BPM 101 Exam Topics - Summary Interdisciplinary Studies in Construction PDF

Preview

Summary

BPM 101 Exam Topics List 4 main stages of a construction project Answer:Steps(1)Design (2)Tender Documentation & Selection (3)Construction (4)Handover & Maintenance Characteristics of different types of projects/construction and 2 examples of each in Singapore Answer: Building constr...

Description

BPM 101 Exam Topics 1. List 4 main stages of a construction project Answer: Steps (1) Design (2) Tender Documentation & Selection (3) Construction (4) Handover & Maintenance 2. Characteristics of different types of projects/construction and 2 examples of each in Singapore

Answer: 1. Building construction It is where structures are constructed. Majority of these projects are general or small renovations. The client of the property may act as the labourer, paymaster, and design team throughout the entire project. The project will involve only the authorities that approved the plans and affect neighboring property owners. 2. Heavy / civil construction These projects usually take a long time and require multiple project teams to design, coordinate, collaborate and execute different phases. An example is the Marina Bay development managed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

3. Industrial construction It is a small part of the entire industry but an important component. Clients are usually large, profitable and industrial corporations. These corporations can be in industries like medicine, chemical, power generation, manufacturing and many more. However, processes in these industries require highly specialized knowledge in planning, cost-estimating, design and construction. Types of Projects  Residential (HDB, Condo)  Commercial (Retail, Office, Hotel) E.g. Uptown at farrer, Poiz  Institutional (Hospital, School, Recreational facilities) E.g. Tampines Hub, NTU, NUS, CGH, SGH  Civil Engineering Projects (Airport, Railways, Road) E.g. Singapore Changi Airport, Downtown line  Industrial Projects (Warehouses, Desalination Plants, Flatted factories) E.g. Jurong Island (ExxonMobil), Seagate, Deep tunnel sewerage system

3. Differences between domestic & nominated sub-contractor and the significance of contractual relationship with client and the benefits to the main contractor Answer: Domestic Sub Contractor    

Appointed by main contractor No formal contractual agreement Payment received depends on main contractor Claim payments paid through main contractor

Nominated Sub Contractor

   

Appointed by Owner There is a formal contractual agreement Payment received depends on work completed Claim payments paid directly by owner

For domestic sub-contractors, issues that they are faced on site are held answerable by the main contractor. There is no contractual agreement if the domestic sub-contractor chooses to back out at the last minute, which would incur losses for the main contractor, in terms of project delays and costs. Nominated sub-contractors must directly answer to the client or owner if there are issues on site and they are not able to back out due their contract binding.

4. How a planner adds value to a development project, other than document/submissions for approval Answer:

Planning Scheme (‘PRCL’)    

Prepares design brief Reviews development guidelines Conducts feasibility and pre-planning appraisal List environmental issues that requires intervention

Planning Design (‘PIE’)  Provide inputs in terms of safety, transport and other essential features  Initiates study on building mass, shapes and scales  Evaluates surrounding structure and open space

Infrastructure Planning (‘CAI’)

 Consult relevant governmental bodies for water, power and other infrastructure provisions  Assesses issues and concerns through public consultation  Incorporates public needs into development plan

5. Difference between client and main contractor’s Quantity surveyor on responsibilities and functions Answer:

Client’s QS (Formula, ‘EEESC’)     

Estimate and monitor construction costs until project completion Estimate replacement costs for life cycle costing Evaluate possible design solutions in planning decision making Support mediation and arbitration proceedings in disputes Conduct valuation depreciation for insurance purposes

Main Contractor’s QS (Formula, ‘PPMCECPPP’)  Price the works in bidding documents for competitive tendering  Providing expert knowledge on costs and prices of work, labour and materials  Measure any changes and price the difference accordingly  Control construction costs by accurate measurement of work  Ensure sub-contract formation is done  Collating of operation and maintenance manuals  Prepare construction progress claims and cash flow forecasts  Prepare claims for extension of time  Prepare final account for contract settlement 6. What are the contributing inputs a Design engineer should have to ensure project excellence?

