OUTSTANDING TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

TECHNICAL SKILLS NATIONAL PROGRAMME Project Based Learning Transport Planning Level 3

Created by: Solihull College & University Centre

Managed by In partnership with

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Group or Individual Project

New Town

Transport and Sustainability

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Contents Introduction to the project 3 Aims 3 Learning outcomes 3 Unit content 4 Learning outcomes & Assessment criteria 5 Scenario 6 Key Skills & Marketing 6 -7 Suggesting Reading for Marketing & Plan of the site 7 Merit and Distinction Possibilities 8 Example of Merit: Programme: Final Presentation 9 Ten Steps to achieve successful group work 10 - 11 Scheme of Works 13 - 18 Submission Format 19 Final design / Project File & Evaluation 20

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Introduction to the project

Project abstract

This project will develop learners’ skills in terms of the evaluation and resolution of realistic

practical problems and the ability to work as part of a team and/or individually and may be run

as a whole or part of the overall scheme. This project also enables the application of

knowledge, understanding and skills developed in other learning modules, and where possible

experiences from work. In addition it is designed to bring together small groups of learners into

teams so that they can coordinate their individual skills and abilities. The programme of work

should give individual learners an opportunity to take responsibility for their contribution to the

outcome, and demonstrate their ability to work as part of a team. The brief will include an

agreed timescale, within defined constraints, with the team working towards an acceptable and

viable solution to the agreed brief. Learners will also develop skills to carry out evaluations of

the project and be able to present solutions.

Project Introduction Design a new town using modern sustainable methods focusing on modes of transport.

The site (shown in diagram A page 7) is situated as follows:

Historically it has been used for industry and is now considered ‘brownfield’. It is bounded by an A road,

an existing rail line and a cycle track. An existing river bisects the site, but meanders towards the

southern end. At times of heavy rain this floods, and causes debris to build up alongside the railway

bridge.

There are two grade 2 buildings on the site that need to be retained.

The site is 3 miles from the major city centre (which has a railway station on the same rail line as

passes the site). The site has typical traffic congestion problems, particularly during 07:30-09:00 and

16:00-18:00.

The project is to make a design for the site suitable for 10,000 residents and 4,000 employees using

the most up to date modern sustainable methods. Please make the site as accessible as possible to as

wide a range of society as possible. Be inventive and bold.

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Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

Project content 1 Be able to devise a project scope and programme of work

Group roles and activities: team roles and responsibilities; record keeping processes e.g.

logbook and team meeting minutes; assessment criteria

Specification: client brief; technical and non-technical specifications (materials and

components); constraints (environmental, sustainability, operational, cost, time); legislation,

standards and codes of practice; quality control; health and safety Initial proposals:

brainstorming; sketches; appraisal and review e.g. modes of transport materials,

sustainability, environment, cost.

2 Be able to implement the programme of work

Developmental stage: field data; geotechnical information; statistical data; drawings and

graphical displays; calculations; costing; feasibility analysis; risk and impact assessments;

method statements

Documentary evidence: logbook entries; team meeting minutes.

3 Be able to evaluate the group or individual projects

Evaluation: initial proposal; final proposals; conclusions; suggestions for improvement; key

decisions; group dynamics.

4 Be able to present the project

Format and content of project: reports; calculations; costing; drawings; method statements;

risk assessments; data; product and component specifications; minutes of meetings;

correspondence; logbooks

Presentation of project: preparation, documentation; suitable format; media appropriate to

format; target audience and delivery

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Assessment Criteria

Assessment will take place formally as follows: -

1. Group evaluation - Presentation of your company (Marketing)

2. Group evaluation - Feasibility Stage

3. Individual evaluation – Merit (M1) & Distinction grade (D2)

4. Group evaluation – Final Presentation

5. Group evaluation – Final Project

Scenario

Working in groups you will create a Consultancy Company. Your company (appropriate name)

has been invited to attend a meeting with the Owner of the site outlined on the aerial

photograph – Tutor’s name (who for the purposes of this project will be the Client)

Your Company has dedicated a Project Design Team made up of:-

1. Project Manager – who will lead the project

2. Estimator / Finance

3. Designer

4. Health and safety / Technician

Each of the group will take one of the above roles.

