Publications Read

Question 1

Reading RICS Guidance Note on Cost Reporting?

Answer 1

Transparency
Consistency
Accuracy
Informed decision making

Emphasizes transparency, consistency, and industry standards for accurate construction cost reporting, facilitating informed decision-making and project success.

Question 2

RICS Rules of Conduct - Example behaviours? (Ref JB slides)

Question 3

January Edition of Building Magazine?

Answer 3

Leader
Unstable, dangerous and uncertain: 2024
Middle East
Ukraine
China
UK economy at mercy of global events

UK Construction and Housebuilding Market:
Containers - impact on supply - productivity and costs
Industry under pressure
Clients postponing spending
Output slumped 2%
Housebuilding 15% slump fourth quarter 2023
Companies going into administration
Plans to make Planning System more open.
Ways to avoid cascading effect - collaboration and more efficient working/support between suppliers and contractors.

Question 4

November Edition of Building Magazine?

Answer 4

Taylor Wimpey ‘rides out storm’
Reported on track to post operating profit of £470m (upper end of previous forecast but still half of same period last year)
Due to focus mitigating risks and controlling costs and delivering efficiencies.
Improving position on build costs plus a lack of further pressure on selling prices.
Not a sharp bounce back for industry expected.
Continued undersupply of housing still putting pressure on maintain building rate

Question 5

Overview of the NRM 1 and the Order of Cost Estimating and Cost Planning defined within?

Answer 5

Introduction: Purpose and scope overview
Definitions: Key term clarification
Cost planning: Establishing project cost plans
Cost estimating: Principles for estimating costs
Cost analysis: Techniques for categorizing costs
Elemental cost planning: Breakdown by construction elements
Elemental unit rates: Guidelines for unit rates
Project cost data: Data sources and methodologies
Cost checks and benchmarks: Validation procedures
Reporting and documentation: Presentation standards
Appendices: Additional resources and examples

Question 6

Overview of the NRM 2: Detailed Measurement for Building Works?

Answer 6

Introduction: Purpose and scope overview
Definitions: Key term clarification
Measurement rules: Guidelines for quantifying building works
Bills of quantities: Standard presentation formats
Elemental units: Measurement breakdown
Sub-elemental units: Detailed component measurement
Worked examples: Demonstrative illustrations
Appendices: Additional resources and reference materials

Question 7

September Issue of Building Magazine?

Answer 7

Visual School Surveys for RAAC may have missed hidden flaws

Government surveys favoured visual surveys rather than more intrusive measures.
More intrusive surveys would have ‘massively’ increased the time spent to identify RAAC,
Hidden flaw - area supported by the wall at each end of the RAAC planks. Variable manufacturing quality meant reinforcement sometimes postioned away from the bearing area at ends of planks.
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Mitigation measures rather than replacement would have been sufficient.
DfE - only schools that would need reinspection were those where access was not possible eg asbestos

RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) panels are lightweight, precast concrete panels used in construction, primarily for roofs, walls, and floors. They consist of aerated concrete, which is reinforced with steel for added strength. RAAC panels are valued for their insulation properties, ease of installation, and fire resistance. However, they have come under scrutiny for potential structural weaknesses and deterioration over time, necessitating careful inspection and maintenance.

Question 8

RICS Guidance Note on Value Management and Value Engineering?

Answer 8

Early stakeholder engagement
Shared decision making
Structured and methodical
Objective identification
Assessing options
Optimising value

Early stakeholder engagement: Involving stakeholders from the outset
Collaborative decision-making: Shared decision processes
Structured value assessment: Methodical approach
Objective identification: Clarifying project goals
Alternative solution evaluation: Assessing options
Value optimization: Balancing cost, quality, sustainability
Holistic value view: Beyond financial aspects
Integrated planning: Incorporating value management principles

Question 9

RICS Professional Guidance on Conflict Avoidance and Dispute Resolution?

Answer 9

Clear communication
Early identification
Proactive measures
ADR
Collaboration
Best practice

Conflict prevention: Clear communication and early issue identification
Effective project management: Proactive measures
Alternative dispute resolution: Mediation, adjudication
Collaborative approach: Fostering better relationships
Practical advice: Guidance for stakeholders

Question 10

RICS Guidance Note on Final Account Procedures

Answer 10

Accuracy of conclusion
Costs documentation
Transparency
Record keeping
Positive relationships

Final account procedures: Accurate financial conclusion
Documentation details: Valuations, variations, claims
Transparency emphasis: Contractual obligations, diligence
Record-keeping importance: Clear communication, dispute resolution
Risk mitigation: Positive project relationships

Question 11

RICS Guidance Note on Management of Risk?

Answer 11

Pro activity
Identification, assessment, allocation
Contingency planning
Collaboration
Resilience

Risk management strategies: Proactive approach
Key aspects: Identification, analysis, allocation
Contingency planning: Monitoring
Collaboration emphasis: Clear communication, industry standards
Resilience enhancement: Successful project outcomes

Question 12

JCT Practice Note Deciding on the Appropriate JCT Contract 2016?

Answer 12

Contract selection guidance: Project complexity, procurement, risk
JCT contract characteristics: Informed decision-making
Alignment with project objectives: Clarity, dispute minimization

Question 13

JCT Tendering Practice Note 2017?

Answer 13

Tendering process guidance: Pre-tender planning, documentation
Submission procedures: Post-tender evaluation
Emphasis on fairness: Compliance, transparency
Clear procedures establishment: Equal treatment, effective communication
Practical advice: Efficient tendering, risk mitigation

Question 14

Reading RICS Guidance Note on Complaints Handling?

Answer 14

Complaints handling strategies: Responsiveness, transparency
Clear procedures: Investigation, resolution
Escalation mechanisms: Communication, documentation
Learning from complaints: Trust maintenance, satisfaction enhancement

Question 15

RICS Professional Statement on Conflicts of Interest?

Answer 15

Conflicts of interest principles: Transparency, integrity
Identification and assessment: Risk mitigation
Independence maintenance: Client interest priority
Ethical standards adherence: Trust maintenance, impartiality

Question 16

Recent reading of the RICS?

Answer 16

Reimagined retail: Future urban centres in a post-pandemic, hybrid working world:

How can urban centres be transformed into vibrant hubs where local businesses thrive, people can socialise and engage in leisure activities?
-The importance of locality and mixed use: Hybrid working has strengthened the connection to local shops
-Elements of a successful city: cities must offer good healthcare, teaching hospitals, and good quality education, as well as vibrant culture, clean air and water.
-Repurposing and thriving places: viewing people as citizens rather than consumer. Put local people at the centre of activity to making a place’. his included a local radio station, health and well-being services, food startups and affordable housing in flats above.
-Creating usable spaces: connecting with others is crucial for our mental health and overall well-being. We need to move away from traditional zoning practices, cities should incorporate mixed-use areas almost everywhere’.
-Repurposing, rent and sustainability: having a long-term tenant who guarantees rent, even at a possible reduced rate, is highly valuable. So, thinking about repurposing and its environmental performance [together] is absolutely fundamental for sustainability’.