• EHS stands for Environmental, Health, Safety which aims to prevent accident, minimize health hazard and protect surrounding from construction impact.

Causes of accident in construction projects:

1. Physical cause

• Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment.
• Uneven terrain or unstable structure.
• Absence of proper safety equipment.
•  Lack of lighting.
• Improper lifting and moving of material.

2. Physiological cause

• Poor eyesight
• Poor health
• Over work
• Old age

3. Psychological cause

• Mental tension and stress.
• Lack of training.
• Overconfidence.
• Fear.

Minimizing the construction accident:

• Provide safety training.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Safety gear.
• Emergency plans.
• Health checkups.
• Keep workspace clean.
• Appropriate supervision.

1.2 Safety Planning

• Involves planning strategies and measure to ensure the well-being of workers and minimize risks at a construction site.

Steps in safety planning:

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazard.
• Safety policies: Develop clear safety guideline and protocols.
• Training: Provide safety training.
• Supervision: Assign responsible personnel to oversee safety measure.
• Regular inspection: Conduct routine checks to identify and rectify risks.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Gear that worker wear to stay safe from risk related jobs to protect from physical harm.

Training to improve safety standard at construction site:

• Induction: New workers learn site rules and safety basics.
• Tool box talk: Short meeting discuss daily, safety tips.
• Skill training: Workers learn to use equipment safety.

Role of safety engineer:

• Risk assessment: Identify potential hazard on site.
• Safety plans: Developing and implementing safety procedures.
• Training: Educating workers about safety protocols.
• Accident investigation: Analyzing incidents for prevention.
• Inspection: Regularly checking for safety compliance.

1.3 Maintenance

• Maintenance involves regular checks, repair and prevent deterioration.

Importance:

• Prevent accidents.
• Extends lifespan of asset.
• Cost saves.
• Increase efficiency.
• Value preservation.

Objective of maintenance management:

• Minimize expenses.
• Ensure safety.
• Extend machinery lifespan.
• Increase Performance of equipment
• Effective resource utilization.

Types of Maintenance:

1. Planned Maintenance:

• Preventive Maintenance: Schedule check to prevent failure.
• Corrective Maintenance: Repairing after failure occurs.
• Routine Maintenance: Regular, simple upkeep tasks.

2. Unplanned Maintenance:

• Emergency: Urgent repair to prevent hazard.

Maintenance Planning:

• Scheduling
• Resource allocation
• Task prioritization
• Documentation
• Budgeting
• Historical analysis.
• Coordination

Issue of project maintenance in Nepal:

• Limited resource
• Lack of awareness
• Political instability
• Insufficient funds
• Technology gap
• Difficult location
• Lack of sustainable project

1.4 Organization and Management

Definition:

Organization: A group of people which works under an executive leadership.

Management: Art of using available resource optimally to achieve the desired goals.

Principles of Management:

• Division of work: Breaking tasks into smaller, specialized parts for efficiency.
• Authority and Responsibility: Assigning tasks and holding individual accountable.
• Discipline: Following rules and guideline for orderly work.
• Unity of command: Each worker report to only one supervisor.
• Unity of direction: Aligning efforts towards common objective.
• Order: Organizing resource and task for smooth operation.
• Equity: Treating all employees fairly.

Types of organization:

1. Line organization

• Clear hierarchy with direct reporting.
• Simple, quick decision making.
• Limited specialization.

2. Line and staff organization

• Dual authority structure.
• Access to expert advice.
• Potential conflict between staff.

3. Functional organization

• Grouping by specialized functions.
• Efficient use of specialized skill.
• Communication barrier between function.

4. Project organization

• Temporary teams for specific projects.
• Flexibility and innovation for project.
• Complexity in managing multiple project.

Leadership & Motivation:

Leadership

• Directing and inspiring a team towards goals.
• Guides teamwork, boosts morale and achieve success.

Motivation

• Encouraging interest and effort in tasks.
• Enhances performance, job satisfaction and result.

Project communication:

• Sharing information among team member for effective coordination and progress.
• Keeps team member informed.
• Involves all parties for project success.

Meaning and importance of HRM (Human Resource Management):

• Managing people within an organization for optimal performance.
• Hiring the right people for right roles.
• Enhancing skill and career growth.
• Creating a positive and motivated environment.

Recruitment, selection & training:

Recruitment: Attracting potential employees to apply for job position.

Selection: Choosing the most suitable candidates for the roles.

Training: Developing employee’s abilities.

Trade union in Nepal:

• Represent employees interest and right.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
• Addresses worker issues.

Reference:

• Harold Kerzner (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.
• PMI (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – 7th Edition.
• Nebosh, Nepal Engineering Council Syllabus (2024). Engineering Professional Practice Notes.
• Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM).
• Personal Class Notes & Presentations from Nepalese Engineering Institutions.

