Week 8: Contemporary Construction And Project Organisations Flashcards
What is the role of architectural and engineering businesses in project delivery?
They provide expertise in design, engineering, and project management, ensuring projects are aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound, and compliant with regulations.
How do climate change and digitalization affect construction?
Climate change drives sustainable practices, while digitalization introduces technologies like BIM, improving efficiency and collaboration.
BIM - Building Information Modelling
Why is health and wellbeing important in building design?
It enhances occupants’ quality of life through natural light, air quality, and ergonomic design, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction.
Do architectural and engineering firms adapt to trends?
Yes, they adapt by integrating sustainable practices, leveraging digital tools, and focusing on health and wellbeing.
What is the role of professional institutions in construction?
They provide guidance, support, and standards, ensuring practitioners are well-trained and adhere to ethical practices.
How do urban planners contribute to construction?
They develop land use plans that create sustainable communities, ensuring projects align with zoning laws and community goals.
What types of surveyors are involved in construction?
Building surveyors focus on design, quantity surveyors manage costs, and land surveyors determine property boundaries.
What are the roles of building contractors and sub-contractors?
Contractors oversee entire projects, while sub-contractors focus on specific tasks like electrical or plumbing work.
Why are business and project management skills important for designers and engineers?
They help oversee projects effectively, manage teams, and navigate the commercial landscape.
How can designers and engineers enhance their skills?
By developing project management, business knowledge, and interpersonal skills through education and networking.
What is the role of interpersonal skills in design and engineering?
They facilitate communication, collaboration, and relationship-building, leading to better project outcomes.
Do designers and engineers need to know everything about their field?
No, they should focus on core skills and collaborate with others for expertise.
What are the characteristics of professional service firms?
They consist of professionals providing specialized services, adhering to ethical standards and leveraging technology for client needs.
How do professional service firms use technology?
They enhance service delivery and operational efficiency through digital tools and managerial systems.
What is the role of ethics in professional service firms?
Ethics ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability, fostering trust and credibility with clients.
Do professional service firms focus on customization?
Yes, they tailor services to meet unique client needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
How do professional service firms depend on site-specific factors?
They rely on unique site characteristics, materials, labor, and regulations to deliver tailored solutions.
How do professional service firms demonstrate creativity?
Through innovative problem-solving and process optimization to address unique project challenges.
What is the role of professional institutions in regulating service providers?
They establish codes of conduct and standards, ensuring quality and integrity in the construction sector.
Do professional service firms offer project-specific services?
Yes, they provide tailored services like project management and consulting for unique project needs.
What types of building specializations do businesses focus on?
Common specializations include residential, industrial, commercial, healthcare, and historic buildings.
How do business arrangements differ in construction?
They vary from sole practitioners to partnerships and limited liability partnerships, each with distinct responsibilities.
What is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?
An LLP combines partnership flexibility with limited liability protection, safeguarding personal assets of partners.
Do construction businesses typically specialize?
Yes, they often focus on specific building types to develop expertise and meet market demands.
Why is Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) important?
PII protects businesses against claims of professional negligence, covering legal costs and compensation.
How should a business manage responsibilities to employees?
By ensuring fair compensation, supporting professional development, and fostering a positive work environment.
What is the role of a quality management system in practice?
A QMS establishes processes for consistent service delivery, ensuring compliance and promoting continuous improvement.
How can professionals maintain competence?
Through ongoing education, skill development, and documenting decisions to ensure high standards of practice.
What is the ownership structure of a small firm?
Ownership typically resides with a few individuals responsible for strategic direction and financial outcomes.
How do owners’ responsibilities differ from employees’ in a small firm?
Owners are accountable for the firm’s direction and decisions, while employees execute tasks as directed.
What is the role of employees in a small firm?
Employees carry out daily tasks and contribute to the firm’s productivity under owners’ guidance.
How is financial compensation structured for owners and employees?
Owners receive salaries and dividends, while employees typically have fixed salaries and benefits.
Why is strategic planning important in management?
