Aamir Shehzad membership number 6612982

RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) Submission Template – 2018

pathways

Summary of Experience - Mandatory Competencies (1500 words in total)

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Ethics, rules of 1 I gained knowledge of this competency during BSc. (QS) programme
conduct and and further during my submission of professional review for MCIOB. I
professionalism have read the RICS guidance notes on “Global Professional and Ethical
Standards” and “Ethical standards FAQs”, which provided me a good
understanding of five global professional and ethical standards, act
with integrity, providing high professional services, promote trust in
the profession, treating others with respect and taking responsibility. I
have also completed the OLA course on Introduction to the New Rules
of Conduct.

2 A code of ethics and a whistleblowing policy is in place in my

organization, which is very similar to the RICS guidance on ethics and I
always adhere to these policies. At Misk School project, a
subcontractor's representative brought me an expensive perfume as a
gift, I politely refused the gift and told him that it is against my
company policy to accept gifts from subcontractors.

While, certifying the subcontractor’s invoices, I always ensure fair

evaluation of their invoices. When responding to engineer or client
inquiries, I always provide a transparent response and never
intentionally misrepresent the facts.

3 I always advise my junior team members to obey the code of ethics

and conduct the business in professional manner as per the company
policy. I educate them about whistleblowing policy and encourage
them to report to HR department if they observe any cases of
mistreatment. I guided them how to appropriately use company
equipment such as phones, printers, and photocopiers. Furthermore, I
urged them to study the RICS principles on code of ethics and guided
them to apply those principles in professional matters.

At Misk School Project, I discovered that a tile installation contract was

awarded to a contractor, while the purchase order for tile supply was
awarded to the contractor's subsidiary company. I notified
management of the potential conflict of interest, as the contractor's

Version Jan 2022

 increased tile wastage during installation could lead to an increase in
tile purchases from his sister company and advised either terminating
the contract for one of the parties or setting a maximum wastage
allowance for the installation contractor.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Client care 1 I have attended a MEQSA webinar on the significance of client care and
acquired the required knowledge. I have learned how appropriate
behaviour can establish a positive relationship with a client, leading to
recurrent business opportunities, an increase in new customers, and
reduction in claims. I have learned that client satisfaction can be
achieved by providing a clear project brief, ensuring trust,
professionalism and reliability, implementing RICS client money
handling regulations, formalising client complaint handling procedure,
and continuously obtaining client feedback.

2 While working in the tendering department, I identified the client's

requirements related to the technical submissions, such as availability
of resources and work methods. I participated in the project kick-off
meetings, where I delivered presentations on the comprehensive
project brief, project layouts, project usage, and expected project
delivery dates. During my post-contract experience, I have always
clarified the client's queries regarding unit rate analysis, supplier's
quotations, and cost comparison sheets in order to assist them in
analysing cost variances. When I communicate with clients, I always
document the lessons learned and use it as a reference for future
correspondence.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Communication and 1 During my APDQS diploma studies, where a Workplace

negotiation Communication Management module was taught, I gained knowledge
of verbal and nonverbal means of communication and negotiating
techniques of win-win, win-lose, lose-win, and lose-lose. During my
practical work experience, I learned to use variety of communication
methods according to the scenario requirements, such as face-to-face
discussions, presentations, and phone calls for quick resolution of the
matters, and written communications such as meeting minutes,
emails, and official letters for keeping a written record of significant
issues.

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 2 During my current project, a subcontractor submitted a claim for
damage to vinyl flooring. I communicated the matter with
construction team, and I discovered that most of the works were
damaged due to another subcontractor's negligence, and some parts
of the works were damaged due to the engineer's instruction of works
that proceeded against the pre-approved sequence of works. After
receiving clear information from all stakeholders, I submitted and
negotiated the claim with engineer for the damaged area due to
improper instructions and got approval. Moreover, I deducted other
cost from subcontractor who was responsible for the remaining
damage area, the exercise saved my company a loss of SAR 0.56
Million.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Health and safety 1 I gained knowledge of this competency via various CPDs and by
attending multiple safety induction trainings at construction sites. I
understand that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility and all
organization have legal responsibility of implementing health and
safety plan at sites. I am aware that anybody visiting a site must wear
the personal protection equipment (PPE) and follow the safety signs
and guidelines provided at the hazardous areas. I understand that we
must notify the responsible safety supervisor if we observe any
noncompliance of safety guidelines.

