Critically discuss the 5 RICS global ethical standards and explain how adhering to these standards may address the ethical dilemma created by the structural engineer.

Learning outcomes

LO1: Critically evaluate the development of the global quantity surveying profession,
including professional communication and collaboration, conduct rules and ethical
practice.

LO2: Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles and limitations
of measurement together with their application and presentation; data analysis and/or
application of spatial data and information and evaluation of the presentation.

LO3: Critically synthesise reasoned solutions to problems associated with the procurement,
tendering and management of project costs in the pre- and post-contract stages of a
project, from the clients’ and contractors’ perspectives.

LO4: Critically appraise the tools and techniques in pre- and post-contract risk, value and
financial management, and communicate advice to different types of construction
clients.

LO5: Critically evaluate ethical, sustainable and environmental construction issues
encountered in the role and work of an international professional cost manager.
This assignment has been designed to develop measurement and quantification skills therefore
specific items have been selected for measurement.

Scenario

You are working for a contractor Quantity Surveying (QS) practice organization, contracted on a
mixed-use development project comprising of various single-family detached homes and a 10 storey
standalone shopping centre and you are working with a diverse project team that includes
architects, designers, structural and civil engineers at different geographical locations, all internally
contracted to the organization.

The project is currently at the concept design stage following the RIBA plan of works (2020) and is
required to incorporate sustainable construction methods to ensure a low operating and
maintenance cost upon completion.

As part of the pre-contract work, building regulations documents have been provided by the local
authority and you have discovered an error in the design for the standalone shopping centre that
can significantly increase the cost of the project and impact the safety and structural integrity of the
structure, however, the lead designer has dismissed your concerns, stating that not all building
regulations must be adhered to.

Your director has asked you to take off quantities for selected items of construction works for the
proposed residential development, following the traditional method of measurement and prepare a
report for a strategic meeting addressing the following tasks:

Task 1

Using a Standard Method of Measurement (SMM) and following the traditional method of
measurement, take-off quantities for the following substructure items as shown in the drawings:

• QSP7PCM D0810
• QSP7PCM D0814
• QSP7PCM D0830
• QSP7PCM D0831

List of items to be measured:

• Topsoil excavation
• Topsoil retention
• External trench excavation
• Disposal of excavated material
• Concrete in trench foundation
• Brickwork below DPC (up to DPC level)
• Damp Proof Course (DPC).

Your submission should include:

a. A taking off list
b. Marked up drawings.
c. A query and answer sheet
d. Measurement in the traditional dimension paper.
(approximately 800 words equivalent)
Ignore the measurement of telescopic vents.
A bill of quantities is not required.

Task 2 (approximately 2200 words)

In preparation for a strategic meeting, produce a report for your director that addresses the following points as it relates to the 10 storey standalone shopping centre only:

• Critically discuss the 5 RICS global ethical standards and explain how adhering to these
standards may address the ethical dilemma created by the structural engineer.
(approximately 500 words).

• Critically discuss the value management process and the benefits of value management on
the proposed standalone shopping centre project. Use specific examples to support your
discussion. (approximately 500 words).

• Critically discuss the risk management process that can be applied to the proposed
standalone shopping centre project and how this can contribute to overall project success.
Support your answers with examples (approximately 500 words).

• Critically discuss the benefits of BIM as a collaborative tool and how BIM can encourage
sustainable construction with consideration of the pre-contract and post-contract stages of
the overall project. (approximately 400 words).

Your report should include an introduction and a conclusion (approximately 300 words).

An executive summary and a recommendation section are not required.

Make reasonable assumptions to support the critical analysis and include all assumptions for task 2
in the appendices.

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