Devise project scope and scheme of work

Transcription

1 Group project in the construction industry 1 Link HNC in Construction and the Built Environment: Unit 5 Group project in the construction industry, learning outcome 1, assessment criteria Devise project scope and scheme of work In this topic guide you will learn about the processes and procedures that must be adopted when planning the initial scope of a project and the scheme of work to be undertaken. This topic guide covers: planning group roles and activities, including record-keeping processes and assessment criteria upon which roles and responsibilities are assigned formulating specifications with regard to a number of constraints formulating initial proposals, using techniques including brainstorming and sketches. 1

2 1 Planning group roles and activities Links Technologies: Unit 17 Managing building services engineering projects in the work location, learning outcome 1, assessment criterion 1.3. Technologies: Unit 19 Managing the effectiveness of a building services engineering workforce, learning outcome 1, assessment criteria Before you start Meet with your tutor and discuss your group project ideas. Decide what it is you are going to do and write a very brief synopsis. The importance of working well together The current methods of working within the construction industry which champion the ethos of partnerships and team working are a direct result of two influential government reports from the 1990s. These are: the Latham Report the Egan Report. The Latham Report, published in 1994 in response to perceived inefficiencies within the construction industry, condemned existing industry practices as adversarial, ineffective, fragmented, incapable of delivering for its clients and lacking respect for its employees. The report urged reform and advocated partnering and collaboration by construction companies to replace the overly bureaucratic, wasteful and adversarial practices that had come to characterise construction projects in the mid-1990s. The Egan Report was published in November 1998 and built on what was recommended in the Latham Report. It did much to drive efficiency improvements in UK construction industry practice during the early years of the 21st century and identified five key drivers of change: committed leadership a focus on the customer integrated processes and teams a quality-driven agenda commitment to people. The methods and techniques that are employed today to ensure that efficient working practices are maintained, and that projects are run as effectively as possible, have largely evolved as a result of these key reports. Team roles and responsibilities When considering the allocation of roles and responsibilities for the completion of the group project, you must first consider the different jobs that need to be completed to make the project a success. From the initial information that has been provided (either here or by your centre), you and the members of your group will be required to complete a number of actions/work tasks related to the project. This will include (but will not be limited to): identifying and assessing the implications of the constraints that are applicable to the client brief assessing the specification requirements relating to the client brief (materials and components, standards and codes of practice, quality control) 2

3 Link Technologies: Unit 19 Managing the effectiveness of a building services engineering workforce, learning outcome 2, assessment criterion 2.1. completing appropriate preliminary checks and analyses to inform the development of the design proposal (field data, geotechnical information, costing, feasibility analysis, impact assessments) discussion and production of initial proposals for further consideration appointment of a CDM (construction design manager) coordinator and generation of appropriate CDM notification paperwork. The project work will also need a worksite implementation plan, which should include consideration of the: production and monitoring/updating of the site health and safety plan/file establishment of a site emergency and evacuation plan provision of appropriate accident reporting processes/procedures sourcing and purchasing of required materials production of cost estimates for materials, equipment and labour production of site-specific risk assessments, the site waste management plan and the site access plan production of outline specifications/method statements for work activities and an overarching work programme preparation of sub-contractor agreements and work information. The project work will culminate in the completion of a range of activities. These comprise: the development and agreement of a final design proposal and project plan which meet the client brief and take into account appropriate constraints completing and submitting appropriate Building Regulations and planning permission documentation for the project, which meets the client brief the production and monitoring/updating of specifications for work activities the presentation of project documentation and media the evaluation of project activities and group dynamics. Ordinarily, the scope of work described above would be undertaken by a team of people, including professionals such as design engineers, purchasers/buyers, quantity surveyors, estimators, project managers, a health and safety officer/cdm coordinator and financial/administrative support staff. For the purposes of the group project, all of the above roles will need to be completed by the group members. A number of considerations may influence how roles and responsibilities are allocated within the group. If group members have experience and expertise in particular areas, e.g. estimating or health and safety, you may decide during the initial group discussions that it would be best for them to concentrate on the completion of work activities in these areas. Conversely, the group may decide that it is best for people who have experience in particular areas (e.g. estimating or health and safety) to work in more unfamiliar areas such as project management or design. Although this may make it more difficult for the individuals to deliver their project tasks, they will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a new area, which will benefit them in the long run. 3

