Comparison of time adjustment clauses between DZ3910, AS4000 and STCC
This article examines time adjustment clauses, as they relate to time adjustment between standard terms of construction contracts. DZ3910, AS4000 and STCC were compared on the basis of how risks are allocated, how this may impact on the contractor’s pricing, and ease of understanding for each clause. ASTCC was found to be the most easily interpreted contract, followed by AS4000 and then NZS3910. These assessments were based on the following: a) whether each contract contains words with multiple meanings, b) the number of words used per sentence, c) the amount of internal cross-referencing, and d) the clarity of the contract structure. The allowable pre-conditions for the contractor to claim a time adjustment are similar for all three contracts, and none of them expressly state which party is to bare the risk of buildability, or address the risk of a designer’s disclaimer clause. All of the contracts adopt the principle of contra preferentum which means that the employer bares the risk of variance if there are any ambiguities in the design documentation. Due to their similarities of risk allocation, all of the contracts provide the employer with a similar amount of price surety. AS4000 is the only contract to contain a stringent time-bar clause, limiting a contractor’s time adjustment claim. ASTCC requires the contractor to apply ‘immediately’ and DZ3910 provides a time-bar of 20 working days or as soon as practicable. None of the contracts clarify whether their timing requirements take precedence over the prevention principle, or over any other ground for claiming a time adjustment. The effect of DZ3910’s pre-notification clause 5.19.3 is discussed, and an alternative contents structure is recommended for DZ3910, using a project management method.
Contract delay: What is it and how are we performing?
Abstract This paper examines the management of contract delays in the construction industry as currently practised, and suggests some best practice alternative methods. Research results about the level of contractor’s time management skills were analysed to determine the related impact on their ability to manage contract delays. A comparison was made between three conditions of contracts used in New Zealand to determine how delay management should be managed with a discussion about how the different contract conditions distribute risk among the parties. Recommendations were made to improve contract conditions, up-skill industry practitioners and ensure student graduates have adequate delay management skills.
Giving content to general concepts
[General concepts, such as ‘reasonableness’, ‘unconscionable conduct’ and ‘unfairness’, are used in a variety of ways by judges, commentators and in statute. Sometimes, general concepts are merely statements in the nature of a conclusion reached after a process of detailed legal reasoning has taken place. In many cases, however, general concepts themselves play a determinative role in legal analysis, either as an important step in a process of analysis, or else as the sole or central concept determining liability. In such cases, it is of critical importance for the pursuit of open and rational legal reasoning that meaning is given to such concepts. This article explores some of the ways in which general concepts are utilised in legal reasoning and the various ways in which meaning and content can be given to such concepts.]