the journal of the canadian institute of quantity surveyors
2010 CIQS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
PM 40065075
JUNE 17 – JUNE 20, 2010 WHISTLER, BC
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The mission of CIQS is to promote and advance professional quantity surveying and construction estimating; to establish and maintain national standards; to recruit, educate and support our members.
the journal of the canadian institute of quantity surveyors
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Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors 90 Nolan Court, Unit 19 Markham, Ontario L3R 4L9 Telephone: (905) 477-0008 Fax: (905) 477-6774 Toll Free 1-866-345-1168 Email: info@ciqs.org Web Site: www.ciqs.org
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CIQS 51st AGM review
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Sneak peak: How do you go about tendering international projects?
Translation: Monica Bialski
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Communication effectiveness of contract bills
Send Change of Address to: Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors 90 Nolan Court, Unit 19, Markham, Ontario L3R 4L9
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Vancouver’s Olympic Village sets gold standard for green construction
Executive Director: Lois Metcalfe Email: execdir@ciqs.org Editor: Joshua Mutize, PQS Email: conecon@ciqs.org
CIQS Council President: Hervé Couture, ECA Email: president@ciqs.org 1st Vice President, Registrar & NLAQS Rep Roy Lewis, PQS Email: nlaqs@ciqs.org 2nd Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer & QSBC Rep Mark Russell, PQS Email: qsbc@ciqs.org OIQS Rep Jeff Logan, PQS Email: oiqs@ciqs.org NSAQS Rep Mark Gardin, PQS Email: nsaqs@ciqs.org
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AQSA Rep Chris Reinert, PQS Email: aqsa@ciqs.org
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AEQSQ Rep Bertin Bois, CEC Email: aeqsq@ciqs.org Past President Ian Duncan, PQS(F) Education Administrator David Lai, PQS(F) Published four times a year on behalf of the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors by
Third Floor - 2020 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 0K4 Tel: 866-985-9780 Fax: 866-985-9799 E-Mail: info@kelman.ca www.kelman.ca Managing Editor: Chris Kelman Art Production: Jackie Magat Sales Manager: Kris Fillion kfillion@kelman.ca 866-985-9798 Advertising Coordinator: Lauren Campbell Publication Mails Agreement #40065075 Send undeliverable addresses to: kelly@kelman.ca
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President’s message
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CPD Corner
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Executive Director’s message
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Welcome new members
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Editor’s message
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Congratulations
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Education updates
This magazine is printed with vegetable oil-based inks and consists of recycled paper provided by a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified supplier. Please do your part for the environment by reusing and recycling.
Message du Président
La force de notre association continue Hervé Couture, ECA epuis plusieurs années déjà, le congrès de notre association se mérite d’excellents commentaires et cette année ne fait pas exception. Confirmant la satisfaction non seulement des participants et des conférenciers, mais aussi des conjoints et conjointes qui ont profités de l’évènement pour voir de plus près de fabuleux paysages de notre grand pays, cette fois encore ils ont été élogieux. Ce fut au tour de l’Association affiliée de la Colombie-Britannique d’être notre hôte. Le choix de Whistler, en cette année de Jeux Olympiques, était tout à fait approprié et, les défis de réalisations et les coûts de ces installations, sujets communs des conférences, ne pouvaient être mieux choisis. J’ai personnellement apprécié le dynamisme et l’aisance avec laquelle Mlle Andrea Holmes, athlète para olympique de premier plan, nous a fait part de son expérience vécue depuis son tout jeune âge, jusqu’à l’ascension sur les marches de plusieurs podiums! Au nom du Conseil et de tous les participants, j’aimerais remercier Mark Russell et les membres de son équipe pour le formidable travail, la logistique impeccable et le succès de l’évènement. L’Assemblée Générale Annuelle a connu de forts moments. Le budget des dernières années, aidé par le succès des AGM de 2008 et de 2009, cachait malgré lui les tendances à la hausse des dépenses liées aux objectifs fixés. L’augmentation annuelle et récurrente de 5%, mise en place et maintenue par les Conseils précédents, a été jugée insuffisante pour garantir la réalisation des objectifs auxquels nous tenons et qui requièrent l’ajustement de l’ensemble des exigences du programme d’éducation de CIQS et sa mise en place au niveau national. Ce volet fort important doit être piloté et dirigé par une ressource disponible et permanente nécessitant l’embauche d’un directeur. Ironiquement, l’urgence d’avoir un plan de communication était discuté lors des dernières rencontres du Conseil et il était déjà prévu qu’un spé-
cialiste en marketing nous présente des solutions adaptées à notre marché lors de la prochaine rencontre du Conseil qui se tiendra en septembre à Halifax. De plus, plusieurs publications requièrent une mise à jour. Le travail est déjà complété pour le « Bylaws » et celle-ci serait prête à être publié dans les prochaines semaines. La mise à jour du « Method of Measurement » est en cours et nous prévoyons sa première révision en novembre prochain. Selon la planification prévue, elle serait prête à être publiée en version bilingue au cours du premier trimestre de 2011. Et oui, CIQS, de par son statut national, se doit de représenter tous ses membres et offrir ses services dans toutes les provinces. Notre plan de communication devra aussi considérer une plus grande visibilité au Québec et aux Provinces Maritimes où le français est largement utilisé. L’idée de produire nos documents dans les deux langues est un objectif incontournable et nous avons déjà démarré timidement avec la parution des deux brochures publicitaires qui sont disponibles depuis la fin avril 2010. Le site web présentement en analyse de restructuration sera aussi progressivement traduit pour le meilleur bénéfice de tous nos membres. Pour assurer l’atteinte de ces objectifs dans le meilleur délai, les membres présents ont initié une motion et ont voté de façon quasi unanime une augmentation permanente de la cotisation annuelle de CIQS de 50$, pour les membres ECC et ECA seulement. Cet ajustement jugé nécessaire s’appliquera dès l’année de cotisation 2011-2012, en sus de l’augmentation annuelle de 5% déjà votée et maintenue. Nous sommes confiants que les opportunités grandissantes générées par le plan de communication justifieront cette décision. Je profite de cette occasion pour remercier les efforts bénévoles de deux membres importants de notre Association. Depuis juin 2005, j’ai eu
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l’opportunité de représenter l’AEECQ et de côtoyer plusieurs individus qui, de par leur participation aux réunions du Conseil et leur implication intensive et constante aux divers comités, ont permis à l’Association de parfaire son administration. Je voudrais souligner plus particulièrement l’immense travail accompli dans l’administration du volet éducation, dans la révision des lois et règlements, et la progression des ententes de réciprocité initiées. Un gros merci Orest (Stachniak AQSA) pour ton précieux dévouement. Il y a quelques années déjà, l’importance de l’éducation a été identifiée comme étant l’élément offrant le plus grand potentiel de croissance de notre Association, et est maintenant devenu une priorité. Le syllabus devait être ajusté à nos objectifs. Il est donc évident que sa restructuration obligée est une grande responsabilité. Le travail titanesque qu’il a exécuté jusqu’à présent méritait déjà une mention, et conscient qu’il reste beaucoup à accomplir, il a accepté d’y consacrer le temps requis pour encore une année. Au nom du Conseil, au nom de tous les membres et en mon nom personnel, je te remercie David (Lai, OIQS) pour ton dévouement exemplaire et ce nouvel engagement. Pour faciliter ma présidence, je suis heureux d’avoir le support de Ian Duncan (président sortant), de Roy Lewis (NLAQS, premier Vice-président), et de Mark Russell (QSBC) nouvellement nommé second Vice-président pour m’épauler dans mes nouvelles tâches. Je suis certain que ce Conseil quelque peu rajeuni par l’arrivée de Jeff Logan (OIQS) et complété par Chris Reinert (AQSA), Mark Gardin (NSAQS) et Bertin Bois (AEECQ), saura poursuivre les objectifs fixés et initier de nouveaux défis. Pour terminer, j’aimerais tous vous inviter à la prochaine Assemblée Générale Annuelle où nous aurons l’occasion de rencontrer certains de nos membres d’outre-mer, puisque l’évènement se tiendra en juin 2011 à Négril, dans la partie la plus à l’Est de l’île de la Jamaïque. Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