Your first company task will be to prepare an agenda for a meeting relating to the areas you

wish to address in the clients brief. The idea is to extract all the information (Clients wishes)

you need to be able to produce a feasibility study for your transport solution package which will

include: -

Management of company image, branding and marketing

Site investigation – Desk study; Site walkover and Intrusive survey

Environmental impact study

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Costings and initial programme - Benchmarking

Health and Safety – Risk assessments

Equality and Diversity – DDA

Drawings – Plans and sections of proposed scheme

Ideas for Value Engineering – Green statement

Site layout and logistics

Your Company should produce records of project development in the form of log books; reports;

minutes of project meetings and team meetings; calculations initial drawings and designs. Your

documentary evidence should show how the project was evaluated against the other forms of

construction (either steel frame or reinforced concrete) and design (spiral or split level designs)

and will be part of the final evaluation report.

Note: - The Client will require a formal meeting once per month to discuss design progress and budgets.

Key skills

The following key skills will be developed whilst undertaking the Group Project Module:

• Problem solving

• Relating theories to practice

• Presentation skills

• Group and individual working

Marketing – Consultancy Company

Your company has relatively little experience of marketing, but in order to keep up with

competitors you must develop expertise in this area.

Each of your groups represents a different Consultancy Company. You are all competing for

the design and build contract.

From analysing your internal skills of your team, your external environment and competitors,

you will create a strong company profile highlighting your expertise and edge over your

competitors.

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You will present your company to the prospective client - accurately matching your skills and

expertise to the challenges of the project. This will be in the form of a formal presentation and

the production of some Company literature (Brochure).

In order to complete this task you will research examples of Best Practice of construction

companies and you will use the project brief to understand the challenges of the project.

At all stages, consider the question “What is important to the Client?” Target your presentation

as a selling exercise. Each presentation will last 10 minutes and all groups are required to

attend every presentation.

Suggested reading

Preece, C. and S. Male (1997). “Promotional Literature for Competitive Advantage in UK

Construction Firms.” Construction Management and Economics. Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 59-69.

CIOB (1993) Marketing and the Construction Client, CIOB Englemere

Preece, C. Moodley, K and Smith, P. (2003) Construction Business Development, Meeting

New Challenges and Seeking Opportunities. Elsevier, London

Plan of the site

Diagram A

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Merit & Distinction Suggestions: - Identify the main risks to the success of your project; please provide mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce these risks. Cycling is less than 5% of the total communities, what ideas would you employ to increase this percentage, sight examples where possible. How would an aging population affect the sustainability of your project? Councils have less or no money to maintain schemes, how would your scheme be funded in the future. Taking your ideas prepare a build programme and justify the sustainability from a limited budget. Milton Keynes, would you say this New Town is sustainable? Please provide case studies to justify your conclusions. If Electricity was free, how would this affect the sustainability of your site? How does your plan for the site promote accessibility for all? The secondary school / college that student living within the site is 2 miles north-east of the site. Design a travel plan for these students. How will this plan be implemented? The city that this site is located near is implementing a clean air zone, research how these are implemented, defined, ….. (Perhaps indicate a case study / guidance?)

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Below is an example of how these would be set out stating if this was an individual project or a team project

Evaluation of sustainable construction methods (M1) (individual project) Sustainability and use of renewable technologies is becoming increasingly important in

construction. Evaluate one of the various options available for moving towards low or zero

carbon construction in non-domestic buildings.

Discuss which methods are potentially more economical and those which may be used more

as a method of promoting a sustainable image. The discussion must be based on authoritative

work. Make use of research reports and academic publications to support your argument.

Also consider where energy performance ratings and display energy certificates of buildings fit

in the drive towards low carbon buildings. (Maximum 800 words) No limitation on Drawings

The Programme The programme must be realistic – avoid being too optimistic with durations and production

outputs. Manufacturer’s information normally provides information relating to continuous

outputs, they do not normally allow for joints, integration with other products, stop-start working

patterns caused by welfare breaks, inclement weather, changes in workforce, craning, etc.

It is normally possible to remotely monitor work on a real site to see how long or how quick

operations are performed. If you remotely monitor site activities you will become more aware

of working practice. Apply these to your own programme. Make sure you are aware of the

seasons in which the subcontracting packages are being undertaken and the affect that they

have on production, durations and working practice.

Final Presentation The date and venue of Presentations to be arranged.

All groups are required to attend every presentation.

