Project Planning, Supervision and Resource Management
Project Planning, Supervision and Resource Management
This domain tests the supervisory side of electrical contracting: planning and sequencing the work, managing labour and interfaces, and discharging CDM 2015 duties on site.
Planning tools
A work breakdown structure defines packages; a Gantt chart shows dependencies; critical path analysis identifies total float; resource levelling smooths labour peaks; procurement lead times for boards, switchgear and luminaires drive the early programme; isolation and shutdown dates must be agreed with the client well in advance.
Supervision and CDM
Under CDM 2015 the client, principal designer, principal contractor and contractors each hold distinct duties. The construction phase plan and site-specific risk assessments and method statements must exist before work starts. Supervision means checking competence, permits and toolbox talks, inspecting first-fix quality, and keeping site diaries, inspection records and change control.
Worked example
The distribution board delivery slips by five days. The board installation activity has a four-day duration and two days of total float before containment second fix must start. A five-day slip exceeds the float by three days, so completion moves by three days unless recovered. Recovery options: split the delivery and install a smaller board first, resequence second fix into areas still fed from an existing board, or add a second gang. Only options that genuinely change the critical path recover time.
Traps
Confusing free float with total float; assuming a delay to any non-critical activity delays completion; accepting verbal changes without written instruction; omitting as-built records and O&M manuals from the handover plan.