The post Environmental Health and Safety in Construction appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

1.2 Objective of QC/QA

• Compliance with standards: Ensure products meet established standard and specification.
• Defect prevention: Identify and rectify defects to improve products quality.
• Customer satisfaction: Deliver products meet customer expectation.
• Cost control: Minimize expenses.
• Risk mitigation: Reduce chances of project failure.

1.3 Factors affecting quality of construction

• Design
• Material selection
• Workmanship
• Weather condition
• Equipment condition
• Site management
• Regulations

1.4 Quality control technique

• Inspection: Detailed examination to identify defects.
• Testing: Evaluating products performance standards.
• Statical process control (SPC): Monitoring using data.
• Root cause analysis: Identifying underlying issues.
• Lean construction: Reducing waste to enhance quality.

1.5 Preparing QC plans

• Preparing QC plan: Developing plan to ensure quality standard are met.
• Approval of material source: Verifying supplies and source meet quality criteria.
• Material sampling: Collecting representative samples for testing.
• On-site laboratory testing: Testing material using an on site lab for immediate results.
• Off-site laboratory testing: Sending samples to external labs for in-depth analysis.

1.6 Material Management

• Material management involves planning, storing, distributing and controlling materials used in construction project to ensure efficient usage, minimize waste and meet project goal.

Importance:

• Minimize wastage
• Quality control
• Risk reduction
• Budget control
• Client satisfaction

Purchase management:

• Project of acquiring goods and services needed for a project.
• Ensure timely availability of required material.
• Establish relationship with reliable suppliers.

Inventory management:

• Involves tracking and controlling the stock of materials, components and product to ensure adequate supply while minimizing shortage.
• Prevent shortage.
• Maintain transparency.

Construction garbage:

• Waste generated during construction activities.
• Minimize environment impact through waste management.

Surplus material:

• Excess materials or left over after construction which may not be used for project.

Material management flow chart for mega project

Factors affecting construction site planning:

• Site condition: Terrain, soil type and environmental factors.
• Access: Availability of road and transportation.
• Utilities: Access of water, electricity.
• Safety: Measure of worker safety.
• Cost: Budget influence site design and layout.
• Project scope: Nature and size of construction project.
• Project schedule: Timeline and sequencing activities.

Sample of site layout plan:

Reference:

• Harold Kerzner (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.
• PMI (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – 7th Edition.
• Nebosh, Nepal Engineering Council Syllabus (2024). Engineering Professional Practice Notes.
• Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM).
• Personal Class Notes & Presentations from Nepalese Engineering Institutions.

The post Quality Control and Assurance in Construction appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

• Construction Tools:
  Small hand-held devices used to perform specific tasks (e.g., hammer, trowel, spade).
• Construction Machines:
  Powered devices that perform large-scale tasks efficiently (e.g., excavator, bulldozer).
• Construction Plants:
  Permanent or semi-permanent setups used for production (e.g., concrete batching plant, asphalt plant).
• Construction Equipment:
  A broad term covering both tools and machines used for construction works.
• Purpose:
  To improve work speed, accuracy, and safety in construction projects.
• Benefits:
  Reduces labor effort, increases productivity, and ensures quality.

1.2 Advantage of using construction equipment

• Equipment speed up tasks, saving time and effort.
• Wastage of material is less.
• Reduce manual labor and risk of injuries.
• Delivers high quality results.
• Reduce project duration.
• Large and complex work can be carried easily.
• Reduce labor cost.

1.3 Equipment for excavation, transportation and compaction

Equipment for excavation:

1. Dozer

• Used to move earth and debris.
• Equipment with large front blade for levelling and clearing.

2. Excavator

• Digs, lift and move soil and material.
• Use a bucket attached to a hydraulic arm to do task.

3. Scrappers

• Use to more or removal gravel.

4. Grader

• Loads material like soil, gravel and sand into tracks.
• Equipment with a front bucket for efficient loading.

5. Dragline

• Heavy duty excavator used in deep excavation.
• Utilizes a dragline for digging and hauling.

Equipment for Transportation:

1. Trucks

• Used for transporting construction material.
• Haul material and goods on road.

2. Mini Dumper

• Small vehicle for carrying loads on construction site.
• Suitable for moving materials in confined space.

3. Rail wagons

• Transport goods and material on railway track.
• Efficient for bulk movement over longer distance.

4. Belt conveyor

• Moves material continuously on a belt.
• Used for transporting material within a facility.

5. Ropeway

• Aerial transportation system using cable.
• Transport material across challenging terrain.

Equipment for Compaction:

1. Smooth wheel roller

• Make surface smooth and solid.
• Good for road pavement.

2. Sheep footed roller

• Stamp soil with feet for compactness.
• Works on sticky soil.

3. Vibrating roller

• Shakes to press soil and asphalt.
• Best for sand and asphalt.

4. Pneumatic tired roller

• Compressor with rubber tyre.
• Great for different soil.

5. Rammer

• Hand tool for pressing soil in small areas.
• Useful in tight space.

1.4 Aggregate handling equipment

1. Crushing plants

• A facility that breaks down large rocks into smaller sizes.
• Involves various machine like jaw crusher, cone crusher and impact crusher.

