Role of the Quantity Surveying Profession

Role of the Quantity Surveying Profession In order to identify the role of the Quantity surveyor in the modern UK industry we will review his implications and duties during all the different stages of the construction cycle. Also and for information we will review how a Client appoints a Quantity surveyor and when, in order to understand his early involvements in the process. And finally we will explain how the surveyor claims his fees and how the Client paid the QS services. But firstly, lets go in the past to understand where the job of quantity surveyor comes from and when it first appears in the UK. HISTORY The quantity surveyor profession can trace its roots back to the rebuilding of London after the Great fire ROLE OF A QUANTITY SURVEYOR NOWADAYS Quantity surveyors are the accountants of the building profession planning and managing costs of construction projects from start to finish. Quantity surveyors (or QSs as they are known, since its a bit of a mouthful) either work for a private QS practice and act on behalf of clients or for a contracting firm which carries out construction work. This profession is certainly not all hard hats and wellies. In fact the role of the quantity surveyor has changed so dramatically in recent years that the profession doesnt always answer to the name of quantity surveying anymore! You will often see private practices referring to themselves as cost consultants and project managers because of the nature of the work they now handle. Due to the recession, QSs have had to adapt or die and there are now fewer, larger private practices than ever before taking on a broader remit of work. No longer do quantity surveyors just measure and price work, they have a more strategic role. Nowadays the QS is involved at all stages of a project from preparing tenders and planning costs to preparing final bills of quantities; essentially, making sure projects are planned and completed to cost and quality, on time. UK construction professionals are respected abroad and, partly in response to the depressed home market, many UK firms have developed an international outlook. WHEN TO APPOINT A QUANTITY SURVEYOR In order that maximum benefit can be gained from his skill a Quantity surveyor should be appointed by any client as soon as possible in the life of a project, preferably at the inception of a scheme, so that the QSs advices can be provided on: The costs of the project (meet the Clients budget). The best procurement route can be selected according to the Client requirements. Selection of others consultants and contractors. It is recommended that a Client and his Quantity surveyor should meet and discuss the appointment before any agreement is reached, unless the services provided by the Qs is to be restricted in the process. HOW TO SELECT AND APPOINT A QUANTITY SURVEYOR There are three methods available when it comes to select a Quantity surveyor; Selection based on existing knowledge A Client may select and then appoint a QS using existing knowledge of the surveyors performance and reputation. This may a result of past succefull project, good relationship or by recommandations from others. Selection from a panel maintained by a Client A Client may maintain a panel of Quantity surveyors. He will have records of their experience which will enable him to make any selection or appointment. Selection from an ad hoc list produced by a Client If a Client cannot make a decision using any of the two others methods it may be more appropriate produce an ad hoc list. Whichever of the above methods of selection is used it is important for the selection criteria to include the following: The financial standing of the QS under consideration The experience, competence and reputation of each candidate for equal chance. Their ability to provide the services required by the Client. SERVICES OFFERED BY A QUANTITY SURVEYOR This diagram shows the different phases of the construction cycle. The Quantity surveyor is involved in each of these phases. The following will explain what the duties of the QS are during the construction cycle. Quantity surveying in Construction phases Inception and feasibility At inception and feasibility the Quantity surveyor has the duty of: Liaise with client and other consultants to determine the Clients requirements and development of the full brief. Advise on selection of other consultants. Advise on implications of proposed project and liaise with other experts to develop such advice. Advise on the most appropriate procurement route. Establish Clients order of priorities for quality, time and cost. Prepare initial budget estimate from feasibility proposals. Prepare overall project cost calculations and cash flow projections. Design stage During the design stage the Qs will: Prepare and develop preliminary cost plan. Advise on cost of design teams proposals. Monitor cost implications during detailed design stage. Maintain and develop cost plan, and prepare periodic reports and updated cash flow forecasts. Tender documents During this stage, the Quantity surveyor will: Advise on tendering and contractual arrangements taking into accounts the Clients priorities and information available from designers. Advise on insurance responsibilities and liaise with Clients insurance advisers. Advise on warranties. Advise on bonds for performances and other purposes. Prepare tender and contract documents in conjunction with the Clients and members of design team. Provide copies of documentations as agreed Advise on use and/or amendments of standard form of contract or contribute to drafting of particular requirements in association with Clients legal advisers. Draw up form of contact, obtain contract drawings from members of the design team and prepare and deliver to both parties contract copies of all documents. Tender selection and appraisal At this stage of the tender actions phase the Qs has to: Advise on shortlisting prospective tenderers. Investigate tenderers and advise the Client on financial status and experience. Attend pre-contract interview with tenderers. Arrange delivery of documents to selected tenderers. Check tender submissions for accuracy, level of pricing. Advise on errors and qualifications and, if necessary, negotiate the offers. Advise on submission of programme of work and method statement. Prepare appropriate documentation if necessary, to adjust the tender received to an acceptable contract sum. Review financial budget in view of tenders received and prepare revised cash flow. Prepare tender reports with appropriate recommendations. Construction During the construction the Quantity surveyor will: Prepare recommendations for interim payments to contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in accordance with the contract requirements. Post contract During this last stage of the construction cycle the Qs will: Value designers draft for varying the project before issue. Prepare periodic cost reports in agreed format at specified intervals including any allocations of cost and/or copies as requested by third parties. Prepare the final account. Attend meetings as provided under agreements. Provide copies of documentation as provided under the agreement. PAYMENTS The Client shall pay the QS for the performance of the services the fees and charges in such instalments as are set in the fee offer clause. All fees and charges under the agreement are exclusive of value added Tax which if due shall be paid concurrently in addition. The due date for payment shall be 7 days after the date of the submission of the invoice. The quantity surveyor when submitting his invoice shall on each invoice confirm the basis on which the stated amount is calculated. The final date for payment has to be 21 days after the due date for payment. The payment has to be made no later than the final date for payment. Any amount due to the Quantity surveyor under the agreement which remain unpaid by the client after the final date must be bear interest at the rate stated in the fee offer clause. BIBLIOGRAPHY Client guide to the Appointing a Quantity Surveyor, first edition(February 1992; RICS books Cost Planning of Buildings, Eighth Edition; Ferry and Brandon Lecture notes 2010; Discipline Project 2 RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2007 amended Nov 2008

