Why this course?

Description

Course Description

Democratic Republic of the Congo Construction Quantity Surveying Practices Online Course for Civil Engineers and Construction Professionals

Construction activity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expanding across housing, commercial buildings, public infrastructure, mining support facilities, and institutional projects. With this growth comes a strong demand for professionals who can control quantities, costs, contracts, and payments accurately. This course is designed to build solid, practical quantity surveying skills that match ground realities in DR Congo projects.

Unlike generic learning that focuses only on theory, this course is structured around how construction actually happens on Congolese sites. It explains how quantities are measured, how rates are built, how costs are tracked, how contracts are administered, and how payments are certified, all while considering local materials, labour conditions, equipment usage, and project delivery practices.

The course follows the natural life cycle of a construction project, starting from understanding the local industry environment and ending with final account settlement and career growth. Each module connects directly with day-to-day responsibilities faced by civil engineers, quantity surveyors, and architects.

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Module 1: Overview of Construction Industry in DR Congo

This module sets the foundation by explaining how the construction sector operates in DR Congo. Learners gain clarity on the structure of the industry, including government bodies, private developers, contractors, consultants, and suppliers. It explains how public projects differ from private developments in terms of approvals, funding, execution style, and payment mechanisms. Common project delivery methods used in DR Congo are discussed so professionals understand how responsibilities are distributed across different project types.

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Module 2: Role of Quantity Surveyor in DR Congo Projects

This module defines the practical role of a quantity surveyor throughout the project lifecycle. It covers responsibilities during design stages such as quantity checking and cost planning, as well as during construction stages such as billing, variation valuation, and cost control. Emphasis is placed on coordination with civil engineers, architects, contractors, and site teams. Ethical duties, transparency, and professional conduct are explained with respect to local working conditions.

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Module 3: Understanding Local Construction Drawings

Accurate quantity work starts with correct interpretation of drawings. This module teaches how to read architectural drawings, understand structural drawings, and get a basic overview of service drawings for estimation purposes. Learners understand dimensions, levels, sections, and notes commonly used in DR Congo projects, and how drawing discrepancies can affect quantities and costs.

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Module 4: Measurement Principles Used in DR Congo

This module explains the basic principles followed while measuring construction work. It covers standard measurement practices, commonly used units, conventions, and acceptable tolerances. Typical site-level measurement mistakes are highlighted so professionals can avoid costly errors during quantity take-off and billing.

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Module 5: Quantity Take-Off Techniques

Here, learners develop strong skills in manual quantity extraction. The module explains how to follow a logical measurement sequence for buildings, ensuring no items are missed or double-counted. Techniques for cross-checking quantities are explained so estimates and bills remain accurate and defensible.

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Module 6: Building Materials Used in DR Congo

Construction materials play a major role in cost planning. This module discusses commonly used local materials, their specifications, and typical applications. Imported materials and their cost impact are also explained. Practical guidance is provided on material wastage, storage, handling, and how these factors affect quantity surveying decisions.

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Module 7: Labour Productivity and Site Output

This module focuses on labour, which is one of the most sensitive cost components. Learners understand local labour categories, skill levels, and site roles. Productivity norms under Congo working conditions are discussed, along with methods for calculating labour costs realistically rather than theoretically.

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Module 8: Construction Equipment and Plant Costs

This module explains equipment usage on construction sites, including common machines used in DR Congo projects. It compares ownership versus rental decisions and explains how fuel, maintenance, idle time, and breakdowns affect project costs. This knowledge helps in preparing realistic rates and monitoring site expenses.

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Module 9: Rate Analysis for Building Works

Rate analysis is the backbone of quantity surveying. This module breaks down the structure of rate analysis into materials, labour, and equipment components. It explains how overheads and profit are considered, keeping local market conditions in mind. Learners gain confidence in building and reviewing rates logically.

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Module 10: Bill of Quantities Preparation

This module explains how to prepare clear and professional bills of quantities. Learners understand proper BOQ structure, item descriptions, sequencing, and grouping. Common BOQ preparation mistakes are discussed so learners can produce documents that reduce disputes and confusion during execution.

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Module 11: Tendering Process in DR Congo

Tendering practices are explained from a practical point of view. This module covers tender documents, eligibility requirements, prequalification procedures, and bid submission processes. Basic tender evaluation principles are discussed so professionals understand how bids are compared and awarded.

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Module 12: Contract Types Used in DR Congo

Different projects use different contract arrangements. This module explains lump sum contracts, item rate contracts, and contracts where design and construction responsibilities are combined. The risk distribution under each contract type is discussed in simple terms.

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Module 13: Construction Contracts and Clauses

This module focuses on key contract clauses that affect payments, time, and disputes. Learners understand payment terms, milestone-based payments, time extensions, penalties, and basic dispute-related clauses. The aim is to help professionals read contracts with clarity and confidence.

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Module 14: Cost Control During Construction

Cost control is critical once construction begins. This module explains practical budget tracking methods, monitoring of site expenditure, and early identification of cost overruns. Learners understand how timely reporting helps management take corrective actions.

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Module 15: Interim Valuation and Billing

This module explains how running bills are prepared and measured on site. The certification and approval process is explained clearly. Common payment delay issues and how they are handled in real projects are discussed so professionals are better prepared.

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Module 16: Variations and Change Management

Changes are common in construction. This module teaches how to identify variations, measure additional works, and value them fairly. Proper documentation and approval procedures are explained to ensure variations are accepted without unnecessary disputes.

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Module 17: Claims and Dispute Handling

This module focuses on claims arising due to delays, changes, and contractual issues. Learners understand common causes of claims, required supporting documents, and practical approaches to negotiation and settlement within professional boundaries.

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Module 18: Final Account Preparation

Closing a project financially is as important as executing it. This module explains final measurement procedures, reconciliation with the contract BOQ, and preparation of final financial statements. Learners understand how to close projects cleanly and professionally.

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Module 19: Site Coordination and Reporting

Effective coordination is essential for accurate quantity control. This module explains daily and weekly reporting, coordination with site engineers, and preparation of financial reports for management decision-making.

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Module 20: Professional Practice and Career Growth

The final module focuses on long-term professional development. It explains working on internationally funded projects, compliance with local laws and standards, and realistic career pathways for quantity surveyors in DR Congo. Learners gain clarity on how to grow from site-level roles to senior positions.

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Who This Course Is For

• Civil engineers working on building and infrastructure projects

• Quantity surveyors handling estimation, billing, and cost control

• Architects involved in project coordination and cost monitoring

• Construction professionals aiming to work on DR Congo projects

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Outcome of the Course

After completing this course, learners will be able to measure quantities accurately, prepare and review BOQs, build logical rates, manage costs during construction, handle billing and variations confidently, and understand contracts clearly. Most importantly, they will be equipped to work effectively within the construction environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.