Course: HND in Construction and the Built Environment
Introduction
In the current global economic scenario, the construction industry has undergone significant growth. From the perspective of a medium-sized family-owned construction firm, this study has been taken up in order to bring change in the structure of the organization, so as to incorporate projects that are non-residential in nature. The relationships associated with the firm are highly dependenton the structure of the company. The study would be based on the adoption of a project associated with the industrial complex.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Construction industry: company structures and other activities
- P1.Encompassed the professionalism in a structure and how the constructional industry developed by it
- P2: Linkage and scope between parties
- P3: Types of contractual work: Justification
- Types of construction companies- relationship
- P4. Identification of types: key features
- P5: Relationship between the companies
- Key stages in the construction project
- P6. Modern construction process
- P7. Techniques of Contract planning
- P8. BIM impacts upon
- Suitable collaboration strategies: health and safety
- P9. Health and safety became an integrated part of constructor process
- P10. The government legislation: benchmarking health & safety within construction
- Conclusion
- Reference list
Unit 4 Construction Practice and Management
LO1: Describe the construction industry with reference to company structures and other activities
Construction industry: company structures and other activities
Explain how the construction industry has developed and encompassed professionalism within its structures.
P1.Encompassed the professionalism in a structure and how the constructional industry developed by it
Professionalism indicates some significant characteristics of a person, including qualities, aims and conducts. Professionalism is the way where an employee can represent his or her self positively at the workplace. Through professionalism, an employee can interact with co-workers, customers, and others in a better way. In the construction industry, professionalism is a demanding and challenging task. However,itcan help the company to complete a project as per client'sneed. In order to maintain professionalism within the construction industry, it is required developed structure and proper job roles (Butt et al. 2016). Architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, quantity surveyors all are part of the new organizational structure used in this industry.
The construction industry has adopted various strategies to improve professionalism. According toButt et al. (2016), Communication is essential in every part of professionalism in the construction industry. In the case of the construction industry, the flow of Communication must be established among everyone on the ground, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. In order to maintain professionalism within the workplace, all construction employees have to follow formal communication approach.
Maintaining codes of ethics is another aspect of professionalism (Maseko, 2017). Ethical principles help to set the right structure or standard values. When making estimations and claims, being realistic and honest is the fundamental aspect of the "code of ethics". In order to increase professionalism within the organizational culture, construction companies have started to emphasize on businessethics, honesty, fairness and integrity. All these aspects can improve its reputation as a professional construction company.
The construction industry may require many workers and labours. In order to create asuccessful project, a construction company always needs a professional team (Hu et al., 2017). In today's modern age, companies use a design team who work on translation paper or computer. This design team includes architects, a structural and electrical engineer. They have to maintain a professional relationship with both the investors, suppliers and labours. Maintaining an environment of mutual respect helps this industry to become professional. This is how this industry has incorporated professionalism.
Exploring Construction Information Essentials in Construction Projects: Drawings, Details, and Specifications - HND in Construction and The Built Environment
Demonstrate the scope and linkage between all parties within a construction organisation. In general and with respect to the scenario provided.
P2: Linkage ands cope between parties:
Thissection is associated with the identification of the parties that comes with the construction company. The parties can be both from the private and public sector. The main party is the owner or the client. In this case, the private investor willing to build 20 industrial buildings is the main client for the family-owned organization. The contractor, the family-owned organization, has been appointed by the client.Other key parties are the architect and engineer, forming a part of the professional team. The role of the engineer and the architect here is to build a clear picture of the four sq. Km project that would be built alongside the river. The client is responsible for collecting the fund for the project and the approval from different authorities. Package contractor refers to another party, indicating the sourcing and arranging the work for the client or separate work contracts not taking the responsibility of the complete delivery (Chen et al., 2016). Therefore package contracting is associated with construction management and management contracting. It is important to have strict business agreements with the parties involved.
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.
