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Programming Revision – Final Exam


1. What specific major advantages are there in preparing a manual hand written logic programme, showing the activity logic connections and durations before attempting to date entry them into a computer generated programme like Microsoft project?
List and explain briefly 2 advantages.
– The clear graphical presentation is easier to read and understand, and easier to identify problems if there are any.
– The preparation process helps to understand the logic and work flow, knowing the interdependencies between the activities.



2. What is the major advantage to the management of a construction project, to know what activities in the construction program are non critical and the amount of total float time for each activity.
List and briefly describe the advantages.

– The total float time represents the schedule flexibility, flexibility in terms of delaying or advancing the project activities. Float simply means freedom or breathing time available in the schedule for PM for executing the project activities, without affecting the final target.
– Also the float gives the PM the flexibility to better select or manage the subcontractors and resources of the project.

3. If you add up all the total floats (slacks) of separate chains of non critical activities, the total is of vital information for managing the project to finish the shortest time. True/False
False



4. If a project runs late, what options are available for site management to make up lost time, to prevent financial loss consequences from liquidated damages in the head contract? Describe in detail an action you can initiate to get back on programme.
Crash programme, putting more resources into the critical path items.


5. When drafting the initial construction programme for a commercial project, what information/data should be considered to allow for anticipated delays? List and describe four possible issues:
– Seasonal inclement weather, extremely hot weather in summer or cold in winter, or maybe continues rainy days will all stop the working progress.
– Sub-contractor delays, a subcontractor may not have enough employees to work on the project, or double booked himself / herself.
– Material supplier delays, if the materials are imported overseas, the time it takes to clear through the custom usually varies.
– Industrial Site issues, industrial strikes often stop the working progress.

6. Site management staff during the construction process are constantly required to manage the finances of the project by using Cost benefit analysis processes.
For example: to overcome identified Loss time on a project one option is utilising existing manpower resources to work additional daily hours on overtime penalty rates, to make up lost time.
What offsetting benefits can be justified to balance out the additional overtime costs.

List and describe brieflytwo (2).
If more resources are spent on overtime, it helps to get the project progress back on track and finish it on time, this will have the benefits such as:
• Business will not loose the opportunity to enter another project for being late.
• Company’s reputation gets kept for finishing project on time, which is very important in the building business.

7. When preparing the initial construction programme, the programmer has to take into account some legal requirements included in the head contract.
List 3 specific generic commercial contract clauses that would be included.
– Liquidated damages, whichusually identifies the amount of money contracting parties agreed on to recover the damage if the project is not finished on time.
– Time clause (duration), which specifies the start and finishing time of the project.
– Hours of work, which specifies the allowed working hours that set by the local council.

8. Building consultant engaged by the architect on a commercial construction project are involved in the documentation of services in the design phase. Identify circumstances in which theses building consultants would be involved during the construction of a commercial project.
List Two (2) circumstances which may affect the programme.
– Structural Engineer,are often responsible for the organisation and delivery of materials and equipment for the needs of the construction project.
– Fire Services may be needed to have the fire safety measures inspected.


7. When preparing the initial construction programme, the programmer has to take into account some legal requirements included in the head contract.
List 3 specific generic commercial contract clauses that would be included.
– Liquidated damages, whichusually identifies the amount of money contracting parties agreed on to recover the damage if the project is not finished on time.
– Time clause (duration), which specifies the start and finishing time of the project.
– Hours of work, which specifies the allowed working hours that set by the local council.

8. Building consultant engaged by the architect on a commercial construction project are involved in the documentation of services in the design phase. Identify circumstances in which theses building consultants would be involved during the construction of a commercial project.
List Two (2) circumstances which may affect the programme.
– Structural Engineer,are often responsible for the organisation and delivery of materials and equipment for the needs of the construction project.
– Fire Services may be needed to have the fire safety measures inspected.