Introduction to the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC)

Background

The NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC) has been developed for the appointment of a contractor for engineering and construction work which does not require sophisticated management techniques, comprises straightforward work and imposes only low risks on both client and contractor. It provides a modern method for clients, designers, contractors and project managers to work collaboratively to consistently achieve their objectives.

People will be motivated to play their part in collaborative management if it is in their commercial and professional interest to do so. Uncertainty about what is to be done and the corresponding risks and liabilities can lead to disputes and confrontation.

The ECSC clearly allocates risks, and the collaborative approach will reduce those risks and uncertainty for all the parties.

Delegates will gain an insight into when to use this form of contract, how to put it together, the contract strategy, and how it is managed effectively.

Session 1 - Overview of the NEC4 suite

• This session will show how NEC contracts have helped transform industry behaviours and how ECC works alongside other contracts in the suite.

Session 2 - Using the ECSC, the contract strategy

• This session covers the contract strategy; an explanation of the processes and the other contract documents that need to be produced.

Session 3 - Managing the contract - the ECSC terms and processes

• 3.1 - General provisions. This session will look at the general techniques that are used to manage the contract including mutual trust and co-operation, actions, identified and defined terms, communications, the Clients authority and delegation, access to the site and provision of services and early warnings. It will also outline the difference between defined and identified terms, their significance in the contract and the Contract Data and how they should be used.
• 3.2 - Contractor’s main responsibilities. In this session we will look at the Contractor’s responsibilities in relation to Providing the Works and in relation to subcontracting and people.
• 3.3 - Time. In this session we will be covering; Starting and Completion; the stopping and starting of work and the programme.
• 3.4 - Quality management. In this session we will look at tests and inspections and defects.
• 3.5 - Payment. In this session we will look at the assessment of the amount due and the payment process.
• 3.6 - Compensation events. In this session we will look at the definition of compensation events; what events constitute a compensation event under the ECSC, and then the process for managing and implementing compensation events.
• 3.7 - Objects. In this session we will look at objects and materials within the site.
• 3.8 - Liabilities and insurance. In this session we will cover liabilities and insurance and limitation of liability.
• 3.9 - Termination and dispute resolution. In this session we will look at the termination provisions in the contract and then the process for resolving disputes.

Session 4 - Overview of the Engineering and Construction Short Subcontract (ECSS)

• This session will give a brief overview of the ECSS, how it connects to the ECSC and where there are changes to reflect the nature of the subcontract.

The elearning course follows the same structure as the one day tutor-led course, distilling the key information into approximately two hours of content.

Duration

Approximately 90-120 minutes.

The length of time taken varies depending on how quickly individuals study and absorb the material.

Please note that the licence is valid for 6 months only from date of purchase.

Successful completion of this course will award you 30 credit points toward your Online Academy qualification.

This online course is designed for those working with the ECSC form including:

• Project managers
• Contract managers
• Supervisors
• Quantity surveyors
• Clients
• Consultants
• Contractors and their supply chain

It is designed for those with minimal experience with NEC contracts or the ECSC form but can be beneficial to those wishing to recap their knowledge.

Online
Product code: L47505