Answer: (‘TCIII’)  Takes care of the total system in terms of engineering design  Concerned with designing a system or a product  Involvement with the development of the conceptual and detailed design of critical parts  Involvement in early stages of the design to enable yielding of benefits Integrate various systems aesthetically and efficiently into building projects  7. 5 Areas of work that a Planning Engineer carries out. Answer: (‘ECARRI’)  Early involvement to ensure yielding of benefits of construction cost and cost efficiency  Concerned about designing at system engineering level  Analyze engineering design performance  Review operational aspects of designs  Review construction methods, systems and technologies to enhance productivity  Integrate building processes to enable buildability 8. Know the 5 types of MEP engineers and briefly describe their work areas Answer: Mechanical engineers Design and oversee the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

Electrical engineers Responsible for the building's power distribution, telecommunication, fire alarm, lightning protection, lighting and control systems

Plumbing engineers

Perform water reticulation, waste water disposal and drainage systems for rain Lift Engineers Carry out works involving lift and mechanical elevation systems Fire Protection Engineers Carry out works involving active fire protection systems

9. Information/Considerations a contractor a needs to know before decision to tender Answer: 1. Objectives of a company 2. Type/nature of the project to be tendered 3. Duration of tender and project 4. Existing project workload 5. Current price levels and market conditions 6. Economic and political outlook 7. Experience with potential clients and consultants 8. How much more manpower available 9. How much more equipment available 10.How much more financial resources available

10. Advantages of Prefabrication

Capacity

Answer: Advantages include, (a) Reduced site work thus, reduced accidents (b) Better quality assurance and quality control (c) Better logistics control (d) Time taken to construct is very short (e) Higher productivity due to saving time

11. Resistance to adopt prefabrication Answer: Resistance to adoption, (a) Storage space constraints for large prefabricated items (b) Transportation constraints for large prefabricated items (c) High cost to set up prefabrication plant (d) Standardization is not acceptable by clients (e) High rental cost of factories in Singapore (f) Lack of expertise in off-site assembling

12. What is Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC)? Answer: Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) is a construction method where completed volumetric modules with finished walls, floors and ceilings are either constructed and assembled or manufactured and assembled. It boosts construction productivity and speeds up work.

13. Describe the best methods and tools given to a Project Manager to collate and channel the inputs given by others in the team?

Answer: Methods includes, (‘CMF’)  Create clear and attainable project objectives  Manage cost, time and quality constraints  Following contracting parties’ internal procedures to form close links with nominated representatives

Tools includes, (‘MDSPB’)  Monitoring key measurables to ensure the project is within planned time and cost  Data analysis and reporting on major design deliverables  Specialized knowledge on project requirements  Power that takes his personality into consideration to persuade and convince others  Backed up by formal authority to issue orders, power to reward and penalize

14. 5 Ways a Professional Construction Manager can contribute to a greater integration to improve performance Answer: (Formula, ‘MIEWE’)  Manage procurement of equipment and services for all contractors and their monthly payments, variations and inspections  Initiate design and construction solutions and evaluate them in terms of project cost and schedule

 Ensure client is constantly updated and avoid the design and construction teams to deviate from the planned project  Working closely to coordinate and provide guidance on design improvements, schedules, construction technology and economy  Ensure a good flow of communication is maintained for all relevant parties 15. Identify and describe 5 Issues confronting the construction industry Answer:  Limitations to growth o Small market with many players o Volume of construction is dependent on government  Poor image and perception o Dangerous work with many accidents o Dirty, long hours and poor housekeeping  Productivity lag o Lack of funding to improve processes o Common trades are labour intensive  Inadequate skills o Poor retention of skilled workers o Lack of experience in foreigners  Technology lag o Lack of funding on plant and equipment o Unwillingness to use improved technology

16. Factors that increase complexity in a project and 2 reason why projects are complex Answer:

Factors increasing the complexity of a project: 1. Advanced technical systems are used, thus more specialized knowledge is required 2. Wide stakeholder expectations, requires more managing and interfacing 3. The design has to cater to the constant evolving of the life cycle development in a project Reasons for increasing complexity of projects: 1. Built environment as an extension of life 2. Concept of organic integration & renewal 3. Average is not good enough 17. 10 Main responsibilities of the main contractor Answer: 1. Conduct site surveying and engineering 2. Obtain relevant permits to start construction work 3. Appoint subcontractors to perform specialized work 4. Provide labour, material and equipment 5. Access to basic necessities on site 6. Securing the site and property 7. Overseeing the construction and the work site 8. Disposing and recycling of construction waste 9. Maintain detailed records on construction progress 10. Monitor schedules and cash flow

18. Design and build contract and its attributes Answer: Design & Build contract  Promotes collaboration between design consultants and builder to ensure an optimal design solution that meets the requirements of the client  High constructability, save cost and short duration needed for the project The characteristics or attributes of a Design & Build contract are: (‘DPS’) 1. Design takes into consideration, constructability 2. Provide incentives to reduce cost while meeting functional requirements 3. Shortened duration of contract due to overlapping of design and construction activities 19. The advantages of Bid and build (Traditional) over Design and build (Comparison) Answer:

Build-only contract (Traditional) has the advantages of  Integrity is protected  Separation of duties to ensure ‘Check-and-balance’ on design and construction activities  The consultants ensure the main contractor complies with specifications and codes  The contractor validates the design in accordance to codes and regulations

