Minimizing conflicts in building construction through proper procurement arrangements

Abstract

Occurrence of conflicts, claims and disputes within the construction projects is very frequent. Conflicts cause to inefficiencies and losses to the final project in all three terms of cost, quality and time. Poor procurement arrangements are root causes for most of the conflicts. Conflicts can be avoided at two particular stages, either before arising through pre-designed mitigation means or after the arrival through proper functioning of an improved procurement arrangement. The research has used case study approach to identify common conflictive situations which arise in traditional and design and built procurement systems. Findings revealed that, introduction of a separate party to the project team for project co-ordination and to keep detailed project daily records, improving client’s knowledge upon the projects arrangements, providing the project team with end products performance specifications and initial appointment of project members which would be useful to minimize and to handle conflict resolution fairly in Sri Lanka.