2 Since I am certifying subcontractor invoices, I am frequently required to

visit the site and verify the actual executed works, especially while
approving any partial payment for subcontract works prior to approval
of the work inspections. While my site visits at Misk Project, I always
wear the appropriate PPE, including safety helmet, safety glasses,
safety shoes, and a hi-visibility vest. I also pay attention to safety signs
placed at hazard areas and site emergency evacuation plan in case of
any fire, I also maintain emergency contact information in my mobile
for site safety personnel, and the government civil defence
department.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Accounting 1 I learned about this competency by attending a MEQSA webinar. I also

principles and worked closely with accounts on our submitted payment applications
procedures to clients, accounts receivable, certified amounts, and accounts
payable to our vendors, Tax and Zakat calculations and recovery of

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 paid advances. I understand the Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP) and The International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS). I have also worked on tender pre-qualification submissions,
where I learnt about balance sheets, profit and loss statements, cash
flow statements and the significance of these indicators on any firm.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Business planning 1 This competency was taught to me during my BSc (QS) programme.
The types of businesses and planning of business were explained.
Elements of a business plan were described, such as mission, vision,
and core values, short & long term plan of the business, financial plan,
a team of professionals and other required resources, a marketing
plan, a quality control plan, and SWOT & PEST analysis. During my
experience at work, I realized the importance of understanding an
organization's business strategy.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Conflict avoidance, 1 I attended a CPD event hosted by QSAP and learned how to avoid
management and construction disputes at an early stage through explicit communication
dispute resolution and the discussion of potential risks during pre-contract, followed by
procedures the drafting of contracts accordingly. I studied about DRP during my
BSc. (QS) programme, such as negotiation, conciliation, mediation,
neutral evaluation, adjudication, arbitration, and litigation. I am also
aware of FIDIC 2017 (Clause-21 and its Sub-Clauses)
regarding appointment of the Dispute Avoidance/ Adjudication Board
and the procedures in case of dissatisfaction.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Data management 1 I learned about this competency by attending a QSAP CPD event where
speaker Greg Cheney explained how electronic data management can
assist quantity surveyors in cost estimation using historical data
analysis by using various ERP softwares. I am aware of the typical data
management activities such as gathering data via shared networking
drives, archiving data and keeping an internal back-up in addition to
electronic data. I am also aware of the non-disclosure agreement with
clients which protect the data sharing with un-authorized parties.

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 Competency Level Summary of Experience

Diversity, inclusion 1 I learned about this competence via studying multiple team building
and team working and inclusion study resources. I am familiar with the phases of team
development describe by Bruce Tuckman, such as forming, storming,
norming, performing, and adjourning. I am aware that while speaking
with a large group of people, I must be cautious of any statements that
may exclude people with different characteristics. I learned throughout
my experience at work that how internal diversity and inclusion policies
in an organization assist it to achieve the greatest results.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Inclusive 1 I learned this competency during my university study. I understand the

environments purpose of an inclusive environments and I have read the Construction
Industry Council essential principles on ‘Creating an Accessible and
Inclusive Environments’ and I understand that we should not physically
or socially separate, discriminate or isolate any individual. I understand
that an inclusive environment goes above and beyond meeting
minimum standards or legislative requirements. I am aware that
"Unconscious Bias" is natural which can be avoided through awareness
and by having proper attention.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Sustainability 1 I gained knowledge of this competency during university study. I am

familiar with the three primary components of sustainability, "social,
economic, and environmental", and how balance of these components
contributes to the achievement of sustainability. I am familiar with
green building methods LEED and BREEAM and green initiative taken
by SAUDI GREEN INITIATIVE (SGI). In my current project, several
sustainability initiative have been taken such as recycling of waste
material, reduced energy consumption, and the use of local materials
wherever possible.