2. Screening plants

• Used to separate different sized material.
• Includes revolving screens and vibrating screens.

1.5 Concrete batching, mixing and compacting equipment

Equipment for concrete batching:

• Manual
• Semi-automatic
• Fully-automatic

Equipment for concrete mixing:

• Tilting type mixer: Suitable for small to medium batches.
• Pan mixer: Suitable for small batches.
• Non-tilting type mixer: Used in large batches.
• Transit mixer: Vehicle transport ready-mixed concrete.

Equipment for concrete compaction:

• Internal vibrator: Remove air bubbles from wet concrete.
• Plate vibrator: Compress soil and concrete.
• Vibrating screen: Separates aggregate in concrete.
• Form vibrator: Ensure even concrete distribution in formwork.
• Concrete roller: Compacts and finish concrete surface.

1.6 Pile foundation construction equipment

• Pile driver: Drives pile into the ground using impact or vibration.
• Drilling rigs: Creates boreholes.
• Auger: Removes soil during drilling for piles.
• Pile extractor: Remove piles from ground.
• Pile load tester: Tests load bearing capacity of piles.

1.7 Equipment for construction of caisson foundation

• Caisson rig: Drilling equipment used for creating caissons.
• Caisson grab: Used to remove soil.
• Caisson pump: Transfer concrete in caisson holes.
• Dewatering pump: Removes water.
• Caisson vibration: Ensure proper compaction.

1.8 Criteria for selection of equipment

• Purpose
• Capacity
• Efficiency
• Cost
• Availability
• Safety
• Operator skill
• Environmental impact
• Maintenance
• Compatibility

1.9 Equipment for lifting of materials and parts

• Crane: Lifts heavy materials and equipment.
• Hoist: Loads vertically using a pulley system.
• Forklift: Lift and moves material on pallets.
• Aerial lift: Lift workers and material up.
• Chain-block: Hand-operated device for lifting heavy load.

2.0 Tunneling Equipment

1. Tunnel boring machine (TBM): Excavates tunnel by drilling and removing soil.

2. Rock drills: Break through hard rock.

3. Ventilation system: Provides fresh air.

2.1 Equipment for hydraulic construction

• Excavator: Dig trench and channel.
• Dredger: Removes sediment.
• Hydraulic hammer: Breaks rock and concrete.
• Water pump: Manage water levels.
• Hydraulic crane: Lifts heavy material.

2.2 Equipment for highway pavement construction

• Paver: Spread asphalt and concrete.
• Roller: Compacts layer.
• Grader: Level the road bed.
• Asphalt distributor: Spray asphalt evenly.
• Road sweeper: Clean debris from road.

Reference:

• Harold Kerzner (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.
• PMI (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – 7th Edition.
• Nebosh, Nepal Engineering Council Syllabus (2024). Engineering Professional Practice Notes.
• Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM).
• Personal Class Notes & Presentations from Nepalese Engineering Institutions.

The post Construction Plant and Equipment in Engineering appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

• Refers to approach or strategy used to carry out tasks and activities in project.
• Method of work execution depends on project nature, resource and objective.

1. Sealed Bidding:

a. International competitive bidding (ICB): Global suppliers compete

b. National/Local competitive bidding (NCB/LCB): Local supplies compete.

2. Sealed Quotation: Supplies provide price for project goods or service.

3. Direct Procurement: Purchasing from a single supplier without competition.

4. Procurement under special circumstances: Non-competitive method for emergencies.

5. Force Account: Project owner’s team perform tasks.

6. Beneficiaries community: Local community involvement in project execution.

1.2 Contract-definition

• Contract is a formal agreement between parties that outlines obligation and rights.

Importance:

• Establish a shared understanding of what is expected from each party.
• Protect interest and right of all parties involved.
• Ensure financial security and business confidence.
• Minimize dispute.
• Provide legal protection.

1.3 Types of construction contract

1. Unit price contract:

• Contractor is paid based on quantities of work at predetermined unit price.

Advantages:

• Flexible for varying work amount.
• Easy to measure work progress.

Disadvantages:

• Final Cost uncertainties.
• Potential for disputes over quantities.

2. Lump sum contract:

• Contractor agrees to a fixed sum for completing the entire project.

Advantages:

• Clear cost and scope.
• Low owner risk.

Disadvantages:

• Limited flexibility for changes.
• Potential dispute over scope changes.

3. Cost plus contract:

• Contractor is paid for actual cost plus a free.

Advantages:

• Transparency in costs.
• Flexible for changes.

Disadvantages:

• Uncertain in final cost.
• Potential for higher expenses.

4. Design and Build Contract:

• Contractor handles both design and construction responsibilities.

Advantages:

• Faster delivery.
• Streamlined process.

Disadvantages:

• Limited owner design control.
• Potential conflict.

5. EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract:

• Contractor handles engineering, procurement and construction.

Advantages:

• Single responsibility.
• Suitable for complex projects.

