Project Management Planning and Control Techniques Model

Question: Discuss about the Project Management for Planning and Control Techniques Model. Answer: Introduction The current projects are large, complex, and risky. Project management plays a significant role towards an organizations success. Project methodologies are models used by managers in the designing, planning, implementation, and achievement of project goals. Project methodologies have strategic, tactical, and operational benefits to an organization (Burke, 2013, p. 100). Queensland Rail Limited operates in Australia and is registered for undertaking business by the corporation's act of 2001. The essay will be based on the engineering and construction domain where Queensland Rail Limited is involved. In the engineering and construction field, tenders are given where interested parties apply to enter into the construction contracts. In this case, the open tender is about upgrading of the switchboard at the rail center 1 and the necessary security on the same offered as stated in the amended clauses. Project management methodologies lead to improved project performance and improved quality of standards (Heldman, 2015, p. 76). From this case study, choosing the most appropriate project management methodology makes a construction project flow. The case incorporates various technicalities of procurement and contracting sides when it comes to budgeting and execution. The management of Queensland Rail Limited needs to work with personal demands of the constructors, community, and other stakeholders to ensure that their project succeed. The purpose of this essay is to help students generate skills in the content and compilation of a contract, give learners an opportunity to consider the role of methodology for efficient work procedures, and enable learners to enhance their analysis of case studies with written communication skills. The essay will adequately demonstrate the methods used in Queensland Rail Limited case and its importance in project management. General Overview of Contract Terms From this case study, the major building and construction contract conditions of tendering include various parties. The agreement is entered into between the contractor and the winning bidder. The contractor refers to the entity contracting to execute the works while the tenderer is the entity submitting a tender. For the deal to occur, the principal (Queensland Rail Limited is involved as per the practices described in the tender documents. As per the methodology used by the contractor, all tenders which do not comply with the tender documents are rejected (Kerzner, 2013, p. 40). For the principal to access the tender and capability of the tenderer in completing the tenders satisfactorily, all bids are required to be accompanied with enough details and descriptions. Based on the Australian INR, all raw applications submitted to Queensland will be evaluated by best value for money. Other considerations conducted before awarding the construction tender include time to complete the wor k, tender price, history of the tenderer, quality assurance compliance, and full ownership costs. Construction Laws Change and complexity significantly affect Queensland Rail Limited (QRL) setting, and this prompts the management to be competitive, customer-oriented cost saving, and productive. The implementation of effective strategies is paramount to the success of QRL when it comes to tenders. The tender processes portrayed in this case illustrates the science of project management. To make contracts viable, the principal has amended the construction requirement laws in that under any circumstance that a tender is entered into by two contractees, they shall share the liabilities and obligations of the contract jointly (Meredith and Mantel Jr, 2011, p. 120). In this case, the project management methodology for the principal defines "bill of quantities" as the document that states the estimated amounts of the contract. All the works are carried out in business days and that whenever the principal has not paid the tenderer in time, he or she should file a payment claim hereof. Tender Openings The tender opportunities for QRL are advertised publicly and privately. Unlike the private domain, in public domain, the tenderers visit the company's openings of bids to get the verbal advice of the offer prices. The principal usually disclosed to the unsuccessful bidders the tendered price and name of the successful tenderer. The bids are required to be either variable or fixed as stated in the Annexure (Hong and Kwon, 2012, p. 455). Furthermore, the company's procurement act requires that only two forms of contracts will be acceptable, Lump sum or Schedule of rates and the partly lump sum or somewhat schedule of rates. Whenever the contract tendered is a lump sum or slightly lump sum, every tenderer is required to quote a price which shall complete the contract to satisfy the principal. Where the contract to be started is a schedule of rates or partly schedule of rates, the tenderers should state their prices deemed sufficient to complete the contract with tender documents and for the satisfaction of the principal (Potts and Ankrah, 2014, p. 50). In both cases, the principal, Queensland Rail Limited requires all tenderers to state the total price arrived at after summing up all the itemized amounts. Tendering Process Under this project methodology, QRL follows a project management lifecycle from initiation to closure, and this cycle enables managers in coming up with the administration processes and best practices (Porwal and Hewage, 2013, p. 210). In this tender case, the principal uses this process assignment across all tenders before giving a bid to the winning bidder. Initiation From this case, project initiation is conducted to sponsor the competitive bidding process and ensure a precise ongoing project governance. This phase plays a critical role in the management since all stakeholders in the contract are given a substantial head start of securing the tender success (Lou and Alshawi, 2010, p. 106). During the initiation stage, the principal (QRL), agrees to the project's goal while the contractor and tenderers explain why they need to be part of the project. All the potential risks are identified, proper time frames are established, and definition of efficient communication lines between the tenderers and the principle gets established. Planning Construction planning remains to be a significant and challenging operation in the management and establishment of construction projects. This involves the precise creation of tender tasks, definition of the needed resources, and the estimated time duration required for the execution of procurement contract (Lou and Alshawi, 2010, p. 100). In this case study, the construction tender requires