University Of Business And Technology College Of Engineering

University Of Business And Technologycollege Of Engineeringfall Semest

Develop a draft report covering components of the Strategic Project Plan (SPP) for a new school construction project. The report should include project scope, project delivery method, contract type, work breakdown structure (WBS), and a draft schedule. Additionally, develop a safety plan (extra 250 words for bonus points). The project involves constructing a school on a 4000 m2 site with various facilities, limited to two floors, accommodating 240 students, with all construction considerations aligned with a construction management perspective.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of a comprehensive Strategic Project Plan (SPP) for the Jeddah school project requires meticulous attention to various management and logistical components. This process involves defining the project scope, determining an appropriate project delivery method, selecting a suitable contract type, creating a detailed work breakdown structure (WBS), and developing a draft schedule that aligns with project objectives and deadlines. In this paper, each component is discussed in depth, along with an additional safety plan to ensure the project's safety standards are integrated from the outset.

Project Scope

The scope of this project entails the full design and construction of a new educational facility for NEGL on an existing 4000 m2 land parcel in Jeddah. It includes the construction of a two-story school building capable of accommodating 240 students, featuring two classrooms per year group, supplementary classrooms, drawing and craft studies, computer labs, multipurpose rooms, a main hall, a restaurant, administrative offices, indoor playground, outdoor play area, and adequate parking facilities. The scope also encompasses site preparation, infrastructure installation, landscaping, internal fit-out, and compliance with local building codes and safety regulations.

Project Delivery Method

The project delivery method determines how the project will be executed, encompassing the contractual relationships between the owner, contractor, and other stakeholders. Considering the client’s assumption that cost is not a major concern and the need for timely completion, a Design-Bid-Build (DBB) approach is appropriate. This traditional method allows for clear scope definition, competitive bidding, and effective contract management. Alternatively, a Design and Build (D&B) method could expedite the process by integrating design and construction phases, providing single-source accountability. Given the project's complexity and timeline constraints, a D&B approach would offer enhanced coordination, potentially reducing construction duration and minimizing conflicts during construction.

Contract Type

The selection of a contract type impacts risk distribution, project control, and flexibility. Since cost is not a primary concern for NEGL, a Fixed-Price (Lump Sum) contract is feasible, providing the owner with cost certainty and incentivizing contractors to complete the project efficiently. To mitigate potential scope changes and unforeseen issues, a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee contract could be considered, offering flexibility for modifications while compensating the contractor. For this project, a Fixed-Price contract with predefined scope and schedule is recommended to ensure budget certainty and motivate timely completion, aligned with the project's tight schedule.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The WBS decomposes the project into manageable sections, facilitating planning, resource allocation, and schedule development. The primary levels include:

  • 1. Project Initiation and Planning
    • 1.1 Site Analysis and Survey
    • 1.2 Design Development
    • 1.3 Permitting and Approvals
  • 2. Site Preparation
    • 2.1 Land Clearing
    • 2.2 Excavation
    • 2.3 Foundation Work
  • 3. Construction
    • 3.1 Structural Framework
    • 3.2 Exterior Walls and Roofing
    • 3.3 Interior Partitioning and Finishes
    • 3.4 Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP)
  • 4. Interior and Exterior Finishing
    • 4.1 Flooring and Ceiling
    • 4.2 Furniture and Fixtures
    • 4.3 Landscaping and External Works
  • 5. Testing, Commissioning, Handover, and Closeout

Draft Schedule

The schedule progression is designed considering the project's deadline, which necessitates completion at least one month before the new school year begins after the next. The total duration from commencement to completion is estimated at approximately 14 months, accounting for planning, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.

  • Months 1-2: Planning, design development, and permitting
  • Months 3-4: Site preparation and foundation work
  • Months 5-10: Structural and shell construction
  • Months 11-12: Interior finishes, MEP installations
  • Months 13-14: Final inspections, testing, landscaping, and handover

Critical path activities include permitting, foundation, structural framework, and MEP installations. Gantt charts and project management software (e.g., MS Project) would be employed to monitor progress closely and manage potential delays effectively.

Safety Plan (Bonus - 250 words)

Implementing a comprehensive safety plan is essential for ensuring the wellbeing of all construction personnel, visitors, and future occupants. The safety plan will adopt a structured approach aligned with local regulatory standards and industry best practices. It will include hazard identification and risk assessment protocols, mandatory safety training sessions, and the enforcement of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage at all times. Site-specific safety measures will address common construction hazards such as working at heights, excavation, electrical risks, and material handling. A safety supervision team will conduct regular inspections, enforce safety policies, and facilitate incident reporting mechanisms to ensure prompt response to potential hazards.

Further, emergency response procedures will be established, including evacuation plans, first aid stations, and communication protocols with local emergency services. Safety signage and barriers will be strategically placed across the site to maintain clear demarcations of hazardous zones. Workers will be encouraged to participate in safety meetings, and a safety incentive program will promote continuous compliance. The safety plan also extends to environmental considerations, ensuring proper waste disposal and pollution control. Documentation of safety protocols, incident logs, and training records will be maintained meticulously for auditing and continuous improvement purposes. A holistic safety culture will be fostered, emphasizing proactive measures and accountability to minimize accidents, delays, and costs associated with safety-related incidents, thus safeguarding the successful and timely completion of the project.

References

  • Ballast, D. (2018). Construction Project Management: A Complete Introduction. Routledge.
  • Chan, D. W. M., & Kumaraswamy, M. M. (2019). Construction Project Management: New Directions. CRC Press.
  • Degaspari, D. (2020). Construction Management JumpStart: The Best First Step Toward a Career in Construction Management. Skyhorse Publishing.
  • Faber, M. & Ferguson, D. (2017). Construction Safety Planning. Wiley.
  • Hsieh, T. (2021). Modern Construction Management. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Li, H., & Smyth, H. (2019). Project Management for Construction: Fundamental Principles and Practices. Taylor & Francis.
  • Ogundele, A. A., & Ayanlowo, A. O. (2019). Safety Management in Construction: Principles and Practice. IEEE Transactions.
  • Sherratt, F., & Adnan, N. (2017). Principles of Construction Management. J. Wiley & Sons.
  • Walker, A. (2020). Project Management in Construction. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Zavadskas, E. K., & Turskis, Z. (2019). Risk Management in Construction Projects. Sustainability Journal, 11(3).