module specification

This module will focus on the practice of quantity surveying and will draw upon the knowledge and understanding gained from other modules on the course. The aim of the module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of quantity surveying practice in the context of a complete construction project, from both client and contractor perspectives. The objective of the module is to develop the skills necessary to practice as a quantity surveyor in a consultancy or commercial management role.

You will evaluate the factors which affect design economics across the whole building lifecycle, including both capital and lifecycle costs.  You will study how a quantity surveyor needs to be expert in cost planning and through doing so gain a detailed knowledge as to how cost planning during the design development stage of a project can assist with the financial control of a project. This will involve you studying aspects of practice which include the rules under which order of cost estimates and elemental cost plans are produced and how value engineering can be used to control project costs. You will gain an understanding of how construction works are quantified and costed, including the use of standard methods of measurement at different stages of the project and the production of pricing documents such as schedules of works and bills of quantities.

Moving on from the design stage you will consider how costs and cashflow can be effectively controlled during the construction phase of a project and appraise principles and practice of controlling and reporting costs on a construction project.  You will study methods of cost reporting and forecasting and how to actively manage provisional sums and contingencies.

Throughout the module you will be required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of the professional bodies, including their expectations regarding ethics, rules of conduct and professionalism.  This will require you to demonstrate that you have an awareness of the importance of the principles and practice of client care in quantity surveying practice, and to evaluate the contributions of cultural diversity, gender equality, and intercultural issues to support ethically aware, collaborative professional practice.

The syllabus is informed by industry practice and professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. 

Topics will include:

• The built environment landscape and stakeholders
• Ethics, rules of conduct and professionalism
• Systems and procedures to manage client care
• Design economics and cost planning
• Value Engineering
• Measurement rules and application for order of cost estimating and cost planning
• Principles and practice of commercial management and contract administration
o Tendering process
o Estimating techniques
o Project finance – control and reporting
 Valuations, certifications, and payments
 Assessing applications for delays and extensions of time
 Managing variations
 Subcontractors and supply chains
 Management and resolution of disputes
• Diversity, inclusion and teamworking
• The role of personal development and professional practice in the quantity surveying profession
• Effective application of QS and CM software

Teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of lectures, seminars, discursive sessions, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time. 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 quantity surveying in context and within the framework of the existing quantity surveying bodies of knowledge and codes of practice.

Workshops will facilitate group study of authentic case studies, presenting typical quantity surveying challenges which will require the students to propose and test solutions to them and them evaluate the outcomes.

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. 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.

Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials and seminars that will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

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:

1. Critically analyse factors relating to pre-contract cost control and their impact on construction costs.
2. Demonstrate critical understanding of the factors which impact design economics over the whole building lifecycle in a client setting that is complex and unpredictable.
3. Design and deliver appropriate strategies to achieve effective commercial management of construction projects.
4. Examine the nature of the built environment sector and the contribution of professional bodies and professional ethics and values towards client care.
5. Evaluate the contributions of cultural diversity, gender equality, and intercultural issues to support ethically aware, collaborative professional practice.

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 included 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:

https://idp.londonmet.ac.uk/idp/profile/SAML2/Redirect/SSO?execution=e3s1

Core:-
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 New Rules of Measurement
RICS (2016) Commercial management of construction.

Additional reading:-
RICS key standards for construction
International Cost Management Standard (ICMS)
CIOB Global Construction Review
RICS news and insight
Construction Management Magazine