P3: Types of contractual work: Justification
There are primarily three types of tendering involved with the contracts of contracts: open tendering, selective tendering and negotiated to tender. In the open tendering, the owner is not selective about the choice of the contractor. There is no limitation to the number of contractors who can apply for the process. Selective tendering, on the other hand, is involved with the no allowance of free application of tendering. The employer invites the contractors of his liking, based on the set of information that is provided in order to fall under the category of pre-qualifiers for the construction (Hu et al., 2017). Lastly, negotiated tendering is associated with the selection of a single contractor and avoiding the process of bidding for the contract of construction. In the case of the construction project based near the river, Negotiated tendering have been used. This is because a special part of the project, the initial conceptual designing and implementation of the project report have been allotted to the specific business contractor. This category of tender type has been chosen because of its advantages associated with meeting tighter deadlines, easier to coordinate and less risk of soundness associated with the contractor, ass opposed to open or selective tendering.
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.
Analysis of the development: company structure to be chosen
As per reports, the U.K. has been identified with stable growth in construction with a rate of 1.3%. Though the growth is low, the direction is positive. It is a major part of the U.K.'s G.D.P., as about 10 % of the U.K.'s employment belongs to the U.K. (Alwan et al., 2017). It is a very big industry, and the contractor would have a lot of opportunities to meet higher profits.However, in order to reap higher profits, the organization needs to be well structured. Till date, the privately-owned company was not structured.The management could begin with a construction job title hierarchy as a type of organizational structure. This structure has been shown below:
The above figure is reflective of the importance of functional design, given the huge number of roles to e played in a construction company. Grouping the departments together based on the divisions and subdivisions makes it easier for the company to achieve faster development and greater specialization.
Critically evaluate how construction companies have developed their structure and business ethos. What is its impact on the scenario provided?
Critical evaluation: development of structure and business ethos by Construction companies
The construction industry in the U.K. has undergone a lot of changes in their structures where the hierarchy has more agility than before, so as to ensure that the employees working for the company is having a greater level of job satisfaction (Wuni and Shen, 2019). Moreover, the change business ethos also constitutes the consideration of the environment, whereby the companies are taking up more sustainable approaches. Considering the current project, it must be ensured that the construction is not harmful by causing water pollution. The architecture for the project should incorporate appropriate waste management.
Construction Industry FAQ: Company Structures & Activities
- Q: What is the construction industry?
- Q: What are the different types of companies in construction?
- Q: What are the different activities involved in construction?
- Q: What are some other important aspects of the construction industry?
LO2 Explain different types of construction companies within the market and their relationships within the tendering process.
Types of construction companies- relationship
P4. Identification of types: key features
There are various types of construction companies having different roles, such as small renovation contractors, where little tasks are allocated to the contractors. General contractors, on the other hand, are associated with the construction of new buildings. Real estate developer constructs for ownership and sells later. While professional construction manager, which is the case for the family-owned firm, defines a company that is associated with playing a part in the project as an agent of the owner (Niranjan and Nisha, 2018). The company could also become a package builder if they start providing both designing and constructing as services. With greater experience, the company can achieve significant growth in the construction industry. It is advisable to employ own architects and engineers for the successful completion of projects.
Explain the relationship that may exist between the companies working on the construction project.
P5: Relationship between the companies
When it comes to the relationship between companies, the foremost element is trust. The business owner must show that their strategies would be implemented in good faith. The contractor and the client must have an immense amount of trust between them. In this case, the client company must have the right to convey the objectives of the project with the team members of the construction company. Though their priorities would be different, it is essential that the compatibility between the firms is high (Niranjan and Nisha, 2018). The relationship associated with the companies must incorporate the aspect of unity. Unity in the approach of conducting business and the implementation of strategies must be achieved. This unity must be associated with the collaboration in budgeting and scheduling.
Analyse the link which connects construction companies.
Link analysis
The link between the two companies is generated through the procedure of planning and collaborating. In this case, the two organizations must readily collaborate with each other in order to reduce risks. This is important as their joint concern would reflect on the level of profitability of the organization. The link is also created with a similar intent to reduce risks. Through adopting a close connection, organizations can effectively achieve shared goals.
Compare the main factors which differentiate between construction company contracts and tenders.
Comparison of factors between construction company contracts and tenders
While tender refers to the act of inviting contractors for trading or bidding, contracts refer to legal agreements that are enforceable by law. The client company floats the tender, which has the list of work specifications that the contractor has to fulfil. There can be many applicants for tender agreements, but there can have to be a specific contractor in case of a contract (Gangatheepan et al., 2017). Ifany of the parties fail to meet the specifications in the contract, they would have to deal with the consequences of the breach, which is not the case for tenders.
