NEC4: Professional Service Contract

The book "Understanding the NEC4 Professional Service Contract: A Practical Handbook" by Kelvin Hughes is a comprehensive guide to the NEC4 Professional Service Contract (PSC), not "NEC4: Professional Service Contract" by NEC Nec (which does not exist). Here is a detailed overview of the actual book:

Key Themes

1. Contract Management: The book focuses on the management aspects of the NEC4 PSC, including the processes and techniques used to manage the contract effectively.
2. Collaborative Approach: It emphasizes the importance of mutual trust and cooperation between the client and the service provider.
3. Payment Options: The book covers the three main payment options (A, C, and E) and how they distribute risk between the client and the service provider.
4. Risk Management: It discusses the compensation event process and how to mitigate potential issues that could affect time, cost, or the usefulness of the service.
5. Quality Management: The book includes guidance on identifying and managing defective services throughout the contract and after completion.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide practical guidance for users of the NEC4 PSC. It includes:

• General Provisions: Techniques for managing the contract, including communication strategies, the roles of the Service Manager and Consultant, and early warnings.
• Contractor's Main Responsibilities: Details on how the service is defined, key personnel, key dates, and subcontracting.
• Time Management: Explains when the service starts and finishes, the importance of the programme, and how the Accepted Programme is used and revised.
• Quality Management: Clarifies how defective services are identified and managed.
• Payment Management: Covers how amounts for payments are calculated, handling costs, disallowed costs, and the Schedule of Cost Components.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception provided in the sources, the book is likely to be well-received by professionals in the construction industry due to its practical approach and comprehensive coverage of the NEC4 PSC. The book's focus on collaborative management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance aligns with the principles of the NEC4 suite, which is known for its flexibility and clarity in managing built environment projects.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the book itself or other resources that provide an in-depth analysis of the NEC4 PSC.