Are you about to embark on a research project for the first time? Unsure which data collection methods are right for your study? Don't know where to start? By presenting the reader with a series of key research management questions, this book introduces the novice researcher to a range of research designs and data collection methods. Building an understanding of these choices and how they can impact on the dissertation itself will lead to a more robust and rigorous dissertation study. This book is designed to direct your research choices with informative text and key questions, advice from "virtual supervisors" and reflections from students. Lists of suggested further reading also help to support you on your journey to developing an organised and successful dissertation project. Researchers seeking support on their journey to a successful dissertation will find this book a valuable resource.

The sudden arrival of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a key part of the building industry is redefining the roles and working practices of its stakeholders. Many clients, designers, contractors, quantity surveyors, and building managers are still finding their feet in an industry where BIM compliance can bring great rewards. This guide is designed to help quantity surveying practitioners and students understand what BIM means for them, and how they should prepare to work successfully on BIM compliant projects. The case studies show how firms at the forefront of this technology have integrated core quantity surveying responsibilities like cost estimating, tendering, and development appraisal into high profile BIM projects. In addition to this, the implications for project management, facilities management, contract administration and dispute resolution are also explored through case studies, making this a highly valuable guide for those in a range of construction project management roles. Featuring a chapter describing how the role of the quantity surveyor is likely to permanently shift as a result of this development, as well as descriptions of tools used, this covers both the organisational and practical aspects of a crucial topic.

Students and professionals encountering estimating for the first time need an approachable introduction to its principles and techniques, which is up to date with current practice. Introduction to Estimating for Construction explains both the traditional techniques, and best practice in early contractor involvement situations, within the framework of modern construction procurement. As well as introducing different estimating techniques, it includes: The nature of costs in construction from a cost of resources approach Modern tendering procedures and the stages of development of construction projects How to convert an estimate into a formal tender and then into a contract Simple numerical examples of estimates Estimating and cost analysis during the construction project Summaries and discussion questions in every chapter This is an easy to read introduction to building estimating for undergraduate students, or anyone working in a quantity surveying or construction commercial management role who needs a quick reference.

To understand Construction Estimating one must also understand plan reading and construction techniques. This book is designed to teach the construction student these three core skills in equal measure. Using hundreds of plans, sketches, and photos, the book builds case studies of the major construction divisions including concrete, masonry, carpentry, and more. Over forty cases are divided into sections following a specially designed format: Plans: Scale drawings of floor plans, sections, or elevations. Plan Interpretation: The drawings are explained with comments. Scope of the Work: A written description of the boundaries of the work is given for each section. Construction Techniques: The construction processes and their sequence are explained. The Takeoff: A takeoff is shown at the end of each section. This approach helps foster confidence in plan reading, building methods, arithmetic, takeoffs, and estimates. The various products and terms used in the industries of structural steel, doors and hardware, and roofing are defined. The shop drawing process is explained, which is so important in many industries, as well as the role of and difference between manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers/distributors. The book ends with a study of "front end" documents, including Division 00 General Conditions, AIA 201, and Division 01 General Requirements, and a chapter on Ethics. This textbook can be used to teach a variety of classes including plan reading, construction techniques, and estimating 1 and 2 (takeoffs and pricing).

This textbook responds to the increasing demand for practical, industry aligned, ethical practices in quantity surveying, construction management and related AEC professions. Professional Ethics for Construction and Surveying addresses how existing ethical standards can be pragmatically applied to both private and contracting practice, with case studies aligned with the ethical requirements of the main professional bodies. After an introduction to ethics, the authors present real-world situations where the minimum legal and contractual requirements necessitate the combination of professional judgement and ethical decision-making. They outline how such situations arise, then address how decisions can and should be made that are in keeping with the moral, contractual and CSR requirements, with cases covering the building lifecycle from procurement to handover. Consequently, the book brings together ethical theory, existing worldwide ethical standards and the requirements of the RICS, the CIOB and the ICES, with the authors' experiences of examining candidates for entry into the professional bodies. The result is a professionally focused textbook aimed at vocational learners (at both undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels) and practitioners in construction, engineering, architecture and the wider built environment.

