Question 1-Provide a detailed review of the nature and make-up of the current UK construction industry, identifying the types and sizes of contracting firms operating within it, as well as the types of work they undertake, and also outline the various types of consultancy firms involved as well as further identifying the key roles and relationships within the UK construction industry. (33%)
Question 2-For any major UK PLC construction company, (you can choose), review their last two full years company accounts and draft an executive report, for your Director at QS Limited, who are considering drawing up a tender list of possible contractors for a large office project, in Nottingham city centre, to put to the client Big Build Developments PLC. This executive report will have an introduction, summary and conclusion on the ups and downs in profitability and overall financial standing, of the company you have chosen, during that two year period, as well as giving an indication of their current situation. You should make specific references to their profit & loss accounts, balance sheets and cashflow situation as well as evaluating/establishing leading financial indices for each year and indicate what these mean, in relation to the company’s current financial standing. Include in your summary the limitations of such a report and indicate what possible further measures may be taken to get an accurate up to date account of a company’s financial standing. (33%)
Question 3-For a £75m new build commercial office project, to be built in central Nottingham, under a JCT Standard Form of Building Contract With Quantities, detail out, to satisfy your director at QS Limited, whom is thinking about tasking you with the tendering processes for this project, how the project would be single stage tendered, in line with current guidelines, returned tenders analysed and tenders reported on to the employer. (33%)
Question 1 Grading.
Class Scale General Characteristics FIRST (Excellent) Exceptional 1st Exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the nature and structure of the current UK construction industry and the various roles within it and their inter-relationships; evidence of extensive and appropriate selection and critical evaluation/synthesis/analysis and of reading/research beyond the prescribed range, in both breadth and depth, to advance work/direct arguments; exceptional communication and presentation and structure to the response. Meets and may exceed expectations set by the industry/employment context.
High 1st Excellent knowledge and understanding of the nature and structure of the current UK construction industry and the various roles within it and their inter-relationships; as the student is typically able to go beyond what has been taught (particularly for a mid/high 1st); evidence of extensive and appropriate selection and critical evaluation/synthesis/analysis of reading/research beyond the prescribed range, to advance work/direct arguments; excellent communication and presentation and structure to the response. Meets expectations set by the industry/employment context
. Mid 1st Low 1st UPPER SECOND (Very good) High 2.1 Very good knowledge and understanding of the nature and structure of the current UK construction industry and the various roles within it and their inter-relationships as the student is typically able to relate facts/concepts together with some ability to apply to known/taught contexts; evidence of appropriate selection and critical evaluation of reading/research, some beyond the prescribed range, may rely on set sources to advance work/direct arguments; demonstrates autonomy in approach to learning; strong communication skills, and presentation, with a very good structure to the response. Adherence to standards set by the industry/employment context.
Mid 2.1 Low 2.1 LOWER SECOND (Good) High 2.2 :Good knowledge and understanding of the nature and structure of the current UK construction industry and the various roles within it and their inter-relationships balanced towards the descriptive rather than critical or analytical; evidence of appropriate selection and evaluation of reading/research, some may be beyond the prescribed range, but generally reliant on set sources to advance work/direct arguments; communication and presentation shows clarity but structure may not always be coherent. General adherence to standards set by the industry/employment context.
Question 2 Grading-
Exceptional 1st Exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of interpreting company accounts as applied to a real life situation and exceptional synthesis and analysis of such accounts, including the evaluation and use of financial indices; evidence of extensive and appropriate selection and critical evaluation/synthesis/analysis and of reading/research beyond the prescribed range, in both breadth and depth, to advance work/direct arguments; exceptional communication and presentation and structure to the response. Meets and may exceed expectations set by the industry/employment context.
High 1st Excellent knowledge and understanding of interpreting company accounts as applied to a real life situation and excellent synthesis and analysis of such accounts, including the evaluation and use of financial indices; as the student is typically able to go beyond what has been taught (particularly for a mid/high 1st); evidence of extensive and appropriate selection and critical evaluation/synthesis/analysis of reading/research beyond the prescribed range, to advance work/direct arguments; excellent communication and presentation and structure to the response. Meets expectations set by the industry/employment context.
