Mandatory & Opt Flashcards
Sustainability:
How is district cooling slightly sustainable?
Better than high energy consumption individual AC units
Note:
- Tech - delivers chilled water piped to buildings for cooling air
- Fundamental design changes such as less glazing, will drastically reduce cooling demand
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
How you would produce a cash flow forecast?*
interview
Programme
Costs (expenditure)
Advance payments, payment terms, retention, etc., all of which are part of the Conditions of Contract
Client Care:
Are there any times when you do not need a CHP?
Yes, if acting as an Expert Witness
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
What is the RICS DRS?
Dispute resolution service
Helps people find dispute resolvers
Note:
Oldest and largest provider of ADR in built environment
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
If a dispute arises and it is looking like it will be escalated to the next level of ADR, how do you know which level to go to?
As set out in Contract
Health + Safety:
Who is ultimately responsible for H+S on-site?
The Engineer and Client
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
Dispute resolution stages on OZ?*
SOE
Written notice - within 28 days of becoming aware
Negotiation (with 3rd party)
Dispute Committee (already appointed) - meet within 10 days, agreement in 40 days
Arbitration (DIAC) - file and go to Arb after 56 days
Note:
- Negotiation with neutral 3rd party (just say this)
- OZ Cl. 32 dispute resolution
Team Working:
What is team dynamics?
Different
- ability levels
- culture/race
- skills/weaknesses
- diverse
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
Is OZ Contract straight to court, or Arb?
Arbitration
Health + Safety:
What is ‘reportable injury’ under RIDDOR 2013?
SOE
Death
Specific injuries
Injury for 7+ days (for workers)
Report dangerous to public occurrences such as gas leaks
Note:
- A work-related accident that causes physical injury, including violence, must be reported as a ‘reportable injury’
- Hospital treatment (for non-workers)
Business Planning:
What’s a SWOT analysis?*
SOE
Strengths (int)
Weaknesses (int)
Opportunities (ext)
Threats (ext)
Note:
- Situational analysis
- Microeconomic
Client Care:
What do you think the principles of client care are?
SOE “appropriate behaviours are required to maintain and improve client relations”
Understand client objectives
Clear scope of services and fee
Establish clear lines of communication
Service - be courteous, punctual and professional
Put the developer best interests ahead of developer reps personal view
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What’s a Balance sheet?*
SOE
Current assets and liabilities
One-time snapshot of companies financial health
e.g. 31/03/19
Note:
[assets - liabilities = shareholder equity]
a common-size balance sheet reports money as % of assets, good for comparison with other firms, more confidential
Sustainability:
RICS SKA rating is an environmental assessment for which type of works?
Benchmark and standard for non-domestic fit-outs
Note:
- Free online tool to help organisations with fit-out sustainability (pay for certificate)
- Reduces operating costs, improves energy and water management, occupier well-being and asset value
- Stages
1 Design/ planning - identify Client priorities
2 Handover - gathering evidence from O+M manuals
3 Occupancy - option to review 12m after completion
Health + Safety:
How are risks assessed on your project?
Carried out by the Contractor’s H+S manager
Sustainability:
Do I think LEED compliance would have cost the Employer on the project budget?
SOE “cost of achieving is generally higher”
Yes, rather than using the cheapest solution,
have to source locally which may cost more than China
Risk Management:
What methods can you mitigate commercial risks for an Employer on a construction project?
(the procurement route is fixed/past)
Payment terms - retention, LD’s
Guarantees and bonds - PCG, AP, PB
Insurances - CAR, PI
Note:
- Prequal tenderers - solvency vetting
- SFC review and amendment
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
2 key financial statements that all companies must provide, and why are these required?
Current - Balance Sheet
Historic - Profit and Loss statement
Why?
- Legal obligation for listed companies
- Update the market on their performance
Team Working:
What is the the RICS Diversity and Inclusion Strategy about?
Tackle barriers to entry and encourage a more diverse profession
Promoting LGBT in profession
Business Planning:
How do you start a business in UAE? What steps to take?
activity - select business activity
jurisdiction - select (mainland/ free zone/ off-shore)
trade license - obtain
register - company
Others: 1 select business activity 2 select jurisdiction (mainland/ free zone/ off-shore) 3 Define company structure 4 Company name approval 5 Obtain trade license 6 Register company 7 Find local partner (depending on jurisdiction type) 8 Obtain external approvals
Client Care:
Is the decision of an ombudsman binding?
No, can proceed to litigation
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
How long must private companies keep accounting records for? and how long for public companies?
UK
Private = 3 years
Public = 6 years
Data Management:
How do you determine if a document is public, private or restricted?
impact matrix based on..
- reputation
- financial
- legal
Data Management:
What business management systems (BMS) you have in place at your firm?
