Time, Cost and Quality

The three most common primary objectives in project management are lowest cost, highest quality and shortest time. Very often the gain in one of these objectives needs a compromise in the other.

In the formulation of the Project Plan and its implementation Rider Levett Bucknall strives to achieve an optimum balance in this context to suit the requirements of each project.

Time

Effective planning and programming the design and construction is fundamental to the timely completion of the project. The project plan and programme will be established using a hierarchical system of programmes within a project planning framework.

Progress through the stages of design, procurement, construction and commissioning will be monitored on a regular basis and any action required to overcome delays will be noted and implemented as early as possible for these actions to be effective.

At all times, programmes will be prepared in full consultation with those involved in their execution, to gain commitment, to reflect the preferred sequencing of the work, to efficiently allocate of resources and to set workable targets.

Cost

Effective cost control can only be obtained when the whole of the project team has the correct attitude to cost control. Rider Levett Bucknall's cost management strategy places emphasis on ensuring that close liaison and free exchange of cost information between the project team is maintained at all times. Emphasis is also placed on ensuring proactive cost and value management including:

  • Setting a realistic budget in liaison with the Project Team and the Client.
  • Maintaining a finger on the pulse of the project and pro-actively anticipating all potential cost variations.
  • Ensuring that the variation control procedure is strictly followed and that new changes and alternatives are speedily checked to confirm that at all stages, the design is within the budget.

Conducting Value Management and Value Engineering workshops to ensure that value is being achieved.

Quality

Quality control will be implemented within an overall Quality Management framework.

Appropriate procedures and controls will be established to ensure compliance with specifications and to confirm that standard and quality of workmanship and materials are attained.

A Project Quality Plan will be prepared covering:

  • the quality parameters for designers to follow;
  • the type and extent of independent quality auditing;
  • the timing of inspections; and
  • procedures for signing off completed work.

Responsibility for quality assurance and its administration and control procedures both on and off site will be clearly defined.

Emphasis will be placed on implementing a system that is practical, appropriate for the project, cost effective and acceptable by all consultants and contractors. The quality system must add value and not to become an administrative burden.

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