Fluent Essays

Coursework Tasks to be Completed by Students You will produce an individual illustrated journal of no more than 6no. A3 pages (landscape) (Excluding front page, Content page and Reference List). The illustrated journal needs to include all of the following: 1. Select a single construction industry problem related to poor productivity and one of the 8 forms of lean waste discussed during the module, include a short description and a statement that clearly and concisely defines the scope of the problem in the boundaries of this module. 2. Justify (through good quality industry and academic literature) why this is a problem, who the problem affects, and the impact of the problem on a project/industry. 3. Critically analyse possible solutions to the problem from learning during this module AND independent research. 4. Create a visual illustration that links the problem to the solutions, i.e. fishbone diagram, mind map or another suitable visual tool. 5. Create a visual improvement model which summarises HOW the problem can be solved. 6. The illustrated journal should use an effective combination of text AND images to provide an interesting and visually engaging document. All images should be relevant and of an appropriate size and quality. The illustrated journal should include cited, good quality academic literature and industry literature. The content should be guided by the learning outcomes, the marking criteria and the learning from this module. Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Environment MCE | Learning and Teaching Version 2.0 | Page 1 of 4 Coursework Specification Referral/Deferral 1 Module Information 1.1 Module Title Construction project planning and delivery 1.2 Module Code Number KB7039 1.3 Module Level and Credit Points 7 20 credits 1.4 Module Leader Hazel Ponton 1.5 Assessment Component Number (on Module Specification) 01 1.6 Assessment Weighting (on Module Specification) 100\% 1.7 Coursework Title Solutions to a construction industry problem 1.8 Coursework Specification Author Hazel Ponton 1.9 Academic Year and Semester(s) 2020-2021 Semester 2 only 2 Coursework Submission and Feedback 2.1 Release Date of Coursework Specification to Students 9th July 2021 2.2 Mechanism Used to Disseminate Coursework Specification to Students eLP 2.3 Date and Time of Submission of Coursework by Students 11:59PM Thursday 26th August 2021 2.4 The mechanism for Submission of Coursework by Students eLP 2.5 Return Date of Unconfirmed Internally Moderated Mark(s) and Feedback to Students Friday 10th September 2021 2.6 The mechanism for Return of Unconfirmed Internally Moderated Mark(s) and Feedback to Students eLP MCE | Learning and Teaching Version 2.0 | Page 2 of 4 3 Assessment Details 3.1 Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs) Assessed by Coursework What will I be expected to achieve? Knowledge & Understanding: MLO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the work-based practice through the analysis and evaluation of research-based theory and relevant case studies, by formulating solutions to the effective and efficient delivery of construction engineering projects. Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: MLO2 – Critically evaluate innovative approaches to product, process and services delivery in construction engineering through consideration of theory and practice. Personal Values Attributes: MLO3 – Formulate strategies for improvement within the global construction engineering industry to demonstrate cultural, ethical and sustainable awareness. 3.2 Coursework Overview The assessment requires you to consider a single existing problem related to poor productivity in the construction industry, relating to one of the 8 forms of lean waste. Once you have selected a single problem and can define the problem in relation to lean waste, you need to critically analyse the potential solutions formulated from the module and provide considered solutions to the problem, with clear links between the problem and the potential solutions. 3.3 Coursework Tasks to be Completed by Students You will produce an individual illustrated journal of no more than 6no. A3 pages (landscape) (Excluding front page, Content page and Reference List). The illustrated journal needs to include all of the following: 1. Select a single construction industry problem related to poor productivity and one of the 8 forms of lean waste discussed during the module, include a short description and a statement that clearly and concisely defines the scope of the problem in the boundaries of this module. 2. Justify (through good quality industry and academic literature) why this is a problem, who the problem affects, and the impact of the problem on a project/industry. 3. Critically analyse possible solutions to the problem from learning during this module AND independent research. 4. Create a visual illustration that links the problem to the solutions, i.e. fishbone diagram, mind map or another suitable visual tool. 5. Create a visual improvement model which summarises HOW the problem can be solved. 6. The illustrated journal should use an effective combination of text AND images to provide an interesting and visually engaging document. All images should be relevant and of an appropriate size and quality. The illustrated journal should include cited, good quality academic literature and industry literature. The content should be guided by the learning outcomes, the marking criteria and the learning from this module. 