Guideline to CA

HOW TO PRODUCE THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS (CA) FOR BQSM’S APPLICATION UNDER THE “SPECIAL ROUTE SCHEME” QUESTIONS GUIDE REMARKS

NO. 1.

What are the panels looking for in my Critical Analysis (CA)?

1) The CA is a written report of a project or projects which you have been involved in; 2) It is your involvement or role in the project team that you must outline, analyse and provide comments on; 3) You must explain not only the project itself, but the processes you followed and the rationale behind your decision-making; 4) Your focus must be on analysing the project: do not simply provide a summary of what it involved; 5) Your CA must reflect your abilities and competencies in the following areas: a) Written and graphical communication either in Bahasa Malaysia or English b) Professional standard of reporting and presentation c) Analysing, reflective thinking and problem solving d) What you have learned from experience gained e) Ethics and Codes of Conduct

 The panels are not interested in the project or your employer; they are interested in your abilities and competencies.  They are not looking for the story of what happened on the project(s) generally, but rather what happened in respect of your work and contribution, your understanding of why it happened, and, what the alternatives were.  The report must be written from your perspective.

2.

Which project should I choose?

1) The CA is a written report of a project or projects which you have been involved in

 You need to choose a project or projects which you have been intimately involved in.  The panels will expect you to have a depth of knowledge about your project(s)  You may have been working under supervision, but you should have been responsible for problem solving  You must have been in direct contact with the client and other members of the project team.

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Critical Analysis For BQSM Special Route Registration 2012-2013 Ver 2 (19 Aug 2013)

NO.

QUESTIONS

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3.

How many projects should I choose?

1) The CA is a written report of a project or projects which you have been involved in; 2) You may use a number of projects to highlight an issue

 You are allowed to use more than one project;  You must cover at least two (2) out of six (6) areas.

4.

Areas? What choose?

1) The CA is a written report of a project or projects which you have been involved in; 2) You may use a number of projects to highlight an issue

 There are six (6) areas as follows. Of which, you must only choose two (2) areas: 1) Feasibility Stage; 2) Pre-Contract Stage; 3) Post Contract Stage; 4) Teaching, Research and Development; 5) Construction Management and Resource Procurement; and 6) Miscellaneous  Your CA shall cover only one (1) sub-area of each area which you choose.  For details of sub-areas refer to the Attachment 1 in the GUIDELINES ON PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED UNDER SPECIAL ROUTE For Registration With The Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia, UNDER SECTION 10(2)(C) OF THE QS ACT

5.

Does it need to be a big project?

1) You may be working for a large organisation and have been involved with a complex project. 2) Your role could be in an appropriate areas/topic. 3) Your project may not be straight forward or not of great financial value. 4) It may simply be typical work you have been involved in.

 Size does not matter!  You do not need large prestigious project(s) to impress the panels. A small humble one will do just as well.  What is important is that the project shows you dealing with problems and that you can demonstrate that you understand the key issues.  You must be able to demonstrate your understanding of the problems and issues, and, show how they were dealt with in a professional manner

6.

Do I need to cover the whole projects?

1) Your CA must focus on two (2) sub-areas of your work; 2) If the project has been running for some time you may not have been involved from the start, your involvement may not have been continuous, or the project may not be finished when you prepare

 You might be able to cover the whole project period on a small project, but for most construction projects you will need to focus on one to two sub-areas.  You do not need to show the panel the full range of surveying duties within your project(s).  You might just focus on say Preparation of Use of Cost Analysis, or

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areas

should

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REMARKS

Critical Analysis For BQSM Special Route Registration 2012-2013 Ver 2 (19 Aug 2013)

NO.

QUESTIONS

GUIDE your CA

7.

How long should my critical analysis be?

1) The CA must not be less than 3000 words (excluding the appendices); 2) You must include a word count at the end. You can include notes on what you have included in the count.

REMARKS Cost Checking During the Development of Design;  Also, you should not just be reporting on the whole project story. Rather you should be identifying the key issues on the project and explaining their impact on your work.  So for example, do not just tell the panels the story of what happened during the pre-contract phase of a construction project. Rather, identify the key issues, which might be your client’s specific requirements for say a quick start on site, and then explain how this influenced your decision making process and what was the outcome either pre or post contract.       

8.

What should appendix?

I

put

in

the

1) Include photographs, drawing, plan, etc. (no larger than A4 size when folded)

    

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Do not write less than 3000 words. However, the panels have to read several of these documents and they will not be impressed by overly long reports either 3000 words is not much when reporting about a construction project so identify the point you are making and stick to it. Give the panel enough information to understand what you are about and do not include irrelevant issues. However, at the start of your CA, you will need to give a brief overview of the project in general You MUST include a word count at the end of your CA. You may like to include some explanatory notes clarifying what you have included in the word count, e.g. 3186 words, excluding appendices. In order to keep the body of the report to not less than 3000 words, you should put information into an appendix where possible. Photographs, plans, charts, diagrams, tables, schedules, lists or examples may be included in the appendices. Only put information into the appendices that are relevant. Do not put in all of the project’s drawings; only append those that you refer to in the report. Do not put in the contractor’s programme, unless it is relevant to the issues discussed in the report.