Whole life costing is now integral to building procurement, both for new buildings and major refurbishments. It is key when assessing investment scenarios for estates as well as individual buildings, and has become a tool for justifying higher capital cost items. Standard whole life costing methods combine capital cost, facilities costs, operational costs, income and disposal costs with a "single action-single benefit" approach. Costing based on this type of single attribute assessment misses out on realising value from the intricacies of the interactions buildings have with their occupants, users and the location in which they are placed. In contrast, the multi-attribute approach presented by the author of this book explains how to analyse the whole cost of a building, while also taking into account secondary and tertiary values of a variety of actions that are deemed important for the project owners and decision-making stakeholders. The process is an effective tool for presenting a good business case within the opportunities and constrains of real life. For example, it presents the interdependencies of how: Building location affects servicing strategies which impact on maintainability and control and, by extension, on occupant comfort; Material selection affects time on site, building maintainability as well as overall building quality and the environment; Building shape impacts on servicing strategies as well as operating costs. The reader will be shown how to incorporate this method of whole life valuation into standard cost models allowing for a more robust decision making process. This is done by breaking down project aims into their most basic aspects and adopting the methods of simple quantitative risk analysis, the functionality of which is based on real data. Written by an author immersed in project team collaboration to identify the interdependencies of design decisions throughout her professional life, this is the most practical guide available on the topic.

Estimators need to understand the consequences of entering into a contract, often defined by complex conditions and documents, as well as to appreciate the technical requirements of the project. Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work, 5th edition, explains the job of the estimator through every stage, from early cost studies to the creation of budgets for successful tenders. This new edition reflects recent developments in the field and covers: new tendering and procurement methods the move from basic estimating to cost-planning and the greater emphasis placed on partnering and collaborative working the New Rules of Measurement (NRM1 and 2), and examines ways in which practicing estimators are implementing the guidance emerging technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling) and estimating systems which can interact with 3D design models With the majority of projects procured using design-and-build contracts, this edition explains the contractor's role in setting costs, and design statements, to inform and control the development of a project's design. Clearly-written and illustrated with examples, notes and technical documentation, this book is ideal for students on construction-related courses at HNC/HND and Degree levels. It is also an important source for associated professions and estimators at the outset of their careers.

A textbook on design economics for students of architecture, building and quantity surveying. It examines the links between design and the costs of building, as well as more general economic issues and their significance for designers and builders.

This book provides a thorough understanding of the general principles of measurement for taking off quantities. An essential guide to any quantity surveyor, architrect or engineer Taking off quantities: Civil Engineering demonstrates, through a series of detailed worked examples from a range of civil engineering projects, how the measurement techniques are actually used.

This new edition of Reporting for Buyers provides guidance for the surveyor on setting out the findings of the inspection in a clear, unambiguous and unequivocal way. The book provides a full, critical look at the current situation, describing the various types of report currently available to the public for commissioning. The limitations and attributes of these reports are discussed and their respective forms of advice considered in detail, together with the advice provided to buyers which is a legal requirement to Scotland. The authors stress the need for Surveyors to demonstrate their all-round abilities by putting themselves in their client's shoes to provide advice appropriate to their needs and requirements. In doing so they set out a cogent criticism of the standardised forms of advice offered to buyers and the lack of transparency in how they are presented by comparing what is seen by the client and what is set out in the various guidelines available. Surveyors will find the site notes and sample reports invaluable in demonstrating how the same dwelling can be described in the reports available. Sample reports include: mortgage valuation report RICS Condition Report RPSA Home Condition Survey Scottish Single Survey and the RICS Home Buyer Report. This book is intended for all those engaged in inspecting and reporting on dwellings, whether experienced , newly qualified or studying for appropriate qualifications to become members of professional institutions. It will also be found useful to conveyancing solicitors acting for lenders.

Are you about to embark on a research project for the first time? Unsure which data collection methods are right for your study? Don't know where to start? By presenting the reader with a series of key research management questions, this book introduces the novice researcher to a range of research designs and data collection methods. Building an understanding of these choices and how they can impact on the dissertation itself will lead to a more robust and rigorous dissertation study. This book is designed to direct your research choices with informative text and key questions, advice from "virtual supervisors" and reflections from students. Lists of suggested further reading also help to support you on your journey to developing an organised and successful dissertation project. Researchers seeking support on their journey to a successful dissertation will find this book a valuable resource.