4 As a group, complete a SWOT analysis for the role allocated to each individual in the group project. Discuss as a team. Now pick one other role that each person would not naturally choose and complete a SWOT analysis. Reflect as a group and decide if anyone would like to change roles to help their personal development. Determining roles and responsibilities will set the group structure. It is essential that all team members are comfortable and clear on the roles that they are tasked with undertaking. A way to help achieve this is to ensure that all group meetings are effectively recorded, with minutes and reports being promptly circulated to all group members. The responsibility for ensuring this happens will be down to whoever is appointed as secretary to the working group. As everyone in the team is equally responsible for the completion of the project, it could be a good idea to circulate the secretarial responsibilities between the team members on a fortnightly/monthly basis (depending on how long the group project will take) to ensure that everyone in the team has the opportunity to complete the secretarial duties. The accurate taking and recording of the minutes of a meeting is extremely important because: recording actions in meeting minutes means that points that are not immediately addressed can be revisited and chased up (and not forgotten about) meeting minutes provide a historic record of what has been discussed and agreed. These can prove invaluable in situations where problems arise at a later date. Minutes are covered in more detail in Group project Topic guide 2. Summary of job roles associated with group projects Site (design) engineer Site engineers are members of the site management team and have responsibility for a number of key site operations, including: marking and setting out the site interpreting plans, documents and drawings to make sure designs are applied in the correct way liaising with clients, and main and sub-contractors. Site engineers may also have responsibility for site security, health and safety, the organisation of materials and equipment, and the supervision of site personnel. Estimator The role of an estimator working in the construction industry is to produce estimates of how much it will cost to provide a client with the products and services that are required to complete the project build. The estimator will work out how much a project is likely to cost by assessing quoted costs for materials, equipment and labour that are required to complete the project work. Estimators may be required to work from a bill of quantities or from drawings provided by the client in order to produce budgets, calculations of estimated cash flow and profit margins. 4

5 Purchaser/buyer Construction purchasers/buyers, or procurement managers, are responsible for sourcing and procuring the materials, plant and equipment that are required for construction projects. The role of the buyer is essential in ensuring that the project s profit margins are maintained and that contracts remain cost-effective and viable. Construction buyers will obtain material, plant and equipment quotes from a number of suppliers, ensuring that they can be delivered when required and that they meet quality and health and safety guidelines, before ordering what is needed. They are also responsible for managing and reporting the cumulative costs of new purchases to estimators and other members of the construction management team. Quantity surveyor The role of the quantity surveyor is to manage and plan all costs associated with the completion of construction projects in order to ensure that work is completed in accordance with the required specifications and at the best possible price. The traditional role of the quantity surveyor was to price up jobs, undertake detailed site measurements and to negotiate payment amounts with clients and subcontractors, but the role has evolved. Typically, a quantity surveyor will now also be responsible for helping to produce project tender documentation and to help prepare bills of quantities. Project/site manager A project or site manager may also be known as a construction manager or site agent. Construction managers are responsible for running a construction site or a section of a large project. The main duties of a project or site manager are to: develop a plan with strategies for the construction of the project be aware of problems that might occur and have continuity plans ready to put in place make sure all site and construction processes are carried out in accordance with health and safety policies communicate regularly with the client to report progress ensure that the workforce understands its tasks and is motivated. Figure 1.1: The project/site manager may run the entire construction site for smaller jobs or run a section of a large project. 5

6 CDM (construction design manager) coordinators Under the CDM Regulations 2007, any project that lasts more than 30 days or involves more than 500 person days of work is classified as notifiable and will require the appointment of a CDM coordinator. The main duties of a CDM coordinator are to: notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the project details provide the central hub for the coordination of project health and safety, and prepare/update the health and safety file identify, collect and pass on pre-construction information promote good relations and effective communication between the client, designers and contractors provide advice and assistance to the client and liaise with the principal contractor regarding ongoing design work. Case study: A breakdown in communication A building project underwent several redesigns before the final plans were agreed with the client. The plans had been submitted to the relevant planning authorities and work was due to begin. The suppliers of the new ground source heat pump system were not kept fully involved or informed of the building design changes until too late. The heating system required a complete rethink and the project design had to be changed again, causing a delay in the building commissioning. 1 What caused the problem? 2 What methods and working practices could have helped to prevent this problem? To recap, in terms of planning group roles and activities, the following actions need to be completed. Identify as a group what roles are required. Identify what each job role will entail. Hold an initial discussion to agree the logic of how roles will be assigned. Assign roles and responsibilities. Record the decisions taken. With your chosen group project, scope out the limitations and demarcation points/responsibilities for your specific project job and document them in the form of a short report for your manager and tutor to agree on. Link Technologies: Unit 17 Managing building services engineering projects in the work location, learning outcome 2, assessment criterion Formulating specifications with regard to constraints The scenarios that will be presented for the group project will usually include a number of constraints. Constraints are factors that must be considered during the planning and design of construction projects. The implications of constraints are covered in other units within the qualification, but we will cover some of the more typical examples here. Spatial issue: this is typically an issue that is related to building services installations. The type of building services systems that will suit a building will vary, not only by the type of space, but also by its size and the way it is used. 6

