Dispute Review Boards: Expected Application on Egyptian Large-Scale Construction Projects
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 133, Issue 4
Abstract
The construction industry is heavily affected by the troubles arising out of construction disputes, especially when it comes to large-scale projects, as a direct result of the inherent complexity of such projects. This paper seeks the most suitable dispute-resolution mechanism for large-scale construction projects in Egypt, which is a developing country in the Middle East with an emerging reformed economical policy, a population in excess of 70 million people, and an increasing need for infrastructure and industrial development. This dispute-resolution mechanism was attained through a multistep methodology that (1) started with the study of the Arbitration process in relation to an Egyptian construction project with an initial contract price of 85 million; (2) continued with interviews of five senior experts in the field of construction disputes in Egypt about their views pertaining to the most efficient dispute-resolution methodology for Egyptian megaprojects; (3) developed a tailored questionnaire to assess the perceptions of 35 professionals toward the issue of construction disputes and dispute resolution mechanisms, including DRB; (5) concluded by carrying out a what-if scenario for the arbitration case of the large-scale construction project using DRB instead of arbitration. On basis of the analysis of the methodology, the authors concluded that despite the wide range of current dispute-resolution methodologies, the employment of DRBs in accordance with a set of 13 regulatory guidelines should mitigate the negative effects of disputes in Egyptian large-scale construction projects. Accordingly, this paper is both timely and valuable for all owners, contractors, and professionals who are acquainted with Egyptian megaprojects.
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Acknowledgments
This research would have never been completed without the support of many individuals and institutions. In this connection, the writers would like to thank Dr. Kathleen Harmon, Dr. Ali Hadi, Dr. Allione Romano, Dr. Patricia Galloway, Dr. Ezzat Fahmy, Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora, Dr. Amr Kandil, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London (CIArb). Moreover, the writers would like to provide special gratitude for the genuine support of Dr. J. K. Yates, Professor of Construction Engineering and Management at Ohio University and Mr. Erminio Granata, Managing Director of Nile Aster International.
References
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© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 1, 2006
Accepted: Nov 1, 2006
Published online: Oct 1, 2007
Published in print: Oct 2007
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