Total word count for mandatory competencies (Maximum 1500 words): 1490

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 Summary of Experience - Technical Competencies

You are required to write a maximum of 4000 words in total for your technical competencies, this

includes the core and optional competencies.

Please complete the required number of competencies for your chosen pathway to the specified level.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Contract Practice 1 During the contract practise module of my university studies BSc. (QS),
I learned about contract law principles, standard forms of contracts,
and bespoke contracts. In the Middle East, FIDIC forms of contracts are
widely used, and they have a suite of contract forms which can be used
for different types of contracts depending on the project type and the
adopted procurement method. I am familiar with numerous contract
documents, including contract agreements, conditions of contracts,
tender forms, letters of intent and letter of acceptance, drawings,
specifications, and various other schedules. I am well-versed with a
variety of contract procedures, including advance payments, interim
valuations and final accounts, insurances, bonds, collateral warranties,
release of retention, release of performance bond and dispute
resolution procedures.

2 Working as a Senior QS for the main contractor on the Misk Schools

Project, I applied my knowledge to prepare advance payment and
interim payment applications, as well as to prepare and submit
variation orders and cost claims for delay events, all in accordance
with the project contract conditions, which were based on amended
FIDIC 99 Red book. I was involved in the issuance of letters of intent
and subsequent subcontract agreements to several subcontractors,
where I received practical experience amending contract terms and
particular contract conditions. To minimise potential disputes later in
the project, I used my experience when preparing the contract's terms
to ensure that the proposed agreement is a fair deal, there is no
ambiguity, and the conditions are evident to both parties.
Furthermore, I used my expertise while assessing subcontractor
payment applications by analysing and confirming that their
contractual requirements are met, such as insurance, advance
payment guarantee, and performance guarantee. Furthermore, their
submitted invoices comply with the terms and conditions of the
subcontract payment terms, and all needed approvals and
documentation are included with the invoices.

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 3 In my current Misk Schools project, a lump sum subcontract of MEP
works was given to a subcontractor, which covered material delivery
and installation of works, as well as certain additional payments
against professional services. Since the complete list of those services
and the payment method was not specified in the contract, the
subcontractor claimed the total cost of professional services based on
the total completed progress percentage of the works. While validating
the invoices, I inquired about the details of provided services and I
discovered that a comprehensive list of services was sent to the
vendors together with the request for quotation (RFQ) documents, and
the prices were quoted by vendors for each service type accordingly.
The bulk of these services pertaining to work supervision, while some
were related to testing and commissioning of works that had not yet
been completed on site. I instructed my QS to divide the cost and
certify just the service cost associated with supervision of execution
using the pro-rata technique, while the subcontractor may claim the
remaining cost when testing and commissioning is completed on site. I
informed my QS of the contractual obligations for reviewing and
confirming the vendor's invoices in line with the payment terms, as
well as reviewing the advance payment conditions and ensuring the
compliance of advance payment guarantees and performance
guarantees. I also advised the construction team to keep proper
records of any contra services provided to vendors and to share it with
Commercial department on regular basis, so the respective back
charges can be applied to subcontractors invoices without delay.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Procurement and 1 I have attended numerous CPDs and studied the RICS procurement
tendering and tendering guidelines. I have gained knowledge of the various
procurement routes for a construction project, such as traditional
route, design-and-build route, and the management contracting route.
I have developed an understanding of selecting the appropriate
procurement route based on the project's time, cost, and quality
constraints, its complexity, and the client's industry awareness. I
understand the various tendering strategies, including open tendering,
selective tendering, and negotiated tendering. Furthermore, the
tendering procedures consist of pre-qualification of tenderers,
compilation of tender documents, invitation to tender, tender
submission, post tender clarifications, tender analysis and contract
award. I understand the selection of contract forms considering the

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 design's availability and associated risks, such as Lump Sum, Re-
measure, and Cost reimbursement contracts.