President’s Message
The strength of our association goes on ur Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been getting excellent feedback for many years and this year was no exception. We received great comments not only from the attendants and speakers but also from spouses who took advantage of the events and the scenery of our great country. Once again, our AGM was a great success. QSBC was our gracious host and the selection of Whistler, host of the Olympic Games, could not have been a better choice. The topics were well chosen, with the common theme focused on the challenges in the implementation and installation costs. The speaker for the closing dinner was also outstanding - Andrea Holmes, a high level Paralympic athlete, shared her exceptional life story of her climb to the Olympic medals. On behalf of the Council and attendants, I thank Mark Russell and his team for the tremendous work, impeccable logistics and success of the event. The AGM was full of strong moments. The annual recurring increase of 5%, set up and maintained by the previous Councils, was considered insufficient to ensure the achievement of our desired objectives. The national recognition of our profession requires a structured and effective marketing plan to promote using our services as early as possible in the planning process. Our objectives also include maintenance of Continuing Professional Development and restructuring of the Education Programs. This includes restructuring heavy civil engineering and infrastructure and industrial programs as well as specialty disciplines (electrical, mechanical, etc.) - while recognizing international applications. These objectives require analysis and adjustment of CIQS Education Program requirements and its implementation at national level. This very important aspect must be controlled Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
and managed by a permanent resource and requires the hiring of an education director. The marketing plan was discussed at recent Council meetings and a specialist will prepare some suggestions, tailored to our market that will be presented at the next Council meeting to be held in September in Halifax. Moreover, many of our publications require an update. The work for the Bylaws is completed and it is set to be released in the coming weeks. The Method of Measurement is underway and we expect to be able to have the first revision in November with a plan to publish a bilingual version in the first quarter of 2011. Yes, CIQS, through its national status, must represent all its members and offer its services in all provinces. As a result, our marketing plan will take into consideration a goal of achieving a greater visibility in Quebec and the Maritimes. It is crucial to produce our documents in bilingual format. We have already started this initiative with the publication of two bilingual brochures, available since April 2010. The website will also be gradually translated. To achieve these goals as soon as possible, the members attending the AGM initiated a motion and voted, almost unanimously, a permanent $50.00 increase to the annual CIQS fee. This applies to CEC and PQS members only and will be put in place for the 2011-2012 year. This is in addition to the annual increase of 5% already voted and maintained. We are confident that the growing opportunities generated by the marketing plan will justify this decision. I also take this opportunity to thank the volunteering efforts of two important CIQS members. Since June 2005, I have represented AEQSQ and interacted with several individuals who through their participation in Council meetings and consistent, intensive
involvement with the various committees - have enabled CIQS to improve its administration. I would particularly like to emphasize the great work done in the administration of the education component, in the revision of laws and regulations and the growth of initiated reciprocity agreements, which will enhance the recognition of our profession on the worldwide level. A big thank you goes out to Orest Stachniak, AQSA for your precious dedication. A few years ago, the importance of education was identified as the greatest growth potential for our association and it became a priority. Today, the syllabus has been adjusted to national market requirements as well as international markets. It is apparent that the restructuring required a big responsibility. On this front, I would like to thank another great volunteer. The daunting tasks he performed so far deserve mention, considering that - in view of how much remains to be done - he agreed to devote the time required for another year. On behalf of the Council, myself and all members, I thank you David Lai, OIQS for your exemplary dedication and this new engagement. To facilitate my presidency, I am pleased to have the support of Ian Duncan (Past President), Roy Lewis (NLAQS, Senior Vice-president) and Mark Russell (QSBC) newly appointed second Vice-president, to help me in my new tasks. I am sure that this Council, somewhat rejuvenated by the arrival of Jeff Logan (OIQS) and completed by Chris Reinert (AQSA), Mark Gardin (NSAQS) and Bertin Bois (AEQSQ), will continue to work toward the objectives and overcome the challenges. Finally, I invite you all to the next AGM - where we will have the opportunity to meet some of our overseas members in June 2011, in Negril, Jamaica.
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Executive Director’s Message
Becoming part of CIQS Council Lois Metcalfe, CIQS Executive Director ne question I am frequently asked by members is, “How do I become a CIQS Council member?” CIQS Council is made up of a president, past president, education administrator and representatives from the six affiliated associations (AQSA, QSBC, OIQS, AEQSQ, NSAQS and NLAQS). The executive director is also a non-voting member of Council. Each affiliated association’s Board of Directors elects a member to
represent their association on CIQS Council. At the Council meeting before the AGM, Council elects a 2nd vice-president from the current Council. At the Council meeting following the AGM, Council elects a secretary/treasurer and registrar from the representatives and the 2nd vice-president moves up to 1st vice-president. The 1st vice-president automatically assumes the position of president after his term. All affiliated association representatives may hold any office in addition to
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6 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
representing their affiliate with the exception of the president, past president and education administrator. The education administrator is appointed by Council serving a period of two years. The offices of the president and the two vice-presidents may only be assumed by professional quantity surveyors. In order to be elected as a representative of an affiliated association, members are required to first become part of the affiliated association’s Board of Directors. This may be as simple as volunteering to help at their AGM. Some affiliated associations, such as OIQS, have chapters therefore there is a more formal route to be on the affiliated association Board. In this case, chapters elect representatives to the affiliated association Board. The chapter Boards generally operate in accordance within the regulations of the affiliated association. CIQS Council members are all volunteers (with the exception of the executive director). They devote their time and talent to serve the CIQS and safeguard the interests of our members. From the foregoing, it should be evident that to become a member of CIQS Council you must get involved at the grass root level whether it is for your local chapter or your affiliated association. I encourage all members to get involved. You may be surprised how rewarding volunteering is. Discover why some of the richest people in the world are not millionaires, they are volunteers. On a side note, the report on the 2010 PAQS Congress in Singapore will be published in the fall 2010 issue.