7 Client requirements: the requirements also act as a constraint or parameters within which a designer has to work. Planning and building legislation/regulations: all work that is proposed must comply with the extensive regulatory framework that exists within the UK and all designs must comply with all applicable standards. Site characteristics: factors relating to site size, shape and contours may have an effect on system layouts and waste disposal arrangements. Environment: factors relating to climatic conditions such as intensity of rainfall, snow and wind speed. Orientation of site: this will affect the feasibility of environmental technologies such as solar thermal, solar PV or microwind systems, and also the positioning, size and number of windows as a result of building heat gain due to the sun. Cost: the likely cost of implementing a chosen or preferred design is often a significant constraint, especially where initial proposed costs are high. When would you start to question the costs? Liaise with group members and schedule a group meeting to discuss specifications with regard to the constraints for your live group project. Factors to be considered when formulating specifications The following factors must be considered alongside any potential constraints when work is being undertaken to develop proposals and specifications to take construction projects forward. Client brief This is the original communication from the organisation that is commissioning the work and will typically include: background information the aims and objectives of what the construction project will achieve an indication of desired construction materials and how the completed building needs to look the site plans. Depending on the stage at which communication with the contractor is made, architectural concepts/initial drawings may also be available. Technical and non-technical specifications These will typically include the types and standards of materials and components that are to be used to achieve the aesthetic and functional aims of the client. Legislation, standards and codes of practice In addition to the standard items of legislation and build standards that apply to most construction projects (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, CDM Regulations 2007, Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007, BS 8000, etc.), specific consideration of standards and regulations that relate to specialist systems (in situations where they are to be installed) such as solar PV or heat pump 7

8 installations must also be taken into account. Other elements that relate to these systems, such as commissioning codes of practice, must also be considered. Quality control It is essential that quality control is considered during the project planning and design stage. The desired level of finish and client expectation of the quality of the completed build will be an important factor in determining materials specifications and costing calculations. Health and safety As construction sites are inherently dangerous places, it is essential that health and safety requirements and considerations are built in at all stages of the project planning process. Now consider your group project. From the drawings made available to you, what are the main health and safety considerations on your site? What environmental considerations are there in your group project? Link Technologies: Unit 17 Managing building services engineering projects in the work location, learning outcome 1, assessment criteria Formulating initial proposals The process of discussing and considering initial proposals in order to meet the requirements of the client brief will usually include a series of informal brainstorming sessions. During these sessions, members of the project team will be free to express their views and ideas about how best to approach the project and meet the client s requirements. This process may also include the generation of rough sketches/drawings which may form the basis of later, more detailed, plans/cad models, etc. As already mentioned, it is essential that these discussions, while informal in nature, are recorded and minuted so that good ideas and concepts are not lost. As the case study below illustrates, it is also important that everyone feels able to contribute their ideas. Once initial proposals are agreed, they can be moved forward and explored in more detail before they are finalised in a formal design proposal to the client. The nature of the work that will be required to turn the initial draft proposals into final design proposals will form the basis of Topic guide 2 of this group project. Case study: Encouraging communication A very large project ran weekly project review meetings. All team members were encouraged by the project director to say a few words at the end of the meeting. A culture of honesty and openness allowed even the quietest member of the team to have their say. A number of very important points were identified through this process, which allowed the overall project to save money and time in final delivery. 8

9 Call a team meeting for your group project and brainstorm the initial design proposals. Formulate a draft proposal and present this to your tutor/manager. Checklist At the end of this topic guide you should be familiar with: roles that are required for the group project assigning roles and responsibilities different types of constraints producing specifications with regard to constraints developing initial design proposals. Further reading and resources Sullivan, G., Barthorpe, S. and Robbins, S. Managing Construction Logistics (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010) ISBN produces useful documents including The Construction Industry and the Building Team. Note: in order to access resources, you need to register with the website. Acknowledgements The publisher would like to thank the following for their kind permission to reproduce their photographs: Alamy Images: Mark Chivers (5). Shutterstock.com: j.wootthisak (1) All other images Pearson Education Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders and we apologise in advance for any unintentional omissions. We would be pleased to insert the appropriate acknowledgement in any subsequent edition of this publication. 9