Managing Projects

Question 1

What are the stages of the RIBA Plan of Work?

Answer 1

Stage 0: Strategic Outline
Stage 1: Preparation/Brief
Stage 2: Concept Design
Stage 3: Spatial Coordination
Stage 4: Technical Design
Stage 5: Construction
Stage 6: Handover
Stage 7: In Use

Question 2

What are the risks of poor communication in stakeholder engagement, and how can these be managed using formal tools?

Answer 2

Risks include misaligned expectations, delays, and disputes.

Tools like RACI matrices, project brief templates, and stakeholder registers ensure clarity and consistency in messaging.

Question 3

How would you test whether a brief adequately addresses client objectives in utility-led projects?

Answer 3

Cross-reference against the client’s business case, stakeholder map, programme, and risk register.

Validate through early design reviews and risk modelling—e.g., overlay HV layouts on phasing plans.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a RACI matrix and how does it improve team performance?

Answer 4

RACI = Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed. It clarifies roles and prevents duplication or oversight—crucial for cross-discipline infrastructure teams.

Question 5

Explain how poor change control can undermine project success, with a utility example.

Answer 5

Untracked changes can impact critical path or budget—e.g., unauthorised manhole adjustment leads to redesign, delay, and claims.

Use version control and combined services drawings to manage.

Question 6

How does demand forecasting influence resource planning in SMEs?

Answer 6

Forecasting helps match staff capacity to project demand.

Inaccurate forecasts risk under- or over-staffing, affecting profitability and delivery.

Question 7

What are the four stages of risk management?

Answer 7

Identification
Assessment
Response
Review