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Editor’s Message
Construction Economist is an invaluable tool Joshua Mutize, PQS Construction Economist Editor t gives me pleasure to write about our special accomplishments for 2009/2010. Construction Economist continues to thrive with enriched articles, advertisements and special Council board member messages. A thank you goes out to our readers for your contributions, comments and suggestions. One of our major accomplishments for 2009/2010 was the renewal of our publishing agreement with Craig Kelman & Associates for another three years. Through our Kelman partnership, we have continued to attract more advertisers. The most recent issue featured an article on Building Information Modeling (BIM) which is a must know for every quantity surveyor and estimator. As technology grows and the information highway becomes increasingly congested, it is imperative to continue improving our strategic thinking, being innovative
and enhancing our continuing professional development. I believe Construction Economist will play a critical role in delivering more diverse articles that help us to be innovative, strategic and educated thinkers. During our magazine evolution, it is important to know what we are always striving to improve, our strength and passion for a high quality product will never be diminished. As our readers, you play a key role in our development. We want to be your voice and source of information. We want to keep your clients engaged and well informed about the value of this profession on a project. As we move forward, I would like to ask you for your help with articles, news leads or any project photos. I would also like to expand our magazine editorial content to include more material on such subjects as statistics and economics, green construction, mortgage monitoring and continuing professional
development. I truly believe that these are the core areas that lack consistent coverage in our magazine. I will work with the new Council to find the best possible way to engage or search for this content. We would also like to continue increasing partnerships with other editors and journalists. Such relationships will help us continue to provide a quality product that is rich in tools and information for our clients. On another front, we would like to increase coverage of our local chapters’ activities. You may have already seen a few articles in past issues, but we would like to make this a more consistent part of Construction Economist. Last, but not least, our efforts to partner with education institutions will be expanded. We will work with our CIQS education administrator as well as with local chapters to facilitate partnerships with professors. Education is the backbone for sustainability.
“A thank you goes out to our readers for your contributions, comments and suggestions.”
QUANTITY SURVEYORS A leading Cost Consulting and Project Management firm requires the following candidates for its Montreal and Ottawa offices: Junior, intermediate and senior level Q.S.’s capable of providing cost planning and cost control services for commercial and institutional projects. We offer competitive salaries, benefits, training and potential for growth. Please send resume in strictest confidence to:
Leroux Chauhan Ouimet & Associates Fax: 514-846-8913 | Phone: 514-846-8914 | E-Mail: montreal@lcogroup.com Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 7
Education Updates
Education updates since the spring issue he final meeting of the previous CIQS Council took place on June 17, 2010 prior to the AGM which was held on June 19, 2010 in Whistler, BC. The first meeting of the new CIQS Council was held immediately after the AGM and I am pleased to announce that I was nominated for a second term as the CIQS education administrator. Here is the education update since the spring edition of Construction Economist. • The Career Information Booklet, the condensed Student version and the Education Policy Guidance Notes were completed and proof-read. They will be printed and distributed shortly. • The final results of the 2009 examinations indicate that although the number of members sitting the examinations was lower than the previous year, the pass rate showed a slight increase – 77% compared to 75% in 2008. Our average pass rate for the last five years is 80%.
“For the first time, all of our examinations were offered in the May 2010 session. This has been well received by the membership.”
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• For the first time, all of our examinations were offered in the May 2010 session. This has been well received by the membership and the number of candidates and examinations applied for equaled to our previous yearly total. I am anticipating that the response to the November 2010 examination session will be the same which would mean that our total for 2010 would be doubled that of previous years. Many thanks to Lois and Ishrat for the tremendous job they did in distributing the examinations right across the country.
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Education Updates
• From May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 we had 45 members taking the Practice Problem of the TPE in an attempt to gain their PQS/ECA designation. The final results were 40 passes (89%), 3 failures (7%) and 2 cancellations (4%). • In the March 2010 Council meeting, the need for a Supervisor’s Guidance Notes for TPE Diaries was discussed. A draft of the guidance notes has been completed and I am planning to expand it into a complete guide for candidates, supervisors and mentors. • Although the previous Council agreed in principle to establish a student bursary award, it could not be implemented due to financial constraints. The new Council will be revisiting this initiative to determine how this can be funded for next year.
Accreditation team in the assessment of UNITEC in New Zealand which took place in the last week of May 2010. Andrew gave a brief description of the assessment at our AGM and will be presenting the official assessment results at the upcoming PAQS Congress in Singapore.
appointing a negotiating team to review the draft agreement. • Last year at the PAQS Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we signed the PAQS University and College Accreditation Agreement. As part of that agreement, we submitted the names of four of our members that would represent CIQS as assessors. Andrew Collins, PQS(F) of QSBC was selected as chair of the PAQS
David Lai, PQS (F) CIQS Education Administrator
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• Another initiative that could not be implemented last year due to financial constraints was the hiring of a full time education coordinator. This was discussed at the AGM and Council was asked to revisit this even if it means increasing the membership fees. • The updating of the current syllabi could not be completed without the hiring of the education coordinator. We are planning to use those members who volunteered last year to assist with this. One item that was raised at the AGM was whether or not there should be separate disciplines for Mechanical, Electrical and the proposed Heavy Civils. Discussion took place and it was decided that these separate disciplines should remain and the Heavy Civils division established. • The reciprocity agreement with the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) ended in December 2009 at the request of CCA due to the changes in their Gold Seal program. A new draft agreement was sent to us by CCA just prior to our AGM. Council will be
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SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 9
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CPD Corner
Earn more CPD with AGM attendance ach year, every member has the opportunity to attend at least two AGMs – one for CIQS and one for their local CIQS affiliate association. And if they have membership in other like associations such as RCIS, ICEC, AIC, CCA, etc., attending these AGMs make for many easy points. To give you an example of the type of points a member could achieve for an AGM, let us take a look at the CIQS AGM held in Whistler, BC this past June. First, there is the Annual General Meeting, and by attending this, not only do you receive a complimentary breakfast, you receive one point for every hour of participation making this year’s meeting worth five points. Then there were the two Technical Sessions and lunch with a keynote speaker. Add another six points for Informal Activity with one point for every hour. Finally, a site visit to Olympic venues that were presented during the Technical Sessions, another three points of Informal Activity. It is easy to see how 14 points quickly add up if you are able to attend a typical AGM. This would represent almost 30% of the 50 point minimum requirement. Add in your Professional Activity points and you are at 34
points or 68% of your annual requirement simply by attending one AGM. Understandably, not everyone has an opportunity to attend a CIQS AGM due to time and cost constraints, but what about attending your local affiliate AGM? Most are an afternoon of time with the opportunity to see colleagues, or network with other professionals and in turn keep abreast of QS happenings and events. I encourage all members to attend at least one AGM every few years
or so. I have personally heard many times from members saying, ‘what does our membership give us other than a designation?’ Having sat on both the NSAQS Council and CIQS Council, I would say there are a number of major initiatives underway to better promote quantity surveying in Canada and abroad that are presented and discussed at the AGMs. Mark Gardin, PQS CPD Lead
“It is easy to see how 14 points quickly add up if you are able to attend a typical AGM.”
