Each project is unique in terms of the method and manner by which it is planned and then executed. It is vital that a strategy for the management and administration of the project is determined at the outset and maintained consistently throughout all stages of the project cycle. The strategy is a product of the particular procurement route chosen, the various parties involved and taking account of the myriad of external influences that can affect the commercial success of a project. With an agreed strategy in place, the adoption of Best Practice Procedures must be applied to ensure the client's interests are safeguarded and the project objectives are attained. To facilitate these Procedures, the maintenance of positive relationships is paramount and our clients must have an effective system of Pre & Post Contract Commercial & Contractual Management & Administration (CCMA) in place.
Most clients will already have some form of management and administration set up, but our extensive experience in dealing with contractual claims and disputes has regrettably shown that many of these systems are inadequate for their intended purpose. Inappropriate and incomplete records are commonplace as indeed are inconsistencies between the pre and post contract stages as well as a shortfall in the quality of Record to demonstrate what was intended as opposed to what actually occurred. The result of such failings usually leads to damaged relationships, the inability to adequately prove the point and the lack of a safety net if or when things go wrong.
At Lancaster House International Consulting, we are convinced that all clients will benefit greatly from our specialist skills and experience in CCMA. We recognize the importance and extent of the interdependences of effective pre and post contract quantity surveying, claims avoidance and mitigation and claims management. Consequently, our approach is to instil a rigorous regime and consistently high standard of CCMA through all disciples from inception until final account settlement.
To obtain most benefit from CCMA Best Practice Procedures, we recommend the utilization of our set of Administration Tools, which can be adapted to compliment client's existing systems. In addition to this, we are able to provide rapid advice and support to both our clients and consultants in the field, on a wide range of technical, commercial and contractual issues through utilization of our Database and Technical Library.