Construction Practice & Management Report - HNC/HND, 2019/20, Module 4

This report provides a comprehensive overview of construction practice and management, addressing key aspects of the industry. It begins with an executive summary highlighting the importance of the construction industry in economic growth, followed by an analysis of the industry's development, encompassing professionalism, company structures, and contractual relationships. The report explores different types of construction companies, their features, and their relationships within a project. It delves into contract types, tenders, and their differentiation, along with the evolution of construction techniques and the impact of mechanization and technology. Modern construction processes, including project conception, design, and procurement, are examined, emphasizing their response to sustainability needs. The report also covers contract planning techniques for various project scales and concludes with a summary of the key findings and references.

CIVIL ENGINEERING
By Name
Course
Instructor
Institution
Location
Date

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive summary.........................................................................................................................2
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................13
Task 4.............................................................................................................................................18
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................23
References......................................................................................................................................24

Executive summary
Construction industry is a very crucial industry in contributing to the economic growth of
different nations. The industry is divided into three categories i.e. Building construction,
infrastructure construction and special trade construction. The organization of the construction
industry discusses the planning and arrangement of the duties, and also the functional reporting
relationships between and within the given duties
TASK 1
(a) Explain how the construction industry has developed and encompassed professionalism
within its structures.
Increase in complexity of a client’s demands and increase in the complexity of industrial and
civil engineering together with other construction work, efforts and other scientific
advancements has ensued improvement and increased specialization in the building and
construction industry (Finkel, 2018, p. 112). The authorities and experts linked within the
industry came up as with other skills such as;
 Quantity surveying
 Architect
 Mechanical Engineering
 Structural Engineering
 Acoustic
 Security (Barber, 2014, p. 65)

b) Demonstrate the scope and linkage between all parties within a construction
organization. In general and with respect to the scenario provided.
There are many interrelationships which exist within the construction industry as shown
below.
A solid line shows a contractual interrelationships between parties. A dotted line in the figure
above shows a communication link. All the relationships shown in the figure above are not
absolute changes somewhat and are dependent on the project's nature (Styhre, 2011, p. 86). The
relations in the given scenario are as per the figure above.
(c) Identify different types of contractual work tendered by contractors and justify the use
of the specific type of tender for the given industrial complex scenario.
Some of the work contracted so as to be tendered include;
 Designing works

 Supply works
 Pilling (Ofori, 2016, p. 135).
There are four different types of contracts used in the building and construction industry. They
include;
 Fixed price/lump sum contract
 Cost plus contract
 Time and materials
 Unit pricing contracts (Ryley & Goodwyn, 2013, p. 129)
For the given scenario fixed price contract type is the ideal type of a contract, because the project
scope for the given scenario is well defined.
(d) Analyse how the construction industry has developed overall in terms of company
structures, its employees and contracted work. Justify the company structure you will choose
for the current scenario.
Construction industry is the process of planning duties, operations and reporting interactions
between and within the given duties. Numerous duties and roles in the industry include
purchasing, marketing, duties before construction, construction and finance operation. Generally
such a corporate structure is arranged according to the departments, functions, or responsibility
areas most suitable to the design of the organization. The figure below shows organization
structure in the construction industry (European Construction Institute, 2015, p. 13).

(e) Critically evaluate how construction companies have developed their structure and
business ethos. What is its impact on the scenario provided?
Below is the figure showing how building and construction companies have established their
structures and commercial ethos.

TASK 2
a. Identify the different types of construction companies in the market and the key features of
different types. Suggest the type of Construction Company for the given scenario and
justify its suitability.
General contractors
These are groups of companies that operate either in buildings that are new or do work alteration.
The building constructor is a representative of the work that is done while reforming contractors.
Mostly, they depend on specialize in public works. (Langford & Retik, 2018, p. 263)
Small renovation construction
Such a company usually works on a construction that requires small capital amounts and the type
of the work does not require high estimations or a large building. Such companies often execute
home modifications and small profitable office work. They are mostly situated at home. (Best &
Valence, 2013, p. 376)
Real Estate Contractors
These contractors work in private possession buildings. They can also construct buildings for
sale before or after the project is completed. One and two family home builder’s square measure
enclosed during the construction. (Merritt, 2016)
Professional Construction Manager
These are professional construction managers who execute the characteristics needed while
building the project. They provide all the personnel needed in building and construction.
Program Manager

