Summary
This course emphasises the need for a clear definition of specification requirements combined with the ability to communicate them effectively to third parties.
In today’s business climate of fragmented supply chains and bigger projects delivered by consortia, a detailed and high quality specification is the key to project success. However, writing a specification draws on many diverