Case Study 1 Flashcards
What is the cultural iceberg?
The Cultural Iceberg means understanding and valuing not only the visible aspects of our colleagues,
but also delving deeper to appreciate and leverage the hidden elements (like beliefs, values, and thought patterns)
This helps to foster a more inclusive and collaborative working environment.
In this case study, the two colleagues disagreed on the political subject of leaving the EU.
It was easy to separate them into separate teams as it was obvious they wouldn’t compromise on their opinions.
How do I provide clear structure?
As an experienced leader, I establish a clear structure for my employees by clearly defining roles and key Performance Indicators and creating straightforward processes that allow autonomy and self-thinking.
This is established through maintaining open lines of communication to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and feels supported in navigating the pathway to success.
What are Key Performance Indicators?
Key Performance Indicators are quantifiable metrics that help us track the effectiveness of our processes and strategies,
they provide insight into the progress toward achieving our organisational objectives and enable us to make data-driven decisions to enhance performance.
How do I use effective communication to mange difficult situations?
I utilise effective communication to manage difficult situations by actively listening, expressing empathy, being clear and concise with information, and collaboratively working towards solutions, ensuring that all parties feel heard, respected, and engaged in resolving the issue.
What is The Pareto Principle?
The Pareto Principle understands that 80% of our results typically come from 20% of our efforts, or 80% of issues come from 20% of errors. This helps guide impactful actions that achieve success.
For example, I recognised on this occasion that one person demotivated a team of five had disheartened the team. Removing this 20% increased productivity.
Explain the three contraints of time of projects
time, cost, or quality—inevitably impacts the others, thereby requiring strategic balancing to successfully meet organizational objectives without compromising overall project viability.
What did I learn from this experience.
bridging the gap between various expertise levels and resolving interpersonal conflicts is crucial; furthermore, ensuring clear role definition, embracing continuous learning in leadership despite years of experience,
How did I handle the issue with the surveyor?
I engaged directly, requesting that their queries be channelled through me,
subsequently transforming their technical criticisms into constructive, pragmatic solutions and directing them to relevant individuals,
thus mitigating the surveyor’s anxiety and controlling communication eruptions
while also reflecting on the need for early and assertive people management to proactively identify and address potential disruptions
How to I handle different age groups of surveyors
Although I mention age in my case study, development levels are a more fitting subject.
I identify inexperienced and unskilled as experienced and skilled.
I then apply Hershey and Blanchard’s situational leadership to provide leadership dynamically.
Ensuring that each individual receives the appropriate guidance and support.
For example, a team member needing low directing and having high supportive behavioural skills could have tasks delegated.
Whereas high directing and low supportive behavioural skills need directing.
How do I manage and leader a team
Compliance and Commitment
I believe that compliance is a temporary results approach,
Whereas commitment is a proactive choice with long-term success. (Speed Camera example)
In my early days of running the business, I sometimes leaned more on task completion, overlooking the emotions and needs of my team.
During the midterm years of the business, I became too engrossed in individual sentiments, occasionally compromising task deadlines.
This was a natural evolution of a leader, to find the equilibrium, requiring constant self-reflection and effective communication.
What is interstitial condensation, and how is it mitigated?
I define interstitial condensation as the occurrence of moisture condensing within the layers of building materials
This is typically caused by warm, moist internal air penetrating the building envelope and cooling to below its dew point within the wall structure.
To mitigate it, strategies can include installing appropriate vapour barriers, employing thermal breaks, and ensuring adequate ventilation
This controls moisture levels within the building assemblies, thereby preserving structural integrity and indoor air quality.
How did I educate homeowners about the works been complete?
To educate homeowners about the work being completed, I ensured clear and transparent communication by providing an
Resident Liaison Officer
Leaflets and posters with QR codes
I also attended community centre events
And we even provided a coffee van where occupants could chat with us.
Post works, we provided a handover pack with information and manuals of the retrofit measures.
Along with guarantees and warranties.
Why Did I need to redirect water from the building and how did I achieve it?
Redirecting water from the building is pivotal to prevent structural damage, dampness, and decay.
Due to EWI being installed, we had to take extra measures to ensure no water ingress into the insulation.
This was achieved by maintaining proper guttering and downpipes, ensuring the roofing is watertight and slopes effectively, applying waterproofing to facades,
In some cases, we employed landscaping techniques like grading and swales and shallow drains to manage surface water.
What are the four different types of water?
Types of water:
Surface water.
Groundwater.
Wastewater (brown water)
Strom water.
How did I identify failed DPC
I would typically look for tell-tale signs such as dampness or moisture on internal walls, the appearance of salt stains
peeling wallpaper, and deteriorating plaster,
I would thoroughly inspect externally at the DPC level for any breaches, bridging, or degradation of material,
combined with utilising specialised equipment like a protimeter to ascertain the extent of moisture penetration within the wall.
How did I identify Roof slumping, and what was the cause?
I Meticulously observed the roofline from various external vantage points for any visible sagging or irregularities,
upon spotting inconsistency, conducted a thorough inspection of the roof structure internally,
typically finding that causes may range from inadequate or compromised structural supports,
such as deteriorating roof timbers, insufficiently sized beams,
or a failure in the roofing materials themselves due to prolonged exposure to excessive loads, like heavy snowfall or
improperly installed roofing materials can compromise the integrity and evenness of the roof.
