Level 2 & 3 Examples Technical

Question 1

Commercial Management (Level 2) – Reasoned Knowledge

Can you tell me how you have reasonably managed a provisional sum?

Answer 1

• I used a defined provisional sum in the raised access flooring order as number of Floorboxes not yet quantifiable, however based on a number per floor for the rate.
• Included an undefined prov sum within the cladding order for the canopy soffit, which was not yet designed, this captured the cost plan allowance for this element within the package.

Question 2

Commercial Management (Level 2)

Can you tell me how you managed an EOT process?

Answer 2

• Worthy down soft flooring, claiming EOT and Loss & Expense for delay because of matters affecting their regular progress.
• Using my records, I was able to inform them that there were areas available for them on the dates stated and therefore no EOT or Loss and expense due.
• Before I could do this, I included the potential liability in my worst case forecast for accuracy.

Question 3

Commercial Management (Level 2)

Can you give me an example of where you have given advice on WBS Costs? / Commercial Advice?

Answer 3

• During the change to ERP, I advised senior commercial leads for the transition of the project WBS structure being migrated over to Uniclass coding system.
• The Uniclass system will provide many benefits and I advised the rest of the commercial team on these benefits.

Question 4

Commercial Management (Level 2)

Can you give an example where you have advised on a variation cost?

Answer 4

• Navy logs required me to submit a ROC then to produce the actual variation cost.
• First was an elemental cost plan, second fixed price cost was a full BOQ take off.
• I advised commercial director throughout on the progress.
• I also advised on relevant risk % based on ML / WC and BC rates I was using.

Question 5

Commercial Management (Level 2)

How do you calculate the liability to advise the commercial manager?

Answer 5

• I review actual works completed versus their cost plan to calculate the potential liabilities; I also factor in variations.
• I also inform him of accruals on purchase orders or costs not yet hit (i.e. staged)

Question 6

Construction Technology (Level 2)

Can you give an example where information at a design workshop has influenced your procurement?

Answer 6

• During a design review the designers expressed their concern on the design for the high-level brackets holding the building signage.
• The signage procurement wasn’t due, so I brought this forward so we could have specialist advice.
• This was vital as there were a number of additional support bars required to achieve Client aesthetic objectives as well as power information.

Question 7

Construction Technology (Level 2)

Can you give an example where you have applied your knowledge when writing a scope document?

Answer 7

• During procurement of the Brickwork sub-contractor, I ensured all items were required, including Cavity closers etc, drip trays etc.

I..e cavity closers to all BWIC not just door openings.
I.e. cutting around the rubber cavity tray
I.e. ensuring weep holes are isntalled correctly and not full of mortar
i.e. ensure cavities are clean

Question 8

Construction Technology (Level 2)

How do you know when to appoint external consultants for feedback or input?

Answer 8

• When specialist advice is required, with a competent designer.
• One example was during the VE exercise at Norwood on the plant screen.

Question 9

Construction Technology (Level 3)

What advice have you given with construction technology?

Answer 9

• I advised about changing a blockwork wall to SFS due to the complexity of the openings.
• I acted within my scope of competence and the design manager reviewed the data of the solution to see if it was feasible.
• I then advised the team on the costs to change this wall, more expensive but better on site.

Question 10

Construction Technology (Level 3)

What advice did you give on phase 2 worthy down?

Answer 10

• I was asked to advice on high level costs for a comparison between modular and traditional and I also recommended a panelised SFS system I knew about.
• I used previous building cost data (£per m2) for the traditional options
• For SFS I obtained £per m2 from the market, and another Skanska project.
• I had to make assumptions and clarified these where I did.
• Reviewed all options with project planner for prelim costs.

Question 11

Construction Technology (Level 3)

How did you calculate inflation on the cost data?

Answer 11

• I included a % for TPI inflation on the rates used. I also cross checked these with BCIS and included location and date indices.

