Quantity Surveying

Anglia Ruskin University

This advanced technology module is designed to develop your technical knowledge and the skills to apply that knowledge in the context of both new build and refurbishment work. The focus of this module leads on from domestic construction and provides a broad understanding of the way we build commercial and industrial buildings. The module will consider the functional requirements of single-storey industrial sheds and multi-storey framed structures in concrete and steel. In addition, the effects of the latest legislation in relation to fire and health & safety on the construction process are examined. The application of Building Regulations and the associated Approved Documents to both commercial and industrial buildings will be explored. You will compare different construction methods and analyse suitable applications for each method. In particular: frames, cladding systems, internal walls, structural flooring and roofing will form key areas of the module.

This module will develop your understanding of the legal context of your work, specifically in the field of construction contracts. You'll develop skills within the framework of the legal principles of common law contracts, and get the knowledge and analytical skills relevant to standard forms of building contract. We'll cover the essential features and principles of creating a legally enforceable contract, and the principles of breach and remedies. We'll generally concentrate on the provisions of the Joint Contract Tribunal Standard Form of Building Contract 2005, although you'll be required to analyse and draw comparisons between the provisions in the various available standard forms of construction contract where appropriate.

Examine the process of procurement and tendering for construction works, analysing the decisions made throughout the project life cycle which affect the commercial strategy used to procure the project. We'll consider traditional 'selective competitive tendering' procedures for the full range of contractual arrangements; the content and impact of published reports and legislation; and the development of team-working, partnering, PFI, PPP and other arrangements in the procurement process for construction works in the UK. We'll analyse the application of research and statistical analysis to bidding and marketing, and the concepts of risk and uncertainty throughout the process, in the context of deciding an appropriate commercial strategy for any particular project. We'll also compare UK procedures with those in the EU and USA, considering their main features and differences.

You'll gain an understanding of management concepts and their application in the construction industry. Your primary focus will be on developing practical and conceptual approaches to managing in a built environment firm. You'll start by focusing on the principles and processes of management and apply the concepts learnt to a practical context through case studies. You'll consider construction markets and organisations, their culture and structure, looking at staff and functional relationships together with chain of command and span of control. You'll demonstrate how the theory relates to practice and study management techniques and their application, considering work planning, monitoring and progress control. Computer software will be used to solve construction related problems. You'll also consider the importance of quality standards applied to the construction process. Finance plays an important part in the construction industry and you'll develop an understanding and working knowledge of budgets and cost control by undertaking financial problems and present solutions. The module will also consider management within a professional setting and issues relating to the unique nature of practice within the Built Environment.

Gain an understanding and appreciation of the production of costs associated with a range of construction operations and projects. You'll study the principles and methodology in the computation of construction costs throughout a projects life cycle, including relevant commercial factors and risk etc. You'll identify and assess all direct and indirect costs related to construction work as well as understand the factors required to be considered at tender adjudication. You'll also gain an understanding of the measurement and pricing of maintenance and repair work involved in the running and upkeep of buildings using the relevant measurement rules and recognised good practice. Finally, you'll consider the use of Building Information Modelling within project development.

Gain an understanding and appreciation of quantification and measurement through the various stages of the development process of a building project. You'll develop skills in interpreting drawn and written information and presenting that material in appropriate quantified descriptive form to facilitate the analytical processes necessary for accurately assessing the cost of construction works. You'll gain knowledge, skills and competences in quantifying a range of construction and civil engineering work in accordance with the relevant standard forms of measurement from project initiation through to design completion. Finally, you'll interpret and apply the principles and rules contained within the appropriate measurement rules and demonstrate an understanding of the need to quantify work at the various stages of design development.

Ruskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.

Develop your understanding of the commercial management function performed by quantity surveyors, particularly in a contractor position. You'll learn the procedural, legal and practice issues involved in all aspects of the commercial management of construction projects, together with the ability to apply these in a recognised commercial form. We'll enhance your ability to produce professional quality advice and to communicate it effectively to clients, including cost and financial management, cash flow, value engineering, procurement and management of sub-contractors, dispute resolution. Workshops will analyse and examine a wide range of commercial management scenarios and situations with a view to establishing the principles involved, alternative methods available and the selection of preferred courses of action. We'll also focus on the form, presentation and usability of the documents used to communicate advice and information.

You'll be provided with a working knowledge of the factors that affect the economics of building design and the cost of buildings. You'll learn the background necessary for offering advice to clients or the design team on matters concerning economy, cost or price at the various stages of the design process. The range of possible scenarios is envisaged and a 'tool kit' of principles, concepts and technologies is provided to allow a range of scenarios to be managed. The sources of data to assist the surveyor is explored. You'll develop cost models from these. Our module is relevant for a practitioner in a private practice or in construction as increasing amounts of design work is carried out by construction firms. This is largely a practical module and there'll be opportunities to develop appropriate skills and techniques. You'll be assessed through a case study report and an exam.

This module represents the culmination of your development through learning on your course. It provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial original study to investigate a subject, issue, or problem and to produce a usable outcome. You'll carry out an original piece of work that may be either an expert study or a research study. Advice will be offered on choosing a research topic and producing a proposal in a briefing session delivered towards the end of the academic year prior to that in which you'll undertake the dissertation. You'll conduct your research under the supervision of an academic member of staff but the early part of the module in semester one is also supported by taught classroom sessions. These taught sessions enable you to develop research and study skills in respect of reviewing and analysing literature, developing a research question, collecting, presenting and analysing data, and managing the research process. In addition to the taught sessions, a minimum of four supervision tutorials will take place during the academic year in which the module is studied.

Develop your knowledge of basic management theories, and demonstrate your relevance and application in the planning, organisation and control of construction projects. You will research appropriate theories, skills and competencies related to the life cycle of a project from the client's conceptual vision, through the project identification and definition stages, applying appropriate project implementation, execution and control processes to effect successful closure of a project. You will also research and develop operational techniques used in the planning, scheduling and control of projects. You will consider the holistic integrated nature of the project management role on a construction project develop the specialist techniques which question the usual functional and organisational boundaries. This will help you appreciate the strategic relevance of project management, and the unique features of project management which distinguish it from other forms of management.

Our module is a problem-solving module that takes typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. You'll analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions then provide professional advice to clients. You'll focus on the application of theory to practice and develop the knowledge and understanding gained from the study of other modules, with additional knowledge from this module to solve problems. You'll place emphasis on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions and use deliverables in the form of reports, documents, letters, etc. that provide usable information to clients. You'll place importance on the form and presentation of these written documents, and the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors.

Use your problem-solving skills in typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. Analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions then provide professional advice to clients. You'll apply theory to practice and focus on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions. You'll produce reports, documents, letters, etc. that provide useable information to clients and understand the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors. Developing your professional skills, you'll focus on personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. You'll also improve your knowledge of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct.

You'll be introduced to the risk and value management process and distinguish between risk and uncertainty and the influence these issues may have on the technological, managerial and financial aspects of the project life cycle. You'll understand value engineering techniques along with the concept of value management workshops and how these can be used throughout the project life cycle. You'll also focus on the concept and use of the risk management workshop, and how these workshops are used to identify and distribute project risks to members of the project team throughout the project life cycle. You'll apply your knowledge to real life situations with case studies.