Level 1 Competencies

Question 1

What is a Gearing ratio? What does it show?

Answer 1

Gearing ratio of a business is using the debt to equity measure. It is the business’s debt divided by company equity.

Question 2

What are Liquidity ratios?

Answer 2

Liquidity rations measure the ability of a company to pay off its current liabilities by converting its current assets into cash.
Liquidity ratio calculation = current assets / current liabilities

Question 3

You mentioned here that you’re aware of the generally accepted accounting principles. Can you talk me through a few of those please?

Answer 3

Comply to the GAAP rules and policies. Consistency by following similar principles. Information should be correct. Fair and straightforward. Disclose complete information. Honesty and good faith.
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) prepared using four basic principles of clarity, relevance, reliability, and comparability.

Question 4

What is a Financial Statement?

Answer 4

Forecasts of income and expenditure that can be used to identify potential shortfalls

Question 5

What are the financial statements included to determine the company’s financial strength?

Answer 5

Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss, Cashflow

Question 6

What is the difference between a profit and loss account and a balance sheet?

Answer 6

A profit and loss account shows the incomes and expenditures of a company and the resulting profit or loss.
The balance sheet shows what a company owns (it’s assets) and what it owes (it’s liabilities) at given point in time.

Question 7

What is assessed in the PQQ?

Answer 7

A pre-qualification questionnaire sets out a series of questions for potential tenderers to answer regarding their level of experience, capacity and financial standing.
Contractor’s previous experience - competent
Audited Financial Statements – level of risk for the company as assessed by an independent agency
Bank Statements to Assess Current Liquidity
Parent Company or Investor Guarantee
Working Capital Ratio - Current assets divided by current liabilities
Net Debt to Equity – Debt less cash holdings, divided by equity
Financial strength – can the tenderer cope financially with this size of contract?
Capacity – does the candidate have the resource to carry out the work?
Dependency issue – will the candidate become over dependant on this?

Question 8

Can you tell me typically what you would find on a balance sheet?

Answer 8

Balance sheet account; - Asset – Liability - Owner’s (Stockholders’) Equity.
The balance sheet is also referred to as the statement of financial position.
The balance sheet presents a company’s financial position at the end of a specified date.
Some describe the balance sheet as a “snapshot” of the company’s financial position at a point in time.
Typical assets listed on balance sheet include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, supplies, prepaid insurance, land, buildings and equipment.
Typical liabilities include notes payable, wages payable, interest payable, income taxes payable, and bonds payable.
Owners Equity is the difference between the amounts reported for assets and liabilities
Balance Sheet Insolvency = Having negative assets / liabilities exceeding assets

Question 9

Can you tell me typically what you would find on a Cashflow statement?

Answer 9

The cashflow statement explains how a company’s cash and cash equivalents have changed during a specified period of time. It is organised into three sections:
- Cash provided and used in operating activities
- Cash provided and used in investing activities
- Cash provided and used in financing activities
A Cashflow Statement is an analytical tool useful in determining the short term viability of a company. In particular, its ability to pay bills.

Question 10

What Dunn & Bradstreet Financial capacity checks?

Answer 10

A D&B report compiles business data to measure the creditworthiness of a company. D&B reports are like personal credit reports for businesses.
The D&B report includes a variety of business information, including a late payment indicator, detailed company profile view, and delinquency risk score. D&B also provides business credit scores called PAYDEX® scores that range from 1 to 100.

Question 11

Purpose of a Business Plan;

Answer 11

A formal statement of the business’s goals with reasons why they are thought to be attainable and the plan for reaching the goals.
- Long-term strategic goals
- Annual objectives and targets: how to measure success
- The plans to achieve objectives
- Marketing Strategy
- Strategic risks
- Financial planning

Question 12

You discuss your firms ‘One Business 2025 Vision’. Tell me about this vision and what it is.

Answer 12

T&T is a global business, we have a global business plan that looks at sustainability, viable business growth, investment in our people and market sectors. This is disseminated into the regional business plans and in each country has a country business plan which we have briefed on by our country manager and that specifically targets key areas that we aim to grow within the next 1-5 years. My role specifically within secondment was to extend and expand out Commission, and also to look to implement sustainability protocols into our projects over the next three years.

Question 13

Tell me about the RICS Business Plan and what it is.

Answer 13

Following the Levitt report on 9 September 2021, the RICS issued a 2021-2022 Business Plan demonstrating their commitment to rebuilding that trust and confidence.
5 key pillars within the plan:
1) Trusted by our stakeholders and society
Aim to improve stakeholder trust and confidence in RICS.
2) RICS qualifications in demand
Ensure RICS qualifications remain relevant for the next, more diverse generations and that increased numbers of members use RICS to meet their knowledge and/or training needs.
3) Influential thought leader
Be the profession’s leadership voice on sustainability, data and technology, and diversity and inclusion.
4) Involved and engaged members
Increase member participation in our communities and increase engagement beyond renewal of professional subscription fees.
5) Sustainable 21st century professional body
Improve our financial sustainability and enhance the transparency of our governance, while improving the overall satisfaction of members and the engagement of our people.’

Question 14

What is data management and why is it important?

Answer 14

Data is fundamental to the role of surveyors: much of the provisions of professional services require and depend on it.
Data is a valuable commodity, and its influence and importance look set to grow exponentially.

Question 15

Can you tell me what how Turner and Townsend manages its data and by what means it protects its data?

Answer 15

To enable consultancy services, we collect and process data. This makes T&T a “data controller” and responsible for complying with data laws.
We have technical and organisational measures to comply with data protection requirements;
 anti-virus, personal firewall and malware protection software;
 access control; biometric and password
 employee training;
 internal and external penetration testing and recovery planning;
 use of firewalls which are reviewed on a frequent basis;
 use of password protection; and
 vulnerability scanning

Question 16

What are 8 principles of Data Protection?

Answer 16

1. Fair and Lawful Use, Transparency
   You are required to ask for consent and explain why you need details.
2. Intended Purpose
   Specific use for which the owner grants permission. You may not transfer or sell.
3. Minimum Data Requirement
   Cannot ask for irrelevant details.
4. Accuracy
   Check in periodically to ensure information is accurate
5. Data Retention Time Limit (above)
6. The right to be forgotten
   the right to know precisely what you know about them and thus the right to stop you from using it.
7. Data Security
   A system and a secure network to protect personal data.
8. Accountability
   demonstrating that the Data Controller is implementing their legal duties.

Question 17

What is EDMS?

Answer 17

EDMS (electronic data management system) support the safe, efficient and consistent processing of data.
Type of software that stores, organizes, and manages documents in the form of electronic files for an organization. (Viewpoint, Aconex)

Question 18

How long can data be kept under General Data Protection Regulations?

Answer 18

GDPR personal data processed must not be retained for longer than is necessary for its lawful purpose. The default standard retention period for records is 6 years plus current, otherwise known as 6 years + 1, however, some documentation needs to be kept for 10 years.
You need a policy setting standard retention periods wherever possible. The GDPR does not set specific time limits for different types of data.
Not all project data can be kept for the same length of time. Some clients will stipulate that information should be deleted after a project is complete. Data has its retention duration identified at the time of creation or storage in accordance with legal, regulatory, contractual or business requirements. Personal data may not be kept longer than is necessary for the purposes for which it was processed.
Payroll Data - 3 years
Tax records - 6 years
Records relating to workplace accidents - 10 years

Question 19

What Does Data Redundancy Mean?

Answer 19

The Qatari Law No. 13 “ Personal Data Privacy Protection Law” took effect in 2017, with the aim of protecting and providing guidelines of processing personal data within Qatar.
In December 2020, the Compliance and Data Protection Department (CDP) within the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) published new guidelines in relation to the Law.
The scope of the PDPPL applies to personal data that is received, collected, extracted or processed through electronic or traditional methods.
Any organisation that processes such personal data must adhere to the principles of transparency, fairness and respect for human dignity. The law has a large focus on organisations ensuring that the personal data they process is up to date and there are adequate measures in place for safe custody of the personal data.
If your organisation fails to protect personal data then you are exposed to financial penalties ranging from QAR 1,000,000 to QAR 5,000,000.

Question 20

What are the disadvantages of Teamworking?

Answer 20

Individual personalities and work styles of the diverse team members. Some people work well in a group environment. For them, brainstorming with others can boost energy levels and encourage collaboration. There are others who prefer to work alone and may feel pressure when team collaboration comes up. These employees prefer independence and may produce quality work quickly when left alone to complete tasks.
Performance evaluation is one of the more challenging aspects of working in teams.
Individuals in a team have different strengths, skills, education, and experiences relative to a project. Forming an appropriate Team may delay initiation.

Question 21

How is diversity & inclusion addressed in your workplace:

Answer 21

Having the right tools, training and environment to succeed.
Within our business we have focused on tackling unconscious bias, through employee networks and quarterly employee feedback surveys.
We have ambitions to tackle gender equality specifically, we have set a clear target to have a gender split of 40:60 by 2025.
Our vision is a workplace where diversity is celebrated and where everyone has a voice, is empowered and has the same opportunities to be their best.

Question 22

What is unconscious bias?