Index A / Index B - Index A = % Inflation

Question 12

Contract Administration (Level 2)

How did you manage the disallowable costs at Worthy down?

Answer 12

• Held multiple meetings to agree

* Had a good relationship based on what was fair and reasonable

Question 13

Contract Administration (Level 2)

Tell me how you manage the employer agent instruction process?

Answer 13

• I review any changes that I believe may impact their works
• I ask them to submit a quotation for these works

Question 14

Contract Administration (Level 2)

How do you manage risk on EAI’s

Answer 14

• I conduct a cause-and-effect schedule which helps identify any further impacts that aren’t captured.
• Inform Sub-Contractors I want them to hold their price for this when instructed.
• Allow a contingency within the submission

Question 15

Contract Practice (Level 2)

Can you give an example of an amendment?

Answer 15

• We have a clause within the Contract that states any restriction of Brexit holding up materials will be a Relevant Event if proven to be the sole cause.
• There is an amendment to the contract which states that any discrepancy between the derogations schedule and the Employer Requirements, the derogations schedule takes precedence.

Question 16

Contract Practice (Level 2)

Can you give an example of where a Sub-contractor has wished to amend one?

Answer 16

• Roofing Weather Clause (Spoke in level 3).
• The metalwork sub-contractor wanted COVID to be a ‘force majeure event’, I informed them it was a known event and therefore could not be force majeure.

Question 17

Contract Practice (Level 2)

Why did you use an intermediate contract then a JCT Sub-Contract?

Answer 17

• This was the fastest option to mobilise on site, our intermediate contract reflects the JCT well and sub-contractors we commonly use are aware of it and the contents.
• Uses some simplified language
• Is well reviewed by Skanska legal teams and sub-contractors we use frequently.

Question 18

Contract Practice (Level 3)

What advice have you given with regards to weather delay?

Answer 18

• At project Norwood the Roofing sub-contractor wanted a clause amended to allow for a relevant event to any weather that impeded their progress. – I advised them that they could accept standard clause ‘Adverse’ one in ten years…
• I agreed a specific set of conditions with them

Question 19

Contract Practice (Level 3)

What advice did you give with regards to a letter of intent?

Answer 19

• I advised the Plant screen louvre sub-contractor that I didn’t think they time it would take to have a good LOI drafted would be worth it, better to concentrate on getting the contract and design sorted…

Question 20

Contract Practice (Level 3)

How did you ensure the designer had sufficient PII insurance?

Answer 20

• I advised the Sub-Contractor I required a copy of their redacted agreement with the designer
• As well as their PII (Which I checked for fire).

Half a million in the aggregate for fire claims

Question 21

Contract Practice (Level 3)

You advised a Sub-Contractor that the clauses needed to be mirrored, what advice did you give?

Answer 21

• This advice was specifically related to PII and liability period of 12 years.
• I didn’t expect a formal back-to-back of all clauses, as generally their appointment would be less, and therefore proportionate.
• This protects them just as much as us.

Question 22

Procurement & Tendering (Level 2)

How do you complete tender lists?

Answer 22

• I review internal data base
• I consider local sub-contractors (HS Dev)
• I am not against using new sub-contractors, i.e. Configured platform at Norwood.

Question 23

Procurement & Tendering (Level 2)

Can you tell me a time you have used E-Tendering

Answer 23

• Roofing sub-contractor at Norwood, there were several changes to the scope which they were notified upon.

Question 24

Procurement & Tendering (Level 2)

What accreditations do you look for when completing tender lists?

Answer 24

• Achilles (Supply Chain Risk Management)
• CHAS (Constructionline H&S scheme)
• Construction line (SFS at Norwood required improving due to high-risk trade)
• Case study data & references

Question 25

Procurement & Tendering (Level 2)

Can you give me an example of where you have made a fair tender comparison?

Answer 25

• Yes, during the RAF procurement at Norwood, some tenderers had excluded various items I then made assumptions based on averages to make them like-for-like.

