Author(s)

Youzhi Rao

Corresponding Author

Youzhi Rao

Abstract

Construction engineering projects are massive, long-cycle and involve many participants. Contracts not only define the limits of rights and duties, but also form the basis for risk-sharing and joint operation. Practically, delayed schedule, failure claim, cost overruns and compliance risk are common based on weak contract awareness and clauses, poor informatization practices as well as inadequate professional supports which hinder promoting qualitative benefits. It has become more imperative for the high-quality development of the industry to improve contractual governance and realize whole-process contract management. According to this, the article introduces the essence and functions of contract management, summarizes several major problems and their causes in construction projects, dig it deeply into such key control points as standardization of clauses, closed-loops of processes and integration of data，and develops systematic countermeasures suggested. Its goal is to propose actionable paths for contract management and tools useful for project owners, contractors and supervisors.

Keywords

Construction Engineering; Project Management; Contract Management