A construction manager or a general constructor expands services by giving efforts on program
management as these services enhance embrace, demolition of existing buildings on the site,
devising and providing analysis of new buildings. (Schwartz, 2011, p. 173)
Package Builder
These are package builders that use their employees of architects and engineers as well as
construction personnel. Most of these package builders subcontract the look portion for freelance
architects or engineers.
The categories of contracts work in assembling for private possession which is applying in the
above scenario. They may as well build houses for sale before or after completion of the project.
(Chang & Bahar, 2015, p. 834)
b. Explain the relationship that may exist between the companies working on the
construction project.
Engender Trust with Building Owner
Integrity establishment and confidence is essential in the development and success of every
project. Initially, construction corporations and owners should show that they are always acting
in good faith. The contractors should also show the same. (Mueller, 2014, p. 159)
Objectives amongst Building Development Team Members
Team members ought to institute and agree upon objectives. Contractors, owners and other
relevant teams should agree and decide on the first and last priorities for the project. The various
priorities existing between them should be compatible.
Planning and Collaborating with Project Owners

Contractors should always engage the owner of the building or a representative in direct and well
planned meetings with the building team (Kazi, 2016, p. 277). Coordination and bond can
develop if it is developed and conducted regularly. This can enhance minimal confrontations.
Form Continuous Communication among stakeholders
Poor communication mostly influences faults and accidents on building and construction works.
Every project should have a proper communication plan and strategies. Knowledge and
technology should be joined to influence the efforts of communication and this enables good
communications easy dialogs.
Brings about Performance
Performance can either harden or terminate relationships in the long run. Clients usually want to
feel vital. They usually rate the level of alarm for them by the company’s performance at all
stages. (Edison Electric Light Company Vs. F.P. Little Electrical Construction and Supply
Company Et Al: On Letters Patent, 2015, p. 174)
c. Analyse the link which connects construction companies.
The figure below shows different links which connects construction companies

(d) Compare the main factors which differentiate between construction company contracts
and tenders.
A tender
A tender is the process of providing an offer that’s used in work performance for the
forthcoming payment.
Tender forms and documents can’t be given to or offered to a lot of contractors to acquire the
lowest quotations for the job stated. Contract forms and documents are signed up with the
contractor having tender rates which are very low.
The documents of tender can’t be given or deferred as the acceptance letter.
A tender document binds the contractor to start the work.
Documents Contract
Contract documents is an agreement between the proprietor or party and the contractor to
implement the specified jobs contained in the tender documents.
The documents of the contract document can be given or deferred as the acceptance letter.
A contract document can bind the contractor to do the work as indicated in the agreement.
Mechanization
This was the first introduction of hydraulic and air-filled devices during the mid-19th to late-19th
century. It steered the formation of earth-moving equipment and other machines which are now
normal in our industries. This helps in increasing productivity and saves on time for production
(Civil Engineering Research Foundation, 2011, p. 58).
Computer-Aided Design
When computer aided design developed, they changed the construction sector forever. Design,
for the first time, clashes during the design phase were rendered visible. This design is used to

produce productivity in drawing and database for the purpose of construction, hence letting in
increase in use of prefabrication and flexible use of technology in construction.
Construction Data Management
It is sustainable, impressively adaptable, allowing architects, engineers, contractors, and
subcontractors to collaborate on the final information of project and building by using the same
record and computer model.
Cell phone Devices
Mobile devices technology has changed the building industry in numerous ways. BIM models
permit sharing and collaboration that drawings cannot do. Cloud founded tools like BIM
partnership can faultlessly occur transversely in all disciplines in the plan as cloud access plan
groups to proceed the office to the field.
Construction of Modular
Modules are prepared with the same provisions and deliberated to the same values as structures
constructed on-site. This allows increased use of prefabrication and flexible building technology.
TASK 3
a. Identify, with examples, modern construction processes and sequences used within
today’s industry, highlighting the way they respond to sustainability needs in the
current scenario.
1. The conception of the project
This stage normally begins with the client. This is where the dreams start and also the research
for the specification which should be followed. For example the client will draft the brief of his
or her project.
2. Design stage