Disadvantage:

• Higher cost.
• Potential for dispute.

6. BOOT (Build Own Operate Transfer) contract:

• Contractor builds, operate and transfer ownership after a specified period.

Advantages:

• Private financing and operation.
• Risk transferred to contractor.

Disadvantages:

• Limited control for owner.
• Higher cost to end user.

1.4 Tender and tender documents

Tender:

• It is an offer or proposal submitted by a contractor or supplier in response to an invitation to bid for a project.
• Contractor or suppliers compete by providing their best price and terms to win the project contract.

Tender document: (Bidding document)

• It is the detailed instruction and information provided to potential contractors for submitting tenders.
• It includes:
  • Notice of invitation for bids
  • Letter for invitation for bids
  • Project description
  • Instruction to bidders
  • Bid submission requirement
  • Technical specification
  • Contract terms

1.5 Tender notice

• Public announcement issued by an organization or government agency to invite potential contractor suppliers to submit their bids or proposal for a specific project or service.
• Information in Tender notice:
  • Date, time and place of tender
  • Name of authorities inviting tender
  • Nature of work and its location
  • Tender deadline
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Contact details
  • Bid submission information

1.6 Preparation before inviting tender

• Project preparation: Define project need and requirement.
• Estimating quantities: Calculate required materials and resource.
• Cost estimate: Determine the projects overall cost.
• Approval of estimate: Get approval for the cost calculation.
• Resource planning: Plan and allocate necessary resource.
• Tender document preparation: Create detailed tender document with project information.

1.7 Consultant’s/Contractor’s prequalification

• Prequalification is a selection process where potential consultants or contractor are evaluated based on their qualification, experience and financial capacity before being invited to bid for a project.

Matters to be stated in prequalification documents:

• Company information: Name, address, contact and legal status of the consultant/contractor.
  • Experience and track record: Details of past project and relevant work completed.
  • Financial statement: Proof of financial stability and capacity to handle the project.
  • Technical capacities: Description of expertise and available resource.
  • Reference: Client feedback to verify past performance and reputation.

Advantages:

• Ensures qualified and experienced candidate.
• Saves time in evaluating irrelevant proposals.

Disadvantages:

• Reduce competition.
• Increases administrative workload.

1.8 Bid evaluation and selection of a consultant and contractor

Bid Evaluation:

• Process of selecting most suitable and qualified bidder for project based on predefined evaluation criteria.

Steps of Bid Evaluation:

• Opening of Bid: Publicly reveal and record submitted bids.
• Preliminary Examination: Review bids for clear information and meeting basic requirement.
• Prequalification Check: Verify bidder’s qualification and eligibility.
• Detail Evaluation: Evaluate technical and financial aspect of bids using predefined criteria.

1.9 Contract agreement

A written document that explains the terms and condition of an agreement between parties.

2.0 Condition of contract (PPMO and FIDIC)

• The terms and provision that governs the right, obligations and responsibilities of parties in a contractual agreement is called condition of contract.

PPMO (Public Procurement Management Office):

• PPMO is the governing body in Nepal responsible for managing public procurement and setting the contract for government project.
• Aims for transparency, efficiency and fairness in government projects.

FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers):

• FIDIC is an international organization that sets standard condition of contract for construction and engineering projects worldwide.
• Focuses on fair risk allocation and transparency.

2.1 Public Procurement Act and Public Procurement Regulation

Public Procurement Act (PPA):

• It is a legal framework that governs the procurement process for public projects and services.

Objective:

• To ensure transparency, fairness in public procurement.
• To promote completion among bidders.

Feature:

• Provide rules and guideline for public procurement.
• Defines procurement method.

Public Procurement Regulation (PPR):

• It provides detailed guideline and procedure to implement the public procurement act.

Objective:

• To standardized application of procurement practice.

Feature:

• Specifies procurement procedure.
• Bid evaluation.
• Contract management.

2.2 Duties and responsibilities of a site supervisor

Site Engineer:

• A professional engineer responsible for managing and supervising construction activities on site.
• Ensures that the project is executed accordingly to design, quality standard and safety regulation.

Responsibilities of a site supervisor:

1. Quality concerns

• Ensure construction work meets specified quality standards.
• Conduct inspection and check quality and fix any issues.
• Maintain accurate records of quality control measures and improvement.

2. Progress concerns

• Monitor and track daily progress of construction activities on site.
• Report progress to project manager.

3. Cost concerns

• Manage and optimize the use of materials and resource to control costs.
• Keep track of expenses and budget to avoid over spending.

2.3 Supervising work of a contractor

Works followed for supervision of works of a contractor:

1. Progress of work:

• Regular monitoring and supervision.
• Checking schedule periodically.

2. Testing:

• Works, material & equipment.
• Testing as per specification and contract.

3. Regular supervision of works:

• Field supervision.
• Environmental protection, safety of workers.

