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Exner Education

The Variation Identification and Submission course provides training in this key risk area of construction contract management.

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The Variation Identification and Submission course provides training in this key risk area of construction contract management.

Variations are an important part of any building project. Project variations generally fall into two categories The first can be design/construction philosophy changes that affect existing contract or changes requested by the client.  The second are project oversights or internal changes that do not involve a change in design/construction philosophy  or affect existing contracts.  It is vital that both these aspects be be properly controlled to ensure that project run to schedule and on budget.  This course provides an effective framework for the effective, consistent and efficient identification and evaluation system of variations against contract - especially time and cost related variance throughout the construction industry.  This course will help you speed up the identification and submission process of variations.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the contract obligations
  • Obtain a thorough understanding of the scope of work
  • Understand the cost and time management considerations of variations
  • Understand how variance can occur
  • Be able to identify, assess and quantify cost and time related variance
  • Be able to conduct successful variance negotiations

Syllabus

Introduction to the Variations Course
This introductory video to the course sets out the program objectives, and program content. The program content includes:

-Contract Obligations & Scope of Works

-Time and Cost Considerations

-Time Management

-Understanding and Identifying Time & Cost Variances

-Assess the Variation against Contract & Quantify Time & Cost Implications of Variance.

Enjoy your course!

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This course has been written to provide training in they key areas of variation identification and submission on building and construction projects. Submitting accurate variations on time is a vital part of any construction project. The specific program objectives are to:

1) Understand contract obligations

2) Obtain a thorough understanding of the scope of work

3) Understand the cost and time management considerations

4) Understand how variance can occur

5) Be able to identify, assess and quantify cost and time related variance

6) Be able to conduct successful variance negotiations

This course will provide you with a good practical understanding of how to identify and assess the value of a variation against contract and quantity time and cost implications of the variance. It will also provide examples of best practice notices to submit the Variation information to your client.

Contract Obligations and Scope of Work

Watch this video on contract obligations and how important this is for understanding and managing variations.

Watch this video on understanding the scope of works. A key consideration when identifying variations.

Managing Project Time

Watch this movie that considers the implications of time and cost on project variations.

Watch this video on the management of project time and how it effects variations.

Scheduling

Watch this video on time scheduling and its impact on variations.

Watch this video on types of schedules on construction projects.

Scheduling Assumptions and Control Methods

Watch this video on establishing and agree upon the assumptions behind construction project schedules

Watch this video on how to control the schedule

Understand and Identify Time and Cost Variance

Watch this video on time and cost variances.

Reporting Cost Performance Video
Cost Budgets and Variations
Deviation from Cost Budget Video

Watch this video on assessing variations.

Scope Change and Variance Negotiation Video
Scope Change Video
Variance Negotiation Video
Additional Reference Material on Variations
This is a fantastic guide book written by Construction Lawyer - John McMullan. It covers the key elements of administrating a construction contract - most relevant to engineers/construction managers as follows:

1) Pre-Contract Preparation

2)Design and Construction Contracts

3) The Superintendent

4) Time

5) Payment

6) Quality

7) Insurance

8) Security

9) Default/Termination

10) Claims

11) Building and Construction Industry Security of Payments Act (Vic) 2002


Setting the Scene: You are the Contract Manager for Exner Builders

Exner Builders were engaged to construct a 6 story apartment block in Port Melbourne, including structure, fit-out and all services. The contract was awarded to Exner by the client, DevelopUs under a Lump Sum, Schedule of Prices.

During construction, Exner experienced changes made to the Scope of Works by DevelopUs.

These changes included:
1. Change of carpet colour

2. Change of Fire Services Scope

3. DevelopUS delay in issue design drawings

4. Towards the end of the project DevelopUs wanted Exner to build another apartment block.

You as Exner's Contract Manager, need to advise on which scenarios provide a variation for Exner

Scenario Two: Design Review that Reduced Scope
Scenario Three: A 3 week delay caused by the Client

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches essential skills for managing contractual obligations and identifying and evaluating project variations
Covers key considerations of contract obligations, scope of work, and cost and time management
Enables learners to effectively identify, assess, and quantify cost and time-related variances
Provides practical guidance on conducting successful variance negotiations
Suitable for learners involved in construction contract management, including contract managers, project managers, and engineers
Provides an in-depth understanding of project administration, including contract compliance and variation management

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Variation Identification and Submission with these activities:
Join a study group for the course
Enhance your learning experience by collaborating with peers and discussing course concepts.
Show steps
  • Organize a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material, ask questions, and work on assignments.
Review construction contract law
Refresh your understanding of the legal framework governing construction contracts.
Browse courses on Construction Law
Show steps
  • Consult past notes, textbooks, or online resources.
  • Focus on key concepts such as contract formation, performance, and dispute resolution.
Review online resources on construction contract management
Supplement your understanding of contract management principles in the construction industry.
Browse courses on Contract Management
Show steps
  • Search online for reputable sources of information.
  • Review articles, videos, and other materials on contract management.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review the textbook 'Construction Contracts: Law and Management'
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal and managerial aspects of construction contracts.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the textbook.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course.
  • Take notes and highlight important passages.
Read the Construction Industry Security of Payments Act (Vic) 2002
Become familiar with the legal framework governing construction contracts in Victoria.
Browse courses on Construction Contracts
Show steps
  • Locate the Construction Industry Security of Payments Act (Vic) 2002 online or in a library.
  • Read the Act carefully, taking notes on the key provisions.
Write an analysis of a construction variation
Develop a deeper understanding of the process and implications of construction variations.
Browse courses on Construction Contracts
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world example of a construction variation.
  • Analyze the variation in terms of its causes, impact on the project, and legal implications.
  • Write a report summarizing your analysis.
Negotiate a construction variation
Put your negotiation skills to the test and gain practical experience in resolving variation disputes.
Browse courses on Negotiation
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world variation dispute.
  • Prepare for the negotiation by gathering information and developing a strategy.
  • Negotiate the variation with the other party.

