APC PER ROUTE

CASE STUDIES
GUIDELINES

- Ramesh Palikila BTech ,MRICS,ACIArb, MIS

Acting Head of Construction Procurement , Engineers Office , Dubai
Director IIQS Global Professional Development
RICS- MENEA- QS& Construction Board Member
RICS- APC Trained Assessor and Panel Chairman
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Things to do for your APC

APC Final Submissions
Case Studies
Target 1: 10 April 2012
Experience / Competencies Record
Target 2: 01 May 2012
Professional Development Record
Target 3: 01 June 2012

Presentation of Case Studies

Target 4: 01 July 2012

Competencies
Ready for interview
Target 3: 01 August 2012
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Final Target : October 2012

APC PHASES
Case
Studies
Interview
Skills

APC

Presentn
Skills

Mandatory
Compets

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Final
Submissns

Core
Compets

Optional
Compets

APC Mission

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Agenda
1. Case Studies
2. Format of Case Studies

3. Check list for Case Studies

4. Description of Chosen Project /(s)

5. Introduction of Case Study

6. Implementation of Options/solutions

7. Problem Solving
8. Decision Making / Your proposed solution

9. Strategy
10. Client Relationship Management

11. List of Competencies to be checked

12.Appendices
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1. Case Studies

Two

case studies - written reports of a

500-1000 words each.

maximum
The case studies allow you to

The focus

of a case study is on one specific

project.

Demonstrate as wide a range as possible of Project /s which

your technical competencies and the mandatory
(general business) competencies, and an
understanding of the ethical dimensions of your work.

One project, several competencies

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you were directly

involved in

A professionally
presented piece of
work

2. Format of Case Studies

1. Description of Case Study
2. Introduction : Description of your project ,
Clients requirements , your leading role in
the chosen project
3. Objective of the Case Study
4. Implementation
5. Process and Management
6. Decision Making
7.Problems Solved
8.Strategy
9. Client Relationship Management

Set format for CS

10.Competencies Check list

A Professional Report

11. Appendices Attachments

Easy to follow

7
Page
Include
a word count at the end

Things to remember in Case Studies preparation

Bear in mind that you will use one
of your case studies to make a
10-minute presentation to
the final assessment panel.

List the technical

competencies and
mandatory competencies
demonstrated in each case study
in the box provided in the case
study template.

The content of your case

studies is more important
than the style.
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Each case study should focus on a

single project or piece of work
undertaken in

the last 24

months where you played a

leading role in terms of any or all of
the following

implementation
management (where applicable)

decision making
problem solving

strategy
client relationship management

Check List for Case Studies

Context section completed (optional)
Case study focuses on only one project or piece of work

Project/work was undertaken in last 24 months

Two technical competencies are demonstrated (minimum)

One mandatory competency is demonstrated (minimum)

Your level of responsibility is demonstrated

One example of level 3 technical competence (reasoned advice) is

demonstrated for a level 3 competency (minimum)
Client confidentially is upheld
Technical and mandatory competencies covered are listed beneath
each case study
Word count is between 500 and 1,000 words per case study.
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Be Remember
While writing the case studies you

should be aware of
what evidence you have already provided in
your competency statements and ensure that the
level and scope of activities you are describing is
consistent with the claims you made in your competency
statements.

The assessor will look at the competency

statements
and case studies individually, but will also
take a holistic view.

Review all your written evidence together

before you submit it, and make sure there are no gaps or
contradictions.
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What type of Subjects shall I take for Case Studies ?

What went well,

What did not go well
What could you have done differently
What have you learned from your
involvement

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GOOD CASE STUDIES AND REQUIRED ESSENTIALS

Knowledge

Applicati
on

Experience

Mandatory competencies : 25%

Technical competencies : 60%
Conduct rules & ethics
: 15%
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Professional Report

Examples of Case Studies

Something, which has a major influence on the project as a whole,
or on the particular element(s) that are being discussed in your
critical analysis. Examples:

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Your clients requirement

for an early completion
date, which made
contract influenced
decisions about
procurement and post
acceleration.

The contract
administrator not
following contract
procedures in issuing
instructions, which
impacted on your postcontract cost control.

Was it the basis of a

substantial claim?
Does it seriously affect
time, cost or quality?

Could the project have

been terminated due to
this issue?

. Chosen Project /(s)

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Which project and topic should I choose?

How many projects should I choose? Can be more than one if
appropriate?
Does it need to be a big project?
No, but needs to have the depth of issues to give sufficient
discussion
Do I need to cover the whole project? No, the key issue or issues is
all that should be included
What is important is that the project shows you dealing with
problems and that you can demonstrate that you understand
the key issues.

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Critical Thinking

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Decision Making and reasons for rejected options

Why?

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Why?

How?

Problem Solving and Your proposed solution

Be appropriate

Reasonable advise
Professional ability
Proper judgment

Critical thinking
Analysis

Detailed account
Your role in the solution
Be realistic
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Conclusion and Analysis of experience gained

Critical Appraisal of the outcome

Learning from the experience

Shall be of word count
Your own views and feelings

Show your aspiration

Be realistic

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Appendices -What should I put in the appendix?

Include - Photographs, plans,
charts, diagrams, tables,
schedules, lists or examples if
relevant.

Programme

Do not put in the contractors

programme, contract clauses,
lease agreements unless it is
relevant to the issues
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discussed
in the report.

Assessors are not impressed

by a thick report, so do not
pad out the appendices with
irrelevant documents.
Refer to the documents in the
appendix throughout the
report.