2.4 Site order book

• A record-keeping book used on construction sites to document various instruction, orders and changes issued by the site supervisor or engineer.
• Helps communicate and track on site decisions to contractor and workers.

2.5 Procedure to prepare bill

• Bills are the claims for payment of work performed.

Steps to make bill for payment in construction project management:

• Keep a record of completed work and resource used.
• Measure the quantities of material and labor.
• Find the cost for each unit of resource used (Rate analysis).
• Calculate individual costs by multiplying quantities with rates.
• Add up all costs for different components (add subtotal).
• Includes additional expenses like taxes or overhead.
• Apply any applicable discounts or taxes.
• Show final bill to client for payment.

2.6 Difference between Running Bill and Final Bill

2.7 Muster roll, Measurement books

Muster Roll:

• Used for keeping a complete record of attendance, payment made, unpaid wages and work done by daily labor.
• It has three parts:

Part I: Detailed information of labor engaged, attendance, rate

Part II: Record of unpaid wages.

Part III: Record of completed works.

Measurement Books:

• Used on construction sites to document the measurement of completed work and resource used.
• Feature:
  • Contains details of work and date.
  • All measurement is recorded in ink.
  • Quantity of work done is recorded.

2.8 Progress reporting

• Regular updates on the status of project tasks.
• Includes completed tasks, milestone reached and challenged encountered.
• Gives information for making adjustment and strategic decision.

Reference:

• Harold Kerzner (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.
• PMI (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – 7th Edition.
• Nebosh, Nepal Engineering Council Syllabus (2024). Engineering Professional Practice Notes.
• Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM).
• Personal Class Notes & Presentations from Nepalese Engineering Institutions.

The post Contract Administration in Construction: Methods, Contracts, Tendering, PPMO, FIDIC, and Site Supervision appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

1.2 Characteristics of project and program

• Temporary: Project have a clear beginning and end.
• Unique: Each project is different and has specific goals.
• Defined scope: Project have clear boundaries and objective.
• Resources: Project requires people, material and tools.
• Goal oriented: Project aim to achieve specific outcomes.
• Cross-functional: Involves people from different area.
• Stakeholder: Involve people with an interest in project.
• Integration: Different task are coordinated together.
• Constraints: Project are limited by time, cost and quality.
• Uncertainty: Project may face risk and unknowns.

1.3 Project life cycle

1. Conceptualization/Formulation phase

• Ideas are brainstormed and evaluated to decide if the project is worth pursuing.
• Rough plans are sketch out to see if the project is feasible.
• Project objective, scope and initial plan are developed.

2. Design and development/Planning phase

• Detailed project plan is created.
• Tasks, timeline and resource are defined.
• Risk analysis and mitigation strategies are developed.
• Project team is assembled and roles are assigned.

3. Execution/Implementation phase

• Actual work on the project begins.
• Project team carries out the planned tasks and activities.
• Project progress is monitored and adjustment are made if needed.

4. Finish/Terminating phase

• Closing phase of project.
• Project is formally closed and resources are released.
• Lessons learned are documented for future improvements.

1.4 Introduction to planning, monitoring and control

• Project planning: Process of defining project goals, creating a detailed roadmap.
• Monitoring: Involves continuously tracking the progress of task and activities.
• Control: Corrective action to keep the project on track.

1.5 Introduction to project planning tools

1. Gantt chart (Bar Chart)

• It is a visual tool that shows the timeline of a projects tasks and activities.
• Use horizontal bars to represent each task and their start and end dates.
• Helps in scheduling, organizing and tracking project progress easily.

Use of Gantt chart for project planning and monitoring:

• Task scheduling: Helps to create a timeline of task.
• Dependencies: Shows which task need others to be done first (predecessor task).
• Resource management: Helps to allocate resource effectively.
• Critical path: Identifies the most critical tasks that could delay whole project.
• Track progress: Helps monitor task completion and overall progress.

Resource planning and leveling by using Gantt chart:

• Resource allocation: Helps to assign task to people and equipment.
• Avoid overloading: Prevent giving too much work to one person.
• Available resource: Show when resource is free to new tasks.
• Balancing workload: Distribute work evenly among team member.
• Resolve conflict: Resolves resource conflict between tasks.

2. Critical path method (CPM)

• Project planning tool used to identify the sequence of tasks that determines project overall duration.

Use of CPM network for project planning and monitoring:

• Identifying critical tasks: Helps to identify critical tasks that directly impacts project duration.
• Efficient schedule: Helps create an optimized and realistic project timeline.
• Early warning: Warns potential delay, allowing timely action.
• Progress tracking: Monitors task completion to keep the project on track.
• Project control: Helps manage and control the project progress effectively.

3. Milestone chart

• It highlights key project events or goals as milestones.
• Visual way to track progress.

4. Linked Bar chart

• Display task as bars linked sequence.
• Shows task duration and dependencies.

5. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

• Uses network diagram to represent task and their interdependencies.
• Helps to identify risk in project.

6. Line of Balance

• Used in projects with repetitive task such as construction.
• Helps to plan and manage work by balancing resources.

