Week 2

Question 1

What is the Project Life Cycle?

Answer 1

The elements what make up a project in more detail.

Question 2

What are the Project Parties?

Answer 2

The key players in all engineering projects.

Question 3

What does the Project Life Cycle consist of?

Answer 3

Demand –> Intial proposal –> Feasibility Study –> Design –> Contracts –> Construction –> Test and Comissioning –> Operation and Maintenance –> Decommisioning –> Experience and Records (–> Initial Proposal)

Question 4

Explain “demand” in more detail.

Answer 4

A project will always ahve a start and an endpoint. The pre-project phase will commence with a demand or need for a product or solution to overcome a particular problem.

Question 5

Explain “initial Proposal” in more detail.

Answer 5

A promoter will recognise a need and make an initial proposal. This will be formalised into a Project Breif. The purpose is:

• State the objectives, aims and priorities of the promoter.
• Identify how resources are to be deployed.
• Provide and outline budget and programme for the project.

Question 6

Explain “Feasability Study” in more detail.

Answer 6

Feasibility studies concludes whether or not to go ahead with the project or to abandon it. Should also detail the reasons for the decisions. 
Has several stages:
-Determining the extent of the demand. 
-Scope of investigations.
-Financial Objectives. 
-Service Objectives. 
-Statutory approvals.
-Information.
-Public Consultation. 
-Recommended Design (Vital that the correct design be chosen at this stage).

Question 7

Explain “Design” in more detail.

Answer 7

Designers, during the design stage, have the following aims:

• Provide sufficient information to ensure the promoters objectives are satisfied.
• Obtain necessary approvals and consents.
• Provide information for the next stages in the project (Drawings, specification for construction, testing and commissioning).

Question 8

Explain “Contacts” in more detail.

Answer 8

A contract is a formal agreement approved by the two or more parties that is enforceable by law.
A project implementation if never undertaken without there being a contract of some form.
A construction contract commits a contractor to construct the works and the promoter to pay for it.
The form of contract (or conditions of contract) is a legal document that sets out the exact terms of the contract and details the liabilities and obligations of each party.

Question 9

Explain “Construction” in more detail.

Answer 9

The most expensive, labour intensive and active part of a project.
How the various parties interact at this stage depends on the type of contract used, but there are alot of common elements to this stage.
-Estimating
-Planning and programming
-Implementation (or construction) of the works (the built items).
-Risk; Health and Safety.
-Temporary works.
-Cost monitoring.
-Execution of contract.
-Claims and disputes

Question 10

Explain “Testing and Commissioning” in more detail.

Answer 10

Can be defined as the transition from the construction phase to the occupation by its eventual users.
The owners satisfies themselves that the project does indeed work in accordance with their requirement.
Usually a “Defects Correction Period”.

Question 11

Explain “Operation and Maintenance” in more detail.

Answer 11

Extent varies according to the type of project. 
Operation company (may be promoter) may contract out Operation and maintenance. 
Maintenance agreements: 
-Operation only. 
-Maintenance only. 
-Operation and Maintenance. 
-Operation, Maintenance and Training (Brings promoter's staff to a level of competence to operate the project on their own).

Question 12

Explain “Decommissioning” in more detail.

Answer 12

Often the part of the project which gets the least amount of attention.
The promoter can be unwilling to commit time and money to a non-planned event, therefore there might not be an anticipated natural life of the constructed facility.
Some projects come to the end of their working life after a relatively short period of time (Nuclear power stations, oil facilities).

Question 13

Explain “Experience and Records” in more detail.

Answer 13

Although a project may be unique it will be followed bt other projects with many similarities. It is therefore essential that experience and knowledge is passed to these future projects. Information on:

• Safety hazards.
• Implementation and design methodologies.
• Financial Management.
• Other risks.

Question 14

What are the three main players in a project?

Answer 14

• Promoter
• Designer
• Contractor
  ( Also Project Management Team and Operating Company)

Question 15

What is a Promoter?

Answer 15

The body of persons who have a need for a particular solution to a problem (Also called client, owner or employer).
The completed project is the eventual solution and will, hopefully, fulfill the need the promoter expects of it.
The aims of the promoter is:
- To obtain the best economic solution to a problem;
whilst
-Bearing the safety of all who work on the project in mind;
without
-Compromising unnecessarily the environment in which the project takes place.

Question 16

Give some example of Promoters.

Answer 16

-Central Government.
Statutory boards and public corporations.
-Registered companies.
-Overseas bodies:
-The World Bank
-United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.
- Asian Development Bank
-European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Question 17

What is the Project Management Team?

Answer 17

Interprets the promoter’s requirements and implements the project. Headed by the Project Manager.

Question 18

What is the role of the Project Manager?

Answer 18

• Ensure achievement of Project Objectives.
• Control Costs.
• Control schedule.
• Lead people and teams.
• Liase with promoter.
• Measure and report on progress.

Question 19

Because of the complexity of the average project, the project manager will delegate key functions. What are these?

Answer 19

• Quality Assurance Manager.
• Project Engineering Manager.
• Project Design Manager.
• Project Services Manager.
• Project Construction Manager.
• Project Commissioning Manager

Question 20

What are Project Management Companies?

Answer 20

• Many are from the same parent organisation as the designer.
• Some are contractors.
  Some are from the promoters organisation. (BAA and Network Rail, University of Edinburgh).

Question 21

What are the duties of the Designer?

Answer 21

Depends on the type of contract.
At the simplest level the designer will only provide an outline design.
At the other end the designer will undertake all design duties for the promoter as well as supervise the construction of the project and authorize changes to the design and manage the necessary payment details.

Question 22

What is a Contractor?

Answer 22

Contractors specialize in the mobilization and control of labour, plant and materials and in the planning, programming and execution of construction works.
Common for the Main-contractor to “sub-let” or “sub-contract” specialist items of work to smaller companies (Sub-Contractors) who have a greater experience in particular types of work.

Main Contractor:

• Contract to plan, programme and execute construction works.
• May be responsible for design of project.
• May be a management contract.

Sub Contractor:

• Specialist skills
• May be nominated by promoter/project manager.
• May be used to share risks with main contractor.

Question 23

What is an Operating Company?

Answer 23

Not all promoters of projects will eventually operate the project once construction is complete. This task may be carried out by alternative bodies. These are called operating companies.

• Separate, independent companies.
• The contractor may be required, as part of its original contract, to operate and maintain the project.
• The promoter may operate the project.