Construction Tendering Process: Company Types & Relationships
- Q: What is the tendering process in construction?
- Q: What are the different types of construction companies involved in tendering?
- Q: How do these companies interact in the tendering process?
- Q: Are there different types of tenders?
LO3 Discuss the key stages in a construction project, and how Building Information Modelling informs the different stages.
Key stages in the construction project
P6. Modern construction process
Modern construction processes are the essential methods that helpin the process of development of the modern construction industry. Planning, along with designing happen to be processes of modern construction that help in the optimization of time. Modern construction processes help the business to maintain overall sustainability.
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.
Types of modern construction processes
Flat slab construction: - This process is essential in modern construction. The flat slabs are structural elementsthat have a high degree of versatility in them. This process provides fast construction with minimum depth. The construction of flat slabs is used to complete with good finishing of the surface. This process helps to increase energy efficiency, which assists in the exploitation of thermal mass through the design, inclusive of the requirements associated with heating and cooling. Flat slab construction is a very reliable method of construction, that's is the reason the business adopts this process in their structure of construction (Morel et al., 2016).
Twin wall technology: - This method is a modern solution to the problem of making walls. The system is capable of combining the benefits of erection speed while precasting the concrete based on the integrity properties of the concrete.This type of walls ensures that the structure is waterproof and hence reliable. Here are the procedures for applying this process.
• The wall unit to be placed effectively
• The units are propped frequently
• The gap between wall units is to be filled by means of concrete.
This process is very useful and adaptable for non-domestic work. This process can be helpful for the firm because this process is very relevant to adapt and help to make a strong base of the construction.
Concrete wall and floors: - Concrete walls are inclusive of seat walls, interior finishes, and retaining walls. Concrete happens to be a useful element that is also used for floors. Floors made out of concrete are smooth and attractive. The best aspect of concrete floors is that they are cheap and also attractive, taking into account the limitless designs that can be made. This process would be affordable and very effective for the firm to maintain its sustainability in work (Mesároš and Mandicák 2015).
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.
P7. Techniques of Contract planning
Some contract-planning techniques are essential for the in construction. The techniques are described below.
Gantt or bar charts: - Bar charts for construction are very important for the projects. Barlines represent the time, which is allocated for the operation. These techniques indicate a sequence of operation that can be applied for short-time planning.
Precedence diagramming method: - This technique is scheduled for the activities of the development project. The project manager utilizes a schedule network diagramming procedure to represent the planning of the project. This technique has the, most significant advantage that it quickly allowed the project manager to understand the scheduled activities (Invensislearning 2020).
Line of balance: - This method is used for program evaluation and review techniques. This technique determines to identify the longest stretch of activities and measure the period required to complete the total project (Acq Notes 2020).
Precedence diagramming technique would be suitable for the construction firm. The firm is going to involve to the non-domestic work. That is the reason the precedence diagram helps the firm to measure the period of completion work and to schedule the proper planning.
Navigating Construction Practice and Management: Your Go-To for Expert Assignment Assistance
Identify where BIM impacts upon operations and construction companies in the current scenario
P8. BIM impacts upon
BIM or Business Information Modelling involves the implementation of 3D models in the construction industry. This is very important for the designing of the project, as the inclusion the of the fast-flowing river and the highway running parallel to it makes it difficult to comprehend the position of the buildings associated with the relevant model. The model is very efficient in identifying the aspects associated with not only the construction but also the maintenance of the buildings. Cost modelling is an important aspect of BIM.
Development of construction
With passing time, the construction industry has undergone a lot of transformation, which has resulted in design construction to be identified as a separate project. The architecture involved with the current construction project could be custom designed; the present demand trends for design plans for both residential and non-residential purposes are changing. Technological complexity is one of the most important rising trends for the industry; given innovation is a crucial part of architectural design. In this case, BIM would be playing a determining role in enhancing the quality of Communication. The development in construction is only possible when the deadlines are rightly met (Gangatheepan et al., 2017). Using Autocad construction business process, it is easier to track the mistakes committed in the process. Given the project is quite big, BIM would turn useful for the organization.
Construction Project Stages & BIM: A Collaborative Advantage
- Q: What are the key stages in a construction project?
