INTRODUCTION

As a consulting manager, it is essential to identify the main issues that will

significantly impact the successful completion of a building project. In this case, the

project in question, the Cooper Building project, involves the design and construction

of a building using a collaborative contracting method. It is critical to have an

efficient and well-structured organizational setup as well as supply chain management

in order to complete the project successfully. A detailed program of works, budgetary

considerations, quality management, and control mechanisms must be implemented. 

This work aims to identify and address the main issues that will have a significant

bearing on the successful completion of the Cooper Building project, which involves

renovating and refurbishing a historic pathological laboratory on the Greenwich

Campus of the University of Greenwich. The objectives of this work include the

following:

1. To outline the most suitable organization structure and supply chain management

strategies under a collaborative contracting design and build procurement strategy for

the project.

2. To develop a generic Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) program of works that

outlines the various work packages involved in the project.

3. To prepare a detailed scheduled program of works for the project, considering

assumptions and information not provided.

4. To outline the vital budgetary considerations and suggest appropriate cost

breakdown mechanisms and control measures for the project.

5. To identify key quality management considerations during the project's

construction phase, including quality control and assurance measures that can be

implemented to ensure that the project is completed to a high standard.

ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS OF THE TASK

Design and Build procurement strategy

A collaborative procurement strategy under a design and build contract would be ideal

for the Cooper Building project. This approach allows for greater collaboration and

cooperation between the various parties involved in the project, including the client,

designers, contractors, and suppliers (Tang, Ng and Skitmore, 2019). A design and

build procurement strategy under collaborative contracting requires a solid and

efficient organization structure and supply chain management to deliver the project

successfully. Here are some key considerations:

1. Organization Structure: A collaborative contracting approach requires a team-

oriented structure that fosters communication and collaboration among all project

stakeholders. The following structure is recommended:

 Owner: Responsible for the overall project and providing the necessary resources

and support to the project team.

 Project Manager: Responsible for overseeing the project, ensuring quality, timely

delivery, and compliance with specifications, regulations, and safety standards.

 Design Team: Responsible for developing and delivering the design,

collaborating closely with the project manager and other stakeholders.

 Construction Team: Responsible for executing the construction, working closely

with the design team, project manager, and other stakeholders.

 Subcontractors: Responsible for carrying out specific tasks, working closely with

the construction team, project manager, and other stakeholders.

2. Efficient Supply Chain Management: A collaborative approach requires a

streamlined and efficient supply chain management process that promotes open
communication, timely delivery of materials and equipment, and effective risk

management (Rashid, Loke and Ooi, 2014). The following steps should be taken to

ensure efficient supply chain management for the Cooper Building project:

 Pre-construction planning: Proper pre-construction planning is crucial to efficient

supply chain management. Pre-construction planning should involve identifying

key stakeholders, determining the project requirements, establishing

communication channels, and setting a procurement strategy.

 Procurement strategy: A design and build procurement strategy under

collaborative contracting has been proposed for this project. This strategy

involves selecting a main contractor who will be responsible for both the design

and construction phases of the project. This will help to streamline the supply

chain and minimize delays.

 Supply chain mapping: A detailed supply chain map should be developed to

identify key suppliers and subcontractors. This will help to ensure that the supply

chain is managed correctly and that there are no bottlenecks or delays in the

delivery of materials and services.

 Supplier selection: Key suppliers and subcontractors should be carefully selected

based on their experience, reputation, and ability to deliver on time and within

budget. This will help ensure the project is delivered to the required standards and

within the agreed timeframe.

 Supplier performance management: Once suppliers and subcontractors have been

selected, it is essential to establish clear performance metrics and monitor their

performance throughout the project. This will help to identify any issues early on

and take corrective action as necessary.

 Lean construction: Lean construction techniques should help minimize waste and

improve efficiency (Sebastian, 2019). This includes using just-in-time delivery,

prefabrication, and modular construction techniques where appropriate.

