Graduate Apprenticeship (GA)

Course Specification Document

D38 MM–Cost Modelling and Measurement SCQF Level: 8
Version Number: 1 Credit Value: 15
Apprentice Name: Year: 2

In order to fulfil the course learning outcomes, the apprentice must complete all assessment criteria of the
specification schedule, selecting from multiple choice requirements when necessary.

Section A: Course Outline

On completion of this course the apprentice will have, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

Topic 1 Building Economics

A. Design Implications on Cost

Topic 2 Cost Planning

A. Elemental Analysis
B. BCIS

Topic 3 Post Contract Practice

A. Post contract cost control
B. Cash flow forecasting

Topic 4. Measurement
A. Measured work section (Options available)

Page 1 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019
Section B: Specification Schedule

Topic 1 Building Economics

Undertake work based activity that fulfils the learning outcomes below

• Ability to solve measurement and cost planning problems by working with peers to
determine suitable approaches.
• Spreadsheet skills applied to cost planning and control.
• Understand the principles of construction measurement and demonstrate ability to
use New Rules of Measurement, NRM (or functional equivalent e.g. SMM 7).

The choice of task is to be agreed with your work based Mentor and Personal Tutor. You
should produce an individual report with supporting documentation to evidence your work
based learning

If no suitable work based activity can be identified then complete the following campus
based exercises in the form of a report.

• Exemplar Activity A: Design Implications on Cost

Outline the main factors that a QS must consider when providing a cost estimate at
concept design stage, including how design features can influence the cost

Topic 2 Cost Planning

Undertake work based activity that fulfils the learning outcomes below

• Spreadsheet skills applied to cost planning and control.

• Understand the principles of construction measurement and demonstrate ability to
use NRM (or functional equivalent).

The choice of task is to be agreed with your work based Mentor and Personal Tutor. You
should produce an individual report with supporting documentation to evidence your work
based learning

If no suitable work based activity can be identified then complete the following campus
based exercises in the form of a report.

• Exemplar Activity A: Elemental Analysis

Provide a report detailing how an elemental cost prepared in accordance with the
SFCA ( standard form of cost analysis ) and NRM is used to manage the clients
budget.

• Exemplar Activity B: BCIS

Outline the different sources of cost data available, and provide a cost using BCIS
Page 2 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019
 for a 5000m2 residential, 4 storey block of flats on the outskirts of Edinburgh
provide a report to explain your cost.

Topic 3 Post Contract Practice

Undertake work based activity that fulfils the learning outcomes below

• Ability to interpret information arising from site activities and contractual decisions
to monitor and control expenditure on construction works.
• Ability to solve measurement and cost planning problems by working with peers to
determine suitable approaches.
• Spreadsheet skills applied to cost planning and control.

The choice of task is to be agreed with your work based Mentor and Personal Tutor. You
should produce an individual report with supporting documentation to evidence your work
based learning

If no suitable work based activity can be identified then complete the following campus
based exercises in the form of a report.

• Exemplar Activity A: Post Contract Cost Control

Explain the importance of Financial reporting, throughout the post contract
stage, identifying the key areas of a financial report issued to the client and how
this information can be used by the client and the client’s team in the control of
costs.

• Exemplar Activity B: Cash Flow forecasting

Explain the factors that can influence the client’s ability to stay within the
budgeted cost of a project, explain how cash flow forecasting can assist with this.

Page 3 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019
 Topic 4 Measurement

Undertake work based activity that fulfils the learning outcomes below

• Understand the principles of construction measurement in accordance with an

appropriate measurement standard.
• Use standard measurement skills to describe and quantify a variety of construction
works.
• Arithmetical proficiency in dimension calculation.
• Ability to set out measurement calculations following professional conventions.
• Spreadsheet skills applied to cost planning and control.

The choice of task is to be agreed with your work based Mentor and Personal Tutor. You
should produce an individual report with supporting documentation to evidence your work
based learning

If no suitable work based activity can be identified then complete the following campus
based exercises in the form of a report.

