A strategic framework for the further enhancement of the standard forms of construction contract in the Sultanate of Oman

Al Rashdi, A

Abstract

The Standard Forms of Contract plays a very important role in the dynamics of the
construction phase. The Standard Forms of Contract defines the roles, rights and
obligations of the contracting parties in a construction project. This study
demonstrates that the main criteria to be adopted in the drafting of new or
modernising standardised form of contract are flexibility, clarity and the promotion of
collaborative practices. When in use, In the Sultanate of Oman, the Standard Forms of
Construction Contracts (OSFC) are the only standard contract document available for
public works. This form of contract was statued by the Ministry of Finance and
National Economy of the Sultanate of Oman in 1980s and has been used in the
construction of all types of public projects including large industrial projects. This
standardised form of contract has been used in Oman but has never really been
reviewed and updated. . Unfortunately, limited research has been undertaken within
the Omani construction industry particularly in the contractual management field. In
light of the on-going discussion, this PhD research was set up to evaluate the
applicability of the Standard Form of Construction Contract in Oman (OSFC) and to
develop a framework to enable a continuous enhancement to the OSFC by
incorporating the contemporary and future needs and trends in the Omani construction
industry. This research has successfully identified the factors that would assist in the
future development of the existing Standard Forms of Construction Contract (OSFC)
in the Sultanate of Oman. As such, the knowledge gained from this research has
illuminated the necessary considerations that need to be reflected on when
undertaking the development of contracts and their revisions in order to create 'better'
contract documents. In addition, the study provides a set of guidelines to improve the
Dispute Resolution Practice, Procurements' Applications and sets up a solid
foundation for the further improvement of the construction laws discipline in the
Sultanate of Oman.

Citation

Al Rashdi, A. A strategic framework for the further enhancement of the standard forms of construction contract in the Sultanate of Oman. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 27, 2021
• Award Date: Mar 1, 2012