Evaluating the Key Roles of Contract Administrators in the Zambian Construction Industry

Abstract

The nature of the construction contract administrator’s role from project commencement to completion is multifaceted and complex. Additionally, successfully performing the role, requires various skills. Different perspectives exist on what contract administrators do and what competencies are necessary for the day-to-day administration of a construction contract. The aim of the study was to determine contract administrators’ key roles in the Zambian construction industry. This study provides literature that gives an understanding of what role contract administrators should fulfil. Having this knowledge will enable them to carry out their functions effectively and this will foster completion of construction projects within the stipulated conditions of the contracts. This research shows the key roles of a contract administrator at the various stages of construction that are categorised depending on a particular stage of construction. These roles include risk-related, cost, schedule, procurement, integration and resource-related roles.