What are the different types of damp
- rising damp, which originates from ground water moving up through walls;
- penetrating damp, which results from water ingress through building envelopes;
- condensation, which occurs when moist air condenses on cooler surfaces,
What is the best method to mitigate rising damp
installing a new damp-proof course (DPC) to obstruct moisture ascent, employing reputable remedial DPC injection methods, and ensuring optimal external ground levels and drainage systems to redirect water away from the structure,
What is the best method to mitigate penetrating damp?
which may involve repairing or updating defective building elements such as roof tiles, guttering, and window seals, and potentially applying a high-quality, breathable water-repellent treatment to external walls
What is the best method to mitigate condensation?
I’d recommend ensuring sufficient ventilation throughout the property,
adequately insulating walls and windows to manage surface temperatures, a
and guiding occupants on managing internal humidity sources,
such as utilising exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and drying clothes outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
How did I identify Penetrating damp?
I identified penetrating dampness by observing localised dampness or wet patches on walls,
ceilings or floors, especially after rainy weather, often accompanied by a musty odour,
discolouration, and possible damage to interior finishes like peeling paint or wallpaper
How did I identify Condensation?
I identified condensation by noticing tell-tale signs such as water droplets on windows, damp surfaces,
A musty odour and often the presence of mould growth, particularly in areas of low circulation and thermal bridging,
and then used tools like hygrometers to measure relative humidity and
conducted a thorough evaluation of the ventilation and
heating systems to assess the indoor environmental conditions contributing to the problem comprehensively.
How did I identify floor joist failure
I identified floor joist failure by observing visible sagging or bouncing in the floor,
hearing creaking noises, noticing misaligned or cracked flooring, and through an under-floor inspection,
I scrutinised the joists for signs of rot, insect damage, or structural deformation,
while also assessing the load-bearing capacity and potential causes of stress to ensure a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
How did I identify bat and bird hibernation
I identified bat and bird hibernation by spotting evident signs such as droppings, nests, and audible sounds
I remedied it by engaging in an ecological survey, but we could relocate the animals. due to the season
Therefor the property fell out of the programme
I advised upon the removal sealing potential entry points and implementing
How did I identify cavity wall failure, what was the remedy?
As an experienced building surveyor, I identified cavity wall failure through symptoms like cracking, bulging, and dampness
In this case, bulging was clearly evident, due to the extent we removed and reconstructed the outer leaf, replacing all wall ties.
How did this cover building pathology?
The extensive case study outlines a comprehensive approach to building pathology by
identifying and addressing various defects and challenges during the retrofit of 500 houses,
such as managing External Wall Insulation (EWI) issues, mitigating risks of poor-quality installations,
addressing Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) concerns, and ensuring no issues related to thermal bridging,
water ingress, and condensation.
Additionally, it demonstrates solving specific building pathologies issues like Cavity Wall Tie Failure, Bird and Bat hibernation,
Floor Joist Failure, Condensation, Penetrating Damp, Roof Slumping, and Damp Proof Course (DPC) failure,
thereby evidencing a thorough understanding and application of building pathology principles and practices in real-world scenarios.
How did this cover Construction technology?
The case study detailing the integration and practical application of various construction methods,
technologies and materials in the retrofitting project for social housing, emphasising a fabric-first approach,
the implementation of External Wall Insulation (EWI), addressing challenges like thermal bridging,
water ingress, and condensation, and deploying solution-oriented strategies to mitigate risks associated w
ith these technologies while ensuring compliance with energy performance standards
and effectively managing the technical, logistical, and human-resource aspects throughout the project lifecycle.
How did this cover inspection?
The case study demonstrates the act of inspecting properties by organising surveyors into specialised teams,
assigning geographical regions for efficient logistics, conducting comprehensive building surveys to identify defects and necessary repair works,
enabling strategic retrofitting actions and implementing a systematic approach towards managing, overseeing,
and ensuring the quality of the surveys through a structured management plan,
thus, a strategic and organised approach towards property inspection
How did this cover team working
The case study provides multiple examples of team teamwork by illustrating how the leader organised surveyors
and support staff into specialised, geographically oriented teams with designated leaders,
I facilitated regular and structured communication through various meeting formats, Ensured resource availability and coordinated across diverse responsibilities and tasks,
such as conducting thorough building surveys, management, leadership, and client communication,
all aimed at achieving the specific objectives of a large-scale retrofit project
How did this cover communication and negotiation?
The case study covers comprehensive communication and negotiation through detailed project management,
clear delineation of responsibilities, strategic planning, and proactive issue resolution,
ensuring a robust approach to stakeholder engagement, client care, and team collaboration
to successfully navigate complex building surveying projects
efficiently handle challenges related to External Wall Insulation, budget, and other technical aspects,
further illustrated by an ability to align divergent stakeholder expectations,
manage internal team dynamics, and apply strategic adjustments to project approaches.
How did this cover management and leadership
The case study illustrates adept management and leadership.
it involves strategic planning, stakeholder communication, team coordination, and problem resolution,
thereby ensuring project adherence to defined quality, timelines, and budget,
all while navigating and mitigating challenges through informed decision-making and effective team
and stakeholder management