Answer 22

Unconscious biases are prejudices and stereotypes individuals have about certain groups of people that they aren’t consciously aware of having.
In the workplace refers to the human tendency to form opinions about others in the office without having enough relevant information. Bias can stem from stereotypes, preconceived notions, past experiences, or instinct. Unconscious bias occurs when an individual is unaware of a prejudice.

Question 23

What is the diversity and equality policy/legislation within Qatar?

Answer 23

Qatar has been a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1972.
Convention C111 addresses Discrimination in Employment and Occupation which includes any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin

Question 24

Tell me the 5 stages of forming a team?

Answer 24

The most commonly used framework for a team’s stages is by Bruce W. Tuckman; Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing.
1. During the Forming stage, create clear structure, goals and roles so members begin to build trust. A good orientation/kick-off can help to ground the members in terms of the team’s mission and goals
2. Storming stage, call for the team to refocus on its goals, breaking larger goals down into smaller steps. The team may develop both task-related and conflict management skills.
3. Norming stage, members shift their energy to team goals and show increased productivity, in both individual and collective work.
4. In high-performing team, there is still a need to focus on process and product, setting new goals as appropriate. Changes can lead a team to cycle back to an earlier stage.

Question 25

What do you expect during the Norming stage? Storming stage?

Answer 25

Storming stage, call for the team to refocus on its goals, breaking larger goals down into smaller steps. The team may develop both task-related and conflict management skills. Establish structures and procedures that are followed by all team member and resolve conflict as it occurs.
Norming stage, members shift their energy to team goals and show increased productivity, in both individual and collective work. Have consistent meetings to ensure that everyone is still working towards the same goal and adjust as needed and allow team members autonomy to work towards their goals.

Question 26

What is cohesive teamwork?

Answer 26

Team cohesion happens when a team remains united while working to achieve a common goal. Being a cohesive team means that not only are group goals met but everyone feels like they have contributed to the overall success of the group. Individuals on a cohesive team tend to focus more on the entire group rather than their individual selves and are more motivated to work towards the team goal.

Question 27

What are some advantages of a diverse team?

Answer 27

Increased productivity - A diversity of talent will result in a broader range of skills amongst the team and result in increased productivity.
Increased creativity - Differing skill sets and perspectives within the team will increase the chance of generating solutions to workplace problems.
Improved cultural awareness - A diverse range of cultures within the workplace allows companies to operate more effectively within a global marketplace. For example, having access to an employee who speaks Mandarin will be a great asset for a company operating in China.
A positive reputation - Companies that have a diverse workplace are often perceived as better employers. Potential employees want an employer who accepts and is tolerant of all backgrounds and who treats their employees fairly.

Question 28

What does it take to establish an inclusive environment?

Answer 28

An inclusive environment accommodates differences in the way people use and interact with the built and natural environment. It facilitates equal use by everyone.
It does not physically or socially separate, discriminate or isolate. It accommodates diverse needs. Principles apply to all buildings. Creating inclusive environments welcomes diverse user needs.

Question 29

Can you explain what Turner and Townsend’s inclusivity policy looks like?

Answer 29

Regional diversity roadmaps: set of global principles address inclusive; leadership, progression and recruiting and commitment to an inclusive workplace.
T&T recognize that a diversity of skills and perspectives enables delivery of value-adding solutions for our clients. Our people comprise 90 different nationalities and over 68 different languages.

Question 30

How is inclusivity implemented within Qatar?

Answer 30

Supreme Committee inclusive design strategy;
Principles of the SC’s inclusive design strategy;
- Ensure the visitor experience is safe and dignified
- Deliver journey routes and spectator experiences that are accessible and inclusive
- Ensure that there is connectivity between all the interfaces to create an inclusive experience for all users

Qatar National Masterplan Standards and guidelines for public facilities;
- Should ideally be accessible by foot, bicycle and vehicle
- sites are recommended to be co-located to promote sharing of transportation and parking spaces at locations accessible via several transportation modes

Developing accessibility and inclusive design requirements;
- Qatar national codes and standards
- Sporting and event standards
- Global accessibility standards and best practice

Law No. 2 of 2004 in respect of People with Special Needs;
Special Needs Persons shall enjoy the following rights in addition to any applicable rights under any other relevant legislation:
Provision of tools, devices, means of transport and equipment that assist them in learning, rehabilitation and enjoying freedom of movement;
Provision of work that is appropriate to their abilities and rehabilitate them in both the public and private sectors;
Provision of accommodation for safe and secure movement;
Securing of special facilities in public places;

A minimum of 2% of the total number of job opportunities with the competent authorities shall be allocated for Special Needs Persons
Each private sector employer employing more than 25 persons shall undertake that at least one person of their workforce shall comprise Special Needs Persons
Violation of the provisions shall be punishable by a fine of a maximum of Twenty Thousand Riyals QAR 20,000

Question 31

How would you value the lifecycle cost/savings of a sustainable energy solution?

