Examine the role of the contract administrator under a JCT traditional Essay

Examine the role of the contract administrator under a JCT traditional contract in terms of the functions, duties and powers that he is granted as well as the p - Essay Example Most JCT contracts would require the employment and contribution of an architect or a contract administrator who would administer the contract. The contract administrator is the only one who decides which contract to use and should also have the sufficient knowledge to understand the terms and administer contract provisions1. JCT provides the basis or guidelines according to which the contracts could be administered. It is important to understand the JCT guidelines in order to decide on the most appropriate JCT form of contract2. JCT helps in providing the guide for the appropriate contract. Some of the contract forms which do not require a contract administrator include the Contractors Design Form, Building Contract for a home owner/occupier, Construction Management Form and the Management Contract Form. However most construction projects require contracts that implemented by the contract administrator. This essay discusses the crucial role of the contract administrator and highlights the problems associated with failure to carry out the responsibilities of a contract administrator adequately. Powl and Skitmore (2005) have surveyed project managers of construction projects who also have the duties of contract administrator and have claimed that in certain cases project managers are overworked although there may be several hindrances to their effectiveness in the management. Issues that could help in making project managers more effective and productive in their job include more awareness and participation within their own organisation for progress and development of the organisation, more general administrative support and greater responsibilities in matters of contract administration3. The importance of trust and contractual relationships has been highlighted in several studies and the contract administrator is responsible for building this trust