Downtown East, Singapore Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

Downtown East, Singapore Case Solution

Underpinning: This technique will provide structural support to the refurbishment work. This will help in strengthening the thin footings of the present building and will increase the depth of the foundation to tolerate heavier loads. Beam and base method of underpinning is proposed to be used.
Shoring: This technique will is proposed to be used when needed only. Shoring will provide support when any new or old construction building is showing signs of bulging due to any uncertainty that can occur during construction or renovation work.
Thermal Insulation:New thermal insulation technology is proposed to be used to block around 80% of noise and provide insulation from the heat that will make new Downtown East sites quieter, cooler, and more enjoyable for the public.
- Fixed construction price specification so that the contractor builds up the whole facility within the given budget.
- The costs related to force majeure, which is a provision requiring the contractor to pay for the costs, increase by the uncertain situations e.g. labor strikes, etc.
- Indemnification provision keeps the client safe from any damages caused by the contractor.
- Provision for the enforcement of labor laws, i.e. the third party will pay for the costs caused by the labor laws violations during the construction.
- Payment for consequential and liquidated damages will be specified in the provisions.
- Delays and the lead times for each step in the overall construction will be specified so that project goes in accordance with the client’s requirements.
- Conditions for the termination of the contract by the contractor and possible costs burden specification will be mentioned.
  1. Procurement Method:
  The proposed procurement and construction method for the Downtown East Project involves the usage of traditional procurement. It is the best method for Downtown East because it provides liability. Competitive selection, competitive equity, variations in the contract are comparatively easy to manage and is already a market familiar strategy.In general contracting, the design is provided by the client and the contractor has to build the project as per the given requirements by the client. The method is preferred for the Downtown project because it’s a large-scale project with special design and quality requirements by the management of the project. The specialty in design requires the management to layout design specifications and then hire a contractor for the development. Another key benefit of preferring this method is that the company has a fixed capital budget for the refurbishment of the project, and in the traditional procurement method; the prices for the project become certain with the accomplishment of the project.
  
  As the project requires refurbishment according to the customer’s shifting trends; the company needs to have its control over the design and the overall construction of the project, and general contracting allows the company to have its control over the design and quality of the project. Further, general contracting is suitable for projects with large durations and the refurbishment plan is also a long-term plan of five years. Additionally, the risk inherent in the procurement and construction is shared by the contractor and the client, thereby keeping both the parties involved in the good establishment of projects like Downtown. Lastly, it is a tried and tested method by the market so it meets the requirement of the refurbishment project with a $200 million cost.
  1. Contract Provision
  Construction of the Downtown project will be outsourced to an independent contractor. The client has to lay out all the provisions in the contract, to keep the risks low and divided between the contractors. Public Sector Standard Conditions of Contract will be used, if not the company will be bearing losses if the provision were not set by keeping all the above considerations in contact.The key provisions, to be included in a contract to mitigate or to keep the risk levels low, are
1. Proposed Sustainability Scheme
To keep the environment protected from the emissions or substances leading to pollution's; the company aims to refurbish the Downtown by using different renewable and low carbon technologies. The main aim of using low carbon and renewable technologies in the refurbishment project is to optimize the usage, size, and structure of the material used in the project refurbishment. It is proposed to use the following schemes:
- Recycled concrete to be used in roads or paths.
- Usage of blended cement, Stabilized mud blocks, rammed earth walls, low energy roofing, and floor systems are proposed to protect the environment from carbon emission.
- Implementation of Water sub-meter to monitor water consumption and detect leaks.
- Fixtures and fittings should be made to avoid water wastage.
- Using solar panels to save energy.
1. Communication Strategy and Project Organization
To keep all the stakeholders of the project, informed and clear about every prospect of the refurbishment project a formal communication plan will be formulated for the timely, efficient, and environmentally sustainable refurbishment of the Downtown Project. The key points for an effective communication strategy will include the following consideration:
- Identification of the project requirements and needs to hire a contractor or in-house development.
- Identification of all the potential stakeholders of the refurbishment project e.g. the management, the contractor, the customers, the suppliers, the laborers, the governing bodies or agencies, etc.
- To identify the expectations and interests of all the stakeholders involved in the project.
- Usage or communication channels following each stakeholder's time, means, and availability, i.e. personal meetups, calls or emails, etc.
- Specify the project details, with:
  - Project name
  - Start time
  - Completion time
  - Budget details
  - Project objective
  - Interests of the stakeholders
  - Project timeline showing the duration of each phase.
  - Target audience
  - Project team details. Team includes:
    - Project Director
    - Contract Manager
    - Project Manager
    - Project Engineer
    - Project Coordinator/Project Supervisor
  - Keeping a project management software to keep the communication process updated about the ongoing tasks, challenges, costs, possible delays, and damages rising in the construction flow of the project. Having an updated software will enable the management to keep track of all the possible updates and task designations towards the contractors and maintaining a smooth communication network with all stakeholders of the Downtown refurbishment project.
  - Lastly, to maintain respect and genuineness in the entire communication.....................
  - This is just a sample partial case solution. Please place the order on the website to order your own originally done case solution.