module specification

Competence in measurement is integral to the role of quantity surveyors and commercial managers. You will study the relevance of measurement and how it is required to quantify construction works, and to then calculate costs, at all stages of a project, from feasibility to project completion and final account. You will start off examining the traditional measurement techniques and conventions, using standard procedures and apply these to different stages of a project, from the position of the client’s quantity surveyor and the contractor’s quantity surveyor. You will learn about cost planning and the iterative process through each stage of the project. Thereafter, you will use industry standard software, developing competence and employability skills, together with the ability to critically appraise the benefits of such software.

By the end of the module students should be able to undertake the following:

• Apply traditional measurement techniques to various situations.
• Interpret drawings, specifications and other construction information in order to provide measurement data for costing purposes.
• Know where to find relevant cost data for cost planning purposes.
• Use measured data to estimate early costs of a project.
• Use measured data to work up cost plans and bills of quantities.
• Appreciate the relevance of measurement to the commercial manager.
• Use calculated data to cost variations.
• Demonstrate competence in software used for measurement.

The syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the built environment. Topics will include:

• Introduction to measurement, its definition and purpose (LO1, 2)
• International Cost Management Standard (ICMS) (LO1)
• NRM1, NRM2 and NRM3 (LO1, 2)
• RIBA Plan of Work (LO3)
• Measurement of dimensions and forming descriptions from drawings and specifications (LO2)
• Measurement and construction industry frameworks (LO2, 3))
• Measurement rules and application for order of cost estimating (LO2, 3)
• Measurement rules and application for cost planning (LO2, 3)
• Sources of cost information and evaluation of costs to prepare cost plans (LO3)
• Preparing bills of quantities - purpose, benefits, types, preparation (LO1, 2, 3, 5)
• Measurement rules and variations (LO4)
• Application of QS software (LO5)

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Formal lectures will introduce and develop themes that relate to the core subject. The delivery of the module will be broken down into key elements that have discrete tasks. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Workshops and seminars will be held in which students will engage in practical measurement activities making use of the New Rules of Measurement.  Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar activities in which the use of case studies from around the world stimulates discussion and helps them to develop a deep understanding of measurement and cost planning in context and undertake authentic formative activities to gain an appreciation of the processes in industry by which costs are planned, reported, and controlled, including the use of industry relevant software to gather and process data.

Problem based learning will be used to encourage independent learning through proposing a problem which is complex with more than one right answer, challenging the students to work individually and in small groups to develop solutions, thereby developing their problem-solving abilities.  Staff will act as facilitators throughout the activities. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study, to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis.Throughout the module student output’s will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

You will reflect on your learning which will contribute towards your online Professional Development Journal (PDJ).

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. Appreciate the relevance of standard forms of measurement, including the international rules.
2. Interpret drawings, specifications and other design information using standard measurement conventions in order to produce data for costing purposes.
3. Find appropriate sources of cost information and adjust as required to suit particular projects.
4. Apply the rules of measurement and produce costs for the different stages of a project, including variations and final accounts.
5. Demonstrate competence in the use of industry standard software for measurement and a critical appreciation of its benefits.

The 2 module assessments test the student’s knowledge and understanding that should have been developed throughout the module. The module assessment reflects the real industry experience of the cost management of the various stages of a construction project. 

Students will be presented with scenarios in a simulated work environment that require interrogation of the subject to produce innovative and novel solutions. Students will be supported throughout their assessment preparations through having access to formative feedback which will be available throughout the module, during lectures, seminars, and workshops.  Throughout the module students will receive project-based instructions which will replicate the dynamics of a real project scenario.

Coursework 1: Individual Project (1375 words) 50%

Coursework 1 is an individual submission which will requires students to assume the role of a Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) and respond to a client project brief including measurement and quantification of proposals and the production of some early cost advice and pre-tender estimates. The submission will contain narrative, tables and supporting calculations. The project brief will provide more detail about the scopes, aims and objectives of the client’s project brief.

Coursework 2: Individual Project (1375 words) 50% 

Coursework 2 is an individual submission and requires the students to apply the knowledge and skills covered in the module to a simulated project. Students will produce post-tender estimates, then deal with cost control of the project once on site, with information releases providing instructions and change which will require responses from the students. The project brief will provide more detail about the scope, aims and objectives of the project

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.  There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).  

CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module. Useful books and articles for this course are listed below:

Link to library reading list

Core:

RICS New Rules of Measurement
Cartlidge, D. (2022) Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book. 4th edn. Abingdon: Routledge.
Lee, S. (2020) Willis's Elements of Quantity Surveying.13th edn. London: Wiley Blackwell.
International Cost Management Standard (ICMS)

Additional Reading:
RICS Black Book
Construction Management Magazine
CIOB Global Construction Review
Association for Project Management news
RICS news and insight
United Nations Climate Action