Each presentation will last 20 minutes and comprise:

20 minute presentation

5 minutes for questions from the audience and handover to next group

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In order to keep to the programme and to ensure fairness and equality it is vital that each

group starts its presentation on time and does not over-run. It is each group's

responsibility to ensure this and no over-runs will be permitted.

10 Steps to achieve successful group work 1. Establish lines of communication – discuss preferred option of communication (email, text, blogs, paper). 2. Establish group roles – allocate the roles of chairperson and secretary amongst the group, individuals will assume responsibility for these roles for the duration of a project. 3. Develop a group charter – produce a document recording the responsibilities of individual/group members, and get each member to sign! 4. Aims and objectives – discuss and document individual and group objectives, record these on the charter. Circulate the charter between team members ensuring clarification of group/individual objectives.

10. Performance review – evaluate the processes used, explore improvements, highlight

weaknesses to group members.

5. Agendas – group secretary should compile meeting agendas and circulate to all attendees.

6. Personal Preparation – read all associated material, study meeting agendas, prepare notes on agenda topics.

7. Conduct meeting – sort out administration, confirm the past, deal with the current issues on the agenda, deal with the last minute issues, plan for next meeting.

8. 1-2-1 sessions – aid weaker group members by conducting individual sessions.

9. Minutes – produce minutes of the conducted meeting, document the actions, and submit request for agenda items.

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Guideline- Ten steps towards achieving successful team work

Establishing lines of communication: This is achieved by exchanging contact details

between group members such as name, email address, phone numbers and any other

information you may want to disclose. The benefit of this is to make sure everybody can

get in touch with each other.

Establishing roles: This involves delegation of roles in the team, perhaps by the use of

Belbin’s Team Roles. These include roles such as chair and secretary, etc. This benefits

the group by giving people responsibility and by organising the team.

Charter: A charter is a means of creating common rules and expectations set out by the

group. It should be signed by all members. By creating a charter the team has a standard

of which to work to. It is also a good way to discipline members without feeling like you’re

the ogre! People can’t complain because it’s all down on paper.

Aims and objectives: The team must now identify their aims and objectives of the particular

project. These should be discussed between everyone so that there is a common set of

aims and goals between members. This should help prevent people working toward

unclear goals.

Agenda: Agendas should be made and issued to the appropriate people in good time for

every meeting the group has. An agenda outlines the purpose of the meeting and the

points that will be covered. It should also contain a breakdown of the previous meeting. By

making agendas you are adding structure to your meetings and giving them direction.

Personally prepare for meetings: Coming to meetings prepared is key. Each team member

should have looked at the agenda for the meeting and researched key areas if needed.

Each member must also have completed the actions set. By coming prepared meetings

should take half the time and be doubly effective.

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Conducting meetings: The next step is to actually conduct the meeting. If all the previous

steps have been followed then the meeting should go well. The chair must make sure all

the points are addressed and that the team does not stray onto other points until the end.

1-2-1 session: It is clear that certain people do not like talking to certain others. Therefore,

to combat this, the team should arrange one-to-one meetings between each other. By

doing this you are ensuring that you are getting the most, in terms of ideas, out of the team.

Minutes: Minutes should be written up by the meeting secretary straight after a meeting to

be issued to the attendees. This document will include a breakdown of the main points that

arose a long with an action list of what needs to be done by members. By creating minutes

you are keeping people aware of the work at hand as well as maintaining a ‘diary’ of the

project.

Performance review: After the project has taken place it is useful to carry out a

performance review. This involves looking at what parts went well as well as the parts that

went not so well. By creating this documentation you have something on which to improve

on for next time.

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Milestones for the Sustainable Project 1 – Initial Meeting – Week 1-3

Preparation of the Agenda

Questions asked – Are these the right areas and of sufficient quality to enable the development

of a project.

Did all member contribute

How professional was the meeting conducted.

2 – Marketing Presentation – Week 5

Quality and detail of their Brochure

Presentation

Did everyone contribute?

Subjects covered

The organisation

Health and safety

Environmental issues

What makes them the best?

Timings

Quality of the presentation overall

3 – Innovative ideas – Feasibility Study – Week 10

Innovative ideas

Practicality

Benefits savings of cost or energy

Fundamental goals achieved

Benefits (Cost or Health)

Reduction of CO2

Economic growth

Social Inclusion

4 – Final Presentation – Week 16

Development of the idea / feasibility study

Reflection / improvement

Presentation – Overall

Reflection / improvement

Presentation – Overall / Media used

Contribution by team

Timings

5- Merit and Distinction work (Individual and Group) assessment – Week 15

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LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING – Scheme of Work

Faculty: Course: Sustainable transport / Construction

Course Code: Class No.

