Empirical Model for Construction Disputes Using a Bespoke Model

Abstract

This research addresses the inherent challenges of disputes in construction projects, emphasizing their costly nature in terms of time, money, and resources. Focused on the Singapore construction industry, the study identifies major causes of disputes and proposes an empirical model for construction disputes using a bespoke approach. The objective is to equip project leaders with insights to manage potential disputes in Singapore construction projects. This study utilizes a legal research methodology and analyses secondary data from relevant law cases spanning from 2014 to 2023. A comprehensive analysis of 64 legal cases identified 24 primary causes of disputes, with payment disputes, project delay, variations, liquidated damages, defects and defect rectification costs, quality of work, termination, and retention sums emerging as major contributors due to their higher frequency. In response to these findings, a framework is proposed for incorporating alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to resolve construction disputes in Singapore. The purpose of this research is to introduce an empirical model for construction disputes in Singapore using bespoke model. Therefore, this study will also introduce a bespoke model for construction disputes in Singapore. The empirical model seeks to provide a better analysis of the key factors contributing to disputes in Singapore by using extensive literature review and by leveraging empirical data by analyzing recent litigation cases related to disputes in construction projects in Singapore. By proposing an empirical model for construction disputes of Singapore, the author expects to offer practical insights that can enhance dispute prevention, resolution, and overall management for successful construction project completion. Therefore, this research aims to contribute meaningfully to dispute management, offering a valuable tool for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike. The objectives of this study are to identify the major causes of disputes in Singapore construction projects, to create a bespoke model for construction disputes in Singapore and to create an empirical model for construction disputes in Singapore.