A military project specifies a lighting fixture that is unique and is the centerpiece for a large conference room. The construction project is proceeding and is on schedule. As the construction manager on the project, you receive a call stating that the lighting fixture is eight weeks out from delivery. This timeframe will result in a late opening for the project. In your response, answer the following questions:

•How will you explain this situation to the project owner?

•Which process will you complete differently for the next construction project?

•In your opinion, who has the greater responsibility: the architect, the general contractor, the sub-contractor, or a vendor? Who should solve the problem?

•As a matter of scheduling, which steps, if any, might not have been completed correctly?

PART 2

An owner wishes to construct a five-story hotel. Your firm has been selected to complete the construction management portion of the project. The project includes a liquidated damages clause in the specifications. The liquidated damages clause states that if the project is completed ahead of the projected schedule, then for every day ahead of schedule, your firm will receive a bonus of $2,500. The specifications also state that, for every day behind schedule, you will forfeit (pay) $2,000 to the owner. As the construction manager, what scheduling factors will you consider prior to submitting the final schedule to the owner? In your response, identify two advantages and disadvantages associated with projects that include liquidated damages in the contract.