This is a stage where the design of the project is made. This stage is led by a designer or an
engineer. In this stage all codes and regulations of the state are strictly observed in respect to the
vision and wishes of the client (Low, 2018, p. 24). For example the design of a maisonette, which
will involve the allocation of spaces according to the needs of the client.
3. The pre-construction stage
This stage starts upon completion of the bidding and the contractor has been selected to carry out
the execution of the project. The moment the contractor has been selected, the team projecting is
assembled and it includes;
 The contracting administrator
 Health and safety manager
 superintendent
 Project manager
 Field engineer (Vogt, 2012, p. 69)
In conjunction with the contractor, the team of the project takes responsibility in visiting the site
location to conduct site scrutiny as well as to monitor and Evaluate . For example the moment
when the client together with the architect selects the project team members.
4. The procurement stage
This is the stage where the project team orders and obtains construction materials, labour and
equipment. For example advertising tenders for the suppliers to supply the construction materials
and equipment.
5. The construction stage.

Before the actual construction works commences, a pre-construction meeting is usually carried
out, to confirm that all the associates understands the state of the construction project. The
meeting usually discusses the following topics;
 How the site will be accessed
 How the quality of the project will be controlled
 Where and how the construction materials will be stored
 The number of hours each member will be working
During this stage each member is given his or her schedule and roles they will be performing.
For example, the contractor will start the construction of the project.
6. Post-construction stage
This stage includes the following;
a. Owner occupancy
b. Closure.
(b) Explain contract planning techniques used within micro and macro projects. Choose the
most suitable contract planning techniques for the current scenario and justify their
suitability.
A contract plan is the main link which holds the project together and it is through it that the
project succeeds or fails. It enables the project manager to assign tasks more easily, monitoring
costs and advancement and communicating projects status to the parties that produce reports and
actually are interested. Some of techniques used in contract planning include;
1. Suggestions

Brainstorming and coming up with suggestions is a very important system in contract planning.
It is a creative procedure considered to uphold lateral and indiscriminate thinking. It is a very
significant tool for emphasizing possible difficulties and raising concerns (Best & Valence, 2013, p.
443).
2. Origin and outcome diagram
It is also referred to as a “fishbone” diagram. It is important in project design for
identifying and gathering all matters that may cause problems. Origin and outcome
diagrams show the likely challenges which drive to affect the value of the product. It is
generally applied in the production and manufacturing.
3. Critical path Scrutiny
This applies in large and complex projects which carry out many activities that would be done
out in parallel. A critical path scrutiny is grounded on a time-line, therefore it is very useful for
emphasizing tasks which overlap or coincide, by illustrating exactly what needs to be done and
when. (Lester, 2017, p. 168)
The technique path analysis consist of three steps;
 Writing down all the activities on the estimated timeline
 Labeling all the tasks that should occur in parallel
 Labeling the activities which are depending on each other.
4). Gantt Charts and diagrams
Gantt charts are contract planning techniques which are commonly used worldwide. It
mainly involves monitoring and scheduling tasks for presentation of expenditure and costs at

all stages throughout the project as well as for communicating progress and producing
reports. (Rebiere & Rebiere, 2014, p. 211)
For the given scenario, the Critical path Scrutiny and Origin and outcome diagrams are the ideal
techniques because they are used in complex projects, such as in the given scenario.
(c) Identify where BIM impacts upon operations and construction companies in the current
scenario
BIM can have impact on the following operations in the current scenario;
 Procurement
 Coordination of meeting
 Fabrication
 Project planning
 Documentation
 Coordination of Meeting (Helen Lingard, 2015, p. 76)
d. Analyse how construction has developed in terms of innovation, designs, and within
contracts for micro and macro projects, and the interrelationship with BIM. How it will
benefit the current scenario.
There has been progress in the building and construction industry in terms of building materials,
aesthetics, and technological developments and the effect of construction on the environment.
Some of the invocations in construction industry include;
 Technology Integration and Advancements.
 Sustainability.