 Continuous improvement: Finally, a culture of continuous improvement should

be established throughout the supply chain. This involves regularly reviewing

processes and procedures, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing

changes where necessary.

Work Breakdown Structure

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the project

into smaller, more manageable work packages. A generic WBS program of works

should be prepared to provide a framework for the project. The WBS should include

all the major deliverables and work packages necessary for the project's successful

completion. The WBS should also provide a clear indication of the resources required

for each work package and the time frame for completing each package (Herzanita,

2019). A generic work breakdown structure (WBS) for the Cooper Building project

could include the following work packages:

1. Project initiation

 Conduct a project feasibility study

 Develop project charter

 Identify stakeholders and establish a communication plan

2. Design phase

 Develop preliminary design and concept drawings

 Finalize detailed design and specifications

 Obtain necessary approvals and permits

3. Procurement phase
 Identify and select contractors and suppliers

 Prepare and issue tender documents

 Evaluate and award contracts

4. Construction phase

 Mobilize the site and establish temporary facilities

 Carry out site preparation and excavation

 Install foundations and structural elements

 Complete building envelope and roofing

 Install mechanical and electrical systems

 Complete finishes and interior work

 Conduct commissioning and testing

 Carry out the final inspection and handover to the client

5. Project closure

 Conduct final review and evaluation

 Obtain necessary approvals and permits

 Complete all financial and administrative tasks

 Close out contracts and warranties

 Archive project documentation

Detailed scheduled program of works

A detailed scheduled program of works should be prepared for the project. This

program should identify the critical path for the project and the duration of each

activity. The program should be updated regularly to ensure that the project is on

track and that any delays or problems are identified and addressed promptly. The

scheduled program of works should include a timeline for the completion of each
work package and should be based on realistic assumptions about the availability of

resources. A detailed schedule of works for the Cooper Building project would need

to consider various factors, including the availability of materials and equipment,

weather conditions, and any potential delays or disruptions to the project.

Phase 1: Planning and Design (3 months)

 Review project objectives and requirements

 Conduct a feasibility study and cost analysis

 Prepare project plans, designs, and drawings

 Obtain necessary permits and approvals

 Develop a project schedule and budget

Phase 2: Site Preparation (2 months)

 Clear the site of debris, waste, and any hazardous materials

 Install temporary fencing and signage to secure the site

 Demolish any existing structures that need to be removed

 Level the site and prepare the foundation

Phase 3: Construction (12 months)

 Build the main structure of the Cooper Building, including the facade and roof

 Install plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

 Build the interior walls, partitions, and rooms

 Install finishes such as flooring, paint, and trim

 Install fixtures such as lighting and furniture

 Install the Think Tank Social Space and Powerhouse EDGE

Phase 4: Testing and Commissioning (1 month)

 Conduct tests and inspections to ensure the building meets safety and quality

standards

 Commission building systems and equipment

 Conduct final inspections and sign-offs

Phase 5: Occupancy and Operations (ongoing)

 Prepare the building for occupancy and move in furniture and equipment

 Hire and train staff to manage and operate the building

 Market the building to potential tenants and businesses

 Establish protocols and procedures for building maintenance, security, and

operations

 Monitor building performance and user satisfaction

Budgetary considerations and control mechanism

Appropriate budgetary considerations and a control mechanism should be made to

ensure the project is completed successfully and within budget. Key budgetary

considerations for the Cooper Building Development Site project would include:

1. Construction and renovation costs involve renovating the existing building and

constructing new areas for the proposed functions. The budget for this should include

the cost of materials, labor, equipment, and any other expenses associated with the

construction.

2. Technology and innovation costs: As an Innovation and Enterprise Living

Laboratory, the Cooper Building Development Site would require the latest

technology and innovation in its design and operation. This would include the cost of
smart building technology, data storage, and other technological components enabling

the building to function as intended.

3. Operational costs: Once the building is complete, there will be ongoing operational

costs to consider, including staffing, maintenance, utilities, and security.

