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AIM & OBJECTIVES��Aim: MANAGING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT��objectives: �At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:�

1) Discuss the major phases of a construction project and the stakeholders’ responsibilities.

2) List and outline the requirements for key resources for any construction project.

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INTRODUCTION

At a simpler level, the construction project consists of four key phases: Preconstruction, Site Preparation, Construction, and Handover.
Each phase builds upon the previous one, requiring continuous communication and coordination among stakeholders.
The aim of each phase is to define scope, prepare the site, execute construction, and ensure client satisfaction upon project completion.
Various professionals play crucial roles throughout the project, with responsibilities evolving as the project progresses.
Thorough planning, effective risk management, and adherence to quality standards are essential for successful project delivery.

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PHASES OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Phases	Activities	Stakeholder Responsibilities
Pre-construction Phase	Defines project scope, budget, and schedule Assembles project team (architects, engineers, contractors) Develops detailed design plans and obtains necessary permits Obtaining necessary permits and approvals Establishes communication protocols and project management systems	Architect: Finalises design drawings
		Engineer: Completes structural calculations
		Project Manager: Develops project schedule and budget
		Client: Approves final plans and budget. Under Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015, the client appoints a principal designer to manage this phase.
		Principal designer: Prepares a client brief to provide preconstruction information required under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.
		Principal contractor: Prepares a construction phase plan

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PHASES OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Phases	Activities	Stakeholder Responsibilities
Site preparation	Clears and levels the construction site Conducts soil testing and geotechnical surveys Installs temporary utilities and facilities Implements erosion control measures Establishes site security and safety protocols	General Contractor: Oversees site clearing and preparation
		Surveyor/Site Engineer: Establishes site boundaries and elevations.
		Health & Safety Officer: Ensures site safety protocols are in place
		Environmental Consultant/Agency: Monitors compliance with regulations
		Site manager: Responsible for this phase. Ensure coordination between all stakeholders

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PHASES OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Phases	Activities	Stakeholder Responsibilities
Construction	Executes building activities according to project plans Coordinates various trades and subcontractors Conducts regular quality control inspections Manages material delivery and on-site inventory Addresses unforeseen issues and change orders as they arise	Principal contractor: Responsible for this phase. Ensure coordination between all stakeholders. Ensure welfare facilities are adequate under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.
		Supplier: Delivers materials and equipment as needed.
		Quality Control Inspector/Clerk of Works: Ensures work meets required standards.
		Subcontractor: Carry out specific elements of work such as foundation, roofing, building services, etc.
		Construction manager: Coordinates daily activities and subcontractors.

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PHASES OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Phases	Activities	Stakeholder Responsibilities
Handover	Performs final inspections and quality checks Obtains necessary occupancy permits and certifications Prepares and transfers project documentation (Final certificate) to the client Conducts systems training for facility management team Addresses any remaining punch list items before final acceptance Includes defects liability period (snagging) [6-12 months]	Project Manager: Oversees final inspections and documentation
		Client: Conducts final walkthrough and accepts the project
		Facilities Manager: Receives training on building systems
		Quality Control Inspector/Clerk of Works: Ensures work meets required standards
		Legal Team: Finalises contract closure and warranty documents

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GROUP-ASSESSMENT TASK

Scenario:

Your class has been tasked with planning the construction of the new Aeron Valley Primary School in Felinfach, Wales.

This £13m project will provide 30 nursery places and 210 primary school places.

Instructions: Four groups are needed, with each responsible for one phase of the construction project. Each group should address the following points:

Preconstruction Phase Group:�• Outline the key stakeholders to involve �• Explain the activities that will be carried out during this phase�2. Site Preparation Group:�• List the necessary site surveys and activities during this phase�• Explain how you will engage with the local community during this phase

3. Construction Group:�• Outline your strategy for sourcing local materials and labour�• Describe how you will incorporate sustainable building practices�4. Handover Group:�• Describe the final inspections needed for the school building in Wales�• Explain how you will gather feedback from the school and local community

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MANAGING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Key Resources for any Construction Project

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CLAIMING INTERIM PAYMENTS

Required by law for projects longer than 45 days.
Provides regular cash flow for contractors and subcontractors.
Must follow contract-specified procedures and deadlines.

• Typically based on value of work completed to date.

Carried out by a quantity surveyor, and recommended the value to the client’s representative; usually the (principal) designer, who issues an ‘interim certificate’ to the client as authorisation for payment.

• Requires detailed documentation of work progress.

• Subject to retention and potential deductions.

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MANAGING CASH FLOW

• Essential for maintaining operational efficiency.�• Involves creating and updating cash flow forecasts.�• Requires monitoring expenses against budget projections.�• Affected by timing of interim payments.�• Can be improved by negotiating favourable payment terms.�• Critical for preventing project delays due to financial issues.

