A TECHNICAL REPORT ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

[SIWES]

AT

BOL SPACES CONSULTS, KATSINA STATE

BY
 
SULAIIMAN YUSUF SADA
EES/16/QSV/00275

SUBMITTED TO
DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING
FACULTY OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
BAYERO UNIVERSITY KANO
KANO STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE COURSE

JUNE, 2018
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

SIWES was established by ITF 1971 to solve the problem of lack of adequate practical skills preparatory for
employment in industries by Nigerian graduate of tertiary institution. The scheme exposes students to industry
based skills necessary for a smooth transition from classroom to the world of work. It afford student of tertiary
institution the opportunity of being familiar and exposed to the needed experience in handling machinery and
equipment which are usually not available in the educational institutions.
The student industrial works experience scheme is part of the required course to accomplish by a student
of higher institution for acquiring Diploma and Degree certificate in specific disciplines in most institution of
higher learning in the country, in accordance with the educational policy of government.
 OBJECTIVES OF THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEME

a) To provide students with industrial skills and needed experience while the course of
study.
b) To create conditions and circumstances, which can be as close as possible to the actual
work flow.
c) To prepare specialist who will be ready for any working situations immediately after
graduation.
d) To teach students the technique and methods of working with facilities and equipment
that may not be available within the walls of an educational institution.
e) To give students the ability to try and apply the given knowledge.
 CHAPTER TWO
BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANISATION
NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT: BOLD SPACES CONSULTS Ltd.
BOLD SPACES Ltd is a multidisciplinary consulting firm that deals
with design, construction and facility management of any building
magnitudes. The firm was registered with corporate Affairs commission
having registration number: BN 987431. The firm’s main objective is
providing excellent construction techniques and services in the Nigerian
Building Construction industry among others.
Furthermore the firm is a collection of different individuals talents
harmonized together with the aim of producing excellent designers’
products of verities of field of studies, ranging from Architectural,
Engineering, Interior Deco, Town Planning, Landscaping and Building
Construction capabilities among others
 AREAS OF ENGAGEMENT
Quantity surveying and project management consultancy.
POJECTS THAT I PATRICIPATED IN DURING THE COURSE
 
SITE A
Location : Layout WTC road opp. NIPCON fuel station
Project title : Residential Development

Project requirements

• The development should be one building that can be separated into two separate and fully functional
residences, each having an individual and strong sense of entry.
• Both residences to have open plan living spaces and a kitchenette, dining and lounge area - opening
out onto a sun drenched outside living space
• Parking for 3 cars
• The two dwellings will have a communal meeting place (e.g. large kitchen/living)
• Spaces need to be: (1) bright and well ventilated & (2) sunny, warm and inviting in winter and
shaded, cool and protected in summer
• Both dwellings internal living spaces must interact easily with external Environment.
• All spaces need to multifunctional and not oversized
• The home will be modern in style - materials, roofs and proportions, but modern in internal finishes
• The windows and doors will be an integral part of both dwellings, using Proper glassing as required.
• The home's design in its entirety will have a 'classic' and 'nurturing' feel
SITE B
Location : Usman Dan fodio Juma’at mosque opp. New Government House, Modoji katsina.
Project title; REHABLITATION AND UPGRADING OF USMAN DAN FODIO JUMA'AT MOSQUE
Project requirements
 The scope include the construction of 1 no. female mosque, 4 no. Toilets and ablution units.
 includes the conversion, arrangement or rearrangement of existing spaces or the expansion of facilities or buildings.
 Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques e.g. (minerat) or examples of craftsmanship that
characterize the property will be preserved.
 New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the
essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT
 CHAPTER THREE
EXPERIENCE GAINED
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
VARIATIONS
COST MONITORING AND CONTOL
RISKS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
VALUE ENGINEEING
HUMAN RESOURCE MANGEMENT
 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Contract administration involves all activities related to the monitoring of suppliers, contractors and service providers’
performance in the fulfillment of their contractual obligations, and to ensure appropriate actions are taken to promptly remedy any
deficiencies observed in contract implementation, scope or terms and conditions.
The procuring entity would usually appoint staff members or, preferably a team of qualified individuals, to take the responsibility
of administering the contract. It is the responsibility of the Contract Administrator to perform the obligations and duties of the
procuring entity specified in the contract and to ensure the suppliers, contractors and service providers implement the contract in
accordance with its terms and conditions. Nonetheless, the supplier, contractor or services provider, has the primary responsibility
to ensure that the goods, works or services meet the required standards and to advise on the need for any changes as a result of
constraints faced during contract implementation
Contract Administration generally concludes with a final inspection and acceptance of the goods, works or services prior to the
completion date or termination of the contract. The inspection and verification, prior to acceptance, should ensure as a minimum
that:

The correct quantity has been received,

The goods, works or services meet the technical standards defined in the contract,

