Evaluate a client’s needs and project priorities

Assignment Brief

Task 1

Clients’ requirements and project priorities are evaluated appropriately

Who is a client? The client is a person or group of individuals who have initiated an idea to construct a building or business. They should also have reasons for why the idea should work and also have demand for it, or they have noticed a gap in the market. They should also be convinced that the idea will be a worthwhile investment. They are the ones who fund the entire project. There are four main types of clients:

1. Private clients- these can be sole traders or property developers
2. Commercial clients- these can be, companies, factories who need to extend their businesses by getting extensions etc. To aid growth
3. Public limited companies- these can be any companies listed on the stock exchange
4. Governments- these can be, central governments or local councils 

Task 2

Relative advantages and disadvantages of different procurement options are critically evaluated before making the decisions

Task 3

PAC and PAMs are used appropriately to select the most relevant procurement system for the given scenario

Sample Answer

Task 1: Evaluating Client Requirements and Project Priorities

In construction and business development, the client is the person or organisation that initiates and funds the project. They have a goal or vision , such as building a house, developing a new business location, or improving public infrastructure , and they are convinced that it will be a good investment.

Types of Clients:

1. Private Clients
   These are individuals or small groups like homeowners, landlords, or small developers. Their priorities often focus on cost, personal preferences, and timescales.

2. Commercial Clients
   These include companies or factories that want to expand their premises. They often prioritise speed, business continuity, and value for money.

3. Public Limited Companies (PLCs)
   These are large businesses listed on the stock market. They focus on profit, brand image, long-term sustainability, and cost control.

4. Government Clients
   Local or central government bodies invest in public infrastructure like schools, hospitals, or roads. Their priorities include public value, compliance, safety, and transparency.

Understanding Client Requirements

To evaluate a client’s needs and project priorities, the following must be considered:

• Budget – How much can they afford?

• Timeframe – When must the project be completed?

• Quality standards – What level of finish or materials are expected?

• Risk tolerance – Are they more concerned with cost certainty or flexibility?

• Sustainability goals – Are environmental impacts important to them?

Understanding and balancing these factors ensures the project is aligned with the client’s vision and delivers expected outcomes.

Task 2: Evaluating Procurement Options – Advantages and Disadvantages

Procurement is how a project is set up, including how contractors are hired and how risk is shared. There are several procurement systems used in construction. Below are three common ones with their pros and cons:

Traditional Procurement

Description: The client hires a designer (architect/engineer) first, then separately hires a contractor to build.

• Advantages:

  • Design quality is usually high.

  • Good cost control if designs are detailed.

  • Clear responsibilities.

• Disadvantages:

  • Slower overall.

  • Can lead to disputes between designer and contractor.

  • Limited contractor input during design.

Design and Build

Description: The contractor is responsible for both design and construction.

• Advantages:

  • Faster – both design and build overlap.

  • Single point of responsibility reduces disputes.

  • Suitable for clients who want less involvement.

• Disadvantages:

  • Design quality may suffer due to cost-cutting.

  • Client has less control over details.

  • Changes during the project can be expensive.

Management Contracting / Construction Management

Description: The client appoints a construction manager who oversees different trade contractors.

• Advantages:

  • Early start on site.

  • Flexible – changes can be made as work progresses.

  • Encourages collaboration.

• Disadvantages:

  • Client takes more risk.

  • Costs may rise if poorly managed.

  • Requires experienced client team.

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