2 During my experience in the tendering at ESEC, I have participated in

numerous bid submissions. As a tender estimator for the EWC project,
I reviewed the received tender documents and instructions to
tenderers. I have developed an action plan for commercial and
technical proposals in accordance with the tender submission
deadline. I participated in the tender estimation process, for which I
initially produced the unit rate analysis of each construction activity
using internal historical data. In the meanwhile, I issued RFQ packages
to various vendors, containing the BOQ, Drawings, conditions and
specifications. As soon as I received the quotes, I compared them and
selected the most competitive unit rate based on the vendor's past
performance and the inclusions or exclusions specified in their quotes.
I have submitted multiple bid queries for clarification to the employer
regarding missing or ambiguous information. Upon readiness of the
tender estimation and technical submission documents, I have
prepared a tender report containing the tender brief, a summary of
the tender unit rate analysis, list of required resources, and potential
project risks in order to obtain the management's approval for
proposal submission.

3 During my role in tendering at ESEC, A client invited us to tender for

the construction of facility management buildings of defence project,
using the traditional procurement route where the design
responsibility will remain with the client and contractors were asked
for a remeasured contract. I evaluated the tender documents and
determined that the project could be delayed due to potential risks,
such as readiness of the project design and further potential for late
design changes based on the input by the facility management
contractor (FMC). I discussed the matter with my management and
proposed an alternative procurement route to the client, advising
them to adopt an integrated procurement strategy of design, build,
operate and transfer, by engaging ESEC group as both an EPC
contractor and FMC instead of the traditional procurement method.
This would make the project more cost effective to operate, as well
as it will expedite the project development process. In this instance,
the EPC contractor can account all required design changes during the
construction of the works and those related to facility management
operations. This strategy would substantially reduce the possibility of
errors on these crucial aspects. In addition, without this type of
engagement, it would be challenging for a FMC to price the proposed
facility management scope until very late in the process, after assets

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 have been constructed and operation and maintenance production
processes have been documented. Furthermore, I have advised
multiple time selecting procurement route for subcontracts packages,
evaluating the submitted quotations, subcontract award and selection
of appropriate form of contract.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Project finance 1 I learned the concepts of project finance control and reporting during
control and my university studies and via attending multiple CPDs. I am
reporting knowledgeable in project finance and controlling methods such as
cash flow forecasting, cost value reconciliation (CVR), Cost to
Completion (CTC), change order management, interim valuation, and
final accounts. The purpose of project financial control is to ensure
that actual costs remain within budgeted limits. The cost controlling
approach starts with budgeting at project's concept design stage,
followed by cost planning and value engineering exercises to ensure
that the estimated cost offers value for money. During the
construction stage, the cost is monitored compared to the budgeted
cost by preparing cost reports using CVR and CTC tools, to understand
the project's financial position at a given point time.

2 I have been involved on multiple projects in the implementation of cost

control procedures such as project budgeting, labour productivity
reports, cost value reconciliation, and cost to completion reports. As a
cost controller for the EWC project at ESEC, I established the project
budget using tender price estimation benchmarking data and assisted
project management with the selection of the procurement strategy of
in-house construction and the hiring of specialist subcontractors due
to a lack of in-house resources and expertise. I was generating a
labour productivity report on a monthly basis by implementing a time
and quality report for the construction team in order to collect actual
site data on quantities and manhours used for daily tasks. Then I was
preparing a productivity report comparing actual hours to estimated
manhours budgeted at the tendering stage. I was tracking actual costs
incurred and allocating relevant cost codes to each expense, which I
then used to generate cost value reconciliation reports. I was
responsible for preparing monthly cost reports that included contract
status, approved variations, actual cost to date, risk identification, and
cost estimate to completion.

3 At Misk School Project with Saudi Arabian Baytur. While recording

manpower invoices to Axapta ERP software, I noticed that the total

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 monthly labor cost was significantly high. I advised project
management to implement the labour productivity report, where I
shared the report formats for labour productivity. In addition, I
recommended to recalculate the actual labour requirements for the in-
house construction works, and to get a labor histogram from planning
department in accordance with the revised project schedule to have a
monthly labor cost comparison.

