ABSTRACT

Dispute is a disagreement between two or more individuals or groups over incompatible goals. Without an effective construction dispute resolution plan, the possibility for dispute escalation and diverse impactful adverse resultant effects is guaranteed. The study examined the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in construction dispute settlement in Akwa Ibom State. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of awareness and use of ADR mechanisms in construction dispute settlement, to examine the factors affecting use of ADR mechanisms in construction dispute settlement, to determine strategies for promoting the use of ADR mechanisms in construction dispute settlement in Akwa Ibom State. To achieve the objectives, survey research design was adopted for the study and data was collected by the use of structured questionnaire distributed to construction professionals and technical staff of ADR centres in Akwa Ibom State. Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mediation and arbitration were identified as the most widely used ADR mechanisms in construction dispute settlement. Public awareness was identified as necessary to intimate the public and construction professionals on the availability and the benefits of ADR mechanisms. Inclusion of ADR in legal curriculum as a compulsory course will be a means of training the upcoming legal practitioners on the use and benefits of ADR mechanisms in construction dispute settlement. Lack of awareness of ADR mechanisms is the one of the factors that affect the use of ADR mechanisms in construction dispute settlement in Akwa Ibom State.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title                                                                                                                            PAGES

Title Page        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           i

Certification    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           ii

Approval         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           iii

Dedication      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           iv

Acknowledgement      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           v

Abstract          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           vi

Table of Content         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           vii

List of Tables  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           xi

CHAPTER ONE

1.1       Background of the study        -           -           -           -           -           -           1

1.2       Statement of Problem -           -           -           -           -           -           -           2

1.3       Research Questions     -           -           -           -           -           -           -           3

1.4       Aim and Objectives    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           3

1.5       Research Hypothesis   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           4

1.6       Scope of the Study     -           -           -           -           -           -           -           4

1.7    Significance of the Study          -           -           -           -           -           -           4

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1       Basic Concept of Construction Dispute         -           -           -           -           6

2.2       Nature of Construction Industry Disputes     -           -           -           -           7

2.2.1    Traditional Views       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           7

2.2.2    Human Relation Views           -           -           -           -           -           -           8

2.2.3    Interaction Views       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           8

2.3       Causes of Disputes in the Construction Industry       -           -           -           8

2.3.1    Dispute Due to Behavioural Problems -         -           -           -           -           10

2.3.2    Dispute Due to Contractual Problems            -           -           -           -           -           11

2.3.3    Disputes Due To Technical Problems -           -           -           -           -           13

2.4       Effects of Disputes on Construction Project Industry           -           -           -           14

2.4.1    Stress   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           15

2.4.2    Project Delay/Delay Progress -           -           -           -           -           -           16

2.4.3    Hinders Commitment between Group Members -      -           -           -           16

2.4.4    Loss of Profit and Project Viability    -           -           -           -           -           16

2.4.5    Damage in Reputation -          -           -           -           -           -           -           16

2.4.6    Reduce Team’s Effectiveness -          -           -           -           -           -           17

2.4.7    Damage Continuing Business Relationships -           -           -           -           17

2.4.8    Increase Project Cost  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           17

2.5       Dispute Management in Construction Industry -       -           -           -           18

2.5.1    Withdrawal     -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           18

2.5.2    Smoothing       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           19

2.5.3    Forcing -          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           19

2.5.4    Compromise -              -           -           -           -           -           -           -           19

2.5.5    Problem Solving          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           20

2.6       Dispute Resolution Practice                -           -           -           -           -           20

2.6.1    Litigation        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           20

2.6.2    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)          -           -           -           -           21

2.6.2.1   Mediation      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           22

2.6.2.2   Arbitration    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           23

2.6.2.3  Negotiation    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           23

2.6.2.4   Conciliation   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           24

2.6.2.5  Expert Determination                        -           -           -           -           -           24

2.6.2.6  Mini-trial        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           25

2.6.2.7 Med-ARB       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           25

2.6.2.8     Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE)     -           -           -           -           -           25

2.6.2.9    Adjudication  -         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           25

2.6.2.10   Hybrid ADR  -        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           26

2.6.2.11    Dispute Review Board      -           -           -           -           -           -           26

2.6.2.12   Dispute Resolution Advisor -         -           -           -           -           -           26

2.6.3    Comparison between ADR and Litigation     -           -           -           -           27

2.7       Factors Affecting the Use of ADR    -           -           -           -           -           27

2.7.1    The Natural Human Tendency            -           -           -           -           -           27

2.7.2    Lack of Awareness Of ADR Mechanisms     -           -           -           -           28

2.7.3    Lack of Understanding of the ADR  -           -        &nbs