Day: Time:

Curriculum Manager:

Lecturer:

Unit / Module: Sustainable Project

Week & Lesson

Ref.

Summary of contents by session / module / unit

Student Activity Resources Assignments / Phase tests / Homework

Learner Outcomes Key Skills

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Introduction to the project (general) Formation of teams; deciding the Company name. General ideas / areas of interest. Preparation of Agenda for the Client meeting. Preparation of a list of questions to ensure the brief is known.

Group work communications working with others planning the work ahead Preparation of Agenda

Hand out of module 1 – Introduction to project 2 – Self- analysis of teams and Roles taken individually

Project brief

1. Understanding of the Project and task ahead, including the grading criteria. Completion of proposed agenda to send to the client, with an invitation asking for a meeting

lecture group work self -learning

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Hold initial Client meeting with individual companies. Introduction to Site investigation material Risk assessment Inform students of hazards. DDA Site Visit Collate information and record log of decisions made.

Working as a group

Plan of proposed Site PP Presentation Site Investigation HO of site investigation sheet Computers Record Logs

Take minutes

Collate information from initial meeting. Form a programme of works and document logs. Understanding of Site Investigation

lecture group work/discussion

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General discussion of what is required to produce a feasibility study. Power Point Presentations on the types of sustainable transport; sustainable travel; sustainable materials / buildings. New town prospects.

Initial meeting with Client to gather information based on questions raised from the Site Visit. Collate data and start the process of feasibility studies

Computers Meeting Room Record Logs

Collect and collate data sufficient to start the feasibility study Working on the desktop study for the feasibility student Working on the programme of works Preparation of marketing materials for the ‘sales’ pitch to the client. Includes researching existing sites. Checking notes and logs of meetings to date.

lecture self-learning group work/discussion problem solving

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Recap on Clients Briefing and individual information / clarification meeting with companies. Regarding the way forward and what is next. Preparation of Marketing Presentation

Form a company name and prepare a brochure and marketing strategy for presentation

Computers Consultant advise Library

Send minutes

Generate many ideas, “out of the box” thinking Ideas in whatever format they are in (rough work) Preparation of Marketing materials e.g. broachers of initial ideas, slide deck etc. Minutes of meeting sent to Client for approval

self-learning group work/discussion problem solving

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Giving the 10 minuet marketing presentation, and providing notes and logs of meetings to date. Preparation of site plan. Feedback on presentation Work on individual Merit and Distinction questions

Marketing Presentation and Feedback.

Presentation aids Computer Room Reference Library

Marketing presentations and feedback Report on progress of the company since the last meeting and report on all outstanding issues Work on individual Merit and Distinction questions

self-learning group work/discussion problem solving

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Issue environmental study forms. Waste management plans Risk register Ask for 3-4 options for the site

Preparation of options

Computer Room Reference Library

A plan for each of the 3 – 4 options, along with some advantages / disadvantages of each (very high level) – then submitted to the client for comment.

self-learning group work/discussion problem solving

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Progress meeting with the companies to establish progress and give feedback to the 3-4 options submitted Presentation of Health and Safety – CDM regulations. Risk assessment how to complete a risk assessment Issue Utility Plans POSSIBLE HAZARD INTRODUCED Issue letter from the environment Agency regarding Japanese Knot Weed found on site what the consequences of this letter are.

Preparation of options Investigate the effect of Japanese Knot weed. How is it removed

Power Point Presentation Computer Room Reference Library

After the client’s feedback on each of the options (with possible verbal discussion for clarity), teams should have two ‘goers’ to progress (or have two variations on a options as suggested by the client). Weigh the scheme against the 5 objectives of::-

Cost Feasibility Environmental sustainability Benefits – economic and other Accessibility

Log of discussions, and careful document of decisions. E.g. assumptions of people’s work for economic benefits. Or cost assumptions. Take minutes of the meeting

self-learning group work/discussion problem solving

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Checklist of things that should be included in the feasibility study This could be given as a Proforma list to be completed.

