BCM Bachelor of Construction Management 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scheduling technique uses probability distributions to model uncertainty in activity durations?
- Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Gantt Chart
- Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) (Correct answer)
- Linear Scheduling Method
Correct answer: Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
PERT uses three-point estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic) to calculate expected durations and account for uncertainty in project scheduling.
Question 2: What is 'constructability review' in the pre-construction phase?
- Reviewing contractor qualifications before bidding
- Analyzing construction documents to identify design conflicts and improve buildability (Correct answer)
- Inspecting completed construction for code compliance
- Evaluating subcontractor performance after project completion
Correct answer: Analyzing construction documents to identify design conflicts and improve buildability
A constructability review is conducted by experienced construction professionals who examine design documents to identify problems that could cause delays, cost overruns, or safety issues during construction.
Question 3: In construction law, what is 'mechanic's lien'?
- A safety regulation requiring machinery inspections
- A legal claim against a property by unpaid contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers (Correct answer)
- A tax levied on construction equipment
- An OSHA citation for equipment violations
Correct answer: A legal claim against a property by unpaid contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers
A mechanic's lien (construction lien) is a security interest in the owner's property that unpaid contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers can file to secure payment for their work.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of 'shop drawings' in construction?
- Document daily work progress on site
- Show how the contractor or fabricator plans to manufacture and install specific building components (Correct answer)
- Record as-built conditions after construction
- Illustrate overall architectural design intent
Correct answer: Show how the contractor or fabricator plans to manufacture and install specific building components
Shop drawings are detailed fabrication and installation drawings prepared by contractors or suppliers showing how specific elements will be made and installed in the field.
Question 5: Which type of estimate is most accurate and is typically prepared from complete construction documents?
- Conceptual estimate
- Schematic estimate
- Design development estimate
- Definitive (detailed) estimate (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Definitive (detailed) estimate
A definitive estimate, prepared from complete construction documents with detailed quantity takeoffs, achieves accuracy within ±5-10% and forms the basis for contractor bids.
Question 6: What is 'design-bid-build' procurement's main disadvantage compared to integrated delivery methods?
- It gives the owner less control over design
- It provides no competitive bidding process
- It creates an adversarial relationship by separating design and construction teams (Correct answer)
- It cannot be used on publicly funded projects
Correct answer: It creates an adversarial relationship by separating design and construction teams
Design-Bid-Build often creates adversarial dynamics because the contractor who builds the project had no input during design, leading to more change orders, claims, and disputes.
Question 7: What does 'as-built drawings' (record drawings) document after construction?
- Original design intent from the architect
- The actual constructed conditions, including field changes made during construction (Correct answer)
- Planned maintenance schedules for building systems
- Environmental impact assessments
Correct answer: The actual constructed conditions, including field changes made during construction
As-built drawings record the exact locations, dimensions, and configurations of all constructed elements as they were actually built, including any field modifications from the original design.
BCM Bachelor of Construction Management 5
Which scheduling technique uses probability distributions to model uncertainty in activity durations?