A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Civil Engineering

Contract management is a significant issue in construction organizations, particularly for a complex project which deals with numerous parties. It is necessary for the contract conditions to be clearly written in terms of contract language, fair contract clauses and roles and responsibilities of parties concerned. Common problems have occurred in the construction industry because of unclear contract conditions. Contracts are always prepared with emphasize on owner's rights and contractor's obligations. This leads to disputes, contract termination, project delays and cost overruns. The Lao construction industry has grown during the last decade. Many infrastructure development projects are on-going through loans and grant programs. The Ministry of Communication Transport Post and Construction is the main agent who has received the largest funds from the government's expenditure and is responsible for road implementation throughout the country. Major problems arise due to the shortage of knowledgeable personnel to control and monitor the projects, especially at the management and engineering levels. The aim of this study is to review the contractual practices and procurement management in the Ministry of Communication Transport Post and Construction, the level of understanding of local contractors on contract documents and the perceptions regarding project implementation. The study highlights some of the key elements for recommendations related to contractual practices. Five areas for further study, including the design of organizations, construction feedback, design - build contracts, risk assessment in the FIDIC form and study of licensing system in public work in Lao construction industry, were identified.

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2000