Continuing Education at George Brown College We’re known for the variety, quality and convenience of our courses and programs. Our industry-professional instructors, innovative courses and up-to-date distance-education delivery methods keep our students coming back for more. Our series of OIQS/CIQS accredited courses provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the construction estimating/project management field.
Register now at coned.georgebrown.ca For more information, call 416-415-5000, ext. 4861 (long distance 1-800-265-2002, ext. 4861) or e-mail cetechqs@georgebrown.ca.
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SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 11
New Members The CIQS would like to welcome the following new members (Including Reinstatements): A
Belay Abegaz, Calgary, AB Ridwan Adeniyi, Lagos, Nigeria Victor Akwa, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria Sogol Alaee, Saddlebrook Management Consultants Inc.,Concord, ON Aye-Ebi Alamene, Yenagoa, Nigeria Pedro Albornoz, Etobicoke, ON Rahwa Alemseged, Calgary, AB James Allen, Enniskerry, Co., Wicklow, Ireland Curtney Aragon, Calgary, AB Rahuman Ashfak, Dubai Properties, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Ashkan Ayoubi, North York, ON Mustafa Azam, MRTEC Association Inc.-UN Mission, Toronto, ON Hafeez Azeez, Lomax Management Inc., Mississauga, ON Abdul Azeez Azhardeen, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
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Max Bader, Pitt Meadows, BC Abiodun Benjamin, Akure, Nigeria Stacie Berehula, High River, AB Marc Bergeron, Baillargeon Bergeron Deneault, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC Jean-Félix Bernard, Laval, QC Stephen Bernier, North Battleford, SK Deepesh Bissoonauth, Etobicoke, ON Patrick Blanchet, Québec, QC Brandt Bohmer, Port Coquitlam, BC Ephraim Bonzon, Mississauga, ON Gary Bowen, Altus Group Cost Consulting, Calgary, AB Todd Box, Brantford, ON Nelly Buquiron, Crystal Tile & Marble Ltd., Toronto, ON
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Brandon Carreira, Surrey, BC Patrick Chabot, Terrebonne, QC Robin Chan, Vancouver, BC Janakan Chandrakumar, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom Evan Cheung, Coquitlam, BC Jason Cho, Vancouver, BC Jennifer Choe, Surrey, BC Valentin Colt, Construction Gesmonde, Montréal-Nord, QC Brian Corley, Mount Forest, ON
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Jesus De Mesa, Pitt Meadows, BC Naishal Desai, Scarborough, ON Ignatius Dinata, Surrey, BC
Logan Dougall, St. Catharines, ON Sébastien Drainville, Montréal, QC Travis Duncan, IFNA, Thunder Bay, ON Lasith Dunukedeniya, Gelioya, Sri Lanka
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Jack Earls, Canbe Consulting Ltd., Edmonton, AB Aslam Ehtsham, Scarborough, ON Darrell Eisenhour, 2201444 Ontario Inc., Ottawa, ON Steven Elias, Altus Group, Vancouver, BC Milagros Erandio, Inland Glass and Aluminum, Kamloops, BC
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Benjamin Faber, Sumas, WA, USA Drew Fisher, Ladysmith, BC Jade Fraser, Auckland, New Zealand
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Mahender Gaira, Survey Engineer, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Sharmista Ghosh, Vancouver, BC Anna Gilles, Burnaby, BC Roman Girka, Toronto, ON Steven Glyn-Williams, Calgary, AB Marvin Gorospe, Vancouver, BC James Granger-Brown, Fort Langley, BC Don Groves, Gravenhurst, ON Evan Gunson, Winnipeg, MB
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Maurice Kobalko, Calgary, AB Nilantha Kumara, Opanayaka, Sri Lanka Gayal Kuruppu, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Michel Ro, Provencher Roy associés architectes, Montréal, QC
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Roger Lafleur, Vancouver, BC Patrick Lau, Vaughan, ON Yevgeniy (John) Lebedev, Toronto, ON Brenda Pui See Lee, Markham, ON
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Aaryn Ma, Vancouver, BC Jafar Maleki, North York, ON Irshad Malik, Al Gurg Consultants, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Jared Manchoon, Toronto, ON Jordan Marcia, Stantec Consulting, Regina, SK Varun Mehra, Brampton, ON Aidi Mema, Toronto, ON Pegah Moghani, Richmond Hill, ON Mohamed Insaf Mohamed Nizar, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom Ishaque Mohideen Bawa, Wolverhamton, United Kingdom Amir Farnad Mostadjeran Goortani, Richmond Hill, ON Peter Moudilos Verreault, Montreal, QC
N
Nicholas Nadeau, Essex, ON Hung Chuong Nguyen, North York, ON
Elias Haddad, C.A.P. Concrete Structures Ltd., King City, ON Oluwatoyin Hamman, Birmingham, United Kingdom Gregory Hedley, Rider Levett Bucknall, Seattle, WA, USA Carmen Huiu, Genivar SEC, Montreal, QC Azaad Hussein, Toronto, ON Wasim Hussein, Etobicoke, ON
O
J
Ali Sidney Pangcoga, Faithful + Gould, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Danny Parison, AXOR, Montreal, QC Mehul Patel, Scarborough, ON Justin Poitras-George, ZW Group, Ottawa, ON Cameron Pole, Aquarius Building Consultants, Calgary, AB Harshini Prathapaarachchi, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka Sarve Puri, Brampton, ON
Benito Jacinto, Welland, ON Ria Jawad, Burnaby, BC Jay Jittanont, Flint Energy Services, Fort St. John, BC Arunkumar Joshi, Scarborough, ON
K
Mohammad Karamkhani, West Vancouver, BC Maxmoe Karimi, Richmond, BC Osama Keriakes, Airdrie, AB Imran Khaliq Jeleeb, Al Shuyoukh, Kuwait Shafiul Khan, Smart Technology, Kanata, ON David Klocek, Coquitlam, BC
12 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
Mark O’Connor, Glendalough, Australia Anthony Ofo-ob, Mississauga, ON Precious Oluwaseyi Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria Ojo Oluwatosin, Lagos, Nigeria Alain Ouellet, Genivar SEC, Montreal, QC
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R
Hitesh Rana, Toronto, ON Lewis Reilly, BTY Group, Vancouver, BC
Indika Samarawickrama, Ruwi, Oman Vivek Senevirathne, Gangodawilla, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka Pragnesh Shah, D. Patel & Company, Oakville, ON Shail Shah, Etobicoke, ON Craig Shirra, Burnaby, BC Mohammad Shourin, Vancouver, BC Jeannie Simmons, New Westminster, BC Rohit Singh, Turner & Townsend cm2r Inc., Toronto, ON Sivasangar Sivagnanam, Jaffna, Sri Lanka Kirsten Slade, Surrey, BC Carolyn Ssebanakitta, BTY Group, Vancouver, BC Colin Store, Calgary, AB Gen Sugiyama, North Vancouver, BC Mohamed Marzook Sulthan Mohamed Mahir Pottuvil-17, Sri Lanka Amila Sumanasingha, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka Edwin Sunico, Mississauga, ON
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Delia Tabor, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Mohammadjavad Taghdiri, Toronto, ON Anil Tayal Coffey, Geotechnics Inc., Etobicoke, ON Senthilkumaran Thiruchchelvan, Colombo, Sri Lanka Steven Thomson, Stantec Consulting Regina, SK Michael Townshend, Surrey, BC
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Chris van Driel, Stantec Consulting Ltd., Fredericton, NB Phillip Vilay, Taber, AB
