28/01/2024
QS Practice II
Assignment 01
Instructions should follow in submitting your answers.
➢ Should write all the answers and prepare the cover page in MS word format and should
send your answers as a pdf.
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➢ Have a separate cover page for the answers of this assignment and mention subject
name, assignment number, your name with initials, registration number, your batch
number and your degree program within that cover page.
➢ Repeaters / absentees for this module in previous years should mention it within
brackets in front of the batch number for the easy reference.
➢ Submit your answers for the submission area of the LMS
01. Case Study Question: "The Construction Conundrum"
‘The Builders’ Construction Company entered into a contract with ‘Skyscrapers’ Architects
to build a new office complex. The contract outlined specific milestones, quality standards,
and payment terms. However, as the project progressed, issues arose.
• Delays and Timeline Disputes:
The construction faced unexpected delays due to weather conditions and unforeseen site
challenges. ‘The Builders’ Construction claims that these delays were beyond their
control, while ‘Skyscrapers’ Architects argues that ‘The Builders’ did not take
reasonable steps to mitigate delays.
• Quality Standards and Defects:
Upon completion, Skyscrapers Architects identified several deviations from the agreed-
upon quality standards. The Builders Construction insists that the deviations are within
acceptable tolerances, while Skyscrapers claims they jeopardize the overall integrity of
the project.
• Payment Disputes:
The Builders Construction alleges that they are not being paid on time as per the
contract terms. Skyscrapers Architects counters that the payment delays are a result of
The Builders’ failure to meet quality standards and adhere to the agreed-upon timeline.
i. Identify and analyze the contractual obligations of The Builders Construction and
Skyscrapers Architects in relation to delays, quality standards, and payments. (you may
refer SBD 02 document).
(10 Marks)
ii. Explore the concept of genuine consent in the context of contract formation and how it
applies to the relationship between 'The Builders' Construction Company and
'Skyscrapers' Architects.
(10 Marks)
iii. Assess the steps The Builders Construction could have taken to mitigate disputes related
to delays, quality standards, and payments and what alternative strategies they could
have employed.
(10 Marks)
iv. How does ‘performance security’ serve as a risk mitigation measure for both parties
involved, ‘The Builders’ and ‘Skyscrapers’.
(10 Marks)
v. In SBD 02, what provision is available to safeguard the client from cost risks arising
due to unforeseeable project delays? how it is typically addressed in construction
contracts.
(10 Marks)
02. Imagine that a city planning committee is considering the development of a new mixed-
use building complex in a downtown area. The project aims to include residential spaces,
commercial offices, and recreational facilities. The committee is particularly interested in
ensuring the economic feasibility and sustainability of the project.
i. Discuss the importance of life cycle costing in the context of the mixed-use building
complex.
(10 Marks)
ii. List down five (05) design variables and explain the impact of each variable on the cost
optimizations.
(10 Marks)
iii. Define the concept of "value for money" in the context of construction and building
projects and explain why achieving value for money is essential in the development of
the mixed-use building complex.
(10 Marks)
iv. Explain how a cost-benefit analysis could be utilized to determine value for money in
the early stages of the project.
(10 Marks)
v. How does inflation impact the overall construction costs of the mixed-use building
complex. Suggest strategies the city planning committee can employ to mitigate the
effects of inflation on the project budget.
(10 Marks)
(Total Marks 100)
The end