High 2.1 Very good knowledge and understanding of interpreting company accounts as applied to a real life situation and very good synthesis and analysis of such accounts, including the evaluation and use of financial indices as the student is typically able to relate facts/concepts together with some ability to apply to known/taught contexts; evidence of appropriate selection and critical evaluation of reading/research, some beyond the prescribed range, may rely on set sources to advance work/direct arguments; demonstrates autonomy in approach to learning; strong communication skills, and presentation, with a very good structure to the response. Adherence to standards set by the industry/employment context. Mid 2.1 Low 2.1
High 2.2 Good knowledge and understanding of interpreting company accounts as applied to a real life situation and good synthesis and analysis of such accounts, including the evaluation and use of financial indices balanced towards the descriptive rather than critical or analytical; evidence of appropriate selection and evaluation of reading/research, some may be beyond the prescribed range, but generally reliant on set sources to advance work/direct arguments; communication and presentation shows clarity but structure may not always be coherent. General adherence to standards set by the industry/employment context. Mid 2.2 Low 2.2
Question 3 Grading-
FIRST (Excellent) Exceptional 1st Exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of single stage tendering in accordance with current guidance, likewise tender analysis and reporting; evidence of extensive and appropriate selection and critical evaluation/synthesis/analysis and of reading/research beyond the prescribed range, in both breadth and depth, to advance work/direct arguments; exceptional communication and presentation and structure to the response. Meets and may exceed expectations set by the industry/employment context.
High 1st Excellent knowledge and understanding of single stage tendering in accordance with current guidance, likewise tender analysis and reporting; as the student is typically able to go beyond what has been taught (particularly for a mid/high 1st); evidence of extensive and appropriate selection and critical evaluation/synthesis/analysis of reading/research beyond the prescribed range, to advance work/direct arguments; excellent communication and presentation and structure to the response. Meets expectations set by the industry/employment context. Mid 1st Low 1st
High 2.1 Very good knowledge and understanding of single stage tendering in accordance with current guidance, likewise tender analysis and reporting; as the student is typically able to relate facts/concepts together with some ability to apply to known/taught contexts; evidence of appropriate selection and critical evaluation of reading/research, some beyond the prescribed range, may rely on set sources to advance work/direct arguments; demonstrates autonomy in approach to learning; strong communication skills, and presentation, with a very good structure to the response. Adherence to standards set by the industry/employment context. Mid 2.1 Low 2.1 LOWER SECOND (Good) High 2.2 Good knowledge and understanding of single stage tendering in accordance with current guidance, likewise tender analysis and reporting; balanced towards the descriptive rather than critical or analytical; evidence of appropriate selection and evaluation of reading/research, some may be beyond the prescribed range, but generally reliant on set sources to advance work/direct arguments; communication and presentation shows clarity but structure may not always be coherent. General adherence to standards set by the industry/employment context. Mid 2.2 Low 2.2
Knowledge and understanding. ▪ Critically evaluate the nature of construction procurement and its relationship with the wider construction industry. ▪ Analyse and evaluate the value propositions and objectives of different client types with particular reference to their priorities and attitudes to risk. ▪ Investigate and appraise financial management of projects from different users perspectives. Skills, qualities and attributes. After studying the module, you should be able to:- ▪ Select and apply tools and techniques to assist construction clients to achieve successful project outcomes. ▪ Make reasoned judgements regarding the most appropriate procurement strategy for a client in a given situation. ▪ Select and use effectively the necessary range of appropriate written, oral and presentation skills. ▪ Select and use effectively the necessary range of numerical methods for calculating, checking and presenting solutions to problems. ▪ Select and apply the necessary range of IT applications for preparing and presenting information. ▪ Define, investigate and analyse problems of a non-routine and unfamiliar nature and apply judgement to devise practical and creative solutions. ▪ Work effectively and independently to develop intellectual curiosity.
1. Accuracy of response Responses should be accurate in terms of facts and should have appropriate references validating such facts.
2. Ability to formulate and present individual views and opinions in a logical manner Where appropriate make assumptions, observations and conclusions.
3. Depth of understanding and knowledge of subject area Students need to show that they have fully comprehended the questions and provided detailed responses to each question, fully addressing all relevant matters in each case.
4. Evidence of research and background reading Where appropriate include references from websites, text books and journal papers etc.
5. Structure, grammar and presentation Work should be clear, concise and accurate.