One Omnium - containing
- standard forms/templates
- time sheets,
- leave requests,
- CHP,
- project organisation charts
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
What is an expert witness?
expert of subject matter (e.g. rail)
informs and guides in court
Note:
must demonstrate high levels of impartiality
Health + Safety:
What are meant by the term ACOP’s?
Approved Codes of Practice
Health + Safety:
Describe your firms H+S policy?
comply with law and the Contractor’s on site
Note:
Note - Aecom have their own H+S policy
Risk Management:
What is Central limit theorem?
90% confidence for project contingency fund
Note:
mathematical technique used to provide a 90%
confidence level for a project contingency fund
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
Main issues with litigation?
Cost,
time
public knowledge
can be appealed
Client Care:
How do you establish a Client’s objectives?
pre-start meeting with them
If still ambiguity, hold further meetings/correspondence to clarify.
Notes: objectives include - Risk appetite - TCQ - Desired final product. - Functionality - KPI
Risk Management:
What are quantitative risk analysis methods?*
Applying a number to a risk
Simple method of assessment - price a register (min, max, likely)
Monte Carlo
Note:
- Central limit theorem
- % of cost plan (5% design and 8% construction)
- Quantify in terms of cost and time
Risk Management:
According to NRM1, how to calculate risk allowance, at cost planning stages?*
Base cost x % allow for Design development risk
+
Base cost x % allow for Construction risk
+
Base cost x % allow for Employer change risk
+
Base cost x % allow for Employer other risk
Note:
Base cost = works + design fees + developer fees
e.g. Base cost x % allow for Design development risk
AED 10m x 2% = AED 200,000
Sustainability:
Examples of sustainable design features (designing a building)?
SOE
Building orientation,
glazing ratio,
brise soleil
Sustainability:
Provide examples of renewables technologies?
Solar - panels
wind - turbines
water - hydro energy
Team Working:
Difference between management and leadership?
Leadership sets direction for group, a spearhead for direction
Management is motivating, monitoring, splitting tasks, etc
Sustainability:
What is the purpose DGBR?
SOE “OZ complies with DGBR”
Local sustainability guidance,
to improve energy performance
e.g. 5% from recycled materials
Note:
- For new projects (excl malls and hospitals)
- building requirements such as meters to record electrical, water and central air conditioning consumption
- Developers must submit Green Building Declaration
Business Planning:
How will becoming MRICS help your firm?
Bidding for projects
Delivery higher quality on existing contracts
Data Management:
Name some sources of external cost data?
Spon’s (UK) - tendering and rate check (SOE)
BCIS - for bm feasibility and cost plans (SOE)
Quotes - from Subcontractors and Suppliers
Team Working:
How to manage people working under you?
Communicate,
Develop them,
be a role model
Note:
plan, provide clear manageable tasks, motivate
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What is IFRS?
International Financial Reporting Standards
Common rules for accounting consistency
Note:
UK has GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice)
Data Management:
isurv - What data do you use in your work and how do you manage this?
Mainly tendering information
secured - stored on encrypted drive and Aconex
Health + Safety:
How is COSHH 2012 relevant on our projects?
SOE
Law requires employers to COSHH.
Identified through COSHH assessment
Note: COSHH 2012 (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations)
Data Management:
What’s EDMS?
Electronic Data Management System
Notes:
- Retrieval/ easily access data
- Security encryption
Sustainability:
Who is the governing body of LEED?
US Green Building Council
USGBC
Risk Management:
You’re lay-client is not in construction related industry. They want minimal risk. what procurement route would you advise?
Design and build
Note:
single point responsibility
Health + Safety:
Example of witnessing dangerous h+s violation on-site?
interview
General principles not to walk by.
Advise tradesmen.
Inform H+S manager
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
4x main ratio analysis used to assess a companies financial strength?*
P L F G
Profitability - in relation to turnover
Liquidity - ability to meet current obligations due
Financial - return on capital employed (ROCE)
Gearing - loan exposure debt divided by equity
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
What is the conflict avoidance pledge?
Global coalition for conflict avoidance
Note:
- RIBA, network rail, CIArb, TFL
- Free to sign up for
Sustainability:
What sustainability targets/ environmental assessments on OZ?*
SOE
LEED v3 Gold (achieved)
Communication + Negotiation:
What are kinaesthetic learning style?
physical - kinaesthetic learners absorb info best through touch, movement and motion.
Note:
The word refers to our ability to sense body position and movement. This means that to really understand something, they need to touch it, feel it and move it around.
Client Care:
In addition to on site QAQC with Director, what other company process do we have?
