speak of `behaviour' in this context, we mean modelling the underlying stochastic or ran-dom process that characterizes construction output over this ...

... Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10068/451216. Title: Improving value for money in construction Guidance for chartered surveyors and their clients. ... of Chartered Surveyors, London (United Kingdom). Issue Date: 1995. ...

... The impact of eastward enlargement in EU 211 workers are artisans working as ... perspective The impact of irregular migrants working in the UK construction industry is predominantly ... anecdotal evidence, but raises important issues regarding labour and skills shortage within the ...

... Training requirements often are difŽcult to predict within a given locality and are dictated by large building projects. The duration of construction work is limited and TECs may not respond fast enough to the demand for construction training in their catchment area. ...

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to paint a picture of the current utility of mediation in the Scottish construction sector; determine the willingness of Scottish construction lawyers to shift away from traditional dispute resolution approaches towards mediation; and ascertain the drivers towards the adoption of mediatory techniques and the barriers to change. Design/methodology/approach – Drawn from a