Real-Life Communication
"We need people with good communication skills and preparation,"
says John Mossop, a professor of mining engineering. "Most move into supervisory
positions, so people skills -- soft skills -- become much more important."
Natasha
Jakubowksi is a mining engineer. "One of the recent challenges I had was during
the construction of a new on-site concrete batch plant," she says.
"It
was challenging because the contractor I was dealing with could be very difficult
at times. There were several unforeseen issues that came up, and the contractor
was not very cooperative. The reason this turned into a satisfying moment
for me was because, despite the challenges, the plant was built safely and
on schedule."
If you believe a contractor is not being honest with
you, in some cases you might have to consider legal avenues. Read the following
section.
Formal Requirements; Statute of Frauds
Except
as otherwise provided in this section, a contract for the sale of goods for
the price of $500 or more is not enforceable by way of action or defense unless
there is some writing sufficient to indicate that a contract for sale has
been made between the parties and signed by the party against whom enforcement
is sought or by his authorized agent or broker. A writing is not insufficient
because it omits or incorrectly states a term agreed upon, but the contract
is not enforceable under this paragraph beyond the quantity of goods shown
in such writing.
If you have a signed, written
agreement with a contractor for goods and services worth $10,000 that spells
out exactly what those goods and services are, would your agreement be enforceable
as a "contract" under this section?