module specification

The module aims to bring together learning from earlier modules, in particular, Estimating and Measurement Practice and Project Management and Contract Administration, and build upon this learning.
Contract administration and cost planning will be examined in the context of a complete construction project from inception to completion, from both the client and contractor’s perspectives, and develop skills required as a Quantity Surveyor, whether working in a consultancy or commercial management role.

By the end of the module you should be able to:
• Identify and analyse factors which influence cost during the pre-contract stage of a project, and their impact on construction and operational costs.
• Prepare cost data comparing different construction techniques.
• Estimate techniques for tender purposes.
• Administer a contract and undertake commercial management and cost control during the construction phase of a project.
• Understand, variations, claims, and disputes, and propose appropriate responses to contract dispute scenarios.

Design economics and cost influencers
• Impact of design decisions, specification choices, materials, construction methods, and buildability on project costs (LO1)
• Understanding cost drivers across different building types and procurement situations (LO1)
Detailed estimating techniques
• Analytical estimating, resource-based estimating, labour/plant/material build-ups (LO2)
• Pricing preliminaries, risk allowances, overheads and profit (LO2)
• Use and evaluation of cost data sources and benchmarking for detailed estimates (LO2)
Commercial management and cost control during construction
• Interim valuations, applications for payment, financial reporting (LO3)
• Cashflow management and forecasting (LO3)
Cost control techniques used in practice
• Cost–Value Reconciliation (CVR): structure, preparation, interpretation and strategic use (LO3)
• Earned Value Analysis (EVA): performance measurement, cost and schedule analysis, forecasting (LO3)
Variations, claims and time impacts
• Principles and valuation of variations; pricing methods and contractual entitlements (LO4)
• Claims for delay, disruption, and extension of time (LO4)
Dispute avoidance and resolution
• Negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration; role of the QS in conflict management (LO5)
• Understanding conflicts and proactive avoidance strategies (LO5)
Professional behaviour and reflective practice
• Ethics, integrity, inclusive practice, and RICS professional conduct expectations (LO6)
• Reflective development of professional identity and competence (LO6)

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 global case studies stimulates discussion and helps them to develop a deep understanding of measurement and cost planning in context and to 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 that is complex and 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 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.

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

LO1. Analyse design economics and evaluate how design decisions, materials, and construction methods influence construction cost outcomes and value.
LO2. Apply detailed estimating techniques to develop robust and analytically justified project cost estimates.
LO3. Produce commercial documentation including CVRs, earned value assessments, valuations, and cost reports to support financial management during construction.
LO4. Assess variations, claims, and time-related adjustments, demonstrating understanding of their commercial and contractual implications.
LO5. Evaluate dispute avoidance and dispute resolution mechanisms and recommend appropriate procedures in a construction context.
LO6. Reflect on personal and professional development, demonstrating ethical awareness, inclusivity, and the professional behaviours expected of a quantity surveyor.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module.
There are several books that cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

Core:

Ashworth, A., Hogg, K. and Higgs, C. (2013) Willis’s Practice and Procedure for the Quantity Surveyor. 13th edn. London: Wiley Blackwell.
Atkinson, A. (2020) JCT Contract Administration Pocket Handbook. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.
Brook, M. (2016) Estimating and tendering for construction work. Abingdon: Routledge
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.
Lupton, S. (2019) Which Contract: Choosing the appropriate building contract. 6th edn. London: RIBA Publishing.
Lupton, S. (2017) Guide to JCT Standard Building Contract 2016. London: RIBA Publishing.
RICS (2016) Commercial management of construction. Available at:
www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/construction/black-book/commercial-management-of-construction/.

Additional reading:

RICS Black Book
RICS key standards for construction
RICS New Rules of Measurement
International Cost Management Standard (ICMS)
CIOB Global Construction Review
Association for Project Management news
RICS news and insight
Construction Management Magazine