W
Li-Shan Wang, Surrey, BC Tyson Weaver, Niagara Falls, ON Ross White, A.C. Yule and Son Limited, Aberdeen, United Kingdom Raymond Wong, Calgary, AB
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Pei Yong, Calgary, AB
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Paul Zasitko, Okanagan Falls, BC Arkadiusz Zjawin, Etobicoke, ON Rupert Zulueta, Scarborough, ON
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Congratulations to the following members who have qualified as a PQS or CEC:
AQSA
Robin Shaw, PQS
QSBC
Steven Elias, PQS Gonul Guvenc, PQS Dao-Ping Ting, PQS
CIQS
Antoine Aurelis, PQS Hopeton Austin, PQS Howard Morris, PQS
OIQS
Virendrasingh Ahden, CEC Sogol Alaee, CEC Stuart Boyce, PQS Eduardo Cruzet, CEC Anselm James Godinho, PQS Adrian Greco, PQS Mahmoud Hirji, PQS
Nazrul Kabir, CEC Brian Keane, CEC Metin Keles, CEC Md. Nurul Islam Khokon, CEC Michael Kinnear, PQS Patrick Lau, PQS Anilkumar Macwan, CEC Brian Miltenburg, PQS Philip Nixon, PQS Justin Poitras-George, PQS Rebecca Sinnesael, CEC Devasenapathi Subramanian, CEC Yousef Taghipoor, CEC Eric Chi Ho Tam, PQS Yitzak Nathan Thomas, CEC Gerardo Torrevillas, CEC Stephen Walo, CEC Yingqing Zheng, CEC
Professional Quantity Surveyor Stamps and Seals Professional Quantity Surveyors may order stamps and seals from the CIQS online store www.ciqs.org (members only section). You have a choice of four options:
(1) Rubber Stamp (2) Rubber Stamp with ink pad (3) Self-inking Stamp (4) Embosser (Seal) Option 1, 2 and 3 will be shipped directly from the stamp supplier within approximately five business days, however, the seals will take up to approximately 10 business days to ship. All orders will be sent by priority post. You will be asked to agree to the terms of a licensing agreement for authorized use of the CIQS Marks and Designations as well as Authorized Use of the CIQS Stamps and Seals before proceeding with your purchase. The CIQS stamps and seals are available to Professional Quantity Surveyors only. If you are not in this category of membership the store will not allow you to proceed with the purchase.
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SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 13
CIQS
51 Annual
st
General Meeting June 17 - June 20, 2010 whistler, bc
Report on the CIQS 51st Annual General Meeting By Lois Metcalfe The 51st CIQS Annual General Meeting was held at the Westin Resort and Spa in Whistler, BC on June 18-20, 2010 and was hosted by the Quantity Surveyors of British Columbia (QSBC). The event was kicked off for Council on Thursday, June 17 with Council meeting for a full day to review reports for the AGM to be held on Saturday and tidy up outstanding matters for the 2009/10 year. At this meeting, Mark Russell, representative from QSBC, was elected as CIQS 2nd vice-president. Congratulations Mark! A Welcome Reception was held on Thursday evening which gave everyone an opportunity to renew acquaintances and make new friends. The technical sessions were held in the morning of Friday, June 18. QSBC organized some outstanding 14 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
speakers. Laurenz Kosichek of Stantec made a presentation on the Whistler Sliding Centre, one of the most exciting projects of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Sean Rodrigues, VANOC Project Manager, Venues Construction was our next speaker. His talk was on the Whistler Nordic Competition Venue, the site of cross-country skiing, ski jumping, biathlon and other Nordic-combined competitions during the Winter Olympics. The final speaker was Gregg Scott, Director of Major Projects for the City of Richmond, who presented an insight into the Richmond Speed Skating Oval. Ian Duncan, CIQS President, and Steven Elias, RICS Americas Vancouver Chapter, took this opportunity to acknowledge the new CIQS/RICS partnership. A luncheon followed the technical sessions with keynote Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
“She was an inspiration to everyone who attended the luncheon.” speaker Andrea Holmes. Andrea is a tremendous athlete having competed in the Athens Paralympics and in several other major international level athletic events. She was an inspiration to everyone who attended the luncheon. Delegates were given an opportunity to hold actual Paralympic Olympic torches from both the Vancouver Olympics and the Beijing Olympics and Andrea’s bronze medal from the Pan American games. In the afternoon, delegates had an opportunity to enjoy ziptreking, ATVing, bungee jumping, sightseeing/hiking and white water rafting or visiting the Whistler Sliding Centre - host venue for the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The 51st CIQS Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday, June 19. To view the minutes, please visit the member’s only section of our website. David Lai from Ontario and George Evans from BC were presented with the prestigious CIQS Award of Merit by Past President Clive Evans. Clive also presented new Fellows Graeme Alston, Ian Duncan and Mike Garrett with their certificates (unfortunately Naren Chande, Graham Randall and Frank Watt were unable to attend to receive their Fellowship certificates). Herve Couture presented Ian Duncan with a plaque of appreciation for serving as CIQS President. The first meeting of the 2010/11 Council was held directly following the AGM chaired by new president, Herve Couture. Welcome to new members of Council – Jeff Logan from Ontario and Bertin Bois from Quebec. Returning members of Council include Herve Couture,
Roy Lewis, Mark Russell, Mark Gardin, Chris Reinert and Ian Duncan. David Lai was re-appointed for a second year as CIQS education administrator. I will continue as executive director as well as Joshua Mutize as editor of Construction Economist. George Evans presenting CIQS 50th On Saturday Anniversary book to Andrea. evening, a mountain view BBQ was held in the hotel where delegates enjoyed a wonderful meal with friends. On Sunday morning, a farewell breakfast gave everyone an opportunity to say good-bye. Golfers left for the CIQS golf tournament while others lingered over coffee to remiss about the weekend. The Clive Evans Living Golf Tournament was held at the Whistler Golf Course (see separate report by George Evans on page 18). On behalf of the CIQS, I would like to thank the delegates for attending, the sponsors for their financial support, our technical session speakers for their time and insight and the Organizing Committee (particularly QSBC President, Mark Russell) for their hard work. Without all of you, the event would not have been such a success.
CIQS Award of Merit David Lai, PQS(F) from the Ontario Institute of Quantity Surveyors and George Evans, PQS(F) from the Quantity Surveyors of British Columbia received the prestigious CIQS Award of Merit at the CIQS AGM in Whistler this past June. CIQS Past President Clive Evans presented the awards. Congratulations to both recipients.
