This module provides a practical introduction to the realities of construction and engineering projects and the environment in which claims most commonly arise. Using real-world examples, it will help delegates understand the commercial and contractual pressures that shape project outcomes and why these issues remain central to effective project delivery and dispute avoidance.

• Understand the realities of construction projects and the common drivers of claims
• Provide a brief overview of how cost, schedule, and commercial pressures can create claim risk
• Review the basic causes of claims and disputes, including change, delay, disruption, coordination issues, and poor documentation
• Introduce recommended practices to prevent, manage, and mitigate claims more effectively

Interactive Case Study and Technical Lab: analysing a live project scenario to identify how claim issues emerge, how the parties respond, and what lessons can be drawn for better project outcomes.

This module provides a practical introduction to forensic delay analysis in construction projects and disputes. It will explain how delay can be assessed using robust and fact-based methodologies, why method selection matters, and how the quality of available records can shape the outcome of an analysis. The session will also address some of the most challenging issues in practice, including concurrency, pacing delay, critical path identification, and extension of time considerations, while highlighting recommended project practices that place parties in a stronger position if formal analysis later becomes necessary.

• Review the main forensic delay analysis methodologies and the circumstances in which each may be used
• Examine the strengths, limitations, and practical challenges associated with different methods of delay assessment
• Consider key issues such as concurrency, pacing delay, critical path identification, and extension of time entitlement
• Highlight recommended practices during project delivery that support stronger and more credible delay analysis later on

Interactive Case Study and Technical Lab: analysing a live project scenario to identify the likely causes of delay, the most suitable method of analysis, and the key issues that would need to be tested.

This module explores the mitigation and acceleration in construction contracts, and how parties may seek to improve the rate of progress in order to achieve earlier completion or reduce the impact of delay. It will examine the different ways acceleration may be pursued in practice, the contractual and commercial issues that need to be considered before it is instructed or agreed, and the risks that can arise if acceleration measures are poorly conceived or not properly documented. It will also address the basis of acceleration claims and the importance of linking any proposed measures to critical activities, risk allocation, cost, and the completion.

• Distinguish mitigation from acceleration and review the different forms acceleration may take in practice
• Consider the practical, contractual, and commercial issues that should be addressed before acceleration is instructed or agreed, including procedure, risk, and pricing
• Review acceleration claims, including the need to focus on critical activities, realistic measures, and clear allocation of responsibility if early completion is not achieved

Interactive Case Study and Technical Lab: reviewing a project scenario in which the parties are considering acceleration, and testing the risks, assumptions, and claim implications before action is taken.

This module provides practical awareness of disruption and loss of productivity in construction claims, with a focus on how such issues can be analysed in a clear, reasoned, and credible manner. It will examine the basic principles used to assess productivity loss, the importance of repeatable and transparent analytical methods, and the need to prioritise contemporaneous project records over after-the-event reconstruction wherever possible. The session will also highlight how the choice of method depends on the contract, the facts, the quality of the available data, and the wider project circumstances, requiring sound professional judgment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Understand the relationship between disruption, productivity loss, and construction claims
• Review the main principles and methods used to analyse and quantify loss of productivity
• Highlight the importance of contemporaneous records, transparency, and repeatability in producing credible findings
• Consider how facts, contract terms, data quality, and project context influence the choice of method and the strength of the analysis

Interactive Case Study and Technical Lab: examining a disrupted project scenario to identify possible loss of productivity issues, evidential gaps, and suitable methods of analysis.

This module provides practical contract awareness aimed at helping delegates manage projects more efficiently and more effectively from a contractual and commercial perspective. It will focus on some of the key recommended practices that support stronger contract administration, better risk allocation, clearer communication, and improved decision-making, all of which can play an important role in preventing, managing, and resolving claims and disputes. The session will also highlight common challenge areas across JCT, NEC4, and FIDIC forms of contract.

• Review key contract management practices that support more effective project administration and commercial control
• Explore common areas of challenge under JCT, NEC4, and FIDIC, including notices, change, time, records, and contractual compliance
• Highlight how stronger contract awareness can reduce claim exposure and support dispute avoidance and resolution

Interactive Case Study and Technical Lab: reflecting on common contractual pitfalls and the practical steps that can improve project outcomes across the major standard forms.

This module focuses on practical ways to reduce the likelihood of claims and improve project outcomes through early mitigation and better project discipline. It will consider recommended practices across the full project life cycle, from tendering and planning through design, construction, and operation, with emphasis on the steps that strengthen delivery, reduce uncertainty, and improve the prospects of successful project execution.

• Identify early mitigation steps that can reduce claim risk and improve project performance
• Review recommended practices across tendering, planning, design, construction, and operation
• Focus on measures that improve coordination, decision-making, records, risk management, and overall project delivery confidence

Interactive Case Study and Technical Lab: identifying the practical steps delegates can take back into live projects to improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of future claims and disputes.

This closing session will bring the day together by revisiting the key themes, reflecting on the main learning points, and giving delegates the opportunity to raise final questions before the bootcamp concludes.

• Recap the major concepts and key learning outcomes from the bootcamp
• Final Q&A, delegate reflections, and closing remarks
• Participant feedback and networking opportunity