• Exemplar Activity A: External Cladding

Measure the external cladding in accordance with NRM 2, using the external
cladding class activity information and guidance contained in VISION,

• Exemplar Activity B: Floor Finishes

Measure the floor finishes in accordance with NRM 2, using the Finishes class
activity information and guidance contained in VISION

• Exemplar Activity C: Groundworks

Measure the Groundworks in accordance with NRM 2, using the Groundworks class
activity information and guidance contained in vision

Page 4 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019
Section C: Statement of work based learning
The apprentice must assemble evidence to support demonstration of having successfully achieved each
learning outcome. In addition, the apprentice must demonstrate understanding of the principles, theory
and/or skills that underpin each learning outcome within the submission. This may take several forms
and guidance on what may be deemed acceptable can be obtained from the university

Statement of apprentice:
I confirm that, in addition to demonstrating achievement of each learning outcome, I have carried out
adequate self-study to demonstrate understanding of the subject matter underpinning the learning
outcomes

Signature

Date

The work based mentor has the responsibility of checking that all documentation submitted as evidence
of achieving learning outcomes is of the appropriate relevance and quality. Specifically, the work based
mentor must confirm that the work submitted has been carried out by the apprentice and is deemed, by
the mentor, to be at the appropriate level and is of satisfactory quality to be submitted.

Statement of work based mentor:

I confirm that I have reviewed all documentation submitted in support of demonstrating achievement of
the learning outcomes:

Name

Signature

Date

Receipt acknowledged by Personal Tutor:

Signature

Date

Page 5 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019
Section D: Knowledge Learning Outcomes
Appropriate undertaking of tasks will achieve the following Course Learning
outcomes

1. Understand the principles of construction measurement in accordance with an appropriate

measurement standard.
2. Use standard measurement skills to describe and quantify a variety of construction works.
3. Ability to interpret information arising from site activities and contractual decisions to monitor and
control expenditure on construction works.
4. Ability to use NRM (or functional equivalent e.g. SMM7) measurement standard.
5. Ability to solve cost planning problems by working with peers to determine suitable approaches.
6. Arithmetical proficiency in dimension calculation.
7. Ability to set out measurement calculations following professional conventions.
8. Spreadsheet skills applied to cost planning and control.

Section E: General Learning Outcomes

Appropriate undertaking of tasks will achieve the following

1. Ability to effectively work with others in the context of a team.

2. Ability to use a wide range of skills associated with Quantity Surveying, for example:
a Convey detailed information in a well-structured and coherent form
b Use a range of forms of communication effectively in both familiar and new contexts
c Use standard procedures to process and obtain a variety of information and data
3. Ability to exercise communication skills through oral, graphics and written means
4. Ability to exercise some initiative and independence in contextualised work-based activities at a
professional level

5. Ability to take account of own and others’ roles and responsibilities in carrying out and
evaluating tasks

6. Ability to work with others in support of current professional practice under guidance

Page 6 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019
SECTION F: EXAMPLES OF WORK BASED ACTIVITIES
This list is not exhaustive and is given as guidance towards what may constitute as the work based activity,
this should be discussed with your work place and academic mentor.

Possible work based activities to meet the Topic 1 Building Economics Learning Outcomes could
include

Carry out/ contribute towards a cost estimate

Carry out/ contribute towards a cost report identifying how influencing factors have affected the cost

Carry out / contribute towards a tender report

Possible work based activities to meet the Topic 2 Cost Planning Learning Outcomes could
include

Carry out/ contribute towards cost estimates based on an elemental analyses

Carry out/ contribute towards a cost estimate based on NRM1 (or equivalent)

Carry out/ contribute towards a cost report outlining the content of the cost plan and explaining its limitations,
assumptions and exclusions

Use historic cost data in cost planning activities, demonstrating how this has been adjusted to suit

Carry out/ contribute towards cost planning using BCIS

Carry out/ contribute towards a Life Cycle costing exercise

Possible work based activities to meet the Topic 3 Post Contract Practice Learning Outcomes
could include

Prepare interim valuations and certificates for payment

Prepare/ contribute towards financial statements

Produce/ contribute towards a cash flow forecast

Produce or contribute towards the creation and management of a risk register

Page 7 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019
Possible work based activities to meet the Topic 4 Measurement Learning Outcomes could
include

Prepare a bill of quantities using NRM2 (or SMM7) choosing from the following list of NRM 2 work Sections

Excavating and filling

Cladding and covering

General Joinery

Floor, wall, ceiling and roof finishes

Suspended Ceilings

Mechanical Services

Electrical Services

Page 8 of 8
D38MM Cost Modelling and Measurement – Issued: 10/09/2019