I also advised that before approving any quotations and awarding the
contract for any material purchase or subcontractor works, a
comparison sheet of budgeted amounts of specific items versus the
vendor's quotation shall be prepared by the cost control department.
If the actual cost of a particular item is exceeding the budgeted
amount, approval from a higher level of management must be
obtained in order to assess the potential risk as early as possible, as
this will help to identify the causes of cost overruns. If the cost overrun
is resulted from estimation error at tender stage, it must be adjusted
internally by transferring budget from other cost elements such as
contingency and risk allowance. However, If the cost overrun is
resulted due to change of design, specifications, or due to engineer's
instructions, the commercial department must be notified, and a
variation order or claim must be submitted to the client for additional
payment. In addition, I have advised on multiple procurement
strategies by preparing a cost comparison between direct and
subcontract work.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Quantification and 1 During my university studies, I gained a theoretical understanding of

costing of quantification and costing, which further enhanced during practical
construction works experience by getting involved in the preparation of order of cost
estimate, cost planning, tender estimation, and bill of quantities
(BOQs) for multiple construction projects. I have learned about the
Standard methods of measurement such as Principles of
Measurement International (POMI) and Standard Method of
Measurement (CESMM 4). I am familiar with the standard method of
measurement (SMM7), which is subsequently superseded by the new
rules of measurement which are used for detailed measurement
of building works (NRM 2). I am familiar with RICS's new rules of
measurement for order of cost estimating and cost planning of capital
building works (NRM 1) and maintenance works (NRM 3).

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2 During my role as tendering estimator at ESEC, I was involved in
preparation of the bill of quantities (BOQ) for a design and build
project. The project was offered as a fixed sum contract, However, in
order to prepare a competitive tender estimate, I prepared a detailed
BOQ by utilizing my knowledge of the standard rules of measurement
for detailed measurement of building works (NRM 2). I measured the
drawings dimensions using AUTOCAD, and by using Microsoft Excel, I
prepared the BOQ for civil and architectural works in accordance with
the provided concept design definition. Whereas for cost estimation,
I utilized the CCS Candy programme, which enabled me to use the
historical unit rate analysis and offered ready tender analysis for
material, labour, and subcontracts packages, upon completion of the
estimate. I went through the request for proposal (RFP) document and
developed a separate BOQ for the client's instructions to tenderers
regarding the construction of enabling works. Some of the enabling
works were defined as employer responsibility in the responsibility
matrix, so I removed them from the BOQ of enabling works.

3 Being a senior quantity surveyor on my current project the MISK

Schools, I have been involved in submission of multiple variation
orders (VOs), while supervising a team of quantity surveyors in the
preparation of quantities take-off sheets. I advise them to use the RICS
standard method of measurement for quantification of the works. In
accordance with (POMI) guidelines. Particularly, while preparing the
quantities take-off for plastering works, I instructed them to not
deduct any voids smaller than 1 m2. During the review of quantities
with the Engineer’s quantity surveyor, where he asked to deduct the
voids of the ventilator that were less than 1 m2, I provided him the
POMI reference of section GP3.2, which states that unless otherwise
stated, no deduction shall be made from items required to be
measured by area for voids less than 1.00 m2. He accepted the
reference and provided his approval of the VO quantities. While
evaluating subcontractor invoices and issuing payment certificates for
approved works, I advise my quantity surveying team to get
detailed measurements of the claimed work from the subcontractor,
reconcile those quantities with the quantities we submitted to the
employer in the interim payment applications, and examine whether
there is any work addition.

During tender estimation, I always advise the procurement

department to obtain three quotations from reputable vendors, to
ensure that the quotations validity covers the planned procurement

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 period, and to prepare a detailed comparison of quotations with
estimated cost before awarding any of the subcontract packages.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Construction 1 I have acquired knowledge of this competency during my

Technology and undergraduate studies. In addition, I have attended the recorded
environmental MEQSA webinar on construction technology. I was able to acquire
services extensive knowledge of the various stages of construction project in
accordance with the RIBA plan of work, as well as a comprehension of
the alternative construction methods and the selection of a suitable
method considering buildability and effectiveness in cost, time, and
quality. I have learned the construction methods and processes for
various elements of a construction project, including various types of
foundation based on the soil stability and load of the structure, various
components of superstructure and their execution methods, facade
and cladding works of the building, walls and floor finishes, soft-
scaping and hardscaping of externa areas.

