Identify and explore a construction based problem following the theme stated above and select a project aimed at its solution.

Assignment Brief

The purpose of this report is that you have been asked to make a project report with a presentation of the solution of a known and clearly defined civil engineering problem. Your method to this should involve discovering different potential choices that may be available, then make a choice and show how you have come to your conclusion.

Unit Learning Outcomes

LO1 Formulate a project that will provide a solution to an identified problem. LO2 Manage a project within agreed timescales and specifications; documenting the process throughout. LO3 Evaluate potential project management solutions. LO4 Produce a project report and deliver a presentation of the final project outcomes.

This assignment has four sections in line with the four learning outcomes covered by all tasks provided starting with an initial project problem identification scenario acting as a case study to be explored for a solution in line with your chosen topic : Theme: Sustainability in the construction industry Topic area: “The  influence  of  construction  method  on  project  sustainability”

LO1 Formulate a project that will provide a solution to an identified problem

(This covers: project identification, research methods, feasibility studies, and project brief and specifications).

TASK 1

(a)   Project Identification:   Identify and explore a construction based problem following the theme stated above and select a project aimed at its solution. (Suitable themes could range from replacing cement in concrete to substitution of virgin materials by recycled ones, better timing of the sequence of operations to increase productivity and reduce general environmental impact.)

(b)   Research Methods Background reading to see how others have tackled similar problems.  Sources could include journal articles, articles in trade publications, newspapers, information from work or observation of construction processes. It may even be possible to undertake primary research to test if something works.

(c)    Feasibility studies        Test the alternative approaches suggested for the construction process to ensure that they work within the context of a given construction situation.   Here comparison with similar processes given in published work would be of great assistance.

(d)   Brief and Specification  Produce an outline specification of the proposal and critically  evaluate  how  the  project  scope  impacts  on  resources  of  time, materials, people, clients and stake holders

LO2 Manage a project within agreed timescales and specification, documenting the process throughout.

(This covers: Resources and resource planning; costs and cost planning; Work plan: Gantt charts, PERT charts, CPM; Project tracking: progress tracking (including log book) and Milestones.)

TASK 2

(a)   As part of your project scope identify the potential resources needed, costs, personnel and timescales involved.

(b)   Identify and describe a range of techniques for potential solutions and stating them clearly indicating the costs and cost planning involve.

(c)    Prepare and update as an ongoing project management plan with standard systems of time and resource tracking include work plans possibly using Gantt Charts, Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) charts or Critical Path Method (CPM)

LO3 Evaluate potential Project Management Solutions

(This covers, PERT analysis and CPM analysis)

TASK 3

(a)   Undertake an evaluation of potential project management solutions using PERT or CPM    this can be initially done within the log book then summarised in the main report

(b)   Justify the selection of your preferred project solution with reference to your initial  stated  project  specification  as  clearly  provided  earlier  in  your  project scope.

(c)    Make a comparison of the outcomes of your initial planned resources, timescales and costs with your actual outcomes of these criteria.  This will contribute your performance review.

LO4 Produce a project report and deliver a presentation of the final project outcome

(This covers producing a report format and the report; presentation format and presentation techniques)

Task 4

(a)   Produce a written report of your project stating each stage of the project or process.

(b)   Use appropriate referencing format/forms and citation in the report.  The Harvard referencing system is recommended.    Information    on Harvard referencing is available from the library and on moodle for other styles of referencing                  see http://libguides.reading.ac.uk/citing-references/referencingstyles

(c)    Prepare a presentation of your final project outcomes, preferably using power point slides, or using other standard industry software of your choice.

(d)   Prepare a   presentation a n d p r e s e n t y o u r f i n a l p r o j e c t o u t c o m e s   and recommendations to a select audience.  Presentation should not be more than

10 minutes be summarised in a maximum of 12 Power Point Slides.

(e)   Evaluate and appraise your own performance in managing your project, drawing some conclusions and make key recommendations that would further assist you to improve your performance in the future and clearly stating these in both your report and in your presentation.