About the Award of Merit:
• The CIQS Award of Merit is for outstanding service to the CIQS in making it the fine organization it is today. • Nominations for the award are made annually by the affiliated associations. • There are no restrictions in respect of geography. • No more than two per year may receive the award. • The decision is by ballot by previous recipients. • The recipient must be a member in good standing with the CIQS. Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 15
CIQS 51ST Annual General Meeting
Moments from the CIQS 51st AGM Whistler
16 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
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June 17 - June 20, 2010 | whistler, bc
Photo captions 1
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7
11
10
8 2
3
5 9
6
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12
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Michael Garrett, Sandra Holden and Chris Reinert Old Friends Reunite - Gordon Edge, Colin and Audrey Randall-Smith Steve Hadden, Stephanie and Tom Crosbie Joy and Stuart Picozzi from Ottawa and James Benham from Texas The Long & Short of It - Gord Metcalfe and beautiful ladies Judy Cullis and Tracy Russell Quebec bobsled team Speaker Sean Rodrigues, Ian Duncan and Jeff Logan The Altus boys - Steve Elias from the Vancouver office and Chris Court from the Toronto office Partners in Crime - George Evans and Mark Russell, LEC Quantity Surveying Father and Daughter Team - Simone and David Lai Andrew Collins, Chair, PAQS Accreditation Committee Joyce Evans and Evelyne Lord
SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 17
CIQS 51ST Annual General Meeting
2010 Clive Evans Living Golf Tournament George Evans, PQS (F) The Clive Evans Living Golf Tournament took place on Sunday of the AGM weekend in Whistler with 20 finely tuned athletes in attendance. The weather was cool but dry and despite a little winter kill the course was in good shape. Defending champion Doug Moller from Alberta was in the field and once again was the man to beat. Doug’s 81 proved to be too much for the competition securing a second listing on the CIQS Plaque. Mark Gardin from Nova Scotia was the big winner at the prize table taking home
a couple of Closest to the Pin prizes and posting a very respectable score. The CIQS Plaque only has one spot left before it gets replaced with a new one. With several defending champs and a couple multiple winners in the field, next year’s competition in Negril should be fierce. We look forward to an epic battle in the Jamaican sunshine. Thank you to all our sponsors and participants for your support in continuing to make the tournament such a success.
L to R – George Evans, organizer of the tournament, presenting Doug Moller from Alberta with the winner’s plaque.
L to R – James Benham from Texas and Steve Elias from Altus Group (Vancouver).
L to R – Mark Gardin from Nova Scotia and Ian Wilkinson, Brian Treharne and Marvin Kale all from BC.
L to R – BC members Wayne Quanson, Mark Russell, Darren Rae and Steve Hadden.
18 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
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June 17 - June 20, 2010 | whistler, bc
Thank you to our sponsors GOLD Sponsors
SILVER Sponsors
BRONZE Sponsors
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SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 19
2 011 ciqs annual
General Meeting
We are pleased to announce that the 2011 CIQS AGM will be held in Jamaica. Details are currently being finalized and will be confirmed shortly. A technical program is being co-ordinated with local quantity surveyors and local chapters of other International Professional Organizations.
The itinerary will include the AGM, technical seminars, golf tournament, the president’s dinner and farewell breakfast. It is anticipated that a four day package as well as a seven day package will be available.
Tentatively, the date is June 11-18, 2011
We are looking forward to seeing you at the 20 11 AGM! 20 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
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SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 21
Coming Next Issue!
How do you go about tendering international projects? The challenges of budgeting, estimating and tendering on international construction projects The article will provide a Canadian professional quantity surveyor’s perspective based on project work experience gained between 1999 and 2009, working on tenders for over two dozen international building projects on five continents, including international airports, public and government buildings, themed mega-resorts and entertainment complexes. The main focus of the article will be on the following aspects: 1. Project feasibility analysis, code compliance reviews and analyses 2. Conceptual budgeting, preparing and submitting hard bid and unit price tenders
3. Post-tender negotiations with client and developer groups 4. Prequalification of foreign general contractor joint-venture partners, architectural, engineering and cost consultants, suppliers and subcontractors 5. Design development valueengineering, tendering, procurement and logistics management 6. Training of local resources, personnel and site project management on foreign construction projects
22 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
You will see an analysis of the important differences between the Canadian construction industry and the international industry, especially in regards to tendering and landing a contract award. It will provide another view to readers on how to work effectively in winning international tenders and for successful implementation of these projects. Some of the subjects that will be covered in the article will be: • Bid documents review and risk analysis • Trip preparations
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This is a synopsis of an article that will be appearing in the upcoming fall 2010 issue of Construction Economist. • Partner and vendor prequalifications • Risk and decision analysis • Best quality for least price • Bid submission process and strategies • Guidelines for setting up construction services and methods of bidding The challenges for a Canadian contractor for bidding on and pursuing international projects are great, but the task is not as daunting as it would first appear. Although the risks are obviously greater than bidding on and executing home projects, the risk-reward ratio has to be considered and assessed on the merits of each international project the rewards can be plentiful in many ways, such as: A. Higher bid margins on international building projects can be expected and this is very attainable – versus the slimmer margins in Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. B. The Canadian economy is very cyclical, having continuous boom and bust cycles. Therefore, having one or two small to medium size international building projects on the go at any time, will serve to diversify the contractor’s income base. During slow times at home, if a contractor is already involved on international work, the opportunities to expand in these markets are readily available.
E. Conversely there is much that a Canadian contractor can learn in international markets and bring back to enhance home operations and competitiveness. F. In a world of increasing globalization, one has only to look to the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East to see the recent escalation in construction contracts being awarded to and carried out by the rapidly emerging BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). It will only be a matter of time before they set their sights on the Canadian marketplace, particularly when the Canadian Tar Sands and other resource extraction and mining megaprojects get going again. It would appear that it will soon become a matter of survival for Canadian contractors to have a global outlook. While it can be daunting to compete against five contractors in say, Africa, all of whom are owned by the same owner – the Government of the People’s Republic of China, it can be done successfully wherever quality and high standards are a requisite and Canada wins hands down in such a scenario!
Where does one begin to prospect for international projects and find out more about how this might work? A good starting point is Canadian government agencies such as the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), Export Development Corporation (EDC), the Export Development Bank (EBD), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Other prospecting sources and detailed strategies will be discussed in the full article appearing in the next issue. It should be noted that the Canadian government is acutely aware of the effects of globalization and of the critical necessity to export Canadian manufactured goods and services necessary for Canada’s continued economic well-being and survival in the emerging world order. Mahmoud Hirji, Diploma Eng, GSC, PQS, Managing Director, EPC Canada Tel: 416-385-2865 Mobile: 647-200-8750 Email: epc.canada@rogers.com
C. There may be taxation advantages available in doing international work, particularly in countries having tax treaties with Canada, resulting in further added value to the contractor’s bottom line. D. Canadians are generally very well-regarded overseas and exposure to international markets will serve to better promote Canada and is a win-win situation for all concerned.