Any variations to the contract are well documented and accounted for,

The goods, works or services have been delivered or completed on time, or that any

delay has been noted and appropriate actions taken as indicated in the contract, and
All required manuals or documentation have been received

The contract implementation phase is very important because it is where the results of the procurement process are obtained and
the requesting entity is in a position to finally receive the expected benefits of their procurement request. Without contract award
and effective contract implementation, the objectives for initiating the procurement process cannot be attained. The supplier,
contractor or service provider has the responsibility of performing the contract in accordance with its terms and conditions to meet
all the technical and quality standards. The procuring entity also has the responsibility of complying with the terms and conditions
of the contract; especially the obligation of ensuring payments are made on time.
From the above explanations we can say that the student has been involved in some of the contract administration activities, e.g.,
progress reports, inspections, monitoring scope etc.
 VARIATIONS
Variations under the contract are changes to the scope of the work or conditions under which the
work is carried out to the extent that terms in the contract provide for such changes.
JCT 05 defines variation as alteration or modification of the design, quality or Quantity of the
works as shown upon the contract drawings and described by on referred to in contract bills
including
Addition, Omission or substitution of the works
Alteration of the kind of standard of any material or goods to be used
Removal from the site of any works executed, materials or goods that are not in accordance with
the contract
Alteration to Obligations and restrictions imposed on the contractor
Variation in cost of reinforcement works (high yield bas) as against the original bill for the site A
project (proposed Rehabilitation and upgrading usman dan fodio juma’at mosque)

Based on the projects I participated in, there was ;

Variation in cost of reinforcement works (high yield bars) as against the original bill for the site A
project (proposed Rehabilitation and upgrading usman dan fodio juma’at mosque)
 
So also there was Alteration /omission to the front façade of the proposed residential
development (Building A) , among others.
 COST CONTROL
Cost control is the process of controlling deviations from estimated project costs and
monitoring risks and contingencies associated with changes. Overruns in particular cost
categories signal the possibility of problems and give an indication of exactly what
problems are being encountered.  As a result of cost management application we were able
to identify a significant cost overrun as regards to the reinforcement works rate which was
N330 ( baseline estimate) in the authorized B. O. Q while the actual cost of executing the
works deviated by additional N29/kg (difference), valued at N359. The cause of the cost
overrun is related to Deficiencies and inaccuracies in estimates among others. One
of the preventive measures is to have effective cost planning and have adequate financial
provision.
COST MONITORING
Cost monitoring aspect tracks expenditure being incurred in executing a project, compares
it with budgeted expenditure, identify variances, reason for variances and recommend
possible control measures. Due to the application of cost monitoring and control the
variance and overruns explained in this report were being identified, the quality of estimate
(initial) determined (e.g. found out to be with error) . At site B, during my IT there was a
variation (addition) to the original scope of the project (rehabilitation and extension works
subjected to a lot of variations) by introducing a ground beam (see picture below) as result
of Poor ground conditions , the ground beam span b/w the columns at the steps
and those at the perimeter of the main building to overcome failure and support
the slab that will be casted on top. The introduction of the ground beam as a variation
also impact on the cost of the project. The factors that enhance this effective monitoring
includes regular meetings on development of the project and presence of
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
 VALUE ENGINEERING
Essentially, VE is a systematic approach to eliminate any unnecessary cost of an item that
does not add to its required function. It does not simply reduce cost by using cheaper
substitutes or lesser quantities. Instead, its methodology centers on the following questions:
What must it do? What alternative material or method can perform the same function equally
well? This is function analysis: the principal component in VE. Thus, in a construction project,
VE involves analyzing the functional requirements of components, subsystems, and even
construction methods. The other aspects of VE are cost and worth. Total cost is the
objective to be minimized in any value engineering exercise, while worth represents
the minimum costs to achieve the required functions. Worth forms the means for generating
alternatives and serves as the baseline against which various alternatives can be compared.
Any reduction in unnecessary cost represents the savings achieved.
Methodology
The formal approach for value engineering is often referred to as the job plan. The VE job
plan comprises several phases. Generally, although there are possible variations, the
following five form the essence of the job plans.
1.Information phase — Getting the facts
2.Speculation phase — Brainstorming for alternatives
3.Analysis phase — Evaluating the alternatives
4.Development phase — Developing the program
5.Recommendation phase — Selling the recommendations.
As in the case of the ground beam, when we apply value engineering, we figure out at the
analysis stage that it’s safe and economically feasible to approve the ground beam rather
than introduce another alternative. The criteria considered are includes cost, safety in installation, time
and ease of installation, durability against further differential settlement, and safe materials.

concept of constructability arises from the recognition that construction is not merely a production
function that is separated from engineering design, but their integration can result in significant savings
and better project performance. Construction input in design can resolve many design related
difficulties during construction, such as those arising from access restrictions and incompatible design
and construction.
 Human resource management in construction

Human resource management (HRM) is the process of managing people within an

organization. In construction, HRM is primarily concerned with ensuring that a project has
sufficient human resources, with the correct skill-sets and experience, for the project to be
successfully completed.
Some of the aspects of the human resources management introduced was the workforce planning,
communication, among others.