3.4 Expected Size of Submission An individual illustrated journal of no more than 6no. A3 pages (landscape) (Excluding front page, Content page and Reference List). If more than 6 pages of content are provided, only the first 6 pages will be marked and assessed. The illustrated journal is to include approximately 50\% text (using font size 10) and approximately 50\% images of appropriate size. MCE | Learning and Teaching Version 2.0 | Page 3 of 4 3.5 Referencing Style You are to write your coursework using the Cite Them Right version of the Harvard referencing system. An online guide to Cite Them Right is freely available to Northumbria University students at: https://www.citethemrightonline.com/ 3.6 Assessment Criteria Quality of presentation (including the ability to generate audience interest) 10\% Depth of analysis of the industry problem 30\% Selection and analysis of possible solutions 40\% Ability to relate the problems to the solutions (visual illustration) 10\% Quality and originality of the improvement model. 10\% 4 Referral The Referral Attempt opportunity will generally take place after the end-of-level Progression and Awards Board (PAB). If you become eligible to complete a Referral Attempt but are subsequently unable to undertake the opportunity when required, you will be permitted to re-sit the module at the next scheduled sitting of the module assessment. This will typically entail the suspension of your progression on your programme of study until such time that you have completed the level and become eligible to proceed. 5 Guidance for Students on Policies for Assessment The University has several policies for assessment. The following information, which is available to you from the link below, provides guidance on these policies, including relevant procedures and forms. (1) Assessment Regulations and Policies (a) Assessment Regulations for Taught Awards (b) Group Work Assessments Policy (c) Moderation Policy (d) Retention of Assessed Work Policy (e) Word Limits Policy (2) Assessment Feedback (a) Anonymous Marking Policy (3) Late Submission of Work and Extension Requests (4) Personal Extenuating Circumstances (5) Technical Extenuating Circumstances (6) Student Complaints and Appeals (7) Academic Misconduct (8) Student Disability and Unforeseen Medical Circumstances https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/university-services/academic-registry/quality-and-teaching- excellence/assessment/guidance-for-students/ https://www.citethemrightonline.com/ MCE | Learning and Teaching Version 2.0 | Page 4 of 4 KB7039 Construction Project Planning and Delivery – Component 1 Name ………………………………… Mark: OUTCOMES I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! [ 100\%] WOW! [ 85\%] DISTINCTIVE [ 75\%] COMMENDABLE [ 65\%] PASS [ 55\%] FAIL [ 45\%] POOR FAIL [ 0\%] Quality of presentation (including the ability to generate audience interest) 10\% This work is of outstanding quality and has surprised the markers. Shows deeper learning than would normally be expected. Excellent and very clear with few problems. Very good and reasonably clear with some problems. Quite a few problems but overall the message was received Too many problems so the presentation was unclear. Very poor with little ability to express the ideas in a clear and interesting manner. Depth of analysis of the industry problems 30\% A good attempt with few mistakes – the student clearly understands the problems. A good attempt with some mistakes – the student’s understanding is generally good Some attempt with some mistakes – the student’s understanding is acceptable. Little attempt with many mistakes – the students show little understanding. Very little effort has gone into this - the student shows no real understanding. Analysis of possible solutions 40\% The student has an excellent grasp of possible solutions. The student has a good grasp of possible solutions although there are some minor problems. The student does not fully grasp the solutions but there is some merit in what is said. The student is not able to analyse solutions though there is evidence of a fair attempt. The student has little or no grasp of the issues. Ability to relate the problems to the solutions (visual) 10\% Solutions are clearly and cogently linked to problems. Solutions arise from problems in most instances although there is some lack of clarity. Some linkage of solutions and problems but the work lacks depth. Evidence of only surface understanding of linkages. Little evidence of ability to derive the solutions from the problems. Clarity and relevance of the improvement model 10\% The clarity of expression and cogency of the argument are generally excellent with few problems. The clarity of expression and cogency of the argument are generally good though there are a few problems. The clarity of expression and cogency of the argument are generally acceptable but there is some confusion. The work lacks clarity and cogency – difficult to follow The work is confusing and has little merit. Feedback - 3 areas of good practice, 3 areas for potential improvement: 1 | P a g e Def ect w a st e p ro b le m i n t he co nst ruct io n I nd ust ry ! ! ! Collapse of buildings Source Aljazeera News, 2019 Student Number: W19042969 Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE18ST, United Kingdom 2 | P a g e onstruction defect can be defined as a fault in design, the worship and material system which leads to project failure. Collapse of buildings Source: (Aljazeera News, 2019)) C Generally, defects occur as a result of failure to follow required guidelines resulting to financial, property and personal damages as argued by Robson, (2015). Construction defects are usually hard to identify since only experts can analyze when a procedure is not correctly followed (Waziri, 2016). Types of construction defects Design defects Errors in designing Source:(Katume, 2017)) Design defects occurs when engineers and architects make errors when planning on how facilities are going to be constructed. The most likely losses errors that might occur includes the water penetration plan, poor draining system design and inadequate structural support leading to occurrence of (Cogurcu2015). 3 | P a g e Material defects Material defects in projects Source: (Hazem, 2017) Workmanship Source:(Levelset,2018) Material defects occurs when inferiorproducts are used during the construction. The material used in construction projects is based on the requirement of the end products. the higher the quality of the end product, the higher the material quality that should be used. The use of inferior products means that the buildings and infrastructures cannot last for long period ((Tayeh, et, al, 2017) The interpretation of designs is important for the safety of the occupants and users of buildings. Workmanship is a scenario where construction is not undertaken as per the directions of the designers. It results from misinterpretation of designs and pans leasing to poor quality of buildings (Bagdiya&Wadalkar,2015) 4 | P a g e How defects lead to wastages in the construction industry Effects of defects in construction Source:(LMT,2018) In construction works, defects must be corrected otherwise, they might lead to greater losses in future. The wastage in defects comes as a result of additional work that needs to be performed to correct defects that are noted. Financial wastages Financially, organizations are forced to use more funds to undertake repairs as a result of additional work to mend the effects of defects. Since projects are run under strict budgets, there is need for project managers to ensure that the actual expenses do not exceed the budget. However, it is difficult for project managers in construction project to ensure that budget is actualized since more resources will be allocated in order to amend the defects. Human resource wastage In terms of human resources, organizations are made to committee more employees for repairs as opposed to using the employees in undertaking other important stages of the projects. In presence of defects in construction projects hence means that employees will be used to undertake repeat tasks rather than undertaking progress tasks and advancing the projects (Dey, et al., 2017). Time wastage Construction projects are undertaking in consideration with a time plan. This means that project managers are required to follow the project plans in order to deliver each milestone at the right time. However, the presence of defects in the projects is likely to lead to delays in the process of project management (Gulghane&Khandve, 2015). Since defects have to be solved immediately, they are realized, time is used when trying to redo the work. This leads to time wastage and project delay. Milestones cannot be reached at the required time since employees have to concentrate in amending the defects to reduce risks of losses and accidents upon completion of the project (Tejale, et al., 2015). Material wastages Before the commencement of projects, engineers and designers guide the project managers in terms the required material when undertaking the construction works. The control of material used is important as it ensures that cost is controlled (Arshad, et al., 2017). However, defects call for unplanned material to be used when redoing the construction work in order to fix errors that occurred. This hence might lead to demolition of some parts as the project managers try to fix problems associated with defects. This results to the excess use of material than the planned for hence leading to increase in project cost (Udawatta, et al., 2015) 5 | P a g e Causes of defects in construction industry Fishbone image of causes of defects in the construction industry Source:(Ilie&Ciocoiu, 2010) Generally, the causes of defects can be categorized in to six components as shown in the above fishbone diagram. Material Material challenges that might lead to defects includes poorly stored material. Construction material needs to be stored in a good manner that will minimize chances of destruction. Such material includes metal which needs to be stored in places with less moisture to avoid rusting. Other material such as cements, ballast and stones need to be safely stored in order to avoid breakages and destruction by water as argued by (Jingmond&Ågren, 2015). The use of expired material is also a challenge in the construction management and is likely to lead to defects in the final products. such material includes paints, cements and other manufactured commodities used in construction work. This is likely to affect the quality of the buildings. Composition of components used in the building