1.6 Earned value analysis (EVA)

• EVA measures amount of work in terms of cost and time.
• Helps to predict future project performance based on current trends.
• Shows project performance insight.

1. BCWS (Budgeted cost of work scheduled)

• Planned cost for work scheduled to be completed.
• Shows budgeted value for work.

2. ACWP (Actual cost of work performed)

• Actual cost incurred in completing work to a specific date.
• Shows actual expenses spent on complete work.

3. BCWP (Budgeted cost of work performed)

• Value of the completed work as per the budget.
• Shows planned cost of work that has been successfully finished.

1.7 Time-cost trade off

It is project management strategy where we decide between completing a project faster or saving cost by extending its duration.

1.8 Introduction to cost-control and technique audit

Cost control:

• Process of managing and regulating project expenses.
• Main objective is to ensure project stays within budget and avoid spending.
• Methods involves:

a. Budget monitoring: Track expenses.

b. Variance analysis: Compare actual cost to planned cost.

Technical auditing:

• Examination of project activities and outcomes to ensure they meet quality and technical standard.
• Helps identify issue and improve project.

Reference:

• Harold Kerzner (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.
• PMI (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – 7th Edition.
• Nebosh, Nepal Engineering Council Syllabus (2024). Engineering Professional Practice Notes.
• Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM).
• Personal Class Notes & Presentations from Nepalese Engineering Institutions.

The post Project and Program Management in Engineering appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

Level of conflict:

• Intrapersonal: Conflict within oneself due to difference in goal, role and personal value.
• Interpersonal: Conflict between individual or small groups.
• Intragroup: Conflict between larger group or team.
• Intergroup: Conflict between two or more organizations.
• International: Conflict between countries.

Sources of conflict:

• Miscommunication: Confusion and misunderstandings in conversation.
• Difference in values: Disagreement due to different belief or principles.
• Limited resource: Conflicts over scare things like money or time.
• Role ambiguity: Unclear expectation about roles and responsibilities.
• Personality clashes: Dispute arising from different personalities and styles.

1.2 Conflict resolution method

• Avoidance: Ignoring the issue and conflicts.
• Diffusion: Using humor to ease tension or defuse into multiple sector.
• Containment: Managing emotion to prevent escalation.
• Confrontation: Addressing the conflict directly.
• Conciliation: Bringing a neutral person to help parties agree.
• Mediation: A mediator helps parties find middle ground.
• Arbitration: A neutral person decides the solution.
• Litigation: Taking the conflicts to court for a decision.

1.3 Dispute resolution method

• Adjudication: An experts decide the outcome and both parties must follow it.
• Arbitration: A neutral person hears both sides and make decision like a judge  but outside a court.

1.4 Difference between conflict and dispute

References:

• Giddens, A. (2009). Sociology. Polity Press.
• Kumar, A. (2014). Engineering Ethics and Human Values. Laxmi Publications.
• Schaefer, R.T. (2018). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Manual of Engineering Professional Practice (Nepal Engineering Council)

The post Conflict and Dispute Management in Engineering appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

• Nepal follows a federal democratic system based on 2015 A.D. constitution.
• Nepal’s legal system is based on a combination of customary law, religious practices and modern legal principles.
• The Muluki Ain (Civic code) governs civil matters like contracts, property and family relation.
• There is separation of power in government i.e. Legislative, Executive and Judiciary.
• Court includes Supreme Court, High Court and District Court.

1.2 Essentials of a valid contract

Valid contract is a legally accepted agreement between parties that follows all the necessary rules, regulation and requirements.

• Offer and Acceptance: One part purposes (offer) terms and other agrees (accept).
• Intention to create legal relations: Both parties to be legally bound.
• Lawful consideration: There must be something of value exchanged between parties.
• Capacity: Both parties must have the legal ability to enter into a contract.
• Free consent: Agreement are made without pressure, fraud or mistake.

1.3 Difference between Void and Voidable contracts

1.4 Significance of a contract

• Agreement Clarity: Clearly defines terms, reducing confusion.
• Legal Binding: Creates enforceable obligations between parties.
• Dispute Prevention: Minimize conflicts by setting clear expectations.
• Business Assurance: Supports secure transactions and deals.
• Responsibility: Holds parties accountable for their commitments.
• Protection: Safe guard interest and rights of parties.
• Proof: Provide written evidence of agreement.

1.5 Factors to be considered in preparing a contract document

• Use simple and precise language to avoid misunderstandings.
• Clearly define scope of work.
• Enlist terms and condition which includes payment terms, deadlines and other condition.
• Define duties of each party involved.
• Address the protection of sensitive information.
• Specify which law governs the contract.
• Allow for future changes if needed.

1.6 Interpretation of contractual clauses

• It involves understanding and explain the meaning of specific term and provision within a contract.
• Ensure clarity to everyone about their right and duties.
• Prevents dispute and misunderstanding.