Human Relations Essay

1 In your opinion, do supervisors of entry-level workers rely more on soft skills or hard skills to accomplish their work? Explain. In my opinion, supervisors of entry-level workers rely more on soft skills than hard skills in order to accomplish their work. My reasoning in this is that â€Å"soft skills† often equate to â€Å"people skills†, or developed communication skills. When supervising entry-level workers, such â€Å"soft† skills in communication and working with people will be more beneficial to the supervisor than the technical knowledge or transferable skills referred to as â€Å"hard† skills. When supervising entry-level workers, the supervisor does not actually need advanced technical knowledge or skills relative to the job. Entry-level workers will not have, or necessarily need to learn, such skills and information from the supervisor. Instead, it is most important that the supervisor uses â€Å"soft† skills to maintain open communication channels to understand and respond to worker concerns and needs. 2 Why do people need soft skills in an era of high technology? People need soft skills in an era of high technology for several reasons. Technology is often a tool rather than a tutor or teacher; therefore, human help will always be necessary when workers and individuals are learning to operate new technology. I.T. support staff need to have soft skills in order to carry out their jobs, which involve dealing with people as well as dealing with technology. 3 Discuss two (2) ways that interpersonal skills related to the digital age are demonstrated while interacting with large numbers of people, as well as groups. Interpersonal skills relating to the digital age are demonstrated while  interacting with large numbers of people in several ways. From social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, most people have developed the skill and awareness of â€Å"broadcasting† information or opinions to a large audience. Also though such social media, most people have developed an awareness of privacy filters – for example, in their use of digital technology they may choose to share certain information with a smaller subset of the entire group. 4 How might you improve your effectiveness as a team player in terms of people-related team activities? Discuss three (3) ways. I could improve my effectiveness as a team player by being a more active listener, consistently (i.e., listening attentively to everyone’s contribution instead of periodically â€Å"zoning out† when a certain person is speaking). I could also initiate, as the team members meet for the first time, sharing of each individual’s preferred gender pronouns – if PGPs are uniformly shared at the outset, and this creates a safe atmosphere and dynamic for any gender-nonconforming individuals in the team. Finally, I could make a concerted effort to default to a dynamic of trust, and remind myself that – even if a team member is expressing opinions or taking actions I disagree with – they almost certainly have best intentions.

