School of the Built Environment Coursework Specification Module title: Law and QS Professional Practice Academic year : 2016-7 Semester : YL L Credit Points: 20 Programme(s): MSc. Surveying (Quantity Surveying) Year: 1 Level: 7 Is this an option module No Coursework title: Warehouse Lane Mews, Sunderland Learning Outcomes measured in this assessment (from the Module Descriptor): Identify and critically evaluate the law governing conflict avoidance and dispute resolution Critically review the implications and obligations imposed on parties by various forms of contract used in projects in the construction industry Appraise and apply principles of design economics and cost planning methodologies including evaluation of tenders and the preparation of cost plans for projects Analyse and critically review principles of quantification and use of appropriate methods of measurement and forms of cost analysis Evaluate and apply a range of post contract methodologies. Background information / introduction (& how this assessment fits the overall strategy): This coursework requires students to critically review the materials studied in this module and apply the knowledge and principles to a practice related professional task. The coursework will involve the synthesis of module content together with a critical review of the application performed in the context of a construction project. Nature of the submission required: Student need to complete all tasks of the coursework (Task1, 2 and 3) and submit them together. Task 1 – in a format appropriate to the defined task. This may be scanned and submitted electronically with the report (see below) on or before the date for submission. All remainder of the elements to be in a simple report format submitted on line (see below). Instructions to students: Please see the detailed task at the end of this Coursework Specification. Referencing: Full and correct referencing of research sources according to the Harvard system. This is to include in-text (author, date) referencing and references list and bibliography list at the end of the document (note that references list and bibliography list are not counted as part of the word limit) The importance of full and correct referencing cannot be understated – if you are unsure about this, please look at the guidance on the University web site (Ask4help and Cite them Right). For those using the Endnote Software will have to use the APA system as Endnote no longer recognises Harvard. Assessment Criteria: Marks allocation is detailed in Task Specification below. Assessment Criteria are; Academic Rigour Effective application of module concepts and principles The coherence and depth of the analysis of relevant issues The ability to critically review and evaluate practical situations faced in a project scenario Methodology The use of relevant methodologies studied in the module The appropriateness of the methods used and theoretical concepts applied Evaluation of data The ability to make sound recommendations or conclusions arising from the analysis The soundness of arguments put forward Any assumptions made are logical based on the developed scenario Presentation The summary of arguments Report layout and format Use of relevant material and evidence to support arguments Referencing as and where appropriate Maximum Word Length: 3000 words (excluding Task 1, references and Appendices) The penalties for exceeding this limit will be as follows; Up to 10% over no penalty Over 10% but less than 20% deduction of 10% of awarded mark Over 20% but less than 30% deduction of 20% of awarded mark Over 30% but less than 40% deduction of 30% of awarded mark Over 40% deduction of 100% - i.e. zero mark awarded Department of Architecture and the Built Environment Law and Quantity Surveying Professional Practice Coursework Assignment Warehouse Lane Mews, Sunderland Background / Project Brief Warehouse Lane Mews is a 43 flat development for SmartHomes Housing Trust, based in Sunderland in the North East of England. The contract was awarded to the successful tenderer, Ellison Construction Co. The scheme consists of three separate blocks, A B and C. The works on all three are synchronised, with a view to maximising efficiencies of labour and materials. As stated in the Bills of Quantities (copy supplied on Blackboard) the most recent Standard Form of Contract JCT should be used for the coursework. The accepted tender cost was £2,656,196.60 and the sum for Liquidated Damages is £10,750.00 per week (equivalent to £250.00 per Flat). Progress has been delayed by serious problems encountered in the ground affecting the construction of Block A. These problems did not present themselves during the site survey stage but there is no suggestion that the survey was at fault. Specifically, whilst the site of Blocks B and C presented no problems, a large volume of running sand was located in an area affecting the site for Block A. Work on Block A has been substantially delayed in a number of areas due to the problems in the ground. Work on Blocks B and C has shown steady progress, although some areas have been held back due to failure to progress on other blocks (as where progress was dependent upon bulk supplies for all three blocks). For the purposes of this assignment, you should assume the role of Commercial Quantity Surveyor employed by the Main Contractor Ellison Construction Co on the Warehouse Lane Mews project. TASK 1 The Architect has issued a variation to the contract which will be further developed by the client after completion of the works (see Task 1 Drawing and Specifications). Measure the substructure using SMM7 and prepare a valuation of the variation in a format appropriate for inclusion in the Final Account for the project. Clearly state all assumptions made. Please submit all of your workings as part of your assignment. [35 marks] TASK 2 You are required to place subcontracts for the Mechanical and Electrical works in accordance with the provisions of the Bills of Quantities. Your Director instructs you to seek new bids for the M&E work and to select a company to perform the work on site. Write a short report focusing on the following three issues taking into account the current on site problems faced by Ellison Construction Company. a) Critically evaluate the range of procurement options available to the company and make recommendations to your Director as to the most appropriate procurement strategy to adopt. Clearly state all assumptions made. [10 Marks] b) Develop a tender evaluation strategy / model to apply to the submitted tenders (via the chosen procurement route recommended in part (a) above which takes into account all relevant issues relating to subcontracting in general and the specific on site issues). Your Director insists that you fully justify your evaluation technique by supporting your report with references from the module, relevant literature and your own personal experience as appropriate. [10 Marks] c) Due to the economic recession, sub-contractor insolvency is on the increase, your director asks you to prepare a report making recommendations about what Ellison Construction can do to protect them to avoid the sub-contractor insolvency and against delay and cost involved if the sub-contractor fails. [15 marks] TASK 3 Due to the site problems outlined above, your Director is concerned about the disputes that are likely to occur. With reference to appropriate literature you are required to recommend a ‘Dispute Resolution Strategy’ which Ellison Construction should adopt to encourage the continuation of good working relationships between the parties to the Warehouse Lane Mews project. Your report should reflect upon the Form of Contract and sound principles of dispute resolution. [20 marks] Please note: 10 marks are set aside for the presentation criteria listed in the above specification