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REMARKS  

9.

How should I set it out?

1) You should include the following five aspects:  Key issues  Options  Proposed solution  Conclusion  Analysis of experience gained

Panels are not impressed by thick reports, so do not pad out the appendices with irrelevant documents. Make sure you refer to the individual appendices in the body of the report.



There is no set format for your CA, however it is worth using the above as headings in your analysis as the panel will be looking to see if you have addressed these points.  Your CA should look like a professional report; it must be good enough to send out to a client. It is not a college essay. It should be clear and easy to follow.  There should be a content page, page numbering, clear headings, paragraph breaks and above all correct use of spelling and grammar.  Typing format: Font - Arial 11 which 1.5 spacing  For example: Cover Page Content Page 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Overview of Work Experience 3.0 Area 1 (Sub Area X) – xxxxxxxxxxx (Refer to Attachment 1) a. Introduction i. Statement of permission to disclosure information ii. Brief description of project iii. Client objectives iv. Your role on the project v. Key issues to be discussed b.

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Key Issues

i. ii. iii. iv.

Background to issue Option available Proposed solution Reasons for choice of action/decision taken v. Consequences of choice

NO.

QUESTIONS

GUIDE

REMARKS c.

i. Critical appraisal / Reflective analysis of issues ii. Experience gained and lessons learnt 4.0 Area 2 (Sub-area X) – repeat as item 3.0 5.0 Conclusions Word counts References      10.

What is a key issue?

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1. Your project may be complex; 2. If you select too many key issues you will skim the surface instead of providing a detailed analysis. 3. Be selective and think about the depth of Level 3 of the various competencies involved. 4. There may be one key issue of each area that can form the basis of your critical analysis

Recommendation

The reflective analysis should demonstrate your understanding of the project issues. If there was a problem, why did it happen and how could it be avoided in the future? If things went well or by the book, why did they go well and what made it work? What have you learnt from this project that you will take forward with you on to other projects? Remember that the panels do not know your project, so make sure you explain yourself clearly and fully

 A key issue is something which has a major influence on the project as a whole, or on the particular area(s) that are being discussed in your CA.  Things like preparing the estimate, selecting a type of procurement, or preparing the interim valuation are not in themselves key issues. These are work that you do on any project.  Key issues might be, for example:  Your client’s requirement is for an early completion date, which influenced decisions made about procurement and post contract acceleration.  The contract administrator did not follow contract procedures in issuing instructions, which impacted on the post-contract administration.

Critical Analysis For BQSM Special Route Registration 2012-2013 Ver 2 (19 Aug 2013)

NO.

QUESTIONS

11.

What do you mean by three (3) levels of competencies?

 Three (3) levels of competencies in your CA are: 1. Level 1 – Knowledge and understanding; 2. Level 2 – Practical application of knowledge and understanding; and 3. Level 3 – Reasoned advice

12.

What does “CRITICAL” means?

 Some candidates misunderstand the use of the word ‘critical’. It is not used in this context to mean ‘to find fault with’, but rather ‘to examine and judge carefully’.  Your analysis might…  …highlight the shortcomings of the project, its processes, the team members, and, your decisions and actions. In this case we want to see that you understand what went wrong and why, that you have lessons learnt from the problems encountered, and, that you are able to criticise in a constructive and professional way.  or it might…  … highlight the success of the project, its processes, the team members, and, your decisions and actions. In which case we want to see that you understand why it succeeded, and how you avoided the many problems and pitfalls encountered on construction projects.  Probably your critical analysis will contain a mixture of both of the above.  Your critical appraisal of the outcome and your statement of lessons learnt “should comprise approximately onethird (1/3) of the total number of words”. It is clearly an important part of the report

13.

You should:

        

Include any non-disclosure clauses Give a brief description of your project Identify your client’s requirements Identify your role on the project Identify the key issues Consider the options or alternatives Include a reflective analysis (critical appraisal) Include lessons learnt Include a word count at the end

14.

And then:

    

Keep it not less than 3000 words; Pages must be numbered and include a content page; Cross reference items clearly, particularly those in the appendix; Put diagrams, drawings, plans, schedules etc. in the appendix; Use clear, simple language;

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GUIDE

REMARKS

Points to watch  Confidentiality: you must ensure you have your employer’s consent to disclose any sensitive details in your CA. If you cannot get this consent you should disguise facts that might otherwise make the project identifiable.  Note: the information contained in your CA will be treated in the strictest confidence by the panels.  References: extracts from acts of parliament, case law and other sources should not be quoted at length but essential references must be given.