`1.7 Duties and Liabilities of designers and professionals

Duties of designer and professionals:

• Provide service with skillful work.
• Be truthful and transparent in all deal.
• Prioritize client needs and interest.
• Follow law and regulation relevant to profession.
• Keep client information private.

Liabilities of designers and professionals:

• Responsible for their mistake or error.
• May face legal action for professional misconduct.
• Responsible for damages caused by their negligence.
• Professional reputation can suffer due to poor work.
• Liable for compensating clients for losses due to professional mistake.

1.8 Conditions for establishment of professional negligence

1. Duty:

• Professionals have a duty to perform their task with care.
• Provide certain standard of service.

2. Breach:

• Professional failed to meet the expected standard of service.

3. Proximity cause:

• Professional action directly cause harm or impact the service.

4. Damage:

• Harmed party suffered losses due to the professional’s actions.

1.9 Types of Business Enterprises

1. Sole proprietorship:

• Owned and operated by one person.
• Owner makes all decisions and takes all profit.
• Owner is responsible for debt and losses.

2. Partnership:

• Managed and owned by two or more individual.
• Owners share decision making and profits.
• Partner share debts and responsibilities.

3. Limited company:

• Exits as a separate legal entity from its owners.
• Owner’s personal assets are protected from business debts.
• Ownership divided into shares held by shareholders.

2.0 Intellectual property right

1. Copyright:

• Idea protection.
• Safeguard original creation.
• Gives creator control over reproduction, distribution and public display.
• Lasts for creator’s lifetime plus a specific period.

2. Patent:

• Invention protection.
• Secure new and useful invention.
• Grants exclusive rights to use, make or sell the invention.
• Usually last around 20 years.

3. Design:

• Visual protection.
• Covers the appearance of products like shapes.
• Grants protection against copying the design visual aspects.
• Last for several years.

4. Trademarks:

• Brand protection.
• Protects symbol, name that disguise products or service.
• Helps consumers recognize and trust a specific brand.
• Can be renewed timely as its in use.

References:

• Giddens, A. (2009). Sociology. Polity Press.
• Kumar, A. (2014). Engineering Ethics and Human Values. Laxmi Publications.
• Schaefer, R.T. (2018). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Manual of Engineering Professional Practice (Nepal Engineering Council)

The post Legal Aspects of Professional Engineering in Nepal appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

• Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) oversees the regulation and licensing of engineering professionals.
• Engineers must obtain a license from NEC to practice engineering in Nepal.
• NEC sets education criteria in universities.
• Engineers are bounded by code of ethics that emphasizes professional integrity, responsibility and safety.
• Nepal Engineering Association (NEA) is an organization that supports and represent engineers in Nepal.
• NEA raises awareness about the importance of well-regulated engineering practice.
• NEA provides opportunities for engineers to learn and improve their skill.

1.2 Objective of NEC and its License Provision

Objective:

• To ensure that engineer work with skill, integrity and professionalism.
• To prepare policies, plan and program for smooth functioning of engineering profession.
• To grant permission and approval to carry out engineering education.
• To facilities international recognition of Nepalese engineering qualification.
• To collaborate with industries and institution to enhance engineering practice.

License Provision:

• Licensing ensures that only qualified and competent engineers are allowed to practice.
• Educational qualification is verified before granting license.

Enhances trust in engineering service among public.

1.3 Different between NEC and NEA

1.4 Codes of ethics and guideline for profession engineering practice

• Discipline and honesty
• Politeness and confidentiality
• Non-discrimination
• Professional work
• Personal responsibility
• State, Name, Designation and Registration Number
• No publicity or Advertisement causing unnecessary effect

1.5 Roles of professional organizations in induction of new entrants into the profession

• Provide guidance and mentorship to newcomers.
• Help build connection with experienced professionals for learning and support.
• Offers workshop, seminars and training program to enhance skill.
• Share job opportunities.
• Provide certification to proof their skill.

1.6 Upgrading and maintain the professionals and technical competence of member of professional associations

• Training program
• Continuous learning
• Skill enhancement
• Industry updates
• Certification
• Networking
• Mentorship
• Professional journals

1.7 Providing technical expertise to public authorities in developing policies, acts, standard, project implementation procedures and international agreement and negotiation

• Helping authorities create better rules and guideline.
• Defining quality benchmarks for projects.
• Assisting in negotiations with other countries.
• Sharing knowledge to support decision.
• Participating in discussion for global agreement.

1.8 Ensuring occupational health, safety and general welfare of the public

• Creating rules for safe working condition.
• Offering guidance on health and safety measures.
• Advocating for law that protect workers and public.
• Providing education to prevent accident.
• Preparing for unexpected situation i.e emergency planning.

1.9 Role of professional societies in environmental protection

• Guidelines
• Education
• Research
• Advocacy
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Awareness

References:

• Giddens, A. (2009). Sociology. Polity Press.
• Kumar, A. (2014). Engineering Ethics and Human Values. Laxmi Publications.
• Schaefer, R.T. (2018). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Manual of Engineering Professional Practice (Nepal Engineering Council)

The post Roles of Professional Organizations in Regulation and Professional Development appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

Moral:

• It is a personal sense of right and wrong that guides individual behavior based on values.

