COURSE OVERVIEW:

Construction projects are dynamic environments where changes to the original scope are often inevitable, necessitating a robust system for managing variation orders and subsequent claims. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms used to control project changes while protecting the contractual integrity and financial health of the organization. It focuses on the proactive identification of changes and the rigorous documentation required to value and resolve their impacts.

The scope of this training encompasses the technical and legal definitions of variation, the process of issuing and responding to change orders, and the methodologies for calculating their effect on time and cost. Participants will learn how to distinguish between variations initiated by the employer and claims arising from external factors or contractor performance. The course addresses the critical role of the contract administrator in maintaining a transparent and fair change management process that avoids project delays and disputes.

Coverage includes the interpretation of variation clauses in FIDIC and other standard forms, the analysis of "constructive changes," and the preparation of comprehensive claim files. Attendees will explore techniques for negotiating variation prices and managing the cumulative impact of multiple changes on project productivity. By mastering the management of variation orders and claims, professionals will be able to maintain control over project budgets and schedules despite the inherent uncertainties of construction.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the legal and contractual basis for Variation Orders.
• Implement a rigorous change control and notification system.
• Distinguish between variations, claims, and scope creep.
• Value variations using contract rates, pro-rata, and fair market rates.
• Analyze the impact of variations on the project critical path and schedule.
• Manage the approval and documentation workflow for change orders.
• Prepare and present detailed claims arising from project variations.
• Negotiate fair settlements for disputed variation prices and impacts.
• Evaluate contractor claims for extension of time and additional cost.
• Maintain an accurate and transparent variation and claims log.
• Utilize project management software to track and report changes.
• Mitigate the risks of disputes through proactive change management.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is designed for Contract Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Site Engineers, and Financial Controllers involved in construction change management.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.