Critical Analysis For BQSM Special Route Registration 2012-2013 Ver 2 (19 Aug 2013)

NO.

QUESTIONS

GUIDE    

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REMARKS

Keep your paragraphs short; Make sure that your thought processes on the project are clear Check your spelling and grammar (do not rely on the computer’s spell checker) Show your critical analysis to your supervisor and counsellor for comment (also, any APC assessors you can find)

Critical Analysis For BQSM Special Route Registration 2012-2013 Ver 2 (19 Aug 2013)

Item I.

II.

III.

Attachment 1: CRITICAL ANALYSIS REPORT ON THE EXPERIENCE WITH EMPHASIS ON QUANTITY SURVEYOR’S PROFESSIONAL WORKS (Choose only 2 out of six areas described below) Area Sub-Area Feasibility Stage 1. Preparation and Use of Cost Analysis 2. Preparation of Estimate from Sketch Plan to Detailed Design 3. Preparation and Use of Detailed Budget 4. Preparation and Use of Cost Plan 5. Financially Feasibility studies including Economic Evaluation and Assessment of Total Expenditure 6. Value Management / Engineering including Comparative Design Economics 7. “Cost-in-use” Studies / Life-Cycle Costing, namely the Relationship between Capital Expenditures for Individual Sections of Work and/or Components 8. Preparation/interpretation of Turnover, Profit/Loss Forecasts and Cash Flow Projections 9. Cost Checking during the Development of Design 10. Contractual and Tendering Arrangements in the Context of early advice Pre-Contract Stage 1. Preparation and Documentation of B.Q. and other Tender Documents for Main Contracts, Sub-Contracts or Contracts of Supply 2. Measurement, Estimating and Pricing for Tenders 3. Value Management/Engineering including Comparative Design Economics 4. Preparation of Specification and/or Schedule of Rates 5. Data Processing Associated with the Preparation of Documentation 6. Detailed Compilation and Analysis of Unit Rates/Preliminaries 7. Selection and Evaluation of Tenders 8. Project Liaison Meeting with Employers and Consultants 9. Pre-qualification, Evaluation and Registration of Contractors Post Contract Stage 1. Preparation of contract documents for Main Contract, Sub-Contracts or Contracts of Supply including rationalization of contract rates 2. Application of Cost Control during the Progress of the Works 3. Monitoring of Proposed Construction Methods and Sequences and those Actually Required and Reporting thereon 4. Value Management / Engineering including preparation of Cost / Benefit Reports upon Alternative Construction Methods 5. Analysis of Contracts Pricing Relative to Cost Recording Methods 6. Preparation of Interim Valuations 7. Preparation of Variation Order and Final Account 8. Report, Evaluating and Negotiating on Contractual and Extra-Contractual Issues 9. Preparation and/or Interpretation of Cost/Value and Other Reconciliation Statements for Management Purposes. 10. Project Liaison Meeting with Employers and Consultants

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11. Site Surveys and Measurement and Attendance at Site Meetings IV.

Teaching, Research and Development

V.

Construction Management and Resource Procurement

VI.

Miscellaneous

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Lectures / Training Studio, Tutorial and Site Visits Setting and Marking Examination Supervision of Thesis, Dissertation and Industrial Training Writing Books, Working Papers, Articles and Translation Academic Administration Relating to Curriculum and Syllabus Development and Academic Sub-Committees Research and Development Planning and Programming of Construction Activities Site Planning Management of Resources and Supervision of Works Liaison with Employer, Consultants, Statutory and Service Authorities Resource Determination, Scheduling and Purchasing Procurement of Labour, Plant and Materials Negotiation with and Management of Sub-contractors and Suppliers Computer Software Development Relating to Quantity Surveying Arbitration / Litigation / Alternative Dispute Resolution Bankruptcy / Determination Taxation Allowances and Grants Production Cost / Quality Control / Time Standard and Operational Methods Productivity Methods and Evaluation Insurances Management and Maintenance of Buildings Schedule of Dilapidations Technical Audits Office Management including Resources, Allocations and Fees Technical Seminars and Symposiums Facilities Management Risk Management Environmental Impact Studies Oil, Gas and Heavy Engineering Other Specializations (Candidates to specify Specializations)

Notes: These notes are not official BSQM’s policy. They are the personal thoughts and opinion of a few “Special Route” panel assessors (panel) and are for guidance only. Other panel may have different views. This view are also being guided and referred to by the RICS APC candidate’s guide (July 2006 edition), Section 10 – Critical Analysis and other guidance by panel assessors etc.

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