Introduction to Management, Practice and Law (Lecture Week #05)

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Specifications of Works

Specifications of works should include at least three main items which are:

• Architectural and Civil Specifications 
• Sanitary and plumbing Specifications 
• Electro-mechanic Specifications 

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

It is important to prepare WBS for the project in order to prevent neglecting any item of works.

Who uses the specifications?

The importance of specifications depends on who uses this specifications.

• Owner uses the specification because they are describing his demands and translating these demands into scope
• The contractor uses the specifications in order to implement and perform the project in accordance to owner demands.
• The consultant prepares the specifications in order to achieve and make the owner demands true.

How to write the specifications?

Writing of specifications should include at least and not limited the following
Defining dimensions & Measures (L, W, H, T)

• ex., Door (D2) 1.00x2.20, Ceramic 30x30cm
• The standards of raw material should be known

Defining the types and classes

• Avoiding the vague statements, like (Ultimate Quality) 
• Therefore disturb the execution process
• To avoid un-useful debates

Defining the final look

• The final look should be well defined and detailed
• Avoiding the vague statements, like (Good Look, According to the standards, or to origins of workmanship)
• Therefore disturb the execution process

The Formulation (Texts)

• It should be short, meaningful and in good grammarian
• Avoiding the unusual and multi-meaning words
• These , to prevent debate when explanation of specifications.

Methods of specifications writing

The main three methods of specifications writing are

• The Detailed Method
• The specifications of performance
• The closed Specifications (Manufacturer Brands)

Main topics of specifications of items

Specifications of item should include and not limited to the following

1. Specifications of the materials (Tests & Results Limitations) 
2. Preparations before application 
3. Method and specifications of application 
4. Precautions after application 
5. Tests and results ranges 
6. Method of measuring and payments 

All of the above mentioned points should be reflected to cost of items in BOQ