Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The ability to evaluate the cost of construction work is fundamental to construction engineering. While reliance on historical costing is adequate for feasibility studies and simple budget estimates, it has no place in serious bidding.

Unlike building work, where standardisation is normal, civil construction covers a wide range of structures and site conditions and includes the design of temporary works. Predicting the cost of such work in advance is the specialised role of highly experienced people, but an understanding of the techniques will provide you with a basis for the development of your future skills and judgement in this area.

A natural extension of these skills is the legal and commercial implications of administering contracts. All engineers operating in a contractual environment require these skills and preparation in this area is an important part of your studies.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop an understanding of the techniques used to estimate the cost of civil construction work, at a level, sufficient to manage the pricing of common engineering structures / construction and to provide this experience in a commercial environment.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Competently assess the quantities of work from drawings and specifications - including temporary works requirements

2. Apply a rational technique to assess the basic components of cost

3. Convert an estimate of cost to a tender & Identify the legal/financial issues consequent on the bidding process (including:construction programming, cash flow, & staffing requirements)

4. Compile & document an offer to execute construction work, identifying the subsequent administration of this documentation (in a variety of contract situations)

Content

The unit adopts the chronological sequencing followed in the preparation of an estimate and tender for a specific project. Studies commence with an appraisal of the documents and the issues surrounding a site inspection.

Quantities are assessed and a preliminary construction method and time program is developed, before the assessment of the cost of labour, materials and equipment is commenced. Temporary works will be designed as required and costed.

The unit proceeds through a legal appraisal of the contractual issues surrounding the bid and the compiling of an offer to execute the work. The submission of a tender and a simulation of post-tender negotiations including the drafting of an acceptance letter are covered.

Administrative procedures relating to the documentation during the construction phase, for a range of project formats, are also covered.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: 4 hours per week
Lecture: 2.5 hrs/wk
Tutorial / Prac: 1.5 hrs/wk

The unit will use a real project as the basis for compiling a tender. You will compile the tender in groups of three, facilitated by a lecturer and supported by lectures on the conceptual issues encountered. Two areas, the design of false work and the compiling of the estimate, will require additional work by you beyond the contact hours.

A simulated tender closing and subsequent formal opening of the bids will be undertaken to provide the experience of meeting an absolute deadline in a commercial environment. Weekly meetings with each group will be conducted in a simulation of a Client/Contractor relationship. Information given at these meetings will be confirmed in writing by you and will be used in the final submission.

Assessment

Assessment is based on Real World projects - Quantities Appraisal tasks, Tender preparation project & a final examination.Feedback from staff includes oral feedback in classes, group discussions and written comments on problem solving tasks and project work.

All assessment tasks will be graded against Criterion Referenced Assessment pro-formas which will be available on Blackboard and discussed in the classes prior to these activities.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Temporary Works and Quantities Appraisal task
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Final Examination
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Temporary Works and Quantities Appraisal task
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

References:

1. Australian Standard AS4120-1994, Code of Tendering

2. Smith, A. (1995) Estimating, Tendering & Bidding for Construction Work, Macmillan Press, UK.

3. Brook, M. (2004) Estimating & Tendering for Construction Work, 3rd ed Elsevier, UK

4. Smith, N. (ed.) (1995) Project Cost Estimating, American Society of Civil Engineers, USA.

Plans and specifications provided by Lecturer

On-Line: QUT Blackboard

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer and technical staff of the School. In any laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes or steel capped shoes).

You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the practical sessions and will be issued with a safety induction card. If you do not have a safety induction card you will be denied access to laboratories.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 30-Apr-2012