The following module learning outcomes are tested in this assessment: (1) demons

The following module learning outcomes are tested in this assessment: (1) demonstrate deep and analytical knowledge of the principles and application of estimating, cost planning and pricing techniques; (2) debate the relationship between building design, production methods and price; (3) apply the concepts of value management and life cycle costing for the economic evaluation of building elements; (4) apply IT techniques to construction economics through the use of standard packages Assessment task and specific terms This Situational Group Report assignment is part of an “in-tray” exercise that will continue through to the end of the module in the Individual Practical Report (CW2). Your client has two alternative proposals for developing a Greenfield site with the following to provide 36 apartments within a Gross Internal Floor Area of 3600 square metres. Details of the alternative proposals are as follows: Proposal A 2 No. 3-storey rectangular shaped buildings, each with the following external dimensions: 15.50 x 40.5 x 10.80m height. Proposal B Single 6-storey rectangular shaped building with external dimensions 15.50 x 40.50 x 19.20m high. Specification: Both alternative proposals have identical specifications Your client requires your economic evaluation of both design proposals and an Order of Cost Estimate (OCE) for one of the proposed design options. Note that the cost of land is not a factor for the client in this appraisal. In your groups, your task is to produce a client report in two parts: Part 1 should detail an element-by-element comparison of the cost implications of the two design proposals. Actual costs are not required for the economic evaluation. Only cost influences need to be discussed in this part. Your evaluation is expected to be critical and therefore should include a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each design proposal in relation to cost. You should also include recommendations for each design proposal that would improve their value for money. Part 2 should provide an OCE for one of the design proposals only using the available information. The selected design proposal is to be built in Greater Manchester and June 2022 is the expected tender date. Construction is expected to commence in September 2022 and completion is projected for September 2023. Note: • RICS NRM1 rules apply • Assume a traditional procurement route • Outline specifications for the Order of Cost Estimates are assumed to be similar to the cost analyses provided • Make other necessary assumptions (with justification) to make your estimate meaningful and realistic • You may assume names for the participants Word Limit: 4000 word count Group Report This coursework requires the group production of a written client report submitted as a single coherent document. The report should demonstrate professionalism and must therefore include a covering letter to the client and an executive summary. Group compositions are strictly as specified on Canvas. Report specifics You must include an element-by-element comparison of the cost implications of identified design variables on the two design options. Each element of the building must be given consideration. Summary page of the OCE should be included in the client report. Build up calculations for the Building Works Estimate should be in the supporting documents section in the Appendices which will be retained in ‘the office file’. You will need to discuss the reliability of your estimate. This should be in the form of a quality assurance statement to the client. For instance, you may discuss the reliability of the cost data and methods used and/or benchmark your estimates against average prices for similar completed projects. You should also state the limitations of your estimate. Marks Awarded A group mark will be awarded for the group submission. Individual marks to students making up the group will be awarded to reflect each group member’s contribution to the group effort. The group mark will be adjusted (upward or downward) or remain unchanged for individual team members. The adjustment will be decided by the module team based on the students’ (group members) completed confidential peer assessment forms and the student (group member) entries on the team log. Each student is therefore required to regularly update the team log and to submit a completed peer assessment form at the time the group report is submitted. Research and referencing You are expected to refer to the indicative bibliography of the module provided in the Module Descriptor and the additional bibliographic sources suggested in the lecture programme and notes. In addition, you must undertake your own appropriate further reading and research in relation to the matters addressed in this coursework brief. Evidence of independent reading and research will be rewarded. A list of References must be presented at the end of the report listing all bibliographic sources cited in the main report. Assessment Criteria Assessment of your submission will be based on the following weighted assessment criteria as given below which relate to the specified module learning outcomes. Assessment criteria are reproduced in Canvas in a rubric. Specific Criteria (marking scheme) Marks available Part 1 Economic evaluation of alternative designs: element by element comparison of the cost implications of identified design variables on the two design options. Critical discussion of cost strengths and weaknesses of each option and recommendations for improving value for money. 40% Part 2 Basis & Reliability of estimates: a discussion of the basis of the estimate and the justification for any assumptions made. Quality assurance statement and limitations of estimate. 15% Order of Cost Estimate: Summary page of the OCE should be included in the client report. Build up calculations should be in the supporting documents section in the Appendices which will be retained in ‘the office file’. 25% Professional report writing skills Professionalism: covering letter; executive summary; appropriate structure; overall coherence of the report; and a clear and cogent presentation within a single document. 12.5% Research and Citations: excellence in the choice, breadth and integration of a range of academic and practitioner-based contemporary literature, perfectly cited and referenced in line with the Harvard style. 7.5% Total Group Mark 100%