Contract

Confidential

Layouts

Photographs

Calculations

Diagrams
Agreements

Report Writing Skills

Number pages and include a content page
Cross reference items clearly, particularly
those in the appendix
Put diagrams, drawings, plans, schedules
etc. in the appendix

Word
Count

Page
Numbers

Simple
Language

Spelling

Use clear, simple language

Keep your paragraphs short

Use the word I whenever you can

Make sure that your thought processes on
the project are clear
Check your spelling and grammar (do not
rely on the computers spell checker)
Show your critical analysis to your
supervisor and counsellor for comment
(also, any APC assessors you can find)
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Grammar

Follow the ten-point plan set out

1. The objective of the report

2. Brainstorm the subject

3. Prepare an outline and consider the appendices
4. Consider the use of visual aids, plans and photographs
5. Stand back and review where you have got to
6. Write the report out in full
7. Once again review and Polish the report
8. Test the report for potential areas of questioning
9. Think about the objective once again
10.Go back to where you started and consider the following:

(a) have the key issues been made clear?

(b) have you considered the options and, in particular, the reasons for rejecting certain
options/solutions?

(c) is the proposed solution supported by detailed reasoning?

(d) does the conclusion include a critical appraisal of the outcome and a reflective analysis of the
experience gained?
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INTERVIEW PROCESS
1.Chairmans opening and introductions : 3-4 minutes
2.Your presentation on your case study

: 10 minutes

3.Panels questions on the presentation

: 10 minutes

4.Discussion on overall experience

: 25 minutes

including optional competencies not

covered by the written submissions and
mandatory competencies
5.Chairmans questions include

:10 minutes

professional and technical matters,

Rules of Conduct, mandatory competencies,
CPD
6.Chairman to close
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Page
7.Total
60 minutes

: 12 minutes

GENERAL QUERIES RELATED TO CASE STUIDES

1. What are the assessors looking for in my critical analysis?
2. Selection of the Subject
3.Approach to take in the report
4.Follow the RICS APC guide lines
5.What can go wrong in APC ?
6. Be ready to face challenges on your CA
7.Presenting of Case Studies
8. Main Criteria the Assessors will be looking
9. Final Checklist

RICS APC assessors are looking for ( in CS )

They are not looking for the story of
what happened on the project, but rather
your understanding of why it happened
and what the alternatives were.

It should be written from your

perspective. The assessors are not
interested in the project or in your
employer, they are interested in you.
Good written and graphical
communication, Analysis,reflective
thought and problem solving.
Learning from experience gained.
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CAUSE , EFFECT
& RELIEF
WRITTEN
SKILLS
ANALYTICAL
SKILLS

Selection of Subject for Case Studies

A subject you have detailed knowledge of

Demonstrates your involvement in the

decision making Process options so Has
that you can analyse alternatives
You can reflect on the outcome and learn
from this for the future

knowledge

decision
making

Not so complex that you cannot explain

the issues or answer questions on the
subject with confidence

confidence
Choose from one of your level 3
competencies
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Approach to take
Within the critical analysis you should be
using the word I as much as possible.

Generally, in a report we would say we

spoke to the client, or we analysed the
results, but in the critical analysis the
assessors need to know what you did as
opposed to what happened project on the
generally.
Wherever you can, say I spoke to the
client, or I analysed the results. Do not lie.
If your supervisor spoke to the client, use
we, but if you did, use I. Use I whenever
you can.
Of course you will have been working under
supervision, but you should have been taking
responsibility for problem solving and have
had direct contact with the client and other
members of the project team.
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spoke
analysed

advised
involved

solved
Finally did

Follow the RICS APC guide lines

Produced by RICS in detail so use them.

Re-read and check that you are following
them carefully.

Get supervisor to check your then your

outline and final draft.
Do not rush this as it is a key part of the
APC.

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What can go wrong in APC ?

If you do not follow the guide lines

If you produce a narrative rather

than an reflective analysis
If you do not understand issues in
the depth (and cannot explain
these well)

If submission is poor and /or

incomplete

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Be ready to face challenges on your CS

What key issues are you
considering?
is there sufficient depth
for alternative options?

were you directly

involved in the decision
making?
do you understand the
problem and solution?
draft your CS carefully,
if you include a word
because it is the current
buzz word ensure you
fully understand it.
The panel will pull your
CS apart so take time
over this
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Presenting
Follow the structure of your analysis.

Put key words and phrases on visual aids, including

photos where appropriate if you feel it necessary.
Add the content rather yourself if to than repeating
possible.

Speak to the panel, maintain eye contact, project

your voice clearly, speak confidently.
Time yourself carefully ( 10 minutes exactly)

Preparation should be thorough practice your

presentation repeatedly.
You should know your work inside out and be able
to questions surrounding issues answer any the

Be confident
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Main Criteria the Assessors will be looking

Have the key issues been identified?

Have all the options been considered?

Are the reasons for rejection of certain options clearly
stated?
Is the preferred solution supported by sound
judgment?

Does the conclusion contain a critical appraisal and

reflective analysis of the experience?
Has the candidate demonstrated high standards of
spelling and grammar?
Does the report indicate high standards of technical
and professional skills?
The above criteria clearly set out what the assessors
will be additionally looking for in the critical analysis.
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Great Presenters characteristics:

Confident

Knowledgeable

Relaxed

Rapport with audience

Interesting

Understanding the business issues

Sincere

Relevant

Animated

Natural

Energetic

Individual

In control

Concise

Authoritative

Sense of humour

Spontaneous

Reactive

Quick, Witty

Believable

Interested

Passionate

Interacting

Experienced

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Q&A

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