Programming and Planning Flashcards
What are the names of each stage identified in the RIBA Plan of Work?
RIBA Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
RIBA Stage 1 - Preparation and Brief
RIBA Stage 2 - Concept Design
RIBA Stage 3 - Spatial Coordination
RIBA Stage 4 - Technical Design
RIBA Stage 5 - Construction and Manufacturing
RIBA Stage 6 - Handover
RIBA Stage 7 - Use
Why do we have a RIBA Plan of Work?
It organizes the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages.
It explains outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage.
What is a programme and why do we need one for a construction project?
The programme should reflect the scope of work, identify activities and sequence those activities efficiently; a well executed construction programme outlines each step and provides dates for completion.
Maintaining an effective programme is key to identifying potential risks, minimising delays and ensuring the project is completed on time.
The programme is used to both plan work and monitor progress.
What information does a programme typically show?
- Activities and their sequencing
- Activity duration, including start and finish date
- Activity dependencies
- Milestones (key dates)
- Float and Lag
- Critical Path
- Current and predicted progress
- Can also be used to predict cash flow and resource requirements (plant and labour)
What is programme float?
Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the subsequent activity or critical path
What is lag between activities?
When the first activity completes and there is a delay before the second activity starts.
Can you provide a working example of lag on a new build project?
Once a concrete foundation is laid, there will be lag prior to erecting steelwork (to allow the concrete to harden/cure)
What is the critical path on programme?
It is the longest sequence of activities that must be completed successfully to conclude a project.
Activities on the critical path are know as critical activities because if they’re delayed, the whole project will be delayed.
Can critical path activities have float?
Critical path activities have no float.
If these are delayed, the overall completion of the project will be delayed.
What are milestones?
A project milestone is a task of zero duration that shows an important achievement in a project.
Please provide examples of typical programme milestones for a new build construction project.
- Planning permission granted
- RIBA Stage 3 complete
- Contractor appointed
- Start on site
- Handover
How would you put together a programme for a new project?
- I would first understand the purpose of the programme and level of detail required.
- Identify all activities to be completed, project deliverables, contractual requirements and key milestones (consulting with the project team and key stakeholders where required).
- Assign durations to each activity
- Summarise activities into RIBA stages
- Identify relationships between activities and link accordingly
- Identify float and critical path in the programme
- Issue the programme to team for comment, adjust as required
- Monitor and review
What is a concurrent delay?
Two or more delays caused by different parties occur independently of each other but during the same period.
What is the difference between a jagged and straight drop line on a programme?
Jagged drop line:
Progress as a percentage is entered for each task. This shows activities which are on, behind or ahead of reporting date (as indicated by the red jagged line).
Straight drop line:
After progress is entered, the programme is rescheduled so each task sits on the progress reporting date (this straightens the line drop). It is useful to determine the impact on the critical path.
What is the benefit in assigning resources to specific programme activities?
Assigning resources such as plant and labour allows a resource profile to be built. This ultimately identifies requirements for the project and/or pinch points.
