Section outline

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    General

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    The module describes activities required of quantity surveyors in undertaking cost modelling and planning including: * Under

    The module describes activities required of quantity surveyors in undertaking cost modelling and planning including:

    * Understanding the cost information requirements of construction projects

    * Development of appropriate cost modelling databases for construction projects

    * Utilisation of cost information databases for the financial management of projects


    • Announcements Forum
    • Inter-user communication forum

      This forum is provided for the use of Users to facilitate communication amongst them. The intention is not to provide a 'chat' function but to encourage Users to discuss issues related to the course that are of mutual interest - for example the sharing of information / views etc on an assignment. 

    • Assignment 1: Cost Engineering 2025
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Order of Magnitude Estimate and Report

      You have seen a rough house plan layout and associated views in a technical manual (see attached) which you wish to adopt for your own purposes in constructing a home in your area of residence. You wish to use exactly the same primary design, but to adapt it to the prevailing site situation and local requirements. Obviously, you will have to consider the layout of your own plot in the positioning of the new structure, taking into consideration town planning regulations, site features, orientation etc.

      Each individual student is required to undertake the following:

      1. Find a site that is suitable for your new building. Visit the site and note all pertinent details for the development

      2. Interact with local estate agents, deeds office or municipal departments to establish all issues that may affect the future development of this site.

      3. Access Google maps and identify the site and download a "satelite view' of the chosen plot(s)

      4. Draw a site plan, indicating the positioning of the buildings, services etc

      5. Compile an ‘order of magnitude’ forecast of the likely final construction price of your completed project.

      6. Incorporate the outcome of your price forecast within a typed letter / report to the client

       

      Before starting this assignment, you should identify and liaise with a knowledgeable person in the local construction industry (preferably, but not necessarily a quantity surveyor) who can provide guidance.

      Each student is required to compile a brief report, indicating the anticipated present-day (February 2024) price. In establishing this estimate, you are required to liaise with your mentor and your report should include a list of any cost-significant features (e.g. security alarm system installation) that would be appropriate for a development in this area. In addition, your report should indicate the optimal time (cost-wise) that should be used for planning and development, assuming you are building for possible speculative purposes (i.e. for sale to a third party). You may assume that you have personal equity at present of US$5 000 (Five Thousand Dollars) available.

      Each student is required to compile a detailed report incorporating the above issues, to be submitted by Friday, 9th February 2024. Your submission will count for 10 % of the final total course mark. 

      This exercise will form the basis for the 2nd assignment of this module. 

       

    • Assignment 2: Cost Engineering 2025
      Students must
      Mark as done

      You are required to compile an elemental estimate in respect of the project that formed the focus of the earlier assignment for this module (Assignment 1). This will require you to compile a fully detailed query list (together with design / specification details as solutions) before measurement of the project. Your submission should comprise 4 parts as follows:

      1. A typed Query List, together with assumed answers

      2. A handwritten elemental estimate (unpriced). This should be based on the Guide to Elemental Estimating - copies are lodged on the AAQS website (www.aaqs.org) for reference purposes. Full details of all measurements must be provided and setting out of the document should take cognisance of the further development of the estimate for later pricing of each component.

      3. An elemental estimate (priced), in Excell format, based on the unpriced estimate referred to above. An example of a typical layout has been made available to you as an attachment. Sources of pricing would typically include priced BOQ’s of past projects (available from mentors / local QS firms?), mentor advice, current trade literature. Full details of the pricing calculations should be provided.

      Your submission will count for DP purposes (permitting you to write the final exam in this subject) and a sub-minima mark of 35% must therefore be achieved. 

      A hardcopy of your submission, as well as an electronic copy is to be submitted by the date stated. Your submission will count for 50 % of the final total course mark.

    • Cost Engineering quiz 2025

      This quiz is based on material made available to learners - particularly the Study Guide. Learners are required to attempt all questions. The total number of marks that may be attained is 10 marks.

    • Cost Engineering Exam 2025 Quiz
      Students must
      Mark as done

      This exam contributes 30% towards the final mark for this module. 

      This question paper consists of 2 questions. You are required to answer BOTH  of the questions provided. 

      Clearly mark the question number as indicated on the question sheet for each answer provided. 

      Candidates are advised to set out their work clearly, concisely and logically.

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    General Study Material

    First time users should click on the topic of the forum / session for the scheduled date. You will only be able to gain entry to the portal from the appointed time. After this, look on the right hand side of the screen and click on the "Join Session" green bar. Depending upon the strength of the network, there may be a delay in gaining access. Wait for a dark blue screen to appear - you will then find prompts which govern your level of participation in the session - test and choose to use your microphone and your camera for full participation (recommended). 

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    Technical Documents

    This folder contains examples of documents used in South Africa in the cost estimating / price forecasting activities. - all practical documentation which students should examine and compare to similar material in their own countries

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    YouTube Informational Video 1

    A short introduction to some basic principles of Project Briefing. 

    The video can be accessed by following link  https://youtu.be/lrajp7kJgrA

    Do this by highlighting this link address, copy it to your clipboard, exit to your web browser (eg Chrome), paste it into the address box and click - it will then open up from YouTube