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SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 23
Communication effectiveness of contract bills of quantities in the Nigerian building industry – implications for quantity surveyors By: Elijah Olusegun Ayodele, Department of Quantity Surveying, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria and Victoria Omodunbi Ayodele, Department of Lems, Communication of English unit, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria
Abstract This paper examined the effectiveness of contract bills of quantities in the Nigerian building industry. Questionnaires were administered to contractors who have engaged in building contracts, for at least ten years, in the South West of Nigeria. The 46 completed questionnaires retrieved from the respondents formed the basis of the study and were analyzed by severity index. The result showed that contract bills are limited in effectiveness because they do not contain all the necessary information. The result also showed that limited effectiveness of contract bills has negative consequences – issuance of variation order, cost and time overruns. To reduce or remove the limitation on the effectiveness; contract bills should not be prepared in a hurry but should be made to incorporate full cost implications of land topography, site conditions/soil test and real cost implications of electrical and plumbing installations among others.
24 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
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Introduction No profession or subject or discipline has the monopoly of communication. No training or education or learning can take place without communication. According to Abuya and Ariyo (2005) communication is a very significant aspect of human life, this is because all human beings from all the communities of the world employ communication in their daily activities. Jesulowo and Oyinlola (2004) say, in summary, that communication is the life line of human existence: man does not communicate because he lives, but he lives because he communicates. Communication is central to humanity. By Peter (1965), communication is the process by which information is transferred between individuals and/ or organization by means of previously agreed symbols. Owolabi and Olusa (2007) define communication as a process of transmitting and receiving ideas, information and messages. It is a process of imparting or interchanging of thoughts, opinion or information by speech, writing or signs. According to Owolabi and Olusa (2007) whichever way communication is defined, it has, as its bottom line, the sharing of information or idea between an encoder which most cases, initiates the message, and sends this through a channel which could be oral, written and signs to a decoder. Abuya and Ariyo (2005), Ashworth (1998) and Owolabi and Olusa (2004) have outlined the four forms or channels of communication as: • Verbal (oral) • Non-verbal (use of parts of the body for communication apart from the mouth and tongue)
• Written (pen on paper/black and white) • Graphic (drawing and pictures)
Clarity – it must not be ambiguous, must be very easy to understand
Contract bill of quantities
Correctness – it must be factual and exact
Contract bill of quantities is a specialized written communication from the quantity surveyor to the client, contractor and all the others connected of the cost of the proposed project development. According to NIQS (1998) and NIQS (2008) a bill of quantities is a written document that fully describes and adequately represents the quality and quantity of work to be carried out setting down the various items of work in a logical sequence in such an arrangement that they may be readily priced by tenderers. When the bill of quantities is priced, it forms the basis of a contract and thus becomes the contract bill. A typical bill of quantities performs the following roles: • Allows payment to the contractor in accordance with the work he does • Limits the price paid i.e. if work to be done is exactly the same as shown on the drawings then the client pays exactly the contract sum • Gives freedom to alter the work of construction and yet remains the basis of fair payment to contractor • Forms the basis of comparison of tenders since all tender price on exactly the same basis • Gives every tender a clear conception of the amount and the kind and detail of work to be carried out (Alutu 2003)
Communication effectiveness For any communication to be effective, it has to fulfill the following seven conditions and descriptions according to Abuya and Ariyo (2005):
Conciseness – it must be brief and short Concreteness – it must be real and definite Completeness – it must contain all necessary information and be full Consideration – it must be carefully thought out and well planned Courtesy – it must be respectful and polite. For the contract bill prepared by the quantity surveyor to inform the client, contractor and all the others of the cost of the project concerned, approximately, it must fulfill all the above seven conditions/descriptions.
Background to the problem Sunil (1997) claimed that communication breakdown between the project manager and other professionals as a result of conflict is a major cause of delay and may lead to cost overrun. Daniel (1995) explained that the importance of the method of information processing in the building industry has been recognized as a means of reducing construction time and cost overruns. Samples of one hundred capital projects were examined. 100% of the cases were not completed to time. While it could not be said that communication accounted for 100%
“No profession or subject or discipline has the monopoly of communication. No training or education or learning can take place without communication.” Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 25
Table 1: Effectiveness of contract bills/cause(s) of limitation to effectiveness S/N
Conditions
SD
D
A
SA
Severity Index
1
Concreteness (real and definite)
4.35
0.00
30.43
65.23
95.66
2
Conciseness (brief and short)
0.00
6.52
50.00
43.48
93.48
3
Correctness (factual and correct)
4.35
6.52
30.43
58.70
89.13
4
Clarity (easy to understand)
0.00
15.22
19.57
65.22
84.79
5
Consideration (well thought out)
21.74
127.39
21.74
60.87
82.61
6
Courtesy (respectful and polite)
13.04
6.52
6.52
73.91
80.43
7
Completeness (contain all necessary information)
15.22
54.35
13.04
17.39
30.94
Effects
SD
D
A
SA
Severity Index
1
Variation orders
0.00
5.13
17.37
76.09
93.46
2
Cost overrun
4.35
4.35
19.57
71.79
91.36
3
Time overrun
6.52
4.35
21.79
67.39
89.18
4
Sub-standard materials
10.87
4.35
19.57
65.38
84.95
5
Sub-standard workmanship
6.52
4.35
21.79
63.04
84.83
Table 2: Effects of limited effectiveness of contract bill S/N
of delay, it can be said that communication problems significantly accounted for the delays (Oyediran, 1993). This study is therefore put in place to determine the effectiveness of contract bills. It will also determine the other negative effects of ineffective communication of the document.
Objectives The objectives of this study are to: 1. Determine the limitations to effectiveness of contract bills 2. Determine the causes of limitations to effectiveness 3. Determine the effects of limitations to effectiveness
Methodology This study was carried out by structured and unstructured questionnaire. To determine the effectiveness of contract bills, questionnaires were administered to contractors who have executed building contract for at least ten years in the South West
Nigeria. The essential conditions that determine whether communication is effective or not, that are placed in the questionnaire were borrowed from Abuya and Ariyo (2005). Information from such structured questionnaires which includes whether contract bills are easy to understand, factual and correct, brief and short, real and definite, contain all necessary information, well thought out and respectful and polite. On an item in the questionnaire (unstructured questionnaire) respondents were asked to state the effects of ineffective communication, if they feel the communication in these cases are ineffective (i.e. some of those conditions of effective communication are missing). The data from 46 contractors formed the basis of this study and were analyzed by severity index.
Findings Table 1 shows that contract bills do not contain all the necessary information. Table 2 showed the effects of
26 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
limited effectiveness of contract bills are issuance of variation orders, cost overrun, time overrun, substandard materials and sub-standard workmanship, among others.
Discussion This study which showed that contract bills do not contain all necessary information is in agreement with Ayodele (in Press) who, in a study of adjustment of prime and provisional sums, asserted that costs of electrical and plumbing installations were adjusted because appropriate costs for such were not included in the bills. It is also in consonance with the findings of Ayodele (2009) that information on land topography and soil tests are not incorporated into contract bills. The study also showed that because contract bills do not contain all necessary information, and therefore lead to the issuance of variation orders, - this is in agreement with Ayodele (2009) when on a study of Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
variation orders on building projects development in Nigeria discovered that an average of ten variation orders were issued per building project under construction, and all those have led to cost and time overruns, sub-standard materials and workmanship.
