Hearings Within the time period specified in Section 8.4(d), the matter shall be presented to the arbitrator at a hearing by means of written submissions of memoranda and verified witness statements, filed simultaneously, and responses, if necessary in the judgment of the arbitrator or both the parties. If the arbitrator deems it to be essential to a fair resolution of the dispute, live cross-examination or direct examination may be permitted, but is not generally contemplated to be necessary. The arbitrator shall actively manage the arbitration with a view to achieving a just, speedy and cost-effective resolution of the dispute, claim or controversy. The arbitrator may, in his or her discretion, set time and other limits on the presentation of each party's case, its memoranda or other submissions, and refuse to receive any proffered evidence, which the arbitrator, in his or her discretion, finds to be cumulative, unnecessary, irrelevant or of low probative nature. Except as otherwise set forth herein, any arbitration hereunder will be conducted in accordance with the CPR Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration of Business Disputes then prevailing (except that the arbitration will not be conducted under the auspices of the CPR and the fee schedule of the CPR will not apply). Except as expressly set forth in Section 8.8(b), the decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding on the parties, and judgment thereon may be had and will be enforceable in any court having jurisdiction over the parties. Arbitration awards will bear interest at an annual rate of the Prime Rate plus 2% per annum. To the extent that the provisions of this Agreement and the prevailing rules of the CPR conflict, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern.
