Dispute Review Board: Concept and introduction to develeoping countries

Abstract

Dispute review board (DRB) is an effective alternative dispute resolution method in U.S. construction industry since 1952. Subsequently, this method has implemented in many high profiled projects around the world. However, the concept and procedures of DRB are relatively new in developing countries, namely Malaysia. The paper aims to investigate on the viability of DRB implementation in Malaysian construction industry. Three reputed experts were interviewed, who targeted initially as to their expertise and significant involvements or experiences in dispute resolution. The data analysis was carried out using content analysis approach. The consensus results has confirmed the concepts of DRB and also identified the practicality and barriers of DRB implementation. These qualitative findings have forecasted the trend of DRB practice and created an important insight in dispute resolution for developing countries. It is concluded that an optimistic viable outcome toward DRB has achieved.