Question 26

Procurement & Tendering (Level 2)

Can you give an example where you have not chosen the cheapest option?

Answer 26

• Procurement of the concealed riser doors, the product was slightly superior in quality and the installation suited us better.

Question 27

Procurement & Tendering (Level 3)

Can you tell me what advice you have given with regards to appointing a sub-contractor?

Answer 27

• I had to advise the MD of Skanska on a recommendation report for the curtain walling. I am aware that packages of this size are heavily (and rightly) scrutinised, I ensured in my report I allowed a full detail of the history, risk strategy, insurances, factory report etc. To demonstrate I, and the team had done our due diligence.

Question 28

Procurement & Tendering (Level 3)

Can you tell me a time you have given advice on a tender route?

Answer 28

• At Worthy Down I advised the Client that we should stage a ‘two-stage’ approach to tender with the feature reception desks, due to the specialist knowledge required, it was difficult to get definitive help without on the design without a contract, but I didn’t want to commit to appointing someone knowing that the design may change significantly. The Client agreed, and we appointed our preferred tender under a short form contract to develop the design and assist the Architect.

Question 29

Procurement & Tendering (Level 3)

Why did you advise that a two-stage approach would give full open book visibility?

Answer 29

• As we would share the net cost of the design decision and the sub-contractor mark-up and ours.
• It limited risk because if we had priced the variation based on a preliminary design, we would have included a higher risk %.

Question 30

Procurement & Tendering (Level 3)

What advice have you given with regards to procurement strategies?

Answer 30

• I advised the Commercial lead I wanted to split out the procurement of the doors to overcome cost issues.
• I used the same supplier from Worthy Down, and ordered the doors direct, then paid the carpentry firm a management fee and to install them.

Question 31

Project Finance (Level 2)

Can you give me an example of where you have provided information for the CVR?

Answer 31

• At Norwood I advise on any accruals through the purchase ledger, as well as Sub-Contractor liabilities

Question 32

Project Finance (Level 2)

Where and why did you include an undefined provisional sum?

Answer 32

• I used it with the metalworker at Norwood to aid with my forecasting of the out-turn package cost, we know the cost was to come, so better shown as an undefined prov sum than a risk reserve or unallocated order value.

Question 33

Project Finance (Level 3)

What advice have you given on risk reserves?

Answer 33

• I produced the Norwood risk register and collated them risks advising to the management team.
• Based on probability, cost and time impact. Mitigation and financial cover for post mitigation.

Question 34

Project Finance (Level 3)

Can you advise me of a mitigation action you have taken?

Answer 34

• The roofing product specified was from overseas and our procurement team had highlighted some risk of the products being delayed. I advised the team, after discussing with the supply chain the product could be swapped to a different supplier that was UK based.
• Changing the outter pane was thinner at Norwood than the inner pane, pressure differences will cause the outer pane to deflect more than the inner pane to create a “pillowing” effect.

It is good practice to ensure the outer pane is thicker than the inner pane to avoid this effect which is consider disturbing and unsightly.
(Managed to verify this and have this changed for minimal cost, but avoided an unsightly view of the building)

Question 35

Project Finance (Level 3)

How do you advise the commercial lead on accurate revenue compared to forecasted revenue?

Answer 35

• At Norwood I complete a comparison sheet between our revenue forecast (adjusted quarterly) against actual, and the delta between is then discussed between the team.
• We do this to identify how the project is performing in terms of completed works i.e., our ‘VALUE’

Question 36

Project Finance (Level 3)

What advice have you given with regards to cashflow?

Answer 36

• At Worthy Down, there were numerous buildings, at different stages so required careful consideration. I would review with PM’s and Planner and agree when materials would come to site, I advised Commercial director on areas of my responsibility.
• Would review any ‘agreed’ milestones or materials on site etc. Also, would consider front loaded costs.

