RICS APC Project Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'programme' in the context of construction project management?
- A software application
- A schedule showing the planned sequence, duration, and timing of construction activities (Correct answer)
- A company brochure
- A list of subcontractors
Correct answer: A schedule showing the planned sequence, duration, and timing of construction activities
In UK construction, a programme (schedule) shows the planned sequence of activities, their durations, dependencies, milestones, and critical path for the project.
Question 2: Under the CDM Regulations 2015, who is the 'Principal Designer'?
- The architect who creates the building design
- The designer appointed by the client to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase (Correct answer)
- The site safety officer
- The building control inspector
Correct answer: The designer appointed by the client to plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase
Under CDM 2015, the Principal Designer is appointed by the client to plan, manage, and coordinate health and safety matters during the pre-construction phase, ensuring design risks are managed.
Question 3: What is 'float' in a project schedule?
- The budget contingency
- The amount of time a non-critical activity can be delayed without affecting the project completion date (Correct answer)
- A type of foundation
- The profit margin on a project
Correct answer: The amount of time a non-critical activity can be delayed without affecting the project completion date
Float (or slack) is the amount of time a non-critical activity can be delayed or extended without delaying the overall project completion date. Critical path activities have zero float.
Question 4: What is a 'clerk of works' role on a construction project?
- To design the building
- To act as the client's on-site representative, inspecting work quality and compliance with specifications (Correct answer)
- To manage the contractor's workforce
- To approve planning applications
Correct answer: To act as the client's on-site representative, inspecting work quality and compliance with specifications
A clerk of works is an independent professional employed by the client to be present on site, inspecting the quality of workmanship and materials to ensure compliance with contract documents.
Question 5: What does 'procurement' mean in the context of a construction project?
- Purchasing building materials only
- The overall process of acquiring construction services, including selecting the contract strategy, tendering, and appointing contractors (Correct answer)
- Obtaining planning permission
- Securing project finance
Correct answer: The overall process of acquiring construction services, including selecting the contract strategy, tendering, and appointing contractors
Procurement in construction encompasses the entire process of selecting the appropriate contract strategy, inviting and evaluating tenders, and appointing the contractor(s) to deliver the project.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'pre-construction services agreement' (PCSA)?
- To finalise the building design
- To engage a contractor early to provide input on buildability, programming, and cost during the design phase before the main contract is let (Correct answer)
- To arrange site insurance
- To obtain planning consent
Correct answer: To engage a contractor early to provide input on buildability, programming, and cost during the design phase before the main contract is let
A PCSA allows a client to engage a contractor during the design stage to provide early input on buildability, sequencing, cost planning, and risk, before committing to a full construction contract.
RICS APC Project Management 2
What is a 'programme' in the context of construction project management?