"College of Estate Management - FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE 1.0 QUESTION 1 Provide the dimensions for the external and internal wall elements as shown on the assignment drawings (D0223, D0224, D0133, and D0134). Include the adjustments for openings, lintels, etc. but do not measure the actual windows and doors. See the schedule of opening sizes on the next page. Marks will be awarded for: query sheets and any assumptions made, and take-off lists for each element; (5 marks) accuracy of the dimensions: o external walls; (15 marks) o internal walls; (10 marks) quality of the descriptions; (15 marks) conforming to standard practice. (5 marks) 2.0 QUESTION 2 Based on Activity 3.7 discuss the use of computers to assist the preparation of bills of quantities, including the associated benefits and problems. Marks will be awarded for: discussion on the use of computers; (8 marks) discussion on the associated benefits and problems. (12 marks)"

A Bill of quantities itemises the elements of work to be undertaken in a construction in a logical sequence and recognised way. Its units of measurement refer to quantities of finished work, usually to the Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works (1988) or SMM7 in the United Kingdom (Maxwell, 1991). The last two decades have seen the advent and greater reliance within the profession upon computerised methods to produce Bills of Quantities. The very nature of the industry infers that Quantity Surveyors are knowledge workers; they add value to the project by their expertise, information technology supports and aids in the delivery of that product to the client and other stake holders. The information technology systems in use today are the reciprocals of system analysis, which seek to optimise efficiency and has led to the refinement and re-engineering of business protocols (Buchan…(short extract)