Students and professionals encountering estimating for the first time need an approachable introduction to its principles and techniques, which is up to date with current practice. Introduction to Estimating for Construction explains both the traditional techniques, and best practice in early contractor involvement situations, within the framework of modern construction procurement. As well as introducing different estimating techniques, it includes: The nature of costs in construction from a cost of resources approach Modern tendering procedures and the stages of development of construction projects How to convert an estimate into a formal tender and then into a contract Simple numerical examples of estimates Estimating and cost analysis during the construction project Summaries and discussion questions in every chapter This is an easy to read introduction to building estimating for undergraduate students, or anyone working in a quantity surveying or construction commercial management role who needs a quick reference.

Despite the complexity of the construction industry, there has been little study to date which focuses on the challenge of drawing accurate conclusions from the available data. The accuracy of industry reports has an impact on government policy, the direction and outcomes of research, and the practices of construction firms, so confusion in this area can have far reaching consequences.

In response to this, "Measuring Construction" evaluates fundamental economic theories and concepts with respect to the construction industry, and explains how to avoid pitfalls by looking at real life examples. Drawing on current research carried out specifically for this study, the contributors tackle:

• industry performance
• productivity measurement
• construction in national accounts
• comparing international construction costs
• comparing international productivity
• industry performance at project level

The scope of the book is fully international, examining data and publications from four continents, and tackling head on the difficulties arising from international comparisons. By addressing problems that arise everywhere from individual project documentation, right up to national industrial accounts, this much-needed book can have an impact at every level of the industry. Essential reading for postgraduate construction students and researchers, students of industrial economics, construction economists, and policy-makers.

Measurement of buildings is the core skill of the quantity surveyor. It underpins the procurement, management, delivery and subsequent commissioning of a completed building, and must now be completed using New Rules of Measurement 2 (NRM 2). In this much-needed new measurement textbook, the measurement of the most common building elements is described using NRM2. Extensive worked examples including fully up to date hand-drawn diagrams and supporting take-off lists ensure that the reader develops a confidence in their ability to measure using NRM2 in practice. A practical step-by-step approach is used to explain and interpret the detail of the specific Work Sections of NRM2, covering a broad range of different trades, including mechanical and electrical systems; external works; groundwork; masonry; joinery; and internal finishes. Presuming no prior knowledge of measurement or NRM2, and fully up to date with current practice, including consideration of Building Information Modelling, this is the ideal text for students of measurement at HND or BSc level, as well as practitioners needing a crash course in how to apply NRM2.

Companies live or die on the basis of estimating their costs. Preparing estimates and bidding for new jobs is a complex and often costly process. There is no substitute for on the job training -- until now. Drawing on the authors' combined experience of more than 70 years, Estimating Building Costs presents state-of-the-art principles, practices, and techniques for assessing these expenditures that can be applied regardless of changes in the costs of materials, equipment, and labor. The book is an efficient and practical tool for developing contracts or controlling project costs. The authors cover the major components of the direct cost: estimating procedures and cost trends related to materials, construction equipment, and skilled and unskilled labor. They describe various types of building estimates encountered during the lifecycle of a project, as well as the role and accuracy of each. The book provides an overview of the industry, cost indexes in use, approaches to preparing a detailed estimate, and an in-depth description of the organization and function of the estimating group. Including CSI Master Format and UniFormat codes, estimating forms, a list of available estimating software packages, a detailed construction site and investigation report, the book provides a cost estimating methodology that readers can tailor to their own organizational needs.

Contractual Procedures in the Construction Industry 7th edition aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject, and reinforces the changes that are taking place within the construction industry. The book looks at contract law within the context of construction contracts, it examines the different procurement routes that have evolved over time and the particular aspects relating to design and construction, lean methods of construction and the advantages and disadvantages of PFI/PPP and its variants. It covers the development of partnering, supply chain management, design and build and the way that the clients and professions have adapted to change in the procurement of buildings and engineering projects. This book is an indispensable companion for students taking undergraduate courses in Building and Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management and Project Management. It is also suitable for students on HND/C courses in Building and Construction Management as well as foundation degree courses in Building and Construction Management. Key features of the new edition include: A revised chapter covering the concept of value for money in line with the greater emphasis on added value throughout the industry today. A new chapter covering developments in information technology applications (building information modelling, blockchains, data analytics, smart contracts and others) and construction procurement. Deeper coverage of the strategies that need to be considered in respect of contract selection. Improved discussion of sustainability and the increasing importance of resilience in the built environment. Concise descriptions of some the more important construction case laws.

