John Murphy’s Post

I was recently asked about the best professional compliment I've ever received. One of the best compliments came during a negotiation with a client. When I mentioned my background in engineering with two master's degrees, the response was unexpected. "I thought you were a lawyer," "I felt like you have a master's in quantity surveying," and "surely you worked as an auditor before" were some of the comments I received. This experience reinforced my belief that a successful contract manager is more than meets the eye. It's a multifaceted role that requires a deep understanding of various aspects of the business. While you may see a contract manager in front of you, in reality, you're dealing with a blend of skillsets and professions in one person. Contract management professionals, click like if you agree! #contractmanagement #contractmanagementprofessional #professionalsuccess

Contract Administrators in Construction: Navigating Roles and Challenges In the realm of construction, the role of a contract administrator is pivotal, ensuring the effective administration of contracts between employers and building contractors. Dating back centuries, this role gained formal recognition in 1987, emphasizing the need for impartial decision-making. A contract administrator, often an architect, engineer, or surveyor, manages diverse responsibilities from supervising works to certifying completion. The choice of a professional contract administrator offers advantages like specialized industry knowledge but poses challenges due to potential confusion in roles. Challenging a contract administrator's decision is a right exercised by both employers and contractors. Legal cases like Sutcliffe v Thackrah highlight the scrutiny on decisions' impartiality. The contract itself and the obligation to exercise reasonable care and skill provide avenues for challenge. In conclusion, the role of a contract administrator significantly contributes to fair and effective construction contract management. A well-selected, experienced contract administrator and clear delineation of responsibilities from the project's outset are critical for success in this pivotal position. #constructionmanagement #contractadministration #buildingcontractors

💼 Are You Confident in Your Contract Administration Skills? 🤔 As Quantity Surveyors, we all know that contract administration is more than just paperwork—it's the backbone of successful project management. But how deep is your understanding? Strengthening your grip on this area can be a game-changer for your career and the projects you manage. 🔑 Why is it crucial? Minimize Risks: Knowing your contracts inside and out means you can anticipate potential issues before they become costly problems. Ensure Compliance: A solid understanding ensures that all parties meet their obligations, avoiding disputes and delays. Protect Your Client’s Interests: When you master contract administration, you’re not just managing a project—you’re safeguarding your client’s investment. 🔍 How can you make your grip stronger? Study Key Contract Forms: Dive deep into FIDIC, NEC, JCT, and the contracts used in your region. Understanding the nuances of these documents is essential. Invest in Specialized Training: Don’t just rely on experience—enroll in contract management courses and learn from the best. Learn from Experience: Seek diverse project experiences. The more exposure you have, the better you’ll understand the real-world application of contract clauses. Understand the Legal Side: Construction law isn’t just for lawyers. Grasping the legal principles can give you a significant edge in managing contracts. Leverage Technology: Use contract management software to stay on top of deadlines, obligations, and risks. 🚀 The Impact? Mastering contract administration transforms you from a good Quantity Surveyor to a great one. You’ll be the go-to professional who can confidently navigate complex projects, manage risks effectively, and deliver exceptional value to your clients. So, how solid is your contract administration game? Let’s discuss how we can all step it up! 👇 #QuantitySurveying #ContractManagement #ConstructionSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #QS

Curious about a career in construction claims? As an experienced recruiter in this sector, I often get asked the following questions by QS's and Planners who are interested in working within this field: How does progression within construction claims typically look? What are the typical salaries within construction claims? Is it possible to work remotely or in a hybrid? What are the typical working hours in construction claims? What does the career pathway into claims entail? What steps should be taken to transition to full-time claims and delay work? Is an MSc in Construction Law & Dispute Resolution a prerequisite before working for a claims consultancy? What is involved in pursuing a career path into expert witness? If any of these questions resonate with you, I'm here to offer guidance and insights. Let's connect and explore how a career in construction claims can be both rewarding and fulfilling. #ConstructionClaims #CareerAdvice #ExpertInsights

A good explanation of what is a QS.

From Numbers to Letters: A QS’s Journey Across Continents As a Quantity Surveyor in Ireland, my focus was almost entirely on the numbers, rarely needing to write much by way of letters. But when I moved to Australia, things changed dramatically. Working as a Senior Contract Administrator on a major resource project, I found myself drafting over 1,000 formal letters, addressing everything from: • Safety, environmental, and quality non-performance • Requests for corrective actions from contractors • Rebuttals to claims for additional time and costs • Reviewing substantiation for claims and identifying shortfalls Here are my top 5 takeaways from writing thousands of letters: 1️⃣ Keep emotions out: Stick to the facts. It’s crucial to be clear and professional—contractual letters are no place for emotions. 2️⃣ Avoid unsupported claims: If you can’t back it up with a clause from the contract, legislation etc, reconsider your approach. 3️⃣ Clarify acronyms: Don’t assume everyone knows them—always spell out acronyms the first time. 4️⃣ Make it self-contained: Write as if the reader knows little about the project. Include relevant contract clauses to strengthen your points. 5️⃣ Provide evidence: When referencing site activities, always include documentary evidence to back your claims. What about you? Have you encountered challenges with contract letters? Any strategies that worked for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #QuantitySurveying #ContractManagement #ConstructionLaw #ProjectManagement #AustraliaProjects #RiskManagement #VerstandGroup