Question 37

Quantification & Costing (Level 2)

When have you used BIM programmes to validate measures?

Answer 37

• At Worthy down I noticed a few errors on the metal door schedule, I used Solibri model viewer to review the locations and quantities of doors required.

Question 38

Quantification & Costing (Level 2)

How can you use measurement to help you in your job?

Answer 38

• At Worthy Down I would measure the rooms completed on bldg. 206 using bluebeam after my walk around. I would then keep this information stored so we had good records throughout on what was completed and when.

Question 39

Quantification & Costing (Level 2)

How has measurement helped you reject an EOT?

Answer 39

• I was able to demonstrate that areas were available to them by my records.

Question 40

Quantification & Costing (Level 2)

Can you give an example of where you have chosen an appropriate pricing strategy?

Answer 40

• At Norwood when I was procuring the fire stopping sub-contractor, I placed the order based on a SOR, to get the order value I used a cost per m2 for a similar building.

Question 41

Quantification & Costing (Level 3)

Can you give an example of where you have prepared cost data?

Answer 41

• Skanska are changing forecasting systems and removing WBS codes with Uniclass codes. I advised management on which codes costs should be migrated too – this is important for future data presentation.

Question 42

Quantification & Costing (Level 3)

Can you tell me a time where you have agreed costs with a Sub-Contractor?

Answer 42

• At Worthy Down car park variation:
• I calculated the tonnage of materials by thickness and area and included generous allowances for regulating based on what we spent on another car park.
• I also calculated the amount of labour they were starting using day ‘all in’ rates previously used.
• I saved about £1 on the binder rate per m2, and 80p on the surface course. – Was about a £15k saving for the client.
• The rates they were using were from a previous variation of a small area, this wasn’t a fair reflection.

Question 43

Quantification & Costing (Level 3)

What advice to you give on your reports of prelims?

Answer 43

• I create a monthly internal report tracking purchase order spend and plant on site
• I speak with the team to assess any future requirements
• I advise senior management on our out-turn forecast and spend for the preliminaries section.
• I also created a bespoke report which enabled us to forecast with accuracy. They way Skanska forecast system is set up, purchase orders are charged to a WBS code, but you cannot use the system to forecast individual purchase order out-turn costs. Therefore, I created my own sheet that did this.

Question 44

Quantification & Costing (Level 3)

Can you tell me where you have costed information for a client?

Answer 44

• During the building split at Project Norwood.
• I measured the changes and split these down into WBS elemental codes. I then reviewed the prelim impact. Allowed a contingency and fixed price as well as out profit within the change. Due to the change from CAT B – A.

Question 45

Quantification & Costing (Level 3)

With the building split, how did you manage to omit works from packages?

Answer 45

• Conducted a cause-and-effect schedule.
• Obtained quotes from the sub-contractors on site.
• Technically if omitting their contracted scope, we would need to pay loss of profits.

Question 46

Sustainability (Level 2)

Can you tell me how you have engaged with local communities?

Answer 46

• I attended local careers fairs as well as building a memorial garden and hosting an event at Ready uni

Question 47

Sustainability (Level 2)

Can you give me an example of where you have demonstrated knowledge of sustainability when it comes to procurement?

Answer 47

• During procurement of the borehole monitoring, there was a condition in the planning that required us to test fortnightly when earthworks were undertaken, I reviewed the programme to forecast our estimated costs over the project.

Question 48

Sustainability (Level 2)

Can you tell me about a recycling scheme you set up?

Answer 48

• I implemented a Correx scheme at Norwood which reduced CO2 by 2.45tn

Question 49

Sustainability (Level 2)

How do you consider locality of Sub-Contractors

Answer 49

• I know it’s a key factor of ISO20400 Sustainable procurement and I am mindful of that.
• One example was during our ‘covid’ deep cleaner, I appointed a local contractor rather than the framework one set up in London, as there were many benefits to this.