Answer 31

Capital costs + Maintenance costs < anticipated annual saving [predicted energy cost x energy produced]

Question 32

Examples of environmental assessment methods or how to improve Site Sustainability;

Answer 32

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment mentions;
Energy, Health and Well Being, Innovation, Land Use, Materials, Management, Pollution, Transport, Waste, Water

Question 33

Sustainability Laws and Regulations within Qatar

Answer 33

Law No 32 on preventing damage to plant ecology and ecosystems was issued in 1995. The main purpose of the law is to regulate grazing areas and seasons and indicate the prohibited practices that have an adverse impact on plants’ ecology and ecosystems.
Law No. 30 issued in 2002 with the aim to (a) protect and preserve the quality and balance of the environment, (b) combat all forms and sources of pollution and avoid its impacts, and (c) develop natural resources and conserve biodiversity to ensure the benefit of current and future generations. The executive bylaw for the law was issued in 2005 and covers the environment and sustainable development, development projects’ environmental impact, environmental disasters’ emergency plans, waste and hazardous materials, air pollution, water pollution, and marine environment protection. Under Article 6, all public and private bodies must include an environmental protection and pollution control clause in local and international agreements and contracts which may be detrimental to the environment. These agreements and contracts shall include applicable penalties and the obligation to bear the costs of repairing environmental degradation and harm.
Law No 19 of 2015 on issuing the Unified Law of the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Arab States on the Control of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
Lusail City mandates that all projects constructed in the city should attain a minimum of GSAS 2 star rating.
All eight Qatar 2022 stadiums have achieved a minimum four-star GSAS rating, as per FIFA requirements.
Every sub-development project within Energy City Qatar (ECQ), reflecting the design intent of the Energy City Qatar Development as the first fully integrated energy business cluster in the Gulf for the energy industry that achieves exclusive LEED certification.

Question 34

What are the BREEAM categories/ratings?

Answer 34

Energy, Health and Well Being, Innovation, Land Use, Materials, Management, Pollution, Transport, Waste, Water
The BREEAM ratings range from Acceptable (In-Use scheme only) to Pass Ж, Good, Very Good, Excellent to Outstanding Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж and it is reflected in a series of stars on the BREEAM certificate.

Question 35

Tell me the different types of sustainability?

Answer 35

Social, Economic and Environmental.
Social sustainability aims to preserve social capital by investing and creating services that constitute the framework of our society. The concept accommodates a larger view of the world in relation to communities, cultures and globalisation.
Economic sustainability aims to maintain the capital intact. If social sustainability focuses on improving social equality, economic sustainability aims to improve the standard of living. In the context of business, it refers to the efficient use of assets to maintain company profitability over time.
Environmental sustainability aims to improve human welfare through the protection of natural capital (e.g. land, air, water, minerals etc.). Initiatives and programs are defined environmentally sustainable when they ensure that the needs of the population are met without the risk of compromising the needs of future generations.

Question 36

What is carbon footprint?

Answer 36

The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual or organization.

Question 37

What is LEED?

Answer 37

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) and Platinum (80+ points).
To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality.

Question 38

What is green concrete?

Answer 38

Green concrete is; concrete which uses waste material as at least one of its components, its production process does not lead to environmental destruction, or it has high performance and life cycle sustainability.

Question 39

What sustainability procedure do you follow in your project?

Answer 39

Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE);
Reduce GHG emissions by 25% versus a business-as-usual scenario by 2030.
Regular and effective monitoring of all water sources
Account for 100% of all waste. Achieve a 15% material recycling rate of municipal wastes. Close and rehabilitate 100% of unsanitary landfills. Use 35% of recycled materials in construction projects. Achieve 30% circular public procurement in public infrastructure.
Circular public procurement is an approach to greening procurement which recognises the role that public authorities can play in supporting the transition towards a circular economy. Circular procurement can be defined as the process by which public authorities purchase works, goods or services that seek to contribute to closed energy and material loops within supply chains, whilst minimising, and in the best case avoiding, negative environmental impacts and waste creation across their whole life-cycle.

Question 40

What are Quick ratios, current ratios, debt ratios and return on asset calculations?

Answer 40

• Quick Ratio – (Current Assets – Inventory) / Current Liabilities
  How well a company will be able to pay its short-term debts using only the most liquid of assets.
• Current Ration – (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) [Liquidity]
  Measures whether a firm has enough resources to meet its short-term obligations.
• Debt Ratio – (Total Liabilities – Total Assets) [Gearing]
  Measures a company’s total debt, as a percentage of its total assets.
• Return on Assets – (Total Revenue / Total Assets)
  Indicates how profitable a company is in relation to its total assets.