Stoneboy has an impressive track record in providing expert advice in the untoward events of construction disputes and discord. We have assisted our clients with rock solid support in all stages of construction disputes. Our success is based on many factors, including extensive experience in construction project management; professional competence from countless construction projects in multiple industries; specific knowledge of the design, procurement, and construction processes; and an immaculate attention to detail. At Stoneboy, in addition to utilizing standard industry methodologies, we also deploy our in-house methodology for project lifecycle simulation, and for the definitive project narrative. Variation Management Protocol (VMP), purpose built at Stoneboy, is a simpler yet sturdier solution for identification of issues during a project's lifecycle, and for the quantification of such issues. Our thought leadership and innovation – combined with our expertise and deep understanding of the variables in construction dispute scenarios – equip us in the preparation as well as defense of claims.
VMP: Key Concepts
Project Elements (in order of precedence):
- S-T-C
- Scope → Time → Cost
Variation Event
- An event which has exception, or exclusion from existing (as-planned / baseline / contract) Scope → Time → Cost.
- A variation event can result in an extension, or reduction of existing (as-planned / baseline / contract) Scope → Time → Cost.
Change Instances
- Change Orders, Change Orders (Proposed), Change Orders (Rejected), Change Orders (Revoked), Change Directives, Site Instructions, Field Orders, etc.
PTO (Process & Transaction Overhead)
- Such as delay in approval, process bottlenecks, etc.
Scope Variation
- Variation in Scope Model, or Scope
- Positive Scope Variation (scope extension), or Negative Scope Variation (scope reduction)
- Causes of Scope Variation:
- Change in charter
- Change in design
- Change in other project objectives
- Change in timeline
- Change in budget / value engineering
- Corrective action for errors & omissions
- Unforeseeable conditions, Unforeseen conditions
- Force Majeure events, Acts of Nature, Acts of God
- Change in means & methods
Time Variation
- Variation in Time Model, or Schedule
- Positive Time Variation (time extension), or Negative Time Variation (time reduction)
- Causes of Time Variation:
- Scope Variation
- Change Instances
- PTO (Process & Transaction Overhead)
- Late Start, or consumption of float
- Late finish, or consumption of float
- Loss of Productivity
- Procurement
- Subcontractor Performance
Cost Variation
- Variation in Cost Model, or Budget
- Positive Cost Variation (cost extension), or Negative Cost Variation (cost reduction)
- Causes of Cost Variation:
- Scope Variation
- Time Variation