Extra March Post

March has been quite the month. I have finished my first independent Component and have started my second one. Unfortunately i have run into some hangups. My initial idea of of going through accounts was becoming impossible due to concerns with privacy and my inability to show proof. I was able to get 6 hours however and I did learn a lot about the various factors that impact my EQ. I am now shifting my IC to something that has to do with external factors and their effect on profit. I am still developing the idea with my mentor as well as getting hours, I will discuss this with him more on friday.  I have also discussed my problem with rivas. Last friday we worked on contaminated soils and the problems that they can cause, my IC will be along these lines.

Fun Fact: to treat contaminated ground water molasses is often pumped into aquifers in order to feed microorganisms, who will then eat the contaminants.

My mentor tom, great guy.

So things are startingggg to get back on track which is great. I just need to work more on my WB and work on my activity. The main achievement was the completion of my first component and i plan to finish my second one before the deadline as well as secure my second interview.

Blog 14: Independent Component 1

 “I, Joseph Mirabal, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 31 hours of work.”

Source: This was a small book my mentor gave me on understanding soil reports. Most of my information for my independent component came from primary sources at the offices as well as discussions with my mentor.


Hardy, David H. Understanding the Soil Test Report. Raleigh, NC: NCDA&CS Agronomic Division, 2007. Print. 
What i have completed: For my independent component I conducted in depth research on my project topic of Grading. In order to  better understand the factors that go into Grading and how these influence the process I decided to go step by step through the ENTIRE construction process, from initial bidding to end product. This helped me identify important factors in the grading process, something crucial to answering my essential question  of (what is the most important factor in ensuring a profit in a grading operation). As i identified these important factors I was able to see how they affected the grading process either positively or negatively.
I also got an amazing understanding of the grading process by following every step taken by my mentorship in the construction field specifically on a parking structure in brea. Throughout this process of heavy reading I was often talking to my mentor, asking questions and learning things like how to read blue prints. We often discussed how small things can affect the entire process and ways a company can preserve profit. I also often talked to other co workers who specialized in the area i was currently studying.




This in depth review greatly increased my knowledge on the field of grading and has helped me answer my EQ.


*INTERPRETIVE 
The only way I can successfully answer my EQ is to know all the aspects and factors that go into the grading process. I needed a way to look at each part in an in depth way and following the grading process through an old construction project my mentorship completed was the perfect way to get 30 hours. For me to really understand the process I had to read  and highlight  soooo many papers, reports and contracts that make up the grading process. This coupled with various discussion with my mentor and other employes got me to my 30 hours.
The photos below represent a minute fraction of all the stuff i went through and discussed.

This is the bid folder that contains all the project information.

Day 1 Architectural plans

Below: image of the cut and fill measures of the job. Red indicates cut Blue indicates fill

Architecture plans I went through

Various symbols I have had to memorize in order to understand the plans.

Day 2 1/23/2015

boring report/ calculation dirt removal cost

day 3 1/25/2015

more soil reports

day 4 1/30/2015

Understanding Curb Detail and plumbing plans

day 5 2/6/2015

Erosion Prevention plans/ calculating gradation limits.

day 6 2/13/2015

Understanding bidding/ initial contract

day 7 2/20/2015

Billing/ Payment processing 

day 8: 3/6/2015

Subcontracting and finalization /miscellaneous

•  Applied  

This independent component helped me understand my component immensely because I followed grading from point A to Z i went into depth on every single aspect as well as discussed these aspects with my mentor throughout. I was able to learn about each factor, something critical to answering my eq. I was also able to look at grading as an entire multi step process, this helped me understand how certain factors can add up and affect the entire process.My mentor taught me many things,  he taught me all the symbols that go into blueprints as well as the aspects that affect bidding. We also discussed the importance of profit. My independent component greatly increased my knowledge of contract grading as well as has helped me answer my eq.

Blog 18: Fourth Interview Preparation

What is the most important factor in ensuring a profit in a grading operation?
*i will interview my mentor whom i have only interviewed once.

1. What do you believe is is the most important factor in ensuring a profit in a grading operation? and why do you believe this?
2. do you have  any thoughts on my first EQ and how how well do you believe it answers the question.
3. Do you have  any thoughts on my second EQ and how how well do you believe it answers the question.
4. Do you have  any thoughts on my third EQ and how how well do you believe it answers the question.
5. Can you think of any other factor in the grading process that i am missing and may need to research on.
6. How has earthtek tried to optimize profit? and has it worked?
7. What is one way grading estimators can increase their proficiency?
8. What is a common mistake among many estimators and how do mistakes in estimation affect the rest of the construction process?
9. How is planning part of earth treks construction program?
10. DO you believe effective planning benefits the construction process?
11. How does planning compare to estimation in terms of importance?
12. How does proper management factor in to the grading process?
13. What is the management structure of earthtek?
14. what is the most important thing that you have learned as a contract grader?
15. Do you think the answer to my EQ will change depending on who in the office I ask?
16. What factor of construction do you think influences profit the most?
17. WHat are some other ways a construction company can protect profit?
18. Does profit only benefit the owners of the company?
19. What are some commonly overlooked factors in construction?
20. How do you feel about my answer to the EQ?

Blog 17: Answer 3

1. What is the most important factor in ensuring a profit in a grading operation?

2. Proper Management  on all levels improves efficiency and protects profit.

3.

• Improper management results in higher incident rates. Incidents can put construction projects behind schedule immensely.  
• Improper management slows down productivity in the office which results in less bids.
• Leadership is necessary to prevent time consuming quarrels.

Deshpande, Pushkar V. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: Preliminary Cost Estimate and Scheduling of MIT's Civil and Environmental Engineering Building. Diss. MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 1999.

In construction time is money. Proper management keeps things running smoothly preventing expensive hold ups.