2 During my experience in tendering department, I applied my

knowledge while preparing the unit rate analysis of various
construction activities. It helped me to prepare more competitive
tender prices by understanding the required materials in a particular
construction activity, required arrangement of the works and the
logical sequence behind different elements of the building. For
instance, during my work experience at ESEC for a tender estimation, I
was preparing the unit rate analysis of building excavation where I
discovered from the tender documents that excavated soil shall be
dumped to designated area provided by the city municipality.
According to my research, the nearest designated area was
approximately 20 KM from the construction site, hence, I have added a
transportation margin to the estimated unit rate. While performing
cost control duties, understanding of construction processes helped
me to establish more accurate budgets by comprehending the
required materials and then comparing the actual costs incurred to the
budgeted amounts. Also, I have applied my knowledge during
procurement strategy for in-house works and the employment of
specialist subcontractors by preparing and comparing the required
resources with available in-house resources.

3 On my current project Misk Schools, a provisional sum was included in

the contract for the courtyard area canopies whereas the concept
design definitions were provided by the employer for metal canopies.

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 Upon receiving quotations from number of specialist subcontractors, I
observed that the offered prices were quite high in comparison to
available budget and the major reason was the required secondary
steel support to strengthen the parapet walls of the courtyard areas,
considering the load of the metal canopies. I discussed the matter with
client representative and got his consent for a potential value
engineering to make the design more cost effective. Then, I discuss the
design details with our Engineering Manager and requested him for an
alternative design proposal of fabric canopies which can be a cost
effective, environment friendly, and more sustainable approach. After
obtaining this new design, I floated the revised RFQ packages to
vendors and requested their quotations based on the revised design
proposal. The received quotation amounts were forty percent less
than the metal canopies, making the allocation of provisional sums in
the contract manageable. I submitted a proposal for value engineering
to the client's engineer which was accepted, and they provided their
approval of the new design. Furthermore, while issuing RFQ packages
to the subcontractors, I always advise my procurement team to include
the demarcations of subcontracts scope as well as advising
subcontractors to clearly identify the inclusions or exclusions to their
prices for any particular element of the works.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Commercial 1 I gained knowledge of this competency by reading the relevant RICS

Management of guidance notes and by participating in group discussions. I understand
construction that the goal of commercial management is to enhance project
profitability. I understand that it is critical to estimate project costs
using established methodologies, and that any opportunities for value
engineering must be considered throughout project estimates to
guarantee value for money. The project budget will be determined
based on bidding cost benchmarks, and costs will be monitored
accordingly throughout the construction phase by providing cost value
reconciliation and cost to completion reports, utilising earned value
analysis methodology. Furthermore, the project's cost could be
controlled by effectively managing the supply chain, appropriately
valuing the works done, and making accurate commercial decisions.

2 Throughout my employment as construction estimator, cost controller,

and quantity surveyor, I developed extensive experience in all aspects
of commercial management. Using the CCS Candy software, I assessed
the total cost of several bids during my work experience with ESEC,
where I served as both a tender estimator and a cost controller. I

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 calculated the unit rates by updating the cost benchmarks with new
quotes from material suppliers and subcontractor packages, as well as
labour productivity ratios from previously completed similar projects.
Following the award of the tender, I prepared the project budget using
the same cost benchmark. Through the construction phase, I was
allocating cost codes for incurred expenses and I was preparing the
monthly cost value reconciliation and cost to completion reports in
comparison of the project's budget, actual cost and earned value.

In my current project, as a senior quantity surveyor, I am responsible

for valuation of works and submitting my company's interim valuation
application to the employer, as well as validating subcontractors'
invoices and issuing payment certificates for approved invoices and
dealing with variations and vendor claims.

