Our carefully structured learning path takes you from fundamental concepts to expert-level contract management skills. Each session builds upon previous knowledge, creating a comprehensive understanding of international construction law that you can immediately apply to real-world projects.

EPC (Engineer-Procure-Construct) contracts place single-point responsibility on the contractor for delivering a complete facility, often with fixed-price structures and strict performance guarantees. This contrasts with EPCM (Engineer-Procure-Construction Management) models where the contractor acts more as the owner's agent, coordinating multiple trade contracts while bearing less direct risk.

The course explores real-world applications through case studies of wastewater treatment plants, chemical processing facilities, offshore wind farms, and industrial manufacturing projects, highlighting the crucial differences in risk allocation and management approaches.

Effective time management is crucial in international construction projects. This module teaches advanced techniques for analyzing delays, managing float, and handling time extension claims. You'll learn to distinguish between excusable and non-excusable delays, address concurrent delay scenarios, and apply industry-standard protocols like the UK Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol and AACE International Recommended Practices.

Variations are inevitable in complex construction projects. This module provides practical guidance on managing directed, constructive, and voluntary variations through proper documentation, evaluation, and negotiation. You'll learn strategies for handling acceleration claims, unforeseen site conditions, and technological changes, with emphasis on contemporaneous record-keeping and effective communication.

Construction claims are formal requests for adjustments to contract terms, typically involving time extensions, additional costs, or both. This module examines different claim types under various contract forms, with special emphasis on FIDIC procedures. You'll learn about time-barred claims, global claims, and strategies for documenting and presenting compelling claims for extensions of time, additional costs, and loss and expense recovery.

The enforcement of dispute board decisions varies significantly across legal systems. This module explores the contractual mechanisms that make decisions immediately binding (even if subject to final review), strategies for securing compliance, and approaches for converting decisions into enforceable arbitral awards or judgments when necessary. You'll learn about international enforcement challenges and cross-border recognition issues that can affect dispute resolution outcomes.

AIA contracts represent the most widely used construction contract system in the United States. This module examines the comprehensive AIA document system, which includes over 100 contract forms for various project relationships and delivery methods. You'll learn about core documents like the A101 Owner-Contractor Agreement, A201 General Conditions, B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, and specialized forms for construction management, design-build, and integrated project delivery.

The module highlights key differences between AIA and FIDIC approaches, particularly regarding the architect's role compared to the engineer in FIDIC contracts, and explores the unique aspects of American construction law that influence AIA contract terms.

The NEC contract suite represents a fundamental departure from traditional construction contracts, focusing on collaborative project management rather than rigid legal protections. Using simple present-tense language, NEC contracts promote transparency, cooperation, and proactive problem-solving. The NEC4 suite includes Engineering & Construction Contract (ECC), Professional Service Contract (PSC), Supply Contract (SC), and specialized forms for framework agreements, alliance contracts, and design-build-operate projects.

This module explores NEC's distinctive compensation event system, early warning mechanism, and flexible main options (A through F) that allow customization of payment approaches from lump sum to cost reimbursable models.

Government construction contracts have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from private sector agreements. These include statutory compliance requirements, standardized procurement procedures, socioeconomic program participation, heightened transparency, and specific dispute resolution mechanisms. This module examines various national systems including the US Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), UK Public Contracts Regulations, EU Procurement Directives, and similar frameworks from other countries.

You'll learn about the specialized provisions in government contracts such as termination for convenience clauses, changes clauses, Buy American/local content requirements, and the unique remedies available to contractors when dealing with sovereign entities.

Private sector construction contracts offer greater flexibility and customization compared to public sector agreements. This module explores how private developers, corporations, and institutional owners structure their construction agreements to align with specific business objectives, risk tolerances, and project requirements. You'll learn about common private sector practices including pre-construction services agreements, guaranteed maximum price contracts with shared savings provisions, and fast-track/early works packages that help accelerate project delivery.

The module also covers specific considerations for different private sector projects including corporate facilities, residential developments, industrial plants, retail centers, and institutional buildings, each with unique contractual approaches and risk allocation models.