valuable organizational decisions in the analysis of the competitive bidding process and the implications it has to Queensland in the long run. The management has ensured accurate record keeping as far as tender budgets information is concerned. Executing This requires the introduction of the project execution plan (PEP) which states the policies and procedures outlined by the principle (QRL) for the project sponsor's approval. In our case study for Queensland, there are terms indicated in the contract as per what the parties should do to ensure that the objectives and goals of the agreement gets met. The tender documents for subcontract assignments comprise all contract terms applicable and issued by the principle in the specification (Sodhi Son, and Tang, 2012, p. 5). The terms require that all services layout provided in the tender program shall be taken reasonably precise for the particular offer. From this case, the manager is required to post requests for pre-qualified architects to bid on the work available. Based on the fees and submission of necessary documents, tenders are awarded. Monitoring and controlling The monitoring and control of the procurement process start with planning and ends with the project closure. This case study shows that the management use cost engineering, cost control, and forecasting as the primary tools for monitoring the tender process. The management involves contractors, tenderers, and the principle in the analysis of project processes and tools used in planning so as to come up with mitigative strategies of minimizing risks and delay claims (Petkova, 2009, p. 220). By the use of project management manual tools and techniques, the project manager in QRL can manage budget updates, project safety, risk management, schedule updates, and communication with all stakeholders appropriately. Closing From the findings in the case, the closure of the tender process in a construction contract is not a straightforward process. The closure of a project remains as relevant to project management just as its initiation. The end of the project makes an organization cease from consuming unnecessary resources. In this case, the termination of the procurement contract between the tenderer and the principal arises only when one party violates both specific and general conditions of the contract (Kelly, Male, and Graham, 2014, p. 90). Based on the contractor's investigations, interpretations, information, deductions, and determinations about the contractees inability to enter into a contract leads to final closure of the tender. Tender Documents The contract documents for the subcontract to be given by the tenderer comprise the terms and conditions of the tender applicable to it as provided by Queensland and its specifications. All sections of this specification need to be studied about all other sections and requirements in the contract documentation (Verzuh, 2015, p. 99). All the conditions of the contract are issued by the principal with time specifications of the tender in addition to the conditions portrayed in the specification. For example, for drawing 9208.2/E1- whose title is rail center 1 new primary switchborad=schematic arrangement implies that the service layout is taken as significantly accurate for tender purposes only. Any other measurement and relevant information in undertaking all work portions are obtained from the job site before beginning the construction works. Scope of Work by the Contractor The contractor in the tender is responsible for the supply and installation of switch appliances, labor, cartage, tools, plant, fixings, and support systems for the work. From the case, in the opinion of the principle, when neither the drawings nor the specifications mention minor items which are deemed to be reasonable and necessary before the superintendent, it is satisfactory to terminate the work (Winch, 2010, p. 80). For example, the work to be conducted by the contractor includes alteration of the existing ATS panel of QTL, certify work before possible closure, supply and install new active power regulators, and tests all done work for defects validity confirmation. Pre and Post Tender Requirements From this case, all pre and post tender requirements get in force only when they do not conflict with any other terms of work issued by the principle during the tender time. The contractor is required to be well familiarized with tender site inspection to plan for tenderers the opportunity to inspect and document the condition of construction site Doloi, Iyer, and Sawhney, 2011, p. 690). The contractor should have carefully examined all documents of the contract and the location at the time of tender to gain extra information necessary to complete the project. Further, this project's methodology requires that the work is undertaken in a manner that conforms to the program submitted by the contractor. For example, the application must define the full details of the staging of the works as well as the proposed data delivery of new APR to the work sites. Conforming and Alternative Tenders The principal requires the tenderers to lodge with hum alternative bid except where options are not allowed by the contract for the part of works (Mohemad, 2010, p. 2000). In the annexure, Queensland Rail Limited require all tenderers to include a separate section in tenders that indicates compliance with the clause. The bidder may submit an alternative tender where a significant variation from the specification is proposed. Tender Withdrawal The terms and conditions of the contract state that tenders are withdrawable at a particular time before closure of bids by notice in writing to the principal (Fewings, 2013, p.66). These proposals will be set aside for unopened collection by the tenderer after signing for the tenders even before the award of the contract. Conclusion For project management to be successful, various tender processes are significant. Successful projects have clearly defined objectives, precise management process, and a proven set procurement tools. Project methodology carries both strengths and weaknesses. The administration should follow the most suitable project methodology so as to reap the maximum benefits. Suitable methods enable procurement managers design, plan, and implement their project's goals efficiently. Therefore, managers should employ the most appropriate project methodology that caters to the needs of the project being undertaken as per the industry domain. References Burke, R., 2013. Project management: planning and control techniques.New Jersey, USA. Doloi, H., Iyer, K.C. and Sawhney, A., 2011. Structural equation model for assessing impacts of contractor's performance on project success.International Journal of Project Management,29(6), pp.687-695. 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