Career center

Learners who complete Variation Identification and Submission will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers lead the planning, execution, and closure of projects. They are responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They must have a strong understanding of time and cost management, as well as variation analysis. This course can help prepare for a career as a Project Manager by teaching time management, budgeting, cost variance, and negotiation skills.
Project Controls Consultant
Project Controls Consultants identify and quantify risks to a project's budget and timeline. They also help to develop strategies to mitigate these risks. This course can help build the foundation for success as a Project Controls Consultant by teaching time and cost management, budgeting, and variance analysis.
Project Controls Engineer
Project Controls Engineers are responsible for the financial and schedule control of construction projects. This course can lead to a career as a Project Controls Engineer, as it helps you develop skills in cost management, cost budgeting, and variance analysis. These are essential for Project Controls Engineers.
Planning Engineer
Planning Engineers develop and maintain project schedules, and monitor project progress. This course can help prepare for a career as a Planning Engineer by teaching time management, scheduling, and cost variance analysis.
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinators oversee a project's budget and manage the project's budget and timeline. Understanding costs and scheduling is essential. This course can lead to a career as a Project Coordinator by teaching time management, budgeting, cost variance, and negotiation skills.
Cost Engineer
Cost Engineers research, analyze, and manage project expenses. This course can help lead to a career as a Cost Engineer as it helps you develop skills in cost management, cost budgeting, and variance analysis. These are essential for Cost Engineers.
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity Surveyors prepare cost estimates for construction projects. This course can help build the foundation for a career as a Quantity Surveyor by teaching cost management, cost budgeting, and variance analysis.
Construction Contracts Administrator
Construction Contracts Administrators process and manage contracts for construction projects. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in Construction Contracts Administration by teaching contract obligations, cost and time management, and variation submissions.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects. This course may be useful for a career as a Construction Manager, as it helps build a foundation in cost management, cost budgeting, and variance analysis.
Claims Analyst
Claims Analysts investigate and analyze claims for insurance companies. This course may be useful for a career as a Claims Analyst as it helps build a foundation in variation analysis.
Construction Cost Estimator
Effective construction cost estimators are able to accurately calculate the costs of construction projects which includes taking time and materials into account. This course can help build the foundation for a successful career as a Construction Cost Estimator by teaching you how to identify, assess and quantify cost and time related variance.
Building Surveyor
Building Surveyors inspect buildings to ensure that they comply with building codes and regulations. This course may be useful for a career as a Building Surveyor as it provides an understanding of construction time and costs.
Arbitrator
Arbitrators resolve disputes between parties. This course may be useful for a career as an Arbitrator as it helps build a foundation in dispute resolution.
Mediator
Mediators facilitate negotiations between parties. This course may be useful for a career as a Mediator as it helps build a foundation in negotiation skills.
Construction Contracts Manager
Construction Contracts Managers monitor construction projects to ensure that all work is completed according to the contract. Understanding contract obligations and the scope of work is essential for the role. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Construction Contract Manager by teaching contract obligations and variations.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Variation Identification and Submission.
This comprehensive guide to construction contract management provides valuable insights into understanding and managing variations. It offers essential information on various aspects relevant to engineers and construction managers, including pre-contract preparation, design and construction contracts, time management, payment, quality, insurance, security, default/termination, claims, and the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payments Act (Vic) 2002.
Focuses on contract administration within the construction industry. It will provide you with valuable information that supplements the course material. It also has a particular focus on the legal side of contract administration so you can better understand your contractual obligations.
This highly relevant book focuses specifically on variation management in construction contracts. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal and contractual implications of variations, including practical guidance on identifying, assessing, negotiating, and administering variations.
This practical guide to the NEC3 contract provides insights into managing variations within the NEC3 framework. It offers valuable guidance on the specific requirements and procedures for handling variations under NEC3 contracts.
Will supplement the cost management information provided in this course. It can serve as a reference tool when you need to better understand cost management principles. This book can also be used as a textbook for students.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management in the context of construction projects. It will be a useful resource for anyone who wants to better understand project management and how it applies to construction.
Provides in-depth information on planning and scheduling construction projects, which would be helpful for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides valuable insights into construction claims and disputes. It can serve as a reference tool for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic or who is involved in construction claims and disputes.
Provides a comprehensive overview of professional practice for architects. It will be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of construction law. While it will provide you with some information that supplements the course material, it is not specifically geared towards the topic of variations.
Focuses on engineering and construction project management. It will provide you with some information that supplements the course material, such as scheduling.

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