CE3CQC-Quantification & Costing

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: CE1CCT Construction Technology and CE2CBT1 Building Technology and CE2QCT Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Upeksha Madanayake
Email: u.h.madanayake@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed for students who already have some knowledge of construction technology and the introductory measurement and quantification skills of building work for procurement and cost management purposes. This module develops these introductory quantification skills to a more advanced level, sufficient to demonstrate expertise in a quantity surveying role. The module further explores the costing aspect of building elements which gives rise to commercial management practices. On completion of the module, the student should be sufficiently skilled and knowledgeable to fulfil a productive junior QS role in preparation for more intricate practice.

Aims:

The aims of the module are to develop an understanding of the principles and practice of measurement of building work, applied to more advanced forms of construction and to develop a critical understanding of measurement and documentation as key skills of the quantity surveyor. The students should be able to demonstrate ability to measure, define and cost construction works, and produce project information that supports the design, construction and commercial management of projects. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Understand advanced processes of measurement and be able to measure building work for complex forms of construction.


• Measure building work for more complex forms of building construction for the purposes of tender document production. The process will include use and interpret plans, drawings and specifications.


• Assemble information and data from a variety of cost information sources relating to the costing and pricing of building work, synthesise them, discern and establish connections with quantified data. Produce pricing documents such as bills of quantities and schedules of rates.


• Present quantitative and qualitative information; produce professional reports; proposals; professional documentation in accordance with published conventions for the purpose of tackling problems, generating effective solutions and make well-considered costing decisions.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• Quantification and costing of more advanced measurement; such as:
  
  
  
  • Advanced foundations and sloping sites
  
  
  • Basements and External works
  
  
  • Concrete framed buildings
  
  
  • Steel framed structures
  
  
  
  

• Advanced cost estimating, preparation of tender documents & pricing of BQs cost planning and cost analyses of construction works

• Advanced use and application of CostX or other similar computer programmes

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is delivered in 2-hour lecture sessions, supported by additional Practical classes/ workshops as follows:

• Lecture sessions - Lectures will be held on a weekly basis (2 hours) in class as detailed in the university timetable.

• Practical classes/ workshops – Interactive Practical classes/ workshops will be held in class (subject to university guidelines) (1 hour) where the students will have the opportunity to get their hands -on with variously advanced quantification and costing activities. The students will also have the opportunity to discuss the solutions for these practical exercises.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	30
Reflection	20
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	80
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A portfolio assignment (80% of the module mark), designed as an authentic learning activity, where the students are asked to carry out a detailed (advanced) measurement exercise and produce priced Bill of Quantities built from multiple entries from across the entire module. The assignment will also include an element of judgemental analysis which will be required to provide client advice about the means of controlling the cost.

Class test administered by School/Dept (20% of the module mark). Based on the RICS New Rules of Measurement: Detailed measurement for building works (‘NRM 1 or NRM2’ depending on what they attempted as online test in CE2QCT). The test is consisting of 10 questions and must be completed within 20 minutes. The students are only allowed one attempt. The test is used to encourage students to study the measurement rules and engage in tutorials before they undertake practical exercises of taking-off quantities of construction work items.

Formative assessment methods:

Each week, the lecture will follow a workshop/ practical class where the students will be given a practical exercise to try their hands-on. The tutors will provide instant feedback to students on their work during the session. These feedback will eventually help students in their achievement of set learning outcomes. But they are not considered as per se ‘formative Assessments’.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Required to achieve 40% of the overall module mark to pass the module

Reassessment arrangements:

Same assessment type as first assessment arrangements,

A portfolio assignment (100%)

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books:


2. Specialist equipment or materials:


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:


4. Printing and binding:


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 22 August 2023