Recommendation To reduce or remove limitations on the effectiveness of contract bills, quantity surveyors should make sure to include appropriate costs to cover land topography, soil conditions/soil tests, electrical and plumbing installations among others. When these are done, contract bills prepared by the quantity surveyors will contain all necessary information, therefore contractors and others will be properly and effectively informed of the cost of proposed/on going projects.
Conclusion Communication of contract bill costs to contractors is limited in effectiveness because they do not contain all the necessary information.
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References Abuya E.J. & Ariyo K.S. (2005) Introduction to Communication Skills. In Ed. Abuya E.J., Ogunmoyero R.O., Ariyo K.S. and Olaopa B.A., Modern Communication Skills for Tertiary Institutions Vol. 1 Alutu O.E. (2003) Construction Management – Monograph Department of Civil Engineering University of Benin Ashworth A.A. (1998) Civil engineering contractual procedures. London England Ayodele E.O. (2009) A study of the Re-measurement of Sub-structured on Building projects in Nigeria. Journal of Advanced Technology. 1 (2), 63 - 68 Ayodele E.O. (in Press) Adjustment of Prime and Provisional Sums Insinet Publications Ayodele E.O. (in Press) A study of frequencies and effects of Architects Variation orders on building projects delivery period in Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Pure and Applied Science
Daniel W.C. (1998) Forecasting, Construction duration for public housing Project Kongi. Perspective building and environmental vol. 34 No 1 pg 26 Jesulowo B. & Oyinlola F. (2004) Public Speech made simple. Ibadan. Adonai Printing Press NIQS (1996)) Standard Method of Measurement. 2nd Edition NIQS. Lagos NIQS (2008) Building and Engineering Standard Method of Measurement.NIQS. Lagos Owolabi D. & Olusa D. (2007) An introductory course in Oral and Written Communication. Sonerest Ventures. Lagos Oyediran O.A. (1993) Communication and Construction Project delivery in the Nigerian Construction Industry. The Quantity Surveyors. 19, 24-31 Peter L. (1995) Communication in Business. London: Peter Books Inc. Sunil M.D. (1997) Comparing contributors to time and cost performance In building project. Building and Environment. Vol. 34, No 1 page 6
SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 27
Vancouver’s Olympic Village sets gold standard for green construction with high-performance fly ash concrete
“The environmentally friendly village will now be sold to the public and become a fully integrated, socially inclusive community”
Certified LEED® Gold, housing for 2010 Winter Olympians relied on high-volume fly ash concrete to achieve high strength, extended service life and top marks in sustainable design. Out of all the new infrastructure projects showcased at the 21st Winter Olympic Games, Vancouver’s Olympic and Paralympic Village that was used to house the competitions’ 2,800 athletes and officials must have been one of the most impressive. Its construction, completed at the end of 2009, involved a great amount of expertise in LEED® certification, which was required by the specifications to reduce the buildings’ environmental footprint in terms of energy efficiency, water consumption, heating, use of local materials and reuse of any surplus. These sustainable design specifications required that the concrete have an 80% recycled content value. Several formulations of high-volume fly ash concrete (developed using tests conducted in laboratories as well as LEED assessment calculations) made a strong contribution to meeting the cost, performance and sustainability requirements. Derived from burning coal in electric utility 28 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
plants, fly ash can be used as a supplementary cementitious material for improving the strength, durability, workability and other properties of concrete. In addition to its many economic and performance advantages, fly ash use in concrete is also good for the environment as it saves virgin raw materials and makes use of an industrial by-product that might otherwise be disposed of in landfills. It also allows concrete producers to optimize their use of portland cement, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and lowering the embodied energy of concrete. With eight complexes distributed over a 90-acre former industrial waterfront property, the impressive 600,000-ft2 village containing over 600 dwelling units is the first phase in an immense project to redevelop the South-East False Creek area near downtown Vancouver. With the recent conclusion of the Paralympic Games, the environmentally friendly village will now be sold to the public and become a fully integrated, socially inclusive community that will be home to 16,000 people. Plans call for 250 affordable housing units, a 45,000-ft2 community center, three child care centers, an elementary school, community garden, public plaza, and much more. By design, LEED-certified green buildings have operational efficiencies that make the facilities cheaper for the community to operate as a legacy to be enjoyed for generations. Printed with permission from Lafarge North America’s April 14, 2010 press release.
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Now available
History of the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
T
his 164 page, full colour, hard cover book was published by the CIQS 50th Anniversary Historical Committee. This commemorative book outlines the history of the Institute and portrays the accomplishments of those members whose work and dedication over the past 50 years have brought acceptance of the profession of quantity surveying within the construction industry in Canada. To order your copy, please visit our online store at www.ciqs.org or contact CIQS at 905-477-0008 or toll free at 866-345-1168. The book is available for the special anniversary price of $50.00 plus shipping and handling and GST. Available while supplies last.
Visit our online store at www.ciqs.org Our concern for the environment is more than just talk
As we continue to deliver valuable information through the pages of this magazine, in a printed format that is appealing, reader-friendly and not lost in the proliferation of electronic messages that are bombarding our senses, we are also well aware of the need to be respectful of our environment. That is why we are committed to publishing the magazine in the most environmentally-friendly process possible. Here is what we mean: We use lighter publication stock that consists of recycled paper provided by an FSC Certified supplier. This Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard ensures that our paper comes from efficiently managed forests with proper replanting programs that make this a RENEWABLE and SUSTAINABLE resource. Our computer-to-plate technology reduces the amount of chemistry required to create plates for the printing process. The resulting chemistry is neutralized to the extent that it can be safely discharged to the drain. We use vegetable oil-based inks to print the magazine. This means that we are not using resourcedepleting petroleum-based ink products and that the subsequent recycling of the paper in this magazine is much more environment friendly. During the printing process, we use a solvent recycling system that separates the water from the recovered solvents and leaves only about 5% residue. This results in reduced solvent usage, handling and hazardous hauling. We ensure that an efficient recycling program is used for all printing plates and all waste paper. Within the pages of each issue, we actively encourage our readers to REUSE and RECYCLE. In order to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, we utilize a carbon offset program in conjunction with any air travel we undertake related to our publishing responsibilities for the magazine.
So enjoy this magazine...and keep thinking green. Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
SUMMER 2010 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | 29
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In memoriam It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our long standing members, James Brown of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jim was a veteran of the World War II, having served in the Air Force. Following the war, he worked most of his career for Banfield and Myles Limited, a painting contractor in the Halifax area. He later worked with Ross Willcocks & Associates until his retirement. In his free time, Jim was an avid woodworker and master craftsman. Jim was a strong supporter of the NSAQS and invigilated many exams at his house over the years where he also maintained the NSAQS library. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Irma, daughters Susan and Katherine, three grandchildren and one great grandson. Jim was 90. We extend our condolences to his family.
30 | Construction Economist | www.ciqs.org | SUMMER 2010
Congratulations! Edware Traore, PQS, recently graduated with an MSc degree in International Construction Management. BCIT and the University of Bath are partners for this program.
ns o i t a l ratu a rd! g n o C Edw Click Here to Return to Table of Contents
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