---
title: "Short note: Conflict and dispute management"
subject: "Engineering Professional Practice"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_8/engineering_professional_practice:short-note-conflict-dispute-management"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/short-note-conflict-dispute-management
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Conflict and dispute management

Engineering Professional Practice · Chapter 6: Contemporary Issues in Engineering

- Asked in: 2072 Asoj, 2 marks
- Video: [What is Organizational conflict? | Types, Sources, Resolution](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRPS5VWU7nk) — Educationleaves
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/short-note-conflict-dispute-management
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/chapter-6

## Question

Write a short note on Conflict and dispute management.

## Short answer

Conflict is disagreement over interests or goals; a formal claim becomes a dispute. Management steps are prevention, negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation as last resort. Aim for a win-win solution using the cheapest and fastest method first.

## Answer

Conflict is a disagreement among individuals or groups because of different interests, goals or values. If it is not settled and becomes a formal claim, it is a dispute. In construction, the causes include delayed payment, variations, defective work, unclear drawings and late completion.

**Management steps**

- **Prevention:** clear contract documents, early communication, record keeping, regular meetings.
- **Negotiation:** direct talks between the parties.
- **Mediation or conciliation:** a neutral third person helps to find a solution.
- **Adjudication (dispute board):** an expert gives a quick decision during the project.
- **Arbitration:** a binding award under the Arbitration Act 2055.
- **Litigation:** court action as the last resort.

The best approach is a win-win solution that protects the project and the relationship, using the cheapest and fastest method first.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. When does a conflict become a dispute?
   A. When two people simply disagree
   B. When it is not settled and becomes a formal claim
   C. When a meeting is held
   D. When a contract is signed
   Answer: B. A conflict is a disagreement; if not settled and it becomes a formal claim, it is a dispute. (Key point: Conflict vs dispute)

2. Which is the last resort in conflict and dispute management?
   A. Negotiation
   B. Mediation
   C. Litigation
   D. Prevention
   Answer: C. Litigation (court action) comes last, after prevention, negotiation, mediation, adjudication and arbitration. (Key point: Sequence of management steps)

3. What is the best overall approach to dispute management?
   A. Always go to court to get a decisive result
   B. A win-win solution using the cheapest and fastest method first
   C. Let the stronger party decide
   D. Ignore the issue until the project ends
   Answer: B. A win-win solution protects the project and the relationship, starting with the cheapest and fastest method. (Key point: Best approach)

## Related in other subjects

- [Conflict serializability precedence graph](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdatabase_management_system%3Aprecedence-graph-three-transactions) — Database Management System, chapter 7