process might lead to defects in case measurements are not done in the required way. A perfect example is the mixture of ballast, sand and cements. Failure to ensure that material is well balanced is likely to lead to defects in the buildings the use of expired material is also a challenge in the construction management and is likely to lead to defects in the final products. such material includes paints, cements and other manufactured commodities used in construction work. This is likely to affect the quality of the buildings. Measurement Measurement in the building process is determined by the lay out designs. Workmanship is very important when it comes to putting the layout design in to actuality. There is need to ensure that scaling and estimations are done well to reduce chances of defects in size and length (Choudhry, et al., 2017). Machine Machines are likely to lead to defects in case there is power failure. Such incidence might cause delay and destruction. Human error where employees are required to feed the machines might lead to the wrong results hence defects in the projects. There is also a risk in wrong feed rate since construction machines depends on the instruction given by the operators (Bagdiya&Wadalkar, 2015). Employees Generally, human aspects in the construction project is important since projects are realized through the human resource efforts. However, defects might result from inadequate training of the employees where they take a job without full knowledge of what is required of them. The risk of human error is also likely to lead to defects (Gamil& Rahman, 2017). Environment Environment in which buildings are established is likely to affect the construction work. Subsurface Moisture Incursion might affect the strength of buildings in terms of its strength. This is likely to lead to defects following cracks as a result of excess moisture (Ye, et al., 2015). Weaknesses of soil is likely to lead to Foundation Displacement which might also result to cracks and need to rework. Insufficient climate control such as the failure to protect building site from excess water from rain, non-regulated sunshine among other factors might also lead to defects (Aljassmi, et al., 2016). 6 | P a g e Methods Poorly design methods are likely to mislead engineers in their construction works. This hence makes it a risky affair as use of such designs might lead to defects. On the other hand, project plan that does not in to consideration all activities in to place is likely to lead defects since some activities might be skipped (Asgari&Rahimian, 2017). The case study of Sampoong Department Store, South Korea collapse. ne other greatest disaster ever seen in the construction industry is the collapse of Sampoong Department Store(Fay, 2019). The main cause of the collapse as per the reports by investigators was because of poor planning, poor material of construction and poor design. This case led to the death of five hundred pole most of them being workers(Fay, 2019).Human ignorance and greed were the major reasons for the errors that occurred during the construction causing massive losses. This shows how failure to consider important aspects during construction could lead to, massive losses(Fay, 2019). Sampoong Department Store, South Korea collapse Source, Great Disasters O From the case study above, it is hence observable that Financial wastages Human resource wastage, Time wastage, Material wastages are experienced since the building caused losses of lives, time to evacuate the affected and the waste of human resources who were engaged in building process(Fay, 2019).. Solutions to the defect wastage problem Employee training Through employee training, employees will be able to understand their roles in the construction. They will also be able to understand the most important activities and how to undertake them. As a result, there will be a decline in chances of making errors hence minimizing defects in construction industry (Hanaysha, 2016). Employee training Source: (Andriotis, 2018) 7 | P a g e Expert consultation There is need to consult experts in every stage of construction. The project managers should work together with the external experts in order to ensure that all activities are undertaken in accordance with the plan and quality needed. The experts will help in checking gaps that might lead to defects in constructions (Elziny, et al., 2016). Proper Environmental analysis Experts consultation Collapse of buildings Source: (Reporting, 2019) Source:(Pentago,2018) Proper project management strategies Project management process Source:(Kerzner,2018) In order to reduce chances of defects caused by environment, the construction engineers should study environmental factors such as the surface level of water, the probability of having earthquakes among other factors before settling on the site. This will help to reduce the probability of occurrence of a defect as a result of occurrence of an environmental risk (Tixier, et al., 2016). Project management process Source: (Kerzner, 2017) Proper planning of activities is important in ensuring that there is a good procedure followed. Through strategic project management, the project managers are going to ensure that there is no omission of important activities in construction hence reduce chances of defects in building (Kerzner, 2017). 