SOE
I check colleague ARF’s beforehand
Quality Policy - 9x statements detailing our promise for performance and compliance
Notes:
- compliance with ISO 9001:2015
- Omn are RICS regulated firm
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What’s working capital calculation?
liquidity ratio
Assets less liabilities
Risk Management:
What should the project contingency allowance be based on?*
/What is Simple method of assessment method
for calculating a risk allowance on a project?
On a project specific risk register..
Likelihood x most likely price (min, max, most likely).
contingency = sum total of ‘likely’
Note:
Rather than % driven
Business Planning:
What might you expect in a business plan?*
5 year plan
Formal statement of business goals, why they are attainable and strategy to achieve
Budgeting/ financing
Company targets - short and long term
Market forecast/ analysis (SWOT, PESTLE)
Note:
- Feedback/ KPI’s
- New Clients
- Key risks
- Plan B - corrective action plan
- Resources plan - requirements, allocation/ utilisation, % overhead (admin, HR)
- Review of previous 5 years
- Strategy to achieve measurable goals
Risk Management:
What’s does ‘expected monetary value’ mean?
Quantify risks and
Calculate contingency
Business Planning:
How to minimise scope creep?
Clearly set-out scope in terms of engagement
Discuss if feel that scope if creeping
Client Care:
Your client want to make a formal complaint, what steps should you take to manage this?
Try to resolve at project level, escalate and follow guidance as per the CHP, notify insurance if required
As per CHP 2016 guidance note - first stage is handled and escalated internally within timeframe.
If unresolved, then refer to independent redress mechanism DIAC (as approved by SR+B)
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
Typical signs of Contractor insolvency?
High recent staff turnover
Immediate invoicing/ gross overvalue
Lack of labour, activity, materials on-site
Subcontractor payment complaints, market rumours
Note:
- Front loaded tender
- Inability to provide performance bond
- Works on site lack progress or slows
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What is gross profit
and what is net profit?
Gross profit = revenue - costs
Net profit = revenue - all expenses (bottom line)
Note:
- Gross profit % = gross profit / turnover x 100
- Net profit % = net profit / turnover x 100
Sustainability:
What defines hazardous waste?
UK
Contains 1 of 16 hazardous properties
Waste oils, asbestos, aerosols, batteries
Note:
As defined on European waste Catalogue
Data Management:
What is Tender Price Index (TPI)?
Cost to Client
Tender Returns
Data Management:
What is a deed?
Contract executed under seal
Notes:
- executed under seal (signed by the parties, witnessed and most importantly made clear that it is executed as a deed
- or under hand (a ‘simple contract’ that is just signed by the parties).
Business Planning:
Re SWOT, provide an example of an external opportunity?
Saudi 2030
Facemask supplier (non-construction)
Data Management:
Why is data held for 6yrs underhand and 12yrs as a deed - what do the years relate to?
Duration of liability
Client Care:
What are the RICS consultant appointment documents called?
Standard Form
Short Form
Notes
- RICS Standard Form Consultant Appointment
- RICS Short Form Consultant Appointment
Risk Management:
How are risk recorded and managed on OZ?
MC have 5.02-R01 Risk Register
Notes:
SOE I have only updated Risk + Opportunities register
Data Management:
What’s UK Data Protection Act 2018?
Processing/ storage of personal data
Compliments the EU GDPR
Note:
- Gives people right to know what info is held on them
- Its for the digital age
Team Working:
Are there any disadvantages of working in a team?
When teams are too large
- motivation, task ownership can languish
- silo information
- personality clashes potentially
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What is working capital?
Ability to pay current debts/liabilities with current liquid assets
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What’s the quick ratio calculation?
assets less stock, divided by liabilities
Note:
- measures liquidity more precisely than current ration
- also known as acid test
- 1+ is good score
Risk Management:
You “participated in risks and opportunities register for procurement delay solutions.” What area did you review, what did you propose?
SOE
Part of Podium A had IFT
Award, rather than await full Podium A IFT
Note:
I did say rather than procuring as separate trade packages (either or)
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
Benefits of ADR over litigation?
Quicker
Less formal
Cheaper
Private
Risk Management:
Define what is a risk?*
Uncertain event or circumstance,
Potential to effect project
Notes:
NRM definition “the likelihood of an event or failure occurring and its consequences or impact”
Data Management:
What data are the RICS Data Standards are already available for?
IPMS
ICMS
Note - soon to be:
ILMS - International Land Measurement Standard
IVS - International Valuation Standard
Data Management:
What’s the data protection law in UAE called?
DIFC Data Protection Law
Notes:
- Collection, handling and disclosure of personal data
- Consistent with EU regs and OECD guidelines
Data Management:
What data is generally included in BCIS?