These competencies cover a range of skills and knowledge areas that a quantity surveyor should possess to be successful in their profession. Technical competencies: Measurement and Quantification Cost Planning and Commercial Management Procurement Tendering Contract Administration Project Financial Control and Reporting Value Management Core competencies: Professionalism, Ethics, and Governance Client Care Communication and Negotiation Teamworking Leadership and Management

⛔️Contract Administration and Project Records⛔️ 👉Contract administration is more than just paperwork; it's the backbone of successful project execution. 👉Effective contract administration ensures compliance with contractual terms, minimizes disputes, and provides a strong foundation for claims management. 👉One of the most critical aspects of contract administration is the meticulous maintenance of project records. 👉These records serve as evidence in case of disputes and provide invaluable insights for future projects. 👉Key considerations for effective contract administration: 👉Thorough understanding of contract terms: Read and understand the contract thoroughly to avoid misunderstandings and potential disputes. 👉Robust record-keeping system: Implement a system to capture and organize all relevant project documents, including correspondence, meeting minutes, progress reports, and site diaries. 👉Contemporaneous documentation: Document events and activities as they occur to ensure accuracy and credibility. 👉Evidence collection: Gather supporting evidence for potential claims, such as photographs, time and resource records, and variation orders. 👉Essential project records: 0️⃣1️⃣Tender and contract documents 0️⃣2️⃣Site progress data 0️⃣3️⃣Progress reports 0️⃣4️⃣Staff, labor, and plant records 0️⃣5️⃣Material delivery records 0️⃣6️⃣Drawing register 0️⃣7️⃣Contract and as-built programs 0️⃣8️⃣Progress records 0️⃣9️⃣Variation orders 1️⃣0️⃣Correspondence 1️⃣1️⃣Meeting minutes 1️⃣2️⃣Notices 1️⃣3️⃣Site diaries 1️⃣4️⃣Site memos and instructions 1️⃣5️⃣Photographs 1️⃣6️⃣Site measurement records 1️⃣7️⃣Daywork records 1️⃣8️⃣Purchase orders and invoices 👉By prioritizing contract administration and maintaining comprehensive project records, you can significantly reduce the risk of disputes and ensure a smooth project outcome. #contractadministration #projectmanagement #construction #engineering #claimsmanagement #legal #contractlaw

🎉 I am delighted to share a significant milestone in my professional journey. Four months ago, I embarked on my first job after graduation, joining Engineering and Management Services as a Junior Contracts Engineer, under the supervision of Engr. Zafar Hussain Siddiqui. 📚 In these initial months, I've been immersed in studying construction claims and contracts, applying the intricacies of FIDIC contracts, and becoming adept at handling day-to-day correspondence within the construction industry. 📝 Another crucial aspect of my role involves drafting and assessing claims, a task that requires precision and a deep understanding of the field. 💡 Why Contracts Management? It's a role that resonates with me on multiple levels. I've discovered I have a knack for details and a genuine passion for delving into the intricacies of construction law. My language proficiency has also been an asset in navigating the legal aspects of contracts. 🔗 Moreover, this role seamlessly aligns with my ongoing studies in Construction Engineering & Management (CEM). It's not just a job; it's a continuation of my academic journey, allowing me to apply what I've learned directly to real-world projects. 🏢 Engineering and Management Services, with its impeccable industry reputation, has provided me with a fantastic platform to kickstart my career. It's been an incredible learning experience, and I am grateful for the support and mentorship from my colleagues, especially ENGR. WAQAS KHAN and Abdullah Rashid. I'm excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities to contribute to Engineering and Management Services's projects. Here's to the beginning of a fulfilling career in contracts management, where every day brings new challenges and learning experiences! #NewJob #ConstructionEngineering #ConstructionContracts #CareerMilestone #EMS #LearningExperience #CareerProgression #FIDICContracts #GraduationToCareer

PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILL FOR YOUNG QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN A DYNAMIC AND UNSTABLE ECONOMY. BY Jonathan Daniel Alwashi, FNIQS Outline 1. Introduction 2. Project Management Skills For Quantity Surveyors 3. Summary and Conclusion. Introduction Quantity Surveyors are professionals who specializes in the financial management of construction projects. They play a crucial role in various stages of the project lifecycle, including pre- instruction, construction, and post - construction stages, some key responsibilities of Quantity surveyor include: Cost Estimation, Cost control, Value Engineering (VE), Risk management, Procurement process, etc. Project management skills refer to the core abilities that are necessary to successfully bring a project from start to finish. These skills allow you to successfully take a project from start to finish with more efficiency. Summary and Conclusion Know what flaps you. If you want to be unflappable, you need to start by understanding what your stress triggers are. Maybe you're unfazed by deadliness, but you find it hard to say no to people in the moment. Understanding your personal pressure points will help you to be more aware of them going forward, so you can plan ahead and make better decisions. * The best way to learn these project management skills is by practicing them everyday. As with most things, once you know the areas you want to improve, you seek out opportunities to develop them. * Volunteer to give a presentation to challenge your communication skills; Start tracking your work in a project management tool to ensure you're always organized and on top of things; and look for ways to engage and inspire each team member. * Start honing your soft skills,and you'll soon find that they become your project management strength. #20dayslinkedinchallengewiththeproqs #quantitysurveyor #youngquantitysurveyorsforum #webinarseries02