 Increasing Material Cost.
 Green Technology
 Decreased Labor Force.
 Increase in prefabricated and Modular in Construction Projects.
 Better Safety Equipment (Mueller, 2014, p. 55).
To keep up with the increasing uncertainty and complexity of construction industry, different
approaches have been developed such as;
 Design and build
 Ways of managing contracting and construction management
 Partnering
 Prime contracting
 BIM
Task 4
a. Explain how health & safety has now become an integrated part of the construction
process.
The two measures play very crucial roles in the construction process. Some of them include;

 Duty and Responsibility
 Economic and financial reasons
 Improvement in overall performance
 Accident control
 Improved customer’s performance (Great Britain. Health and Safety Executive, 2014, p. 98)
Duty and Responsibility
Employers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure a safe working place and environment
for employees to work safely. It's the responsibility of an employer to provide a safe and
clean working environment to their employees. The provision of security at work and
checking possible safety measures is a duty and is a responsibility of the employer; (Helen
Lingard, 2015, p. 60)
 Safe working system
 Safe working place
 Safe plant and machinery for use
 Competitive and suitably trained supervision
 Care while selecting fellow employees
Economic and financial reasons
Two types of costs are incurred when no such measures are put in place in the construction
process. Such costs include;
 Direct financial costs
 Indirect economic costs

Direct costs can include insurance, medical costs, compensation of workers, insurance benefits
and insurance on liability and property-damage. (Thorpe, 2017, p. 54)
Indirect costs include; Transportation costs, wages paid to workers who have been injured,
waged that are paid to the injured worker for the time not worked, overtime costs obliged by
accidents and costs for clean-up.
Effects of safety on overall performance
Healthy and safety ensures better performance in such areas as time maintenance, financial plan,
accident statistics, absenteeism and low self-esteem.
Accident controlStyhre
Health and safety performance measurements enables conditions and behaviors to be known that
they have potential in contributing to an accident.
Improved customer’s performance
Projects suffer high accident rates when there is an adverse outcome on a contractor’s reputation
and negative image on the side of the client.
b. Describe the government legislation which has benchmarked health & safety within
construction. In general and with reference to the current scenario.
Obligations of employees- section 2(2)
This section elaborates that it is the duty of the employer to ensure the good health, safety and
better welfare of all employees. The employer should provide;

 Health and safe systems at the working place
 Health and safe working environment
 Safe plant, machinery, equipment and appliances
 Safe handling, storing and transportation methods
 Adequate instruction, training and supervision
 Safe method of access and egress from workplace (McAleenan, 2015, p. 98)
In the above scenario the employer should ensure that construction wastes are not carelessly
deposited in the river as this may block the fast flowing river.
1. Section 7: (employees)
It is the duty of every employee while at work to take sensible care on his health and safety of
himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work. The
employee should also co-operate with his employer as a way of complying with health and safety
requirements.
2. Section 8: Everyone has a duty of ensuring that he does not interfere with or misuse
anything provided in the interests of health and safety or welfare, as a result of legal
requirements. In the above scenario, financial resources should be well utilized.
3. Safety policy : Written Policy if five or more employees
In case the employer/contractor in the above scenario has five or more employees, then safety
policy states that the policy of the contract should be in written form.
c. Discuss the role of collaboration and communication in ensuring safe working practices.
By considering the current scenario as an example.