4. Marketing and promotion costs: A marketing and promotion budget, which could

include advertising, events, and other promotional activities, would be required to

attract tenants and users to the building.

Cost breakdown is a crucial aspect of managing construction projects, and it is

essential to have effective control mechanisms in place to ensure that the project stays

within budget. The following recommendations may be used to help accomplish this:

 Develop a detailed Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS): This involves breaking

down the project costs into various categories such as labor, materials,

equipment, and subcontractors. By doing this, tracking and monitoring project

costs will be easier, making it possible to identify areas where cost savings can be

made (Adedipe and Shafiee, 2021).

 Regular Cost Reporting: Regular cost reports should be prepared to keep

stakeholders informed about the project's financial status. These reports should

include an analysis of the actual costs incurred compared to the budgeted costs,

along with an explanation of any significant variances.

 Effective Change Order Management: Change orders can significantly impact

project costs. A formal change order process should be implemented to ensure all

changes are authorized and recorded and assess their impact on the project

budget.
 Incorporate a Cost Contingency: The project budget should include a cost

contingency to account for unforeseen expenses. The contingency amount should

be based on the project's risk profile and periodically reviewed and adjusted.

 Implement Earned Value Management (EVM): EVM is a technique used to track

and measure the progress of a project against its budget. By comparing the actual

cost of work completed to the planned cost of work, it will be possible to assess

the project's overall performance (Oktrianto and Susetyo, 2020).

 Effective Contract Management: It is essential to have effective contract

management to ensure that all costs associated with the project are accurately

recorded and accounted for (Chen, 2022). Contracts should be reviewed regularly

to ensure they remain aligned with the project's scope and budget.

Quality management considerations

Quality management is critical during construction to ensure that the project meets the

required standards and specifications. Quality management considerations include

establishing a quality plan, conducting regular quality checks, and implementing

corrective actions where necessary (Kwasira, Wambugu and Wanyoike, 2016). 

The following are some key quality management considerations:

 Quality Control: The quality of materials and workmanship should be controlled

during the construction phase. Quality control measures such as inspections,

testing, and quality assurance processes should be implemented to ensure the

construction work meets the required standards (Cai and Chang, 2011).

 Documentation: The construction process should be documented to ensure a clear

record of the work carried out and that any issues or changes are documented
 appropriately. This documentation should be easily accessible to all parties

involved in the construction process (Goedert and Meadati, 2008).

 Training: Construction workers should be adequately trained and skilled to carry

out their tasks. Regular training and assessments should ensure that the workers

are competent and up-to-date with the latest construction techniques and

technologies (Johari and Jha, 2019).

 Communication: Communication is critical during the construction phase. All

parties involved in the construction process should be informed about any

changes, issues, or concerns. Regular meetings and progress reports should be

conducted to ensure everyone is on the same page (Leje, Kasimu and Asimiyu

Folaranmi Kolawole, 2019).

 Health and Safety: The health and safety of workers and site visitors should be a

top priority during the construction phase. Appropriate safety measures and

protocols should be enforced to prevent accidents and injuries.

 Environmental Considerations: Environmental considerations should also be

considered during construction. Construction activities should be carried out in an

environmentally responsible manner to minimize environmental impact

(Sandanayake et al., 2017).

Conclusion

The Cooper Building project allows the University of Greenwich to transform a

historic building into an innovation and enterprise platform. The best project delivery

method is design and build procurement via collaborative contracting. To succeed, an

effective organization and supply chain are required. The work breakdown structure
(WBS), detailed schedule of works, key budgetary considerations, and control

mechanisms all aid project management. During construction, quality management

ensures that the project meets standards and specifications.

The key recommendations for completing this project successfully are to use a

collaborative contracting method, implement effective project management practices,

prioritize cost control, and ensure quality management during the construction phase.

By following these recommendations, the project team can increase the chances of

completing the project on time and within budget, while also delivering a high-quality

building that meets the required standards.

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