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

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004

Construction projects are naturally complex and contain uncertain and dynamic activities and therefore would encounter claims. International Competitive Bidding (ICB), having been applied in Vietnam since 1995, had led to savings in project cost and given the chance for selecting best international contractors. However, it has also given rise to construction claims. This study investigates the claim situation in three large-scale ICB projects in Vietnam aiming to find out: (1) why claims occurred, (2) what kinds of claim were made, (3) how much claim was involved, and (4) how the claims were resolved. In addition, related survey questionnaires were also provided to participants in two current ICB projects for obtaining: (5) their sentiments on claims, and (6) their suggested solutions to minimize claims. The study results show that claims in ICB projects in Vietnam is the same in nature with claims globally in terms of types, resolution and mitigation but claim causation is somewhat specific. It is hoped that this finding would guide efforts to improve performance including claim management in construction projects in Vietnam. It is also hoped to be useful for international construction firms in understanding that Vietnam is still a potential and attractive market for construction activities and there are always available rooms for claim negotiation whenever it arises.