Ethics:

• It is a shared principles of right and wrong that helps groups or professions make decisions.

Professionalism:

• Behaving responsibly and ethically in one’s field of work.

1.2 Characteristics of ethical decision making

1. Consideration of consequence: Evaluating potential outcomes of choices.
2. Fairness: Treating all parties equally.
3. Transparency: Making decision openly and honestly.
4. Respect for others: Recognizing the rights and dignity of individual.
5. Honesty: Providing accurate information and truthfulness.
6. Accountability: Taking responsibility for choices and action.
7. Long term view: Considering sustainable decision.

1.3 Liability of engineers in design, construction and implementation of projects

 Liability is a legal responsibility for actions or outcomes.

Sources of liability:

1. Liabilities due to contract:

• Breaking agreement made.
• Not keeping promises.

2. Liabilities due to criminal law:

• Committing criminal activity.
• Engaging in illegal activities can result in legal liability.

3. Liabilities due to tort:

• Causing harm or injury to others.
• Negligence or intentional harm leading to legal liability.

Types of Liability:

1. Vicarious Liability:

• Being responsible for someone else’s actions.
• If your employee does something wrong at work you are also responsible.

Test to ascertain degree of vicarious liability:

• Control test: To check if the person who caused harm was directed by other parties.
• Business integration test: To check if the person causing harm was closely connected to the liable party’s business.
• Multiple test: Both control and business factor.

2. Partnership Liability:

Sharing responsibility in a business group.

1.4 Loss of professionalism

Causes:

• Lack of respect
• Poor communication
• Dishonesty
• Lack of accountability
• Unethical action

1.5 Ethical issue in professional engineering in dealing with other professions

• Accounting: Providing false financial information.
• Banking: Misusing private client data.
• Law: Offering biased or incorrect legal advice.
• Journalism: Giving inaccurate technical information to media.
• Management: Sacrificing safety for quicker profit.

References:

• Giddens, A. (2009). Sociology. Polity Press.
• Kumar, A. (2014). Engineering Ethics and Human Values. Laxmi Publications.
• Schaefer, R.T. (2018). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Manual of Engineering Professional Practice (Nepal Engineering Council)

The post Ethics and Professionalism in Engineering appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.

A society refers to a group of individual who share common values, norms and interactions within a specific geographical or social boundary.

Types of Society:

1. Tribal Society:

• People live in small groups close to nature.
• Usually rely on hunting, gathering or simple farming.
• Strong sense of community and shared traditions.

2. Agrarian Society:

• People live in village or small town.
• Mainly depends on farming for pond and resource.
• Society is centered around agriculture and land ownership.

3. Industrial Society:

• People live in large cities and urban areas.
• People have various job beyond farming.
• Society focuses on production, industry and urban living.

Essential elements of society:

• Culture: Shared beliefs, value, custom, language and tradition.
• Social norms: Social rules on how we act and talk with each other.
• Social institution: Organized structure like family, education, religion and government.
• Economic system: Resource are produced, distributed and consumed.
• Communication: Exchange information through language and technology.
• Political system: Governance, laws and decision.
• Social hierarchy: Important people based on status, power and wealth.

1.2 Factors and classical theories of social change

Factors causing social change:

• Technology advancement
• Economic change
• Cultural shifts
• Political movement
• Environmental factors
• Demographic change
• Education and media
• Health advanced
• Conflicts and wars

Classical theories of social change:

1. Cyclical:

• Society goes through repetitive cycle of change, returning to similar pattern over time.
• Example: Season Change.

2. Evolution:

• Society progress and develop over time, moving towards more complex and advanced forms.
• Example: Hunting-gathering groups to advanced industrial societies.

3. Functional:

• Change happen to maintain balance and harmony in society, fulfilling necessary function.
• Example: Economic changes ensures enough resources to all people.

4. Conflict:

• Change is driven by conflicts and struggle between different groups varying interest.
• Example: Labor strikes leading to better working condition.

1.3 Impacts and Consequences of technology on socio-economic parameters

1.4 Effects of major technological development

1.5 Roles of engineers in society

• To tackle real world challenge and find solution.
• Create new technologies, product and system.
• Create plans and blueprints of building and products.
• Ensure structure and technologies are safe to use.
• Develop eco-friendly solution and reduce impact.
• Explore new possibilities and improve existing technologies.
• Shape the future by creating and advancing technology.
• Promote sustainable development.

References:

• Giddens, A. (2009). Sociology. Polity Press.
• Kumar, A. (2014). Engineering Ethics and Human Values. Laxmi Publications.
• Schaefer, R.T. (2018). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Manual of Engineering Professional Practice (Nepal Engineering Council)

The post Society and Technology in Engineering appeared first on OnlineEngineeringNotes.