1. Subject to these Rules, the arbitral tribunal may conduct the arbitration in such manner as it considers appropriate, provided that the parties are treated with equality and that at an appropriate stage of the proceedings each party is given a reasonable o pportunity of presenting its case. The arbitral tribunal, in exercising its d iscretion, shall conduct the pro- ceedings so as to avoid unnecessary delay and expense and to provide a fair and efficient process for resolving the parties’ dispute.

2. As soon as practicable after its constitution and after inviting the parties to express their views, the arbitral tribunal shall e stablish the provisional timetable of the arbitration. The a rbitral tribunal may, at any time, after inviting the parties to express their views, extend or abridge any period of time p rescribed under these Rules or agreed by the parties.

3. If at an appropriate stage of the proceedings any p arty so requests, the arbitral tribunal shall hold hearings for the presentation of evidence by witnesses, including expert witnesses, or for oral a rgument. In the absence of such a request, the arbitral tribunal shall decide whether to hold such hearings or whether the proceedings shall be conducted on the basis of documents and other materials.

4. All communications to the arbitral tribunal by one party shall be communicated by that party to all other parties. Such communications shall be made at the same time, except as otherwise permitted by the arbitral tribunal if it may do so under applicable law.

5. The arbitral tribunal may, at the request of any party, allow one or more third persons to be joined in the arbitration as a party provided such person is a party to the arbitration agreement, unless the arbitral tribunal finds, after giving all parties, i ncluding the p erson or persons to be joined, the opportunity to be heard, that joinder should not be p ermitted because of prejudice to any of those parties. The arbitral tribunal may make a single award or several awards in respect of all parties so i nvolved in the arbitration.