Workforce Planning.
workforce challenge the industry faces is the shortage of skilled construction labor that’s now occurring.
A recent World Economic Forum report warns how troublesome coming employment trends might
prove: the continuing volatility of workforce demand and composition; the scarcity of skilled labor,
driven by demographic shifts; and the demand for new and broader skill sets at all levels, driven by
surging technology. The workforce may work long hours,claim high travel expenses, have different
nationalities and working cultures, and so on Recruitment and selection of temporary and permanent
staff as required..
The labor shortage delays projects and drives up prices, which hurts every sector of the industry—from
high-rise developers to home builders.

Communicating with employees.
Communication is an essential skill in every industry. In construction, it is especially important since the
stakes on a worksite can be higher than they are in a boardroom or behind a desk. In fact, one in every
Some of the most important communication skills in construction include:
 Writing clearly
 Drawing clearly
 Avoiding jargon
 Taking accurate measurements
 Active listening
 Managing employee payroll.

Bold Space consults has a clear chain of command and use technology to their advantage e.g. using
drones and WhatsApp group e. t. c amongst others to improve Communication.
 RISK
The volatility and capriciousness of the environment in the construction industry was never hidden from anyone. It’s easily
influenced by external factors (technical, design, logistics, physical, operating, environmental, socio-political, force majeure et
cetera) which are capable of not only derailing projects but can also create an irreparable aberration.
. The type of risk being exposed to was the construction related risk were there was a case of a collapsed substructure wall which
was identified by expert opinion as a result of not backfilling the external face of the masonry wall whilst filling to make up level
was underway, thus, the earth pressure coupled with the hydrostatic pressure of the earth force the wall to crack. See definition
below.
Construction-related risks
Failure of logistics, labor disputes, design changes, labor productivity, rush bidding, time-gap for revision of drawings, shoddy
work quality due to time constraints et cetera comprise the construction-related risks.
Risk management process is nothing but a series of steps that help identify and migrate the risks for the successful closure of a
project. If done correctly and sincerely, construction risk management will reduce not only the likelihood of an event occurring,
but also the magnitude of its impact.
In the simplest terms, Risk management process is taking preemptive actions to avoid and minimize any kind of jeopardy to a
project in future.
Other risk inherent in the construction Project include Financial risk, socio-political risk and Environmental risk
 
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I benefited a lot During the field attachment in a way that the student managed to apply the theoretical knowledge
from the university into practice through the many activities/tasks/assignments and guidance by the supervisors.
The student improved the skills and widen his horizon in subject areas of the profession such as
Measurement, Estimating, Cost control and monitoring, contract administration,project management
etc. so also, the interpersonal skills, acting freely around people, accounting, recording, time
management, organizational skills to mention but a few.
Finally, the I.T was interesting and therefore the student would encourage the SIWES organization and
the Universities to continue giving students this opportunity to do their academic requirement of SIWES
from their organization.
RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1.2 To the Organization
 Facilitation; The management of Bold Spaces Consults should buy more facilities such as computers,
vehicles so as to enable smooth running of the company’s activities and respond to the dynamic
competition environment. So asked Health and Safety issues regarding workplace and employees
should one of the priorities in the firm as this will enhance efficient project delivery.
 More opportunities to students to do I.T in their organization; The student would also recommend the
Organization to continue giving I. T placements to as many students as they can because some miss
this experience which is also important requirement of the University due to the fact that they failed to
get placements.
 Allowances, the organization should improve Their payment system to employees /workers.
Therefore, the student recommends the Organization to put that in to action in order to motivate
students and boost their productivity levels in performing their tasks during the field attachment.
 Job enlargement. The management of Bold spaces consults should also carry out job enlargement and
enrichment such that it mitigates the conflict amongst employees for roles and tasks. This will ensure
good industrial relations between the supervisors and subordinates at the organization.
4.1.3 To the university,
 Constant supervision of students, the student recommends the university to carry out constant
supervision and monitoring of students during the internship training so as to encourage them to
perform the duties fully and also accurately. This will also put a close link between the academic
supervisors and the field supervisors so as to foster appropriate assessment of what the interns are
doing in the field.
 Secure I. T placements for students. The University should help students to secure internship
positions according to their respective programs undertaken at the University through giving students
recommendations in order to ease their training periods and also avoid the ache gotten by students in
search of internship placements
 Should continue with internship program, this is because it helps to prepare the students for their
careers in future and also enable the students to practice the theoretical knowledge obtained during
class be exercised practically. It also helps to develop students understanding of work ethics,
employment demands, responsibilities, opportunities and learn how to cope with the real world.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION
Name : SULAIMAN YUSU SADA
Reg No: EES/16/QSV/00275
QTS4621: Student Industrial Working Experience
Scheme( SIWES. )