Death of a Best Friend

It was In a sixth grade classroom with about twenty strangers, where I learned my best friend would not return to school. The sun glaring through the window nearly blinded me as I turned away from the class to hide my tears. Facing away from the quiet room, still knew everyone's eyes were fixed on the teacher as they waited on her to say something else. After sitting in silence for what seemed like forever, the class turned their attention to the school guidance counselor frantically rushing Into the room.I kept my position toward the window until she hurried over to my desk and told me my parent's were there to check me out of school. It was the most unusual feeling I had ever felt. I had been to a few funerals before and I had even lost both of my grandparent's, but losing Alison was different; it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It seemed so unreal because Just the day before I was sitting in the same seat talking to her. How strange it is that someone can be so full of life, but in Just a short moment God can take them away.In that one short moment I lost so much. I lost the person I could confide In, the first person I told my secrets to, and the one I could be my complete self around. Friends like Alison do not come along everyday. On August 16th, 2006, only the third day at my new school, I found out how strange death is. Though some may not understand because they have never experienced it, the death of a best friend is easily the most painful feeling; it is an experience full of mixed emotions and countless life changing realizations.On that third morning of school, our teacher, Ms. Andy, calmly announced to the class that Alison was in a wreck on the way to school. The only thing I could think about was how mad I had been at my parent's for not allowing me to ride to school with Alison and her brother. The entire school, which could not have been more than here hundred people, met In the gym to pray. Mr.. Skipper, our headmaster, prayed int o the microphone, but while he spoke I did not listen; I prayed a special prayer of my own. After Mr..Skipper said â€Å"Amen,† he proceeded to tell us Alison had to be flown to Birmingham. I knew that meant she was seriously Injured. Then, the bell rang and silently walked to break with some girls Alison Introduced me to. While I sat at the table attempting to eat my breakfast, I could not help noticing the teachers crying. With hope that they were not crying about Alison, I walked nervously to the classroom after the second bell rang. I slowly returned to my seat, where I would soon learn that when Allison helicopter reached the hospital. He was pronounced dead. Seven years ago on August 16th, my life was forever changed. Alison was the type of person that had that effect on people; she made an impact on so many people's lives even before her death. She began to influence my life the day I met her in pre-school and has continued to Influence me after that atrocious day. Ali son taught me so much, but the most precious thing being what a true friend is. Alison was the type of friend hat told me what I needed to know regardless of whether I wanted to hear it or not.She was someone who never got on my nerves even after being together for days. She was the first person I would go to when I made plans, needed someone to talk to, or needed to be cheered up. Alison not only showed me what to look for In a friend, but she also taught me how to be a good friend. Soon after she died, her death 1 OFF away from Him, but when I miss Alison I pray. On earth and in Heaven, Alison has brought me closer to God. Losing her was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it made the most important difference in my life.

Exercise, Health and Disease Case Study Report Project

Exercise, Health and Disease Case Study Report Project The client’s goals focus on improving upper body and core strength. The client suffered a sprained knee before being able to running and lower body exercise. An alternative rehabilitation program was prescribed. There are a number physiological requirements to be eligible to work a paramedic. The Ambulance Service of NSW booklet (2014) lists a number of physical tests and attributes required to be accepted in the field many of which require core stability and an ability to hold weight and move effectively. The client also mentioned a push-up test that was not mentioned within the guide. Resistance training was prescribed to improve upper-body strength. This method has been shown to†¦show more content†¦The 3rd session attempted to apply to specificity principle. The intention is to apply an exercise or task that replicates the skill required in performance. As the push-up and plank test were both involved in the physical examination, both were included in the program. Training in this way creates muscular adaptations that replicate demands of the task and also provides an alternative form of training to break up the free weight gym regime that the first two days focused on (Young 2006). Abdominal sessions were prescribed at the end of each of the workouts during the week. Isotonic and isometric exercises were used in the initial program to provide variety and attempt to work upper and lower abdominals as well as obliques. The review on core stability training by Williardson (2007) discusses a possibility of increases in force production in both the upper and lower extremities as a result of strong core muscles. The client’s goal of being able to hold a plank for 60 seconds was considered for this aspect of the program. 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