Towards a Successful Extension of Time (EoT) Claim: A Consensus View of Construction Professionals via a Modified Delphi Method

Abstract

Undeniably, the claim document provides an opportunity for the claimants to defend and fight for their rights. Hence, it should be prepared in a well-organized, professional and convincing manner to facilitate the assessor in assessing the claim. However, it is not an easy task as a good claim not only requires fact and evidences but also demands other important elements that complement each other. Despite the many studies that have been carried out with regard to improving the management of contract claims, yet very little research has been conducted to address the issue in relation to the extension of time (EoT) claim, specifically as to what constitutes a good EoT claim and the possible measures that can be taken by industry players towards the successful settlement of an EoT claim. This paper reports on a Delphi study focusing on identifying the success elements for EoT claim specifically in the Malaysian construction industry. Two rounds of a modified Delphi surveys were conducted and consensus was obtained from twelve experts. The Delphi survey has successfully elicit experts’ consensus on the elements that perceived to be the most important element in producing a quality EoT claim that may lead to a speedy, successful and amicable settlement of such claim. Findings from this study is expected to provide an aid in assisting the claimants in the preparation of claims through the identification of the success elements for EoT claims that will then lead towards achieving harmonious claim settlement.