Key Focus Areas
Hinds Blunden can better serve when it is commissioned early in project development
to assist clients in the strategic development and review of delivery options, risk
analysis and establishment of proven project management systems.
Key factors in successful project delivery are:
- Project Formation and Contract Management
- Risk Identification and Management
- Time and Cost Control
- Dispute Avoidance and Resolution
Hinds Blunden is able to offer specific expertise in these areas.
Project Formation and Contract Management
Hinds Blunden provides to its clients comprehensive and independent strategy advice based upon many collective years of practical experience in a variety of industry and geographical locations. In particular it draws on the company’s detailed knowledge on how to avoid problems in contractual relations and translate that experience into a sound strategic approach at the initiation of a project that can be carried on through the life of the project. This is best achieved during the initial (financial) feasibility studies, bid submissions or project initiation stages, with contract formation and the development of a risk mitigation philosophy tailored to the client's requirements.
We have the key resources and services to assist in the preparation and management of contractual arrangements.
Further we provide ongoing support to our clients through a responsive on-line service that operates similar to a help desk, reviewing and advising on project correspondence, programming and costing issues in a proactive approach to managing project risks.
Risk Identification and Management
It is critical to both owners and contractors to identify the project risks to enable appropriate procedures to be put in place at the commencement of the project. Hinds Blunden’s extensive experience in claims resolution places them in a position to identify, plan for and manage risks to minimise the occurrence of claims and disputes.
Time and Cost Control
We bring our considerable experience in the formation and administration of projects
and in the resolution of disputes to assist our clients. As a result of this
experience we are able to manage risks involved in projects and thereby assist our
clients to identify issues and to have procedures in place to avoid problems or
deal with them if they arise.
Sometimes, despite the best efforts of the team responsible for project delivery, disputes are inevitable. However, by adopting the proper approach during the project and keeping appropriate records, a party will be well placed to protect its contractual position.
We aim to pass on our knowledge and experience to our clients, and consider our involvement as ongoing training to site staff, so that they can use cost and planning tools to work more efficiently and so that they can better manage risks themselves during the course of a project and on future projects.
In the area of Project Planning and Scheduling and Cost Control we provide our clients with such services including:
- Review of tenders and contract conditions to identify programming requirements, notification provisions and risks
- Preparation of construction programs
- Procedures to monitor costs against budgets and progress
- Assistance with and review of construction programs
- Statusing and updating programs
- Preparation and assessment of progress claims
- Preparation and assessment of variation claims
- Preparation and review of claims for extension of time
- Drafting correspondence on behalf of clients in relation to programming, extension of time claims, variations, etc
- Preparation of As-built programs
Dispute Avoidance and Resolution
Hinds Blunden has a long and excellent track record in assisting parties in avoidance and resolution of contractual disputes, be they contractors, principals, owners/operators, engineers, superintendents or independent referees.
We have provided expertise and assistance at all stages of both traditional and alternative dispute resolution processes, including initial assessment and preparation of or response to claim submissions, and/or resolution by negotiation, mediation, arbitration, expert determination or litigation. Our dispute resolution experience includes:
- Analysis, preparation and review of claim submissions
- Representing and assisting clients in alternative dispute resolution processes
- Negotiation and resolution of claims and disputes
- Preparation for arbitration or litigation including expert advisory services
- Alternative dispute resolution as expert appraiser, facilitator or mediator
- Analysis of negligence and intellectual property matters