- Q: How does Building Information Modelling (BIM) inform these stages?
- Q: What are the overall benefits of BIM in construction projects?
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LO4 Analyse how the construction industry has developed suitable collaboration strategies in support of greater recognition of health & safety
Suitable collaboration strategies: health and safety
Explain how health & safety has now become an integrated part of the construction process.
P9.Health and safety became an integrated part of constructor process
According to Lingard and Wakefield (2019), Health and safety is not only an important part of the construction industry, but also it must be important in every industry. In particular, the construction industry is necessary because in this industry has a higher fatality rate than any other sector. In a recent report considered that big companies are less risky than small industries. Big industries can afford the budget of health and safety practices. There still issues in the small industries who cannot take the safety of workers.
Before work in a construction place, the worker should adequately learn about safety .there are many methods of training. Coaching construction is one of them. Workers should know electrical works, aerial lifts use. Each device must inspect properly regular. Every year many people fall consistently, to decrease falling industries provide elevator or aerial lifts for safety, cover the holes of the floor, use arrest fall system or safety net. The ladder is one of the most injuries things for workers; they provide a ladder or check the ladder before use the workers. Crane is another source of fatality if they do not inspect the crane before using. Industries also provide head, hand, eye protection and electrical safety protection for their safety. There are some policies for workers, which have given by the government for injuries and some policies also given from companies if there will be an accident (Leung et al., 2016).
Describe the government legislation which has benchmarked health & safety within construction. In general and with reference to the current scenario.
P10. The government legislation:benchmarking health & safety within construction
The government construction strategy of the U.K. relates to the health benchmarking principles and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is applicable in this regard. It helps the organization to decide what to benchmark, which is inclusive of the operations and management practices associated with health (Hale and Booth, 2019). It would help the organization understand its position in the construction industry and selecting the partners. Learning and taking actions based on the lessons learned is an important element that the organization must maintain through benchmarking
Role of Collaboration and Communication in ensuring safe working practices
The construction industry is needed to maintain a healthy and safe workplace for the employees. In order to ensure healthy and safe workplace communication plays an important role. Industrial organizations can collaboratively arrange awareness programmes for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace and work practices for the employees. They can use verbal Communication and along with that written brochures contain pictures of safety tools and their usage. This can impact the employees to have a clear and transparent idea of being safe in the workplace. This program will be contained with safety practises, warning against dangers, how to avoid unsafe practices, and how to respond quickly in an emergency (Martínez et al.,2016).
How the construction industry has benefited through changes in health and safety legislation
Healthy and safe workplace help the construction industry to stay away from any kind of accidents with the employees. It can help the organization to stay away from any typical legislation practise. Construction And regeneration act 1996 and the economic development and construction act 2009 maintains that when the employees are dealt with any types of dispute or accidental incident, the organization have to pay for that. This is fully related to safe and healthy work practices of the employee. Therefore, improved and safe practises of work, and a healthy workplace will be beneficial for the organization also (Hamidet al., 2019).
Impact of health and safety legislation, evaluation the drivers for it, and its advantages or weaknesses within construction.
The construction industry is a high-risk work and high-risk industry, whereas no workplace has zero risks. The construction industry is contained with high risk. Therefore, to ensure the safety of the employees, it is very important for the organization to follow the health and safety legislation. By following the health and safety legislation organization will ensure safety. These will also be helpful for the organization to keep lawful troubles away from the organization. Sometimes employees feel more hazards for personal protection equipment. Training and meetings of the safety program are a time-consuming process. Workplace inspection is also a time-consuming process; for this, they feel hazardous (Jaafar, et al., 2018).
Conclusion
This study has been successful in identifying the various aspects associated with the construction industry. Representing a medium-size family-owned business firm, the study throws lights on the key elements required to bring about change and incorporate non-domestic work. The structures, types and relationships amongst construction companies and the key stages associated with construction have been identified. Suitable collaboration strategies have also been hinted for the current business.
Construction Safety: Fostering Collaboration for a Safer Work Environment
- Q: Why is collaboration important for safety in construction?
- Q: What collaboration strategies are being used to improve construction safety?
- Q: How do these strategies lead to greater recognition of health & safety?
- Q: Are there any challenges to implementing collaborative safety strategies?
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