Surveying Fundamentals and Practices, 7/e, covers up-to-date surveying technology without losing perspective of the need to provide students with a strong foundation in traditional surveying fundamentals. An entire chapter provides a review of the mathematics essential for beginning technology students to understand plane surveying problem-solving methods and applications. Through clear explanations and applied examples, the text presents the methods of measuring and computing distances, angles, and directions. It provides students with a firm grasp of modern equipment and office and field procedures related to horizontal control surveys, property surveys, topographic surveys, roadway curve calculations, and construction layout surveys. The Seventh Edition expands upon the surveying applications in today's world with a section on forensic surveying, updated information on national and industry standards for surveys, and a new section on spiral curve computations.

Written for students taking courses in building and surveying, 'Estimating for Builders and Surveyors' describes and explains the method used by the estimator to build up prices or rates for items described in the SMM7 format. Each chapter is a self-contained unit related to a particular element in the building. Worked examples throughout reflect both traditional and up-to-date technology. Written by an author team of academics and professional surveyors, this book continues to be an invaluable introduction to the subject of estimating.

* Written in line with The Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works to provide professional relevance
* Worked examples throughout ensure the student can practice the techniques described
* Comprehensive coverage of the trades gives the reader a complete picture

Projects need to achieve strategic goals and to that end must work in different levels of uncertainty. Engineers must be aware of methods to operate in ambiguous situations. Project promoters, project managers and consultants should understand the formative stages of each project and the risk and value decisions that have to be made. This book offers one of the first integrated approaches to these three topics based on the views of experts in these disciplines.

For beginning to intermediate courses in construction estimating in two- and four-year construction management programs. A step-by-step, hands-on introduction to commercial and residential estimating Construction Estimating with Excel, 3/e, introduces readers to the fundamental principles of estimating using drawing sets, real-world exercises, and examples. The book moves step-by-step through the estimating process, discussing the art of estimating, the quantity takeoff, how to put costs to the estimate, and how to finalize the bid. As students progress through the text they are shown how Microsoft Excel can be used to improve the estimating process. Because it introduces spreadsheets as a way of increasing estimating productivity and accuracy, the book can help both beginning and experienced estimators improve their skills. The Third Edition gives students a broader understanding of construction estimating with a new chapter discussing the role that estimating plays in different project delivery methods and in the design process and how to use data from RSMeans. To bring the book up to date, the material and equipment costs and labor rates have been updated to reflect current costs, and the discussion of Excel (including the figures) is based on Excel 2016. Additionally, content throughout the book has been updated to align to ACCE and ABET student learning outcomes. Student resources are available on the companion website www.pearsonhighered.com/careersresources/.

Whole life costing is now integral to building procurement, both for new buildings and major refurbishments. It is key when assessing investment scenarios for estates as well as individual buildings, and has become a tool for justifying higher capital cost items. Standard whole life costing methods combine capital cost, facilities costs, operational costs, income and disposal costs with a "single action-single benefit" approach. Costing based on this type of single attribute assessment misses out on realising value from the intricacies of the interactions buildings have with their occupants, users and the location in which they are placed. In contrast, the multi-attribute approach presented by the author of this book explains how to analyse the whole cost of a building, while also taking into account secondary and tertiary values of a variety of actions that are deemed important for the project owners and decision-making stakeholders. The process is an effective tool for presenting a good business case within the opportunities and constrains of real life. For example, it presents the interdependencies of how: Building location affects servicing strategies which impact on maintainability and control and, by extension, on occupant comfort; Material selection affects time on site, building maintainability as well as overall building quality and the environment; Building shape impacts on servicing strategies as well as operating costs. The reader will be shown how to incorporate this method of whole life valuation into standard cost models allowing for a more robust decision making process. This is done by breaking down project aims into their most basic aspects and adopting the methods of simple quantitative risk analysis, the functionality of which is based on real data. Written by an author immersed in project team collaboration to identify the interdependencies of design decisions throughout her professional life, this is the most practical guide available on the topic.

This code of practice, long established as a leading publication for the construction industry, provides an authoritative guide to essential principles and good practice in estimating for building work. The seventh edition includes new material on estimating strategy, tendering, procedures and best practice, as well as the build-up of unit rates of cost, overheads and profit, and e-commerce.