The Asian Development Bank uses standardized contract documents that combine international best practices with specific provisions addressing the unique challenges of construction projects in developing Asian economies. ADB contracts are based on FIDIC forms but include special clauses dealing with currency conversion, local labor requirements, material import provisions, and specific environmental and social safeguards relevant to Asian contexts.

This module explores the ADB Procurement Guidelines, Standard Bidding Documents, and contract implementation procedures, with emphasis on how these documents address regional challenges such as capacity constraints, governance issues, and environmental considerations specific to developing Asian nations.

Construction contracts define specific roles with clear responsibilities and authorities. The Employer (Owner/Client) finances the project, defines requirements, and makes key decisions. The Engineer (or Architect) typically serves as the owner's representative, providing design, technical oversight, and contract administration. The Contractor executes the physical work according to contract documents and bears primary responsibility for methods, means, and site safety.

Additional roles include the Quantity Surveyor who measures work and values changes, the Project Manager who coordinates activities and schedules, and specialized entities like Dispute Board members who provide independent judgment on conflicts. Understanding these roles and their contractual authorities is essential for effective contract management.

Construction contracts establish quality requirements through specifications, standards, and testing regimes. International projects must often reconcile different national standards and practices while ensuring consistent outcomes. Contract managers must understand the specific quality management provisions in their agreements, including inspection rights, testing procedures, approval processes, and remedies for defective work.

Most international contract forms include processes for identifying non-conforming work, directing corrections, and managing situations where disagreements arise about quality standards. The contract manager's role includes documenting quality issues, ensuring proper communication of deficiencies, and verifying that remedial work meets requirements before acceptance.

Contract completion involves several critical processes that must be properly managed to avoid disputes and ensure all obligations are fulfilled. This includes testing and commissioning of systems, preparation and approval of as-built documentation, formal handover procedures, transfer of warranties and guarantees, and training of operations personnel.

The module also covers the more problematic scenario of contract termination before completion, examining the different grounds for termination (default, convenience, force majeure), proper termination procedures, and consequences including work measurement, payment calculation, and materials transfer.

Force majeure provisions address circumstances beyond the parties' control that prevent contract performance. Different contract forms define qualifying events differently, with some using narrow definitions limited to natural disasters and war, while others include broader language covering any exceptional events that couldn't reasonably be foreseen or prevented.

Recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of carefully drafted force majeure clauses. Contract managers must understand the specific wording in their agreements, including notice requirements, obligations to mitigate, available relief (time only vs. time and money), and potential termination rights for prolonged events.

Preventing disputes is more cost-effective than resolving them after escalation. Effective dispute avoidance begins with clear contract documents that allocate risks fairly and establish unambiguous procedures. During project execution, several practices significantly reduce dispute likelihood: maintaining open communication channels, documenting events contemporaneously, addressing issues promptly before positions harden, and fostering a collaborative rather than adversarial project culture.

Specific mechanisms like partnering workshops, executive escalation ladders, and early neutral evaluation can help maintain relationships while addressing inevitable disagreements. The contract manager plays a crucial role in implementing these strategies consistently and creating an environment where problems are seen as project challenges rather than grounds for claims.

Sustainable construction adds new dimensions to contract management. Green building contracts often incorporate specific performance targets for energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality. These may be tied to certification systems like LEED, BREEAM, Green Star, or WELL Building Standard, with contractual consequences for failing to achieve targeted ratings.

Contract managers must understand how sustainability requirements are incorporated into different contract documents: some as absolute requirements in technical specifications, others as performance targets with incentives or penalties, and still others as general obligations without specific metrics. The module covers verification procedures, specialized commissioning requirements, documentation for certification, and liability issues unique to green building projects, including performance guarantees and evolving regulatory compliance.

After purchasing the course, you'll gain immediate lifetime access to all 186 sessions across 14 comprehensive modules. The course is designed for flexible learning—study at your own pace and revisit materials as needed throughout your career. All course content is accessible through our web-based platform, allowing you to learn from any device with an internet connection, whether at home, in the office, or on-site.