Managing Projects SOE Flashcards
What is the role of a project manager?
Depends on my appointment with the Employer
However I would say my role is to manage a project team and drive thru the successful completion of the project
To deliver the client’s objectives and development brief
What methods have you used to keep a project team updated?
Verbal or written forms of communication
via emails or monthly meetings
How did you assess delay and evaluate mitigation measures in Colchester 1?
The contractor was behind schedule due to delays in getting the Basic Asset Protection Agreement (BAPA) signed
o I assessed works on site by analysing works completed against the contractor’s programme and illustrated this using a dropline tool
o I identified they were two weeks behind
o Due to the BAPA being a client risk, I advised the client an acceleration agreement is necessary for the contractor to hit the section 1 and 2 completion dates
o An employers instruction was issued to recover lost time
o 5 operatives and 1 engineer to work nights and weekends
What does your project audits consist of?
o A project audit provides an opportunity to review the projects, challenges, risks and processes and a chance to reflect on if it is meeting the core objectives
o Can be carried out at the end of a project with lessons learnt
o We also carry out internal file audits
What does a risk register consist of?
o A tool to communicate and warn potential risks to client
o With what would happen if they were to occur and mitigation measures
o Probability of it occurring (%)
o Impact if it does occur (%)
o Risk ranking (Probability x impact)
What are some examples in your risk register?
A very recent Student Scheme in Manchester:
Headings included:
Site Conditions
Planning/Statutory Bodies
Client/Third Party Issues
Design
Programme
What are your examples in L2 Managing Projects?
Producing dashboard reports for Belfast 1 and Belfast 2
Assessing practical and sectional completion in Belfast 1 and 2
Producing a PEP for Nottingham 1
What are your examples in L3 Managing Projects?
Improving design viability on Glasgow 2
Cat B Fit Out Manchester 2 - reduced a high tender return by suggesting less meeting rooms, which reduced glazing costs as well as less MEP from less fan coil units.
Advising on Portfolio 1 on document and information management
Talk us through the process involved in reviewing lessons learned from previous projects?
To benefit from lessons learned on previous projects I have read the general principles set out within the Lessons learned RICS guidance note
This relies on the following processes: (I,D,A,S,R)
- Identifying – Identify recommendations and learning that may be
valuable from previous projects. This may be in the form of lessons
learned logs and databases. A lessons learned session to discuss
these findings should also be arranged with the project team; i.e.
What went wrong, What went right and What needs to be improved - Document – Following the recording of lessons learned and initial
discussions, a report should be prepared and issued to the project
stakeholders. The report could detail the data captured during the
sessions along with any additional input from participants not
available to attend - Analyse - The team will review what actions can be taken from the
lessons learned information and look to implement these within the
project where possible. - Store - Lessons learned documents are stored along with other
project documents, normally on a shared drive so that these are
available to other project teams. - Retrieve – Future project teams can access the lessons learned
documents to implement on their project. These should be store
with a key word search capability so the appropriate lesson can be
retrieved.
What are KPIs and can you give some examples?
Key Performance Indicators:
Revenue growth.
Revenue per client.
Profit margin.
Client retention rate.
Customer satisfaction.
What is ISO9001?
o International standard that specifies requirements for quality management systems
Can you give us an example of when you have had to re-evaluate project contingencies and variations to the programme?
o Colchester 1
o I had to assess variations with the Senior QS
o One example included for lowering of existing services
o The contractor had stated in their qualifications they will borne no cost for anything to do diverting existing services
o Therefore advised the client this needs to be an employer’s instruction
o Attenuation tank – assessed their was economies of scale the contractor did not provide in their quote.
When have you used a RAG system?
o Belfast 1 & 2
o Delay of power on dates
o Planning and statutory approvals
o Delay of sample room sign offs
o General progress on site
How have you assessed Practical Completion?
o In Belfast 1 & 2
o I had to assess practical completion for both of these student schemes, we had already issued partial possession certificates
o Practical completion is when an employer takes back possession of the site
o As the Employer’s agent I assessed works on site, ensuring they were substantially complete.
o I issued a PC checklist to ensure all relevant documentation is handed over, including contractor’s O&Ms, H&S file and consultant sign offs
o If appropriate I would then issue a Practical Completion Certificate
What is a Project Execution Plan?
- Describes who does what and how, defining the polices, procedures and priorities that will be adopted.
- Methodology for how to deliver the project