It guides organizations towards long-term goals, ensuring informed decisions and sustainable growth.
How can administrative staff support designers?
By handling scheduling and project management, allowing designers to focus on creative tasks.
What is the role of financial management in a business?
It involves planning and controlling financial activities to ensure profitability and solvency.
How should a business approach legal obligations regarding employment law?
By understanding regulations and seeking legal advice to ensure compliance and fair treatment.
What is the top-down management style?
It features a hierarchical structure where decisions are made at the top and directives flow downward.
How does bottom-up management differ from top-down?
Bottom-up management emphasizes collaboration and input from employees in decision-making.
What is the collaborative management style?
It promotes equal participation in decision-making, fostering open communication and shared responsibility.
What are the benefits of a collaborative management style?
It enhances creativity, team unity, and communication, leading to better problem-solving and outcomes.
What is the role of Quality Assurance (QA) in management systems?
QA ensures service consistency and quality, enhancing client confidence and satisfaction.
Why is Quality Control (QC) important in manufacturing?
QC ensures product quality through systematic inspection, minimizing errors and waste.
What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?
TQM focuses on continuous improvement and quality in all organizational processes, enhancing customer satisfaction.
How does Quality Assurance contribute to error-free design?
QA implements processes to ensure accuracy and consistency in design information production.
Why is Continual Professional Development (CPD) important?
CPD helps professionals stay competent and informed about industry developments for career advancement.
How can professionals manage their learning through CPD?
By setting goals, identifying resources, and creating structured plans for ongoing education and reflection.
What are methods of engaging in CPD?
Methods include formal education, self-study, workshops, and online courses for flexible learning.
How does CPD help professionals adapt to changes?
CPD keeps professionals updated on trends and skills necessary for navigating industry changes.
Why are communication skills important in a professional setting?
They facilitate collaboration, convey ideas, and resolve conflicts, enhancing project success.
How does teamwork influence business operations?
Teamwork promotes collaboration, increases productivity, and enhances employee morale.
What is the role of project perspective in management?
It involves understanding project objectives and resources for effective planning and execution.
Why is asking questions important in presentations?
It clarifies uncertainties and engages participants, fostering an interactive learning environment.
Why is effective project management significant?
It aligns projects with organizational goals, maximizing value and minimizing risks.
How do project phases contribute to completion?
They structure the project lifecycle, ensuring effective planning, execution, and evaluation.
What is the role of stakeholders in project management?
Stakeholders influence project success; their needs must be managed throughout the lifecycle.
How are risk and value related in project management?
Risk management enhances project value by identifying and mitigating potential issues.
What is the relationship between risk and reward in project management?
Projects carry risks but also present opportunities for rewards; balancing them is essential.
How do project deliverables impact stakeholders?
Deliverables like time, cost, and quality influence stakeholder perspectives and priorities.
Why is risk management important in business projects?
It identifies and mitigates risks, protecting project integrity and enhancing decision-making.
How do project dynamics affect stakeholder engagement?
Dynamic projects require adaptive communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed and aligned.
Why is the start-up phase important in project management?
It assembles a cohesive team, setting a positive tone for collaboration and project success.
How do development and maturity phases affect team dynamics?
These phases build trust and collaboration, essential for overcoming project challenges.
What is the significance of the completion phase?
It marks project success, allowing for reflection and recognition of team contributions.
What are post-completion activities in project management?
They maintain client relationships and gather feedback for future improvements.
How is a small construction project managed?
It involves appointing architects, securing approvals, and hiring contractors for execution.
How does managing a larger construction project differ?
A project manager oversees a diverse team and coordinates multiple subcontractors for complex projects.
What is the role of a project manager in large projects?
The PM plans, executes, and closes projects, ensuring compliance and quality standards.
Is the involvement of specialists in larger projects beneficial?
Yes, specialists bring unique expertise, enhancing planning and problem-solving.
What is the role of procurement in building projects?
Procurement determines how risks are allocated among clients and contractors.
How do procurement methods influence risk allocation?
They define contractual relationships, shifting risk burdens between clients and contractors.