3 During the preparation of CVR reports for the EWC Project, while
working for my former employer, ESEC, I discovered the following. I
observed that the actual cost of tiling was approximately 65 percent of
the budgeted cost, whereas the earned value was only 40 percent. I
instructed my junior cost controller to obtain a summary of tiling
subcontracts works from the quantity surveyor and prepare a
reconciliation report contrasting the estimated cost to the actual cost
in the cost code of tiling works, which was already available on the
company's oracle ERP software. It was discovered that one of the tile
types was purchased from overseas from the employer’s
nominated supplier and material was issued to the various
subcontractors, but the deduction for those tiles had not been made
to the corresponding subcontractors. I immediately advised my
quantity surveyor to prepare a material reconciliation report with
warehouse records and back charge each subcontractor for the actual
amounts of tiles consumed.

On my present project, I have advised my junior quantity surveyor to

maintain a record of invoices submitted and their approval status.
Furthermore, to have regular monitoring and to ensure that in
accordance with the terms of the subcontracts, invoices are approved
within the specified time frame. In addition, I advise and educate them
to prepare a detailed log of the invoices including, advance amounts,
retention and tax amounts, which is then summarised using the pivot
table tool in Excel, so they can see the overall contract status of any
subcontracts works and avoid over-certification of the invoices.

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Competency Level Summary of Experience

Contract 1 I have acquired knowledge of contract administration through my BSc

Administration (QS) contract practise module and through group studies. I am aware
of the significance of contract procedure at various stages. I learnt
about the various standard forms of contracts and how to select the
most appropriate form of contract based on the requirements of the
agreement. I progressively realised that standard forms of contracts
can assist in reducing ambiguities, balancing risk allocation, and
preventing disputes. I understand the importance of defining in the
contract about roles and responsibilities of employer, engineer, and
contractor, a clear scope of work, project safety and quality
requirements, insurances, bonds, guarantees, invoice payment
conditions, change management procedure (change notifications,
document valuation, and document substantiation), and issuance of
taking over certificates.

2 Being a senior quantity surveyor at project office, I am involved in post-

contract administration and responsible for preparing interim
payment applications of main contractor based on the executed value
of works in accordance with the approved work inspection requests
(WIR) and non-compliance reports issued by the engineer. Additionally,
I am taking into account the materials on-site as well as any approved
variation orders and claims. I am also involved in the change
management process, from identifying the changes to analysing them,
sending notices to engineer, receiving the engineer's instructions,
estimating the cost impact resulting from particular change order,
submitting change orders, and obtaining the engineer's approval. I am
also administering the subcontract's accounts, ensuring that I am
keeping track of their contractual obligations, including insurances,
warranties, advance payment bond, and performance bond, as well as
their validity or expiration dates. I am certifying subcontractor
payment applications based on approved WIRs, as well as ensuring
that all contractual obligations are met, such as recovery of advance
payment, deduction of retention, and amounts against contra services
(if any) provided by the main contractor.

Competency Level Summary of Experience

Design Economics 1 I gained knowledge of this competency by attending a MEQSA webinar

recording on Design Economics and Cost Planning. I understand the
importance of Cost planning as it can provide clients with value for
money, it guides the design team, and it helps clients make informed

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 decisions. I study the RICS NRM 1 and NRM 3 guidance notes on the
order of cost estimation and cost planning in context of the RIBA work
plan. I understand the variables may impact the cost of a building,
such as shape, building height, and building grouping. I learned
estimation techniques including the Functional method, the Superficial
Area method, and the elemental method. I learned about value
engineering, which can assist to achieve the best value for money.

2 My manager asked me to prepare a cost plan as client shown an

interest in working with us on an additional service building project at
the same location of our current project. The concept design of the
building was similar to a previously built site office building; however,
the client has provided certain definitions for utilising CAT A material
since the building intended to be utilised as administration
management offices. I prepared a cost plan by using elemental
estimation method and by analysing historical data from previously
completed building. I utilised the same elemental unit rates for the
building's substructure and superstructure and added an inflation
factor to compensate the inflation pertaining to steel and concrete
costs. Regarding finishing works, I used the CAT A finishing rates used
for the main project. Since our team was already mobilized on-site, I
decreased the percentage of preliminary and overhead cost, however I
added a 5% allowance for the contingency. After completing the cost
plan, I ensured that the cost was within the budget constraints.
Nevertheless, I also added my suggestions for potential areas of value
engineering.

Total word count for technical competencies (Maximum 4000 words) – 3991

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