Civil Engineering Project Management (4th Edition)

28 Civil Engineering Project Management
disadvantages listed depend very much on the size and nature of project
required. Also, the choice between the two systems shown, and between them
and all the other procedures described in this chapter depend on the promoter’s
resources, nature of business, and the restraints imposed on him by
such as the need to conform with government rules, EC Directives, or his
financial backers’ requirements. In general, however, most types of arrangement
can work satisfactorily if the contractor’s prices are adequate, he is efficient
and treated fairly, and the promoter specifies clearly what he wants and
does not indulge in over-many changes.
The promoter who is able to plan well in advance so that he can define
exactly what he wants and can give his designers adequate time to complete
their work, will usually get best value for money. A contractor who tenders for
works that have been designed in all essentials and which are not subsequently
altered, will usually be able to give a good price and fast construction.
Time spent ensuring adequate site investigations, full working out of the best
designs, and careful production of contract documents, is the best guarantee
that construction of a project will be trouble-free, on time and to budget.