Course Catalogue

LJMU Partner Taught

This unit provides learners with an understanding of the principles and application of project management in civil engineering. Learners will also gain an understanding of tendering and procurement techniques applied to civil engineering projects.

Outline Syllabus:Project management: definition, historical developments, advantages and disadvantages in practice, review of current literature, research information Role of project manager: development of project plan, management of project, e.g. project stakeholders, project team, project risk, project schedule, project budget, any issues and conflicts that may arise. Higher quality, e.g. improving standards, achieving quality in building, getting it right first time, best practice Education training and standards: job requirements, person profile, occupational standards, continuing professional development Duties and responsibilities of project managers: understanding the client brief, appointing the design team, working with the production team, reports and recommendations Contractual relationships: coordination and control, project management, responsibilities, e.g. duties, authority, accountability, fees Client objectives: on time, within budget, high performance, quality outcome Clients: government, private and commercial Tender constraints: client objectives and constraints, financial, design influences Contract documentation: bills of quantities, drawings, specifications, conditions of contract, information provided (nature, source, validity), collection of additional data Tendering stages: decision to tender, considerations, tender preparation, strategy and arrangements, stages in open and select tendering, procedures Contractors invited to tender: ‘select list’ of contractors, factors involving placement on select list, e.g. quality of workmanship, capacity to carry out the work, ability to work to required deadlines, value for money, prior performance on similar projects Contractual arrangements: types of contract, e.g. forms and agreements, terms and conditions, schedule of rates, lump sum, design and build, legal responsibilities Pre-tender and Pre-contract planning including site layout planning. Method statements and sequencing studies. Health & Safety method statements and risk assessments. Production and analysis of precedence diagrams. Production of bar charts using contract programming computer software. Short term programming and monitoring of work progress. Use of the construction programme as a control mechanism for labour, materials, plant and subcontractors. Cashflow forecasting for construction projects. Manpower planning issues in construction.