Network Diagram Project Management Plan Lab

Network Diagrampngproject Management Plan Labfmppcpccbc5010b Assess

Obtain project documents including site plans, bill of quantities, and specifications for the medium rise apartment project at The Boulevard, Strathfield, NSW. Demonstrate competency through the following tasks:

1. Establish site communication processes:

  • Produce a letter notifying all relevant personnel of scheduled site meetings, including all necessary company details. Assume project start date is January 13, 2014, with completion by year's end.
  • Include a table with descriptions of each meeting's contents and attendee requirements.

2. Establish and review WHS, welfare, and risk management procedures:

  • Prepare a brief report on First Aid requirements, referencing site personnel numbers, relevant legislation, and applicable codes of practice.
  • List machinery and equipment for high-risk construction work requiring licensed or certified operators, referencing WorkCover NSW’s Code of Practice.
  • Create a Safe Work Method Statement for one selected high-risk plant item.
  • Develop a site-specific safety induction plan considering construction methods, plant, and personnel.

3. Manage supply of materials and installation of equipment:

  • List materials and equipment with delivery lead times.
  • Create a materials and equipment order bar chart aligned with a one-year construction schedule, including a network diagram illustrating task sequences.

4. Manage on-site operations and handle project variations:

  • Draft a variation claim for changing sliding doors and windows to double glazing two months before construction begins, covering extra costs, lead times, subcontract changes, and schedule impacts, referencing the contract.

5. Manage progress claims and payments:

  • Develop a projected payment schedule based on provided information and likely contract terms.
  • Prepare Progress Claims No. 1 and 2 according to the schedule, including company details and referencing the schedule.

Paper For Above instruction

The effective management of a construction project encompasses various interrelated processes, from establishing communication protocols to ensuring safety, managing materials, and controlling project finances. This paper discusses these core aspects tailored to a medium-rise apartment development at The Boulevard, Strathfield, NSW, illustrating how they are implemented within the project framework.

Communication Processes on Site

Clear and consistent communication among all project stakeholders is vital for successful project execution. The site communication plan begins with a formal letter notifying all relevant personnel—including project managers, site supervisors, subcontractors, suppliers, health and safety officers, and client representatives—about scheduled site meetings. These meetings are essential for coordinating tasks, discussing safety issues, resolving conflicts, and reviewing progress. The letter should specify the start date (January 13, 2014),, recurring dates, and anticipated end date (end of 2014). Include a detailed table outlining each meeting's purpose, such as pre-construction briefings, weekly progress meetings, safety meetings, and issue resolution sessions, along with designated attendees.

WHS, Welfare, and Risk Management

Workplace health and safety (WHS) considerations form the backbone of construction site management. A brief report on First Aid requirements must consider the site's personnel number, which influences the number of qualified First Aiders mandated by legislation. For example, Australian legislation typically requires at least one trained First Aider on-site for up to 50 workers. Relevant legislation includes the Work Health and Safety Act, alongside codes of practice such as the First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice (Safe Work Australia, 2020). The list of equipment involves first aid kits, defibrillators, and accessible first aid rooms or stations.

The list of high-risk plant and equipment requiring licensed operators includes cranes, hoists, excavators, boom lifts, and certain power tools. The WorkCover NSW Code of Practice on Moving Plant (WorkCover NSW, 2013) guides licensing requirements. For example, cranes and hoists require qualified operators with specific licenses. A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for a selected plant, such as a tower crane, would delineate hazard identification, risk assessment, safe operation procedures, and emergency protocols. The site-specific safety induction plan integrates construction methods, plant operation procedures, risk assessments, emergency response plans, and safety responsibilities tailored to the project's conditions.

Materials and Equipment Management

Efficient project management requires planning for material delivery and equipment availability. Materials with long lead times—such as structural steel, glazing units, and specialized finishes—must be ordered in advance based on the construction schedule. A detailed list would specify quantities, suppliers, and lead times, such as six weeks for glazing units or 12 weeks for steel structural components.

The materials and equipment order bar chart, developed over a one-year schedule, visually communicates the timing of procurement activities. It aligns with construction phases, ensuring materials arrive just-in-time to prevent on-site storage issues and delays. The network diagram illustrates logic and sequence, showing prerequisites such as foundation work before structural framing and glass installation after framing is completed.

Managing Variations and Client Communication

Changes on-site, such as substituting double-glazing for conventional glazing, require formal variation claims. Two months prior to construction, a variation claim is drafted, detailing the scope change, cost implications, lead time adjustments, impacts on subcontractors, and schedule effects. The claim references contractual clauses allowing variation requests, ensuring all extra costs—such as increased material costs and potential delays—are documented. For example, assuming a 20% increase over the original cost of single glazing, the revised cost is calculated accordingly. The benefit of proactive variation management lies in transparent communication and contractual protection.

Progress Payments and Project Cash Flow

Project cash flow management involves preparing a payment schedule aligned with project milestones and contractual provisions, such as those in the typical Construction Contract Act or similar. The projected payment schedule divides the total contract sum into progress claims, scheduled upon completion of key stages. Progress Claims Nos. 1 and 2 are prepared to reflect the percentage of completed activities—such as site establishment and initial framing—substantiated by inspection and documentation. These claims include the company's details, claim amount, retainage considerations, and references to the schedule and contract clauses, ensuring smooth financial management and risk mitigation.

Conclusion

In summary, successful construction project management depends on meticulous planning across communication, safety, materials procurement, variation handling, and financial control. Applying these principles to the medium-rise apartment project at The Boulevard underscores the comprehensive approach necessary to deliver the project on time, within budget, and to the required safety standards.

References

  • Safe Work Australia. (2020). First Aid in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
  • WorkCover NSW. (2013). Moving Plant on Construction Sites: Code of Practice. Retrieved from https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au
  • Australian Government. (2012). Work Health and Safety Act. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
  • Master Builders Australia. (2018). Construction Contracts and Variations Manual. Canberra: MBA Publishing.
  • Rawlinson, H. (2017). Australian Construction Handbook. Building Publishers.
  • Oten, R. (2015). Productivity Constants for Australian Construction. Construction Industry Journal.
  • Safe Work Australia. (2021). Model WHS Laws. Canberra.
  • Australian Standard AS 1715. (2009). Selection and Safe Use of Riggers and Signalers.
  • NSW Fair Trading. (2019). Building and Construction Licensing Requirements. Sydney.
  • Harris, F., McCaffer, R., & Edum-Fotwe, F. (2013). Modern Construction Management. Wiley-Blackwell.

Related Assignments