INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction. Write a one-page introduction that separately introduces the function and legal nature of (1) prime and (2) subcontract agreements from a general contractor’s perspective. The content in this section must be informed by material covered in course lectures, the main text, sample contracts provided by the instructor (attached to this assignment), and outside sources from individual research.
There is a great deal of flexibility and students are encouraged to focus on legal concepts they find interesting and want to explore further. The paper must be suitable for the intended audience: interested and well-educated construction professionals, but not a highly technical (lawyers) or academic audience.
Note: Include a main section heading for the introduction to clearly delineate content for this section.
Review of prime contract agreement clauses. Choose two clauses from the prime contract that was provided by the instructor and write a two-page critical analysis (one page per clause) that addresses each of the following for each of the clauses:
What is the general intent or purpose of the clause? What are the ethical considerations related to this clause?
Which party does the clause favor? Explain your answer.
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the clause?
What, specifically, would you change about the clause?
Note: At a minimum, include a main section heading for each of the clauses you are writing about to clearly delineate content for this section.
Review of subcontract agreement clauses. Choose two clauses from the subcontract agreement that was provided by the instructor and write a two-page critical analysis (one page per clause) that addresses each of the following for each of the clauses:
What is the general intent or purpose of the clause? What are the ethical considerations related to this clause?
Which party does the clause favor? Explain your answer.
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the clause?
What, specifically, would you change about the clause?
Note: At a minimum, include a main section heading for each of the clauses you are writing about to clearly delineate content for this section.
Interview. Conduct an interview of an industry professional who works as a project manager, superintendent, executive, OR construction attorney then write a one-page summary of the interview. Ask the following questions, at a minimum, and be sure to provide the interviewee’s name, title, company, and contact information (cell and email):
What are the characteristics of a good prime contract agreement from a general contractor’s perspective?
What are the characteristics of a good subcontract agreement from a general contractor’s perspective?
Why is it important for construction professionals to know and understand contracts?
What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned over the course of your career as it relates to construction contracts?
Note: Include a main section heading for the interview to clearly delineate content for this section.
Summary analysis and reflection. Write a one-page analysis that addresses the following questions:
What did you learn over the course of the semester and/or during this exercise?
What did you learn about yourself?
What did you learn about human nature?
How will you apply what you have learned to be more effective in your professional work in the construction industry?
Note: Include a main section heading for the summary analysis and reflection to clearly delineate content for this section.