8 | P a g e References Aljassmi, H., Han, S. and Davis, S., 2016. Analysis of the complex mechanisms of defect generation in construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(2), p.04015063. Aljazeera News. 2019. Four killed in Taiwan building collapse after quake. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/hotel-collapses-taiwan-major-earthquake-180206171245403.html (Accessed on 8/4/2020). Andriotis, N. 2018. 5 Popular Employee Training Methods for Workplace Training. [Online]. Available at: https://elearningindustry.com/how-choose-training-methods-for-employees (Accessed on 8/4/2020). Arshad, H., Qasim, M., Thaheem, M.J. and Gabriel, H.F., 2017. Quantification of material wastage in construction industry of Pakistan: An analytical relationship between building types and waste generation. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 22(2), pp.19-34. Asgari, Z. and Rahimian, F.P., 2017. Advanced virtual reality applications and intelligent agents for construction process optimisation and defect prevention. Procedia engineering, 196, pp.1130-1137. Bagdiya, N.V. and Wadalkar, S., 2015. Review paper on construction defects. IOSR J. Mech. Civ. Eng, 12(2), pp.88-91. Bagdiya, N.V. and Wadalkar, S., 2015. Review paper on construction defects. IOSR J. Mech. Civ. Eng, 12(2), pp.88-91. Choudhry, R.M., Gabriel, H.F., Khan, M.K. and Azhar, S., 2017. Causes of discrepancies between design and construction in the Pakistan construction industry. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 22(2), pp.1-18. Cogurcu, M.T., 2015. Construction and design defects in the residential buildings and observed earthquake damage types in Turkey. Natural Hazards & Earth System Sciences, 15(4). Dey, S., Manikanda Prabhu, S. and Siva Subramani, G., 2017. Identification and mitigation of factors affecting human resource productivity in construction. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(1), pp.123-131. Elziny, A.A., Mohamadien, M.A., Ibrahim, H.M. and Fattah, M.A., 2016. An expert system to manage dispute resolutions in const ruction projects in Egypt. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 7(1), pp.57-71. Gamil, Y. and Rahman, I.A., 2017. Identification of causes and effects of poor communication in construction industry: A theo retical review. Emerging Science Journal, 1(4), pp.239-247. Gulghane, A.A. and Khandve, P.V., 2015. Management for construction materials and control of construction waste in construction industry: a review. International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 5(4), pp.59-64. Hanaysha, J., 2016. Examining the effects of employee empowerment, teamwork, and employee training on organizational commitment. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 229(298-306), pp.298-306. Hazem, Z. 2017. Construction defect management – Risk analysis of causes and effects. [Online]. Available at: https://www.planradar.com/construction-defect-management-risk-analysis-and-effects/(Accessed on 8/4/2020) Ilie, G. and Ciocoiu, C.N., 2010. Application of fishbone diagram to determine the risk of an event with multiple causes. Management research and practice, 2(1), pp.1-20. Jingmond, M. and Ågren, R., 2015. Unravelling causes of defects in construction. Construction Innovation. Katume, N. 2017. 3 Ways to avoid Construction Defect Claims. CR. [Online]. Available at: https://constructionreviewonline.com/2017/09/3-ways-to-avoid-construction-defect-claims/(Accessed on 8/4/2020) Kerzner, H., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons. Level set. 2018. Defects in Construction: How to Identify and Avoid Them [Online]. Available at: https://www.levelset.com/blog/construction-defects/ (Accessed on 9/4/2020). LMT. 2018. Waste of Defects; causes, symptoms, examples and solutions. [Online]. Available at: https://leanmanufacturingtools.org/129/waste-of-defects-causes-symptoms-examples-and-solutions/(Accessed on 8/4/2020). Pentago, C. 2018. Strategies You Need for Successful Project Management. [Online]. Available at: https://www.business2community.com/strategy/3-strategies-need-successful-project-management-01926965 (Accessed on 8/4/2020). Reporting MD. 2019.expert consultation importance.[Online]. Available at: https://reportingmd.com/mips-2019-are-you-in-or-out-macra-exemptions-thresholds-and-eligibility/expert-consultation-3/ (Accessed on 8/4/2020). Robson, P.E.B., 2015. Structural repair of traditional buildings. Routledge. Smart Bricks. 2018. Construction Defect – Here Is One Ultimate Guide. [Online]. Available at: https://gosmartbricks.com/construction-defect-here-is-one-ultimate-guide/(Accessed on 8/4/2020). Tayeh, B.A., Al-Hallaq, K., Yusuf, M.O. and Sabha, F.A., 2017. Effects of construction phase errors on maintenance of school buildings in Gaza Strip. Effects of construction phase errors on maintenance of school buildings in Gaza strip, 5(01). Tejale, D.S., Khandekar, S.D. and Patil, J.R., 2015. Analysis of construction project cost overrun by statistical method. International Journal, 3(5), pp.349-355. Tixier, A.J.P., Hallowell, M.R., Rajagopalan, B. and Bowman, D., 2016. Automated content analysis for construction safety: A natural language processing system to extract precursors and outcomes from unstructured injury reports. Automation in Construction, 62, pp.45-56. Udawatta, N., Zuo, J., Chiveralls, K. and Zillante, G., 2015. 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