Communication and teamwork happens when two groups of people are working together with an
aim to achieve a common goal through sharing skills and ideas.
Importance of Collaboration and teamwork at workplace;
 It makes individuals look things at the bigger picture
 It helps in problem solving
 Promotion of self-analysis (Barber, 2014, p. 131)
(d) Demonstrate how the construction industry has benefited through changes in health &
safety legislation.
 It enables employers and employees to protect
 It reduces absenteeism
 It improves productivity
 It saves money
e. Evaluate the impact of health & safety legislation, how it has evolved the drivers for
it, and its advantages or weaknesses within construction.
 Helps governments and institutions to design better laws and policies.
 Assists in making a well informed decisions
 Promotes coordination
 Takes into account effort from an extensive external stakeholders
Advantages of safe and healthy legislation.
Health and safety strategies, actions and events are vital in place of work.
1. It helps in the Clarification of the purposes and tasks in the company or business.

2. It helps in Ensuring that harmless classifications of jobs and work are stated.
3. It aids and provides the Guide for the future actions of employees in a proper way.
4. It assists the business to achieve staff more effectively and efficiency by significant and
acceptable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many professionals involved in the building and construction industry
which include architects, quantity survey, civil engineer and mechanical engineers. Health and
safety measures play very crucial roles in the construction process. Some of them include; Duty
and Responsibility, Economic and financial reasons and Improvement in overall performance

References
Barber, J., 2014. Health and Safety in Construction: Guidance for Construction Professionals.
4th ed. London: Thomas Telford.
Best, R. & Valence, G., 2013. Design and Construction. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge.
Chang, S.-Y. & Bahar, S. K. A., 2015. Advances in Civil Engineering and Building Materials.
4th ed. Texas: CRC Press.
Edison Electric Light Company Vs. F.P. Little Electrical Construction and Supply Company Et
Al: On Letters Patent, 2015. Edison Electric Light Company Vs. F.P. Little Electrical
Construction and Supply Company Et Al: On Letters Patent. 2nd ed. Paris: Carlos Burgoyne.
Guide. 2nd ed. London: Thomas Telford.
Finkel, G., 2018. The Economics of the Construction Industry. 1st ed. Texas: Routledge.
Great Britain. Health and Safety Executive, 2014. Health and Safety in Construction. 3rd ed.
texas: HSE Books.
Helen Lingard, S. M. R., 2015. Occupational Health and Safety in Construction Project
Management. 2rd ed. London: Taylor & Francis.
Kazi, A. S., 2016. Knowledge Management in the Construction Industry: A Socio-technical
Perspective. 2nd ed. Paris: Idea Group Inc.
Langford, D. & Retik, A., 2018. The Organization and Management of Construction: Managing
the construction enterprise. 4th ed. paris: Routledge.

Lester, A., 2017. Project Management, Planning and Control: Managing Engineering,
Construction and Manufacturing Projects to PMI, APM and BSI Standards. illustrated ed.
Texas: Bureau of National Affairs.
Low, S. P., 2018. Marketing Research for the Global Construction Industry. 5th ed. Texas: NUS
Press.
How building and construction industry has advanced and embraced competence and
McAleenan, C., 2015. ICE Manual of Health and Safety in Construction. 2nd ed. London: ICE
Publishing.
Merritt, F., 2016. Building Design and Construction Handbook. 895 ed. Texas: McGraw-Hill.
Mueller, F., 2014. Integrated Cost and Schedule Control for Construction Projects. 3rd ed.
Texas: Springer Science & Business Media.
Phil Hughes, E. F., 2016. Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction. 3rd ed. Washington:
Routledge.
Rebiere, O. & Rebiere, C., 2014. Mastering the Gantt Chart: Understand and use the "Gantt
Project" open source software efficiently!. 2nd ed. Paris: Rebiere.
Ryley, M. & Goodwyn, E., 2013. Employment Law for the Construction Industry. 6th ed.
Sydney: Thomas Telford.
Schwartz, M., 2011. Basic Concrete Engineering for Builders. 2nd ed. s.l.:Craftsman Book
Company.
Styhre, A., 2011. Managing Knowledge in the Construction Industry. 4th ed. Berlin: Taylor &
Francis, .

Thorpe, B., 2017. Health and Safety in Construction Design. 3rd ed. Texas: illustrated.
Vogt, J., 2012. Value Creation Within the Construction Industry: A Study of Strategic Takeovers.
4th ed. London: Peter Lang.