QUSU07028 2019 Fundamentals of Measurement and Cost Control
This module will introduce learners to the range of services provided by Quantity Surveyors to Property Owners and Building Contractors. Background information will be provided for the development of core Quantity Surveying skills including mensuration applications and elemental measurement. Learners will be introduced to the steps involved in the effective cost management of a typical Construction Project at both the pre and post contract stages.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Recognise the contribution that Quantity Surveyors can make to the successful outcome of Construction projects and appreciate the concept of value for money and the importance of cost control in construction projects.
Apply appropriate mensuration formulae, measure building elements in accordance with the Agreed Rules of Measurement (ARM4).
Demonstrate the principles to be observed for taking off quantities from design drawings.
Identify and distinguish the various pre-contract cost planning stages.
Recognise the steps involved in controlling costs during the post contract stage of a Construction Project.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Lectures, tutorials, seminars and continuous assessment.
Module Assessment Strategies
Continuous assessment (40%) and final examination (60%)
Repeat Assessments
Repeat continuous assessment and /or final exam.
Indicative Syllabus
QS Services and Skills
- Background and origins of the profession; typical duties and menu of services.
- Standard building elements for analysis of the building project.
- Tender Documentation - Bills of Quantities; Schedule of Rates
Measurement Procedures
- Taking off quantities - dimension paper; entering dimensions; order of dimensions; descriptions; abbreviations; principles of good measurement practice and accuracy; query lists; approach lists.
- Application formulae for calculating the girth of regular/irregular shaped buildings and areas.
- Measurement of simple building details in accordance with ARM4.
Pre Contract Cost Planning
- Collection and retrieval of cost price data via in house historical data banks and the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).
- Overview of construction / tender rates.
- Clients requirements in terms of time, cost and quality; factors that influence the cost of a project, building size and planning efficiency, plan shape, height and buildability.
- Typical cost planning stages, feasibility, order of cost magnitude, cost plan(s) and pre-tender estimate.
Post Contract Cost Control
- The control cycle; budgetary control
- Controlling the project variables - prime cost sums; provisional sums & quantities; variations & compensation events; fluctuations; delay and disruption claims; contingency sums.
- Value management / engineering
- Cashflow monitoring and financial reporting
- Preparation of interim payments through to final accounts.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment | Coursework Assessment | Closed Book Exam | 40 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 60 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online Lecture | Not Specified | Online Lecture | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Directed Learning | Not Specified | Directed learning | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2009 Agreed Rules of Measurement The Joint Committee of the Construction Industry Federation and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland
2009 Seeley and Winfield's Building Quantities Explained Palgrave MacMillan
ISBN 0230580149 ISBN-13 9780230580145
This text aims to meet the needs of students studying building measurement in the early years of quantity surveying and building degree courses. 27 worked examples embracing all the principal building elements are included.
2009 Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book Routledge
ISBN 9780750687461 ISBN-13 0750687460
The Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book outlines all the practical skills, contractual and management techniques needed by a student studying quantity surveying in a handy-sized format for quick reference. Arming you with a complete toolbox to each project stage, this book brings together both the measurement and consultancy aspect of QS in a compact pocket book. Covering material key topics such as forecasting, measurement, estimation and contracts in the order it arises in a typical surveying project cycle ensures understanding of key processes and techniques, as well as when and how to use them. Recommended forms for reports, cost plans, final accounts and financial statements are also covered. A no-nonsense how-to approach makes this book an ideal companion to any course textbook. Perfect if you are on a quantity surveying degree, HNC/HND or 1-2 year post-graduate conversion course and require a simple guide to fundamental quantity surveying skills and procedures, also ideal if you are newly-qualified and need an on-site/on-the-job reference. This is a concise, affordable pocketbook bringing together practical, contractual and management techniques. It Covers skills and processes needed at each stage of a project and is ideal if you have just qualified as a quantity surveyor and need an on-site/on-the-job reference. *A concise, affordable pocketbook bringing together practical, contractual and management techniques *Covers skills and processes needed each stage in a project *Ideal if you have just qualified quantity surveyors and need an on-site/on-the-job reference.
2013 Introduction to Estimating for Construction Routledge
ISBN 9780415509862 ISBN-13 0415509866
Students and professionals encountering estimating for the first time need an approachable introduction to its principles and techniques, which is up to date with current practice. Introduction to Estimating for Construction explains both the traditional techniques, and best practice in early contractor involvement situations, within the framework of modern construction procurement. As well as introducing different estimating techniques, it includes: The nature of costs in construction from a cost of resources approach Modern tendering procedures and the stages of development of construction projects How to convert an estimate into a formal tender and then into a contract Simple numerical examples of estimates Estimating and cost analysis during the construction project Summaries and discussion questions in every chapter This is an easy to read introduction to building estimating for undergraduate students, or anyone working in a quantity surveying or construction commercial management role who needs a quick reference.
2012-09-10 New Aspects of Quantity Surveying Practice Routledge
ISBN 9781135138813 ISBN-13 1135138818
The past decade has seen dramatic changes in the construction industry and the quantity surveying profession. The Latham and Egan reports and a client-led crusade for value for money is driving Quantity Surveyors to adopt these changes. In addition, the industry and the profession now stands on the threshold of the e-commerce revolution - one which has so far failed to penetrate the working practices of the majority of surveyors, particularly SMEs. Duncan Cartlidge addresses the evolving market in which today's Quantity Surveyors work, examining the new construction culture, new procurement strategies, e-practice and the QS, changing markets, delivering added value, supply chain management and partnering. The book is recommended reading for students of quantity surveying and an essential guide for all surveying professionals seeking to familiarise themselves with the latest developments.
2014-06-13 NRM1 Cost Management Handbook Routledge
ISBN 9781317907817 ISBN-13 1317907817
The definitive guide to measurement and estimating using NRM1, written by the author of NRM1 The 'RICS New rules of measurement: Order of cost estimating and cost planning of capital building works' (referred to as NRM1) is the cornerstone of good cost management of capital building works projects - enabling more effective and accurate cost advice to be given to clients and other project team members, while facilitating better cost control. The NRM1 Cost Management Handbook is the essential guide to how to successfully interpret and apply these rules, including explanations of how to: quantify building works and prepare order of cost estimates and cost plans use the rules as a toolkit for risk management and procurement analyse actual costs for the purpose of collecting benchmark data and preparing cost analyses capture historical cost data for future order of cost estimates and elemental cost plans employ the rules to aid communication manage the complete 'cost management cycle' use the elemental breakdown and cost structures, together with the coding system developed for NRM1, to effectively integrate cost management with Building Information Modelling (BIM). In the NRM1 Cost Management Handbook, David Benge explains in clear terms how NRM1 is meant to be used in familiar quantity surveying tasks, as well as a range of activities of crucial importance for professionals in years to come. Worked examples, flow charts, diagrams, templates and check lists ensure readers of all levels will become confident and competent in the use of NRM1. This book is essential reading for anyone working with NRM1, and is the most authoritative guide to practice available for those preparing to join the industry.
Module Resources
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