SOE
Costs - elemental, total
Indices - TPI, RPI
Average rates - GBP/m2, functional units, prelim %
Factors - location, date, contract type, brief spec
BCIS Notes:
- Indicy based, re-base for year, location
- Most useful early, for project appraisals
- RICS, 50+ years of data
Sustainability:
What are the challenges in achieving sustainability in the QS and construction discipline generally?
Change mindsets, behaviours, costs
and obtaining buy-in from all parties
Given new renewable tech a chance
Data Management:
What is Building Cost Index (BCI)?
Cost to Contractor
- Labour and material
Client Care:
What is included in a consultants form of appointment?
terms of engagement
Scope
CHP + PII
Payment terms
Agreed resource
Notes:
- Detail on 3rd party rights/ collateral warranties
- Client money handling procedure
- Health and safety responsibility
- Method of dispute resolution
- Details of termination
- Under hand/ deed
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
3 key differences between arbitration and litigation?
Informal/ formal
International binding/ appeals possible
Private/ public
Risk Management:
NRM1 - four categories of risk?*
SOE
1 Design development risk
2 Construction risk
3 Employer change risk
4 Employer other risk
Notes:
- 1 Design changes in estimating data, planning and legal agreements, tendering delays
- 2 Site conditions, access, existing services, ground conditions
- 3 Changes in scope of work, brief, quality and time
- 4 Postponement, acceleration, availability of funds, unconventional tender action, special contract arrangements
Business Planning:
Name some business planning tools used by your firm?
SWOT - Strengths, weak, opps, threats
PESTLE - Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Legal, Environmental
Macro
Risk Management:
provide some examples of construction specific risks?*
Financing
Procurement delay
Employer change management
H+S
Note:
- Site - planning, environmental
- Poor Contractor selection
- Appropriate contract selectin
- Reputational
- PESTLE
Client Care:
Describe soft landings?
Care through transition -
such as handing over through to operational phase
Risk Management:
Whilst at a meeting with PM and client, you become aware of a potential risk. The client is aware as present in the meeting. How do you formally record the cost impact?
Produce an early warning
Record the likely cost impact in the cost report.
Record the worst case scenario impact in the internal value.
Health + Safety:
You mention the Tenderers are issued the H+S info in the Tender Docs - what section?
Spec/ Div.1 General Requirements
Note:
- H+S spec
- H+S+ emergency response requirements
Sustainability:
Why do developers opt for green belt land and why is this an issue?
why
- clean and cheaper to build on
- e.g. no existing services, remediation costs
an issue
- Un-environmentally friendly,
- better to upgrade existing communities
- longer commutes
Conflict Avoidance, Mgmt + Dispute Res Procedures:
New York Convention 1958 is?
International recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards
Referral by a court to arbitration
Sustainability:
What’s passivhaus?
driven by air quality and comfort
without need for mechanical (heating, AC)
Business Planning:
What is a corporate/company business plan?
- Vision statement (the goal)
- mission statement (how to achieve)
- resources
- objectives (measurable)
- strategies (to reach)
Note:
Inwards focused
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
Arabtec recently liquidated. What does liquidation mean?
The end of the company
inability to pay debts - sell off assets to repay
notes:
- a form of bankruptcy
- Grounds for termination on OZ
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What are the limitations of relying on ratios?
Doesn’t capture the brand, e.g. the value of the Adidas name is not captured, but it’s a huge asset
Notes:
- reputation
- longevity
- performance compared to peers
Data Management:
What is the UAE requirement for data retention?
5 years
Risk Management:
What is the difference between risk and issue?
Risk = uncertain event or circumstance, potential to effect project
Issue = something that is definitely happening
Risk Management:
How to cost the project risk/ contingency?*
(interview)
What is Simple method of assessment method for calculating a risk allowance on a project?
col 1. Risk name
col 2. % probability
x
col 3. likely cost
sum total = contingency
Note:
- Cost can be min, max, most likely
- Traditionally it was Contract sum %
- Refer Mgmt of Risk 2015 appendix B
Accounting Principles + Procedures:
What company accounts must be kept?
UK
P+L
Balance sheet (signed by Director)
Notes to the accounts
Note: Group accounts (if applicable)
Sustainability:
What is ISO 50001?
Energy management system
Sustainability:
What is the RICS social impact awards?
Recognising built environment’s positive and transformational contribution to society
(#valuetheplanet)
Data Management:
Data management on our site?
Aconex,
Doc Controller,
head office servers with periodic back-up
Team Working:
Difference between committee and team?
Committee may not be united in actions or agreement.
Team aims for a common goal
Risk Management:
How is risk managed on OZ?*
Contractor + PM maintains risk and opportunities register
Meets monthly (minimum) - to manage and close-out
Key events like excavation, lift link project, Covid