COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Managing Conflict & Resolving Disputes in Construction Projects course. This program is designed to build the skills and knowledge required to effectively identify, manage, and resolve conflict within the high-pressure environment of construction projects. Conflict is a frequent and often unavoidable component of project delivery, and when left unaddressed, it can escalate into costly and damaging disputes. The ability to manage conflict constructively is a core leadership competency for project managers, site supervisors, and contract administrators.
This course begins by defining the nature of conflict within construction settings. Participants will explore the underlying causes of conflict—ranging from contract ambiguity and interpersonal friction to performance shortfalls and site coordination failures. The distinction between productive conflict and destructive disputes is established to encourage resolution strategies that maintain project momentum and preserve relationships.
The types of conflict that typically arise across the construction lifecycle are then examined. From contract disputes involving cost and time claims to interpersonal tensions among site workers, the course provides a framework for recognising and addressing diverse forms of disagreement. Participants will consider technical disputes, subcontractor grievances, and consultant-client misalignments that often result in delayed outcomes or litigation.
Understanding the dynamics between key stakeholders is critical in managing conflict effectively. This section reviews the roles and responsibilities of owners, contractors, consultants, suppliers, unions, and regulatory bodies. Participants will explore how stakeholder interests intersect and why stakeholder mapping is essential for anticipating potential disputes and establishing clear lines of communication.
Early intervention is central to dispute prevention. This section focuses on identifying warning signs such as communication breakdowns, increasing tension, and performance discrepancies. Participants will learn how to use early conflict detection techniques to initiate resolution before escalation occurs.
Legal and contractual frameworks provide the foundation for structured dispute resolution. Participants will explore dispute-related clauses in standard Australian construction contracts, including AS 4000, ABIC, and NEC. Relevant legislation such as the Security of Payment Act, Fair Work Act, and WHS requirements will be addressed to support legally compliant conflict management practices.
Clear communication is a powerful tool in preventing and resolving conflict. This section covers proactive communication planning, including pre-start meetings, project briefings, and issue tracking. Participants will also develop skills in active listening, constructive dialogue, and empathy—essential elements in maintaining respect and collaboration even during disagreement.
Site-based conflict scenarios require immediate and practical response. Participants will explore techniques for de-escalating heated conversations, managing aggressive or uncooperative behaviours, and addressing the complexities of a culturally and professionally diverse workforce. Conflict between design and construction teams is also addressed, with strategies for clarifying documentation, managing RFIs, and building trust through collaborative resolution.
Subcontractor disputes often involve scope, payment, and site compliance. Participants will examine how to enforce subcontractor responsibilities, manage performance concerns, and resolve variation claims or progress payment disagreements through proper documentation and structured processes. The course also covers delay-related disputes, including EOT claims, resequencing, and critical path analysis.
Disputes surrounding quality, defects, and workmanship are explored through a focus on technical inspections, defect notification, and the rectification process. Cost-related conflicts, including underpayment, withholding, and progress claim disputes, are also addressed with reference to statutory requirements and industry best practices.
Internal team dynamics can affect overall project performance. This section explores conflict resolution between team members, including the use of leadership, role clarity, and HR support to manage personality clashes and performance concerns.
Structured dispute resolution methods provide a hierarchy of responses, from informal negotiation to formal processes such as mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation. Participants will learn how to select the most appropriate method depending on the issue, contractual context, and stage of escalation.
The final section of the course focuses on leadership in conflict resolution. Effective safety and project leaders must demonstrate fairness, consistency, and professionalism when navigating difficult conversations. By developing these capabilities, participants will be better equipped to protect project timelines, uphold workplace culture, and lead construction teams through complex challenges.
By the end of this course, you will have the tools, knowledge, and leadership strategies to manage and resolve conflicts constructively—ensuring smoother project delivery, stronger stakeholder relationships, and reduced risk of legal disputes in construction environments.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Conflict in Construction Projects
- Understanding the nature and inevitability of conflict in construction
- Common causes of conflict: contractual, interpersonal, and operational
- The difference between healthy conflict and destructive disputes
2. Types of Conflict in Construction Environments
- Contractual conflicts between clients, contractors, and subcontractors
- Interpersonal conflicts within site teams or across departments
- Technical disputes involving design, quality, or compliance
3. Key Stakeholders in Conflict Situations
- Roles of project owners, contractors, consultants, and suppliers
- Impact of subcontractors, unions, and regulators on disputes
- Importance of stakeholder mapping in conflict scenarios
4. Identifying Early Warning Signs of Conflict
- Recognising behavioural cues and communication breakdowns
- Monitoring project performance for risk indicators
- Escalation triggers: delays, cost overruns, and scope changes
5. Legal and Contractual Frameworks for Dispute Management
- Key clauses in standard construction contracts
- Understanding dispute resolution procedures outlined in contracts
- Relevant legislation: Security of Payment Act, Fair Work Act, WHS laws
6. Communication as a Conflict Prevention Tool
- Importance of clear, regular, and transparent communication
- Setting expectations through kick-off meetings and documentation
- Encouraging collaborative communication across the project team
7. Active Listening and Constructive Dialogue Techniques
- Practising empathy, paraphrasing, and open questioning
- Managing emotional responses and avoiding defensiveness
- Keeping conversations objective and solution-focused
8. Managing Conflict on the Construction Site
- Handling aggressive behaviour, tension, or power struggles
- Managing workforce diversity and cultural communication differences
- Strategies for site supervisors to de-escalate volatile situations
9. Conflict Between Design and Construction Teams
- Common disputes: design errors, RFIs, coordination delays
- Bridging the gap between consultants and contractors
- Encouraging mutual understanding through early design collaboration
10. Managing Conflict Between Main Contractors and Subcontractors
- Scope ambiguity, variation claims, and payment delays
- Monitoring performance and enforcing site protocols
- Using subcontract agreements to define dispute processes
11. Variation Disputes and Scope Creep Management
- Identifying variations vs original scope obligations
- Processes for issuing and approving variation claims
- Preventing variation-related disputes through documentation
12. Cost, Payment, and Progress Claim Conflicts
- Delayed payments and disputed claims under SOP legislation
- Assessing payment schedules, retention, and back charges
- Best practices in payment communication and record keeping
13. Delay and Program Disputes
- Analysing critical path disruptions and extension of time (EOT) claims
- Preparing and defending delay analysis reports
- Managing disputes arising from acceleration and resequencing
14. Quality, Defects, and Performance Disputes
- Resolving disagreements on workmanship and defect liability
- Conducting joint inspections and issuing defect notices
- Handling disputes around rework costs and completion
15. Internal Team Conflicts and Performance Management
- Managing personality clashes and role confusion
- Setting boundaries and expectations for team behaviour
- Resolving internal disputes through HR and leadership intervention
16. Structured Dispute Resolution Methods
- Negotiation and informal resolution pathways
- Mediation, expert determination, and adjudication processes
- Arbitration and litigation as last-resort mechanisms
17. Leadership Skills for Conflict Resolution
- Leading with fairness, consistency, and authority
- Building trust and credibility among project teams
- Mentoring staff in collaborative and proactive behaviour
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.