20. How the client and architect and their working relationship influences performance of a project? Answer:

Client’s efforts: (‘SIPI’)    

Sourcing for good consultants and contractors Invest in site selection and cost analysis Provide clear intent and project objectives Identify risks and build contingencies

Architect’s efforts: (‘PHDW’)    

Provide clear and detailed specifications Holistic approach and functionality in design Due diligence to study alternatives Work closely with consultants and contractors

21. What are productivity improvements in construction industry in terms of systems, processes and technologies?

Answer: Productivity improvements are when lesser resources are used for the construction process. These improvements are in terms of technological, process and system adjustments. Systems In an integrated system, the planning for both design and construction can be done at the same time. Thus, considering many alternatives and views on

constructability as the project progresses from planning to implementation. This is a system-driven productivity improvement. Processes A process improvement is where, a more coordinated and effective approach is used to communicate and collate information and use construction technology like, BIM for real time discussion of designs and Project management software like Primavera. Technologies A technological improvement is where, new materials and construction methods like Mass Engineered Timber (MET) and Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) are used. 22. Describe 3 areas the construction industry can improve to produce better progressive, productive and professional (3P’s) and how it can be done Answer: Construction Planning Schemes such as Early Contractor’s Involvement (ECI) gathers input from contractors to ensure designs are done using a holistic approach. This minimizes downstream issues and reworking works. Design & Build contracts also aids the construction planning for the project. Site Environment Management Design professionals study the site to understand the basic topography, orientation and basic necessities of existing amenities. It also involves gathering information of potential pollutive factors. Prefabrication and Industrialized Construction Assembling works are carried out at factories. This saves time, reduces accidents and enhances productivity as it is done in a controlled environment. However, the lack of standardization and expensive costs of prefabrication are issues that needs to be improved.

23. 5 Strategies to manage time, cost and quality of a project (‘DTFEE’) Answer:     

Develop collaborative work processes and procedures Time scheduling must consider the availability of resources in the market Forge close relationships with nominated representatives Effective and tight cost control Effective monitoring and quality control to meet client demands

24. Differences between a public and a private sector client. Answer:

Public (Government) sector: (‘RES’)  Rigid and transparent procurement procedures  Established procedures and conservative approach  Serves national development needs

Private sector client: (‘LAP’)  Long-term working relationships  Adapt quickly to situations  Profit & market driven

25.Describe the key roles of public agencies in property development and the underlying policy that undergird their activities?

Answer: Roles: Implement the policy intent through:  URA - Planning guides, schemes, zoning and plot ratios  Technical Agencies - Specific technical requirements to ensure the policy considers the adequacy of minimal safety, health and environment Underlying policy intent: (‘OCSS’)  Optimal use of scarce land  Crashing projects during downturn and yield benefits of cheap construction services  Social engineering tool to aid building of inclusive communities  Systematic and coordinated development of infrastructure

a. 4 General ways a Project Manager can secure the support of his team

Answer: (‘PPTS’)

 Power that is obtained from the project manager’s role and he is authorized to provide direction for the progress of the project

 Power that takes his personality into consideration to persuade and convince others, which depends on the individual

 Teamwork

 Specialized knowledge on project requirements, giving him expert power

26. Ways a Project Manager can secure authority in a matrix-based project organization Answer: (‘PPPI’) A matrix-based project organization structure consists of three different types. They are weak, balanced and strong matrix structures. Each is different in terms of power and authority for the project and functional manager.  Project manager’s authority must be clearly documented and defined and Functional manager must retain certain authority over temporary staff

 Project manager must have control over critical elements that overlap that of the Functional manager

 Project manager should encourage problem solving and teamwork

 Interface between the Project manager and Functional manager must be kept simple

27. What is the Project engineer’s specific roles?     

Assist project managers Oversee daily operations on site and manage subcontractors Coordinate project works and ensure it is built correctly Prepare and monitor project schedules and forecasts Prepare periodic status reports and monitor budget

28. What is urban Planning?  Optimal land use  Urban renewal to meet economic and social goals as well aspirations of the people  Sustainability and environment impact

Management Contracting (‘CASES’) Management procurement systems are used to:    

Contractor appointed by tender and interview Allows greater flexibility in design variations for client Speed up procurement process and gives greater client control Employer appoints consultants and has control over the design

 Sub-contractors are used to complete construction works

Other features  Design proceeds in parallel with construction  No certainty over cost at the outset; cost of project will not be known until the final package is let  Design changes are possible during construction phase, if these do not affect work packages committed  Completion within the contract period is an obligation of the contractor, and  Risk is largely with employer, in terms of cost and time...