Entrance Exam for the MSc program in Construction Technology and Management

2006/07 A.Y.

1. Sketch a typical administrative structure of a fairly large contracting firm engaged in

local ad foreign civil construction works and having 50 engineers(civil and others) with
BSc and above qualification, and over 2,000 employees. Comment on the flow of
information between the top management and low-level technician.
(12 pts)
2. The construction of 45 Million Birr worth building complex is completed and is ready for
commissioning.
a) What do you understand by the term commissioning?
b) List the necessary procedures required by the consultant before commissioning.
c) Discuss the role of the parties at this stage.
(15 pts)
3.

4.

Consider that you are representing client and acts as a consultant to a 25 storey office building complex.
The structural engineer specified concrete class C 50 and steel grade S 460. However the quality of
concrete produced by the contractor was far below the specified concrete quality. This was noticed after
the 2nd floor slab was casted.
a) What do you understand by C -50 concrete and S 460 steel?
b) What would be your reaction and who shall be responsible?
c) What would you do if you were contractors representative?
d) What would you do if you were consultants representative?
(15 pts)
a) List the possible causes and effects of claims in construction industry.
b) Discuss at least three dispute resolution mechanisms in construction works.
(12 pts)

5. a) Discuss the duty and responsibility of contractors in assuring safety in construction.

b) It has been argued by many that civil engineering is a risky business. Discuss the
concept and mention alternative ways of minimizing risk.
(12 pts)
6. Suppose you are employed by one of the prominent banks in Addis Ababa and you are in
the process of evaluating loan applications from a number of developers who want to
engage in various types of development in the business sector. List and discuss the issues
you will look for in evaluating the applications and recommending for loan.
(12 pts)

7. Suppose you are working as a project manager representing the contractor in a 35

Million Birr worth project:
a) List the expected job description for the position.
b) Discuss on the specific requirements (academic, technical, managerial, etc.) to
manage a project of such a size.
(12pts)
8.

Describe the similarity, differences and application of Ordinary Portland Cement and
Portland Pozzolana Cement.
(10pts)

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