Preparation of options

Computer Room Reference Library

Continue on weighing the different schemes / options, and start to make a formal document Document decision process including above assumptions log, which gives details of the weighing up of the different options. Check the minutes and send to the client for approval

lecture

self-learning

team work/discussion

problem solving

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Preparation of Agenda for a progress meeting. Progress Meetings Held with each company to log the progress Recommend option following the information received

Preparation of the feasibility Study

Computer Room Reference Library

Report on progress of the company since the last meeting and report on all outstanding issues Client meeting to discuss which single option to take forward. Team sent away with a feasibility outline to read, and understand the purpose of. – Can raise questions at this stage Take minutes

self-learning

group work/discussion

problem solving

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Hold progress meeting with companies for an option. Recommend option following the information received. Add any amendment to the option required.

Presentation of file for interim assessment

Computer Room Reference Library

Submit options

with justification

Begin a feasibility study on the agreed option. Any questions about the feasibility study requirements. Take minutes Work on individual Merit and Distinction questions

self-learning

group work/discussion

problem solving

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Final works to the preferred option if this proves not feasible there is time to change to another option. Feedback and report on outstanding issues to be completed

Meeting held to receive feedback – take note and prepare an action plan.

Computer Room Reference Library

Send Minutes of meeting

Understand the feedback and preparation of an action plan as necessary. Send minuets of the progress meeting for approval

self-learning

group work/discussion

problem solving

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Group and individual work to achieve merit and Distinction grades. Companies behind have the next two weeks to catch up. This could be due to illness or absence of team members. Those on track may work on individual Merit and Distinction questions. Agenda for progress meeting

Group work communications working with others

Work in companies White board Computers

Students are working towards completion of reports and are at different stages and therefore require different advice. Prepare for next week progress meetings

lecture group work

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Progress meeting with companies. Tutor to give advice and review student work ‘one to one’ and in groups as required. Working towards the final presentations Work on individual Merit and Distinction questions

Class participation and discussion: communications working with others Work in class using computers

Computer Room Access to Computers

Work continues in developing the Project to completion. Preparation of the final presentation Work on individual Merit and Distinction questions. Take minutes

lecture self-learning group work/discussion

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Ensure all learning outcomes are met, working with groups at different levels Review and preparation of presentation

Preparation of presentation Record logs up to date Health and safety Plan to be presented for the Merit criteria

Computers Library research Camera High Visibility Vests Clipboard Visit to site

Working towards Presentation Presentation techniques Review file and prepare the agenda for next week

self-learning group work/discussion problem solving

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Working towards the final presentations Review and preparation of presentation

Work in class using computers and reference Library to complete the Project goals.

O/H projector and presentation aids

Submit Merit

and distinction work

1. Ensure all logs and

records are up to date. 2. Submission of M&D work

Check slides for presentation

Complete Assignment 2 criteria

lecture group work

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Presentation of final project. Each company to present their ideas and design to win the contract Review with Judging panel

Presentation to Lecturers

OH Projectors and presentation aids

Present design project using different forms of communication. All members to contribute. Presentations to be 20 mins with 5 mins of questions

self-learning group work/discussion problem solving

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Feedback and prize giving to winning Company

Understand feedback and complete outstanding work

Computers and Library

Referral and Review of the course

Complete the review of the Project. Reflection log, what went well, what didn’t? What could be done better next time

Individual and group work to review the course

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Submission format:

You should submit your assignment in the form of formal reports; diagrams;

photographs; structural calculations, computer print outs and technical drawings

All reports must be neatly formatted. Where appropriate, include the following

within the structure of your report:

Contents Page,

Introduction/ Abstract,

Main body of Work

Appendices

Bibliography / References

All references must be acknowledged you must demonstrate your understanding

and interpretation of the information.

Produce a final design and Project File

The following is indicative of the work to be submitted. Please note this checklist is not exhaustive:

Final design package – in the form of a specification and technical drawings

Final programme for the delivery of the works (Microsoft Project or similar)

Risk Assessment

Health and Safety Plan

Environmental Management Plan

Detailed Cost estimate (prepared with CESMM or similar)

Structural Calculations

Other: Models, Artists Impressions, computer models the use of computer

techniques showing how you have reached your final scheme.

All work is to be submitted in a Project File.

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In a report evaluate your final proposal.

Evaluation

Your report must include:

Justifications of key decisions made showing how you have reached your final

scheme

Benefit/Cost Analysis of construction time and loss of revenue

Sensitivity analysis of your costs (i.e. benchmark your project against similar

projects)

Further recommendations/opportunities for your Client.