what is a qs job

A QS job refers to a Quantity Surveyor job. Quantity Surveyors are professionals who play a crucial role in the construction industry. They are responsible for managing the costs and financial aspects of a construction project. Their main tasks include estimating project costs, preparing tender documents, conducting cost analysis, and monitoring project expenses. QS professionals also ensure that projects are completed within budget and provide advice on cost-effective solutions. They possess strong analytical and negotiation skills, as well as a deep understanding of construction materials and methods. A QS job offers a challenging and rewarding career path for those interested in the construction industry.

Is project manager higher than PMO?

The PM team consists of project managers who oversee individual projects and adhere to the specified constraints within a business. Their role involves managing the project objectives set by project sponsors and other stakeholders on a day-to-day basis.

On the other hand, the PMO is a comprehensive team responsible for enterprise-level planning methodologies, risk management, resource management, and other support functions. Unlike project managers, the PMO does not directly manage projects but provides support to project managers once a project is in progress. The PMO is an integral part of the project management team within the organization.

One key distinction between PM and general management is that PM operates within a defined timeline for project completion.

For more insights into the PMO and PM profession, we invite you to continue reading our blogs. Stay updated on the latest APM qualification training dates and access free PM resources by following us on our social media channels. Don’t forget to sign up for blog alerts.

What is the hard skill of quantity surveyor?

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Summary of Quantity Surveyor Skills
Below, you will find the most crucial skills for a quantity surveyor. We have ranked these skills based on the percentage of quantity surveyor resumes that include them. For instance, 178 out of the quantity surveyor resumes featured construction projects as a skill.

The most prevalent hard skill for a quantity surveyor is construction projects, which appears on 178 resumes.
The second most common hard skill for a quantity surveyor is QS, which is mentioned on 117 resumes. The third most common skill is cost estimates, appearing on 61 resumes.
Three common soft skills for a quantity surveyor are communication skills, attention to detail, and physical stamina.
Most Common Quantity Surveyor Skill
Construction Projects – 178

What is weakness as a quantity surveyor?

Tax Refund Policy

This research article, published in the Journal of Engineering Design and Technology, aims to analyze the survival of the quantity surveying profession. The researchers conducted a SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the profession based on the experiences of professional consultants. The positivist paradigm was used, and quantitative research in the form of questionnaires was chosen. A random sampling method was employed, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS. The sample consisted of 58 quantity surveyors selected from the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

What is a QS graduate?

As a graduate quantity surveyor, your responsibilities will encompass various tasks on each project. These tasks revolve around the following core functions:

1. Contracts and procurement: Your duties will involve documenting and tracking changes to the contract and determining the associated costs. The time spent on this can vary, ranging from a week for an interim valuation to a few hours each day for updating a list of modifications.

2. Measurement: Measuring construction progress on-site entails recording advancements and valuing the work based on agreed contract rates. The duration of this process depends on the project’s size; for instance, measuring brickwork can take anywhere from an afternoon to a full day, including subsequent calculations in the office.

3. Cost forecasting: As part of pricing, you will forecast the final costs of projects or individual contracts within a project. This entails reviewing tender documents and contract modifications to calculate the ultimate payable amount. The time required for this calculation can range from two to three days, depending on the number of packages involved and the desired level of accuracy. For projects nearing completion, precision becomes crucial.

4. Monitoring profit and loss: Another aspect of pricing involves compiling monthly reports to track project progress. This includes recording incurred costs, projecting future expenses, summarizing cash flow, monitoring risks, and reporting factors that may impact profitability.

5. Liaising with clients: Attending meetings with clients and providing advice on commercial matters will be necessary. Throughout a project, you will likely meet with the client on a weekly or fortnightly basis, with each meeting lasting between one and three hours.

Is a QS an engineer?

Civil engineering has a significant impact on society, encompassing various professions such as structural, geotechnical, environmental, water resources, construction management, and transportation engineering. Additionally, the field of quantity surveying combines engineering, construction, and economics.

Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in managing the costs of a construction project. They ensure that the project stays within its projected budget. Alternative job titles for quantity surveyors include cost consultant, commercial manager, cost manager, and cost engineer.

The tasks performed by quantity surveyors vary depending on whether they are working on the design or construction stage of a project. This also depends on whether they are employed by a consultancy firm, which focuses on the design stage, or a contractor responsible for building the project. Their responsibilities may include:

– Pricing and forecasting the cost of materials required for the project.
– Preparing tender documents, contracts, budgets, bills of quantities, and other necessary documentation.
– Tracking changes to the design or construction work and adjusting budget projections accordingly.
– Procuring or agreeing to the services of contractors and subcontractors involved in the construction.
– Measuring and valuing the work done on-site.
– Managing payments to subcontractors.
– Collaborating with clients and other construction professionals, such as site managers, project managers, and site engineers.
– Selecting and sourcing construction materials.
– Writing reports.

To become a qualified quantity surveyor, individuals should complete a suitable pre-university program and then enroll in institutions offering a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying. This degree typically takes around three and a half years to complete, with some programs including a semester of industrial training or an internship. In the first year, students learn the fundamentals of the construction industry, including subjects like measurement and site surveying. They also gain proficiency in using software tools like BuildSoft and Masterbuild, which are valuable for project costing. Other subjects covered in a Quantity Surveying degree include project management and construction law.

After obtaining a degree, aspiring quantity surveyors must register with the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). They then need to secure employment supervised by the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) for a period of two years. Following this, individuals must pass a professional interview and exam administered by BQSM and RISM. Only those who successfully complete these requirements will be recognized as Registered Quantity Surveyors in Malaysia.

Conclusion

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a Quantity Surveyor (QS) is not necessarily an engineer, although they may possess engineering knowledge and skills. The hard skills required for a QS include cost estimation, contract management, and financial analysis. These skills are essential for ensuring the successful completion of construction projects within budget and time constraints.

However, like any profession, there are weaknesses that a Quantity Surveyor may face. One weakness is the potential for inaccuracies in cost estimation, which can lead to budget overruns. Additionally, the reliance on data and calculations may limit the creativity and flexibility of a QS in finding innovative solutions to project challenges. It is important for Quantity Surveyors to continuously update their skills and stay abreast of industry trends to overcome these weaknesses.

A QS graduate is an individual who has completed a degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying. They have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the field of construction cost management. With a strong foundation in cost estimation, contract administration, and project management, QS graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the success of construction projects.

Regarding the comparison between a Project Manager and a PMO (Project Management Office), it is important to note that these roles serve different functions within an organization. A Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of a specific project. They are accountable for managing resources, timelines, and budgets to ensure project success.

On the other hand, a PMO is a centralized department or team that provides support and guidance to Project Managers. They establish project management methodologies, standards, and best practices, and may also provide training and resources to enhance project management capabilities within an organization. While a Project Manager is focused on the execution of a single project, a PMO operates at a higher level, providing strategic oversight and coordination across multiple projects.

In conclusion, both roles are crucial in ensuring effective project delivery, but they serve different purposes within an organization. A Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a specific project, while a PMO provides support and guidance to enhance project management practices across the organization.