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ORDER AND DELIVERY OF MATERIALS

• Requires development of a comprehensive procurement schedule.

• Timing is crucial to avoid delays and storage issues.

• May involve just-in-time delivery strategies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps0DSihggio

• Can impact cash flow if materials are paid for before use.

• Requires coordination with project timeline and storage capacity.

• May involve negotiations with suppliers for optimal terms.

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LABOUR REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING NEEDS

Must align with project phases and skill requirements.
A labour schedule is required for efficient management (Fig. 1).
Requires compliance with health and safety regulations.
May include provision for apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
Can impact project timeline and budget.
Needs regular review and adjustment throughout the project.
A training needs analysis (TNA) allows companies to assess the type and amount of training needed. Involves assessing and addressing skill gaps.

Figure 1. A labour schedule (Eptura Inc, 2024)

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PLANT REQUIREMENTS

• Involves evaluating equipment needs for each project stage.

• Requires decisions on renting vs. buying specialised machinery.

• Needs scheduling for regular maintenance to prevent downtime: • Can significantly impact project costs and timelines.

• May require specialised operators or training (CSCS cards, etc.).

• Must comply with safety and environmental regulations.

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WORKFORCE SUPERVISION

• Crucial for maintaining quality and productivity.

• Involves setting and monitoring performance targets.

• Requires clear communication channels and reporting structures.

• Includes regular site inspections and progress meetings.

• May involve conflict resolution and team management.

• Ensures compliance with project specifications and standards.

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MANAGING UNFORESEEN EVENTS

Develop Contingency Plans: Prepare flexible strategies for common issues like weather delays and equipment failure, and regularly update them.
Establish Communication Protocols: Define clear channels for quick information sharing and ensure all stakeholders understand their roles during crises.
Implement Proactive Risk Management: Conduct thorough risk assessments, identify potential issues, and continuously monitor and reassess risks throughout the project.
Foster a Culture of Adaptability: Train staff to respond quickly to changing circumstances and encourage innovative problem-solving.
Utilise Advanced Technologies: Leverage project management software and predictive analytics for real-time tracking and quick decision-making.
Document and Learn from Incidents: Record details of unforeseen events, conduct post-incident reviews, and incorporate lessons learned into future planning.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT TASK

Scenario:

You have been tasked with planning the initial resource requirements for a new Riverside Park development project in Cardiff, UK. The project includes constructing walking paths, a playground, a small amphitheatre, and landscaping.

Identify and outline the requirements for the following key resources needed for this project:

Materials
Labour
Equipment
Time

For each resource, you should:

a) Briefly describe its importance to the project

b) List specific examples relevant to the Riverside Park project

c) Outline potential challenges in managing this resource

d) Suggest strategies for efficient use or management

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REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Contractor Plus, Inc. (no date) Conquering construction chaos: forward-thinking methods for handling construction delays. Available at: https://contractorplus.app/handling-construction-delays/ (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
Designing Buildings Ltd. (2022) Pre-construction phase. Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Pre-construction_phase (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
Designing Buildings Ltd. (2023) Interim certificates in construction contracts. Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Interim_certificates_in_construction_contracts (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
Eptura Inc. (2024) Labor scheduler: overview. Available at: https://help.archibus.com/user_en/Subsystems/webc/Content/web_user/on_demand/supervisor/labor_sched/planning_board.htm (Accessed: 25 September 2024)
LetsBuild (2023) Force majeure in construction: protecting your projects from unforeseen events by investing on preparation. Available at: https://www.letsbuild.com/blog/force-majeure-in-construction (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
LISC National (2024) The 3 primary stages of a construction project. Available at: https://www.lisc.org/charter-schools/understanding-your-needs/construction/3-primary-stages-construction-project/ (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
Metroun (2021) Construction interim payment process explained (HGCR act 1996). Available at: https://metroun.co.uk/post/construction-interim-payment-process-explained-hgcr-act-1996/ (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
Pearson (2017) BTEC national construction student book. London: Pearson.
Rajan, S. (2024) The most critical steps in preconstruction planning. Available at: https://linarc.com/buildspace/critical-steps-preconstruction-planning/ (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
Trinidad, J. and Gray, D. (2024) The preconstruction phase: A deep dive into the precon process. Available at: https://www.procore.com/library/preconstruction-phase / (Accessed: 27 August 2024)
Waters, J (2023) What is an interim payment in construction and how does it work?. Available at: https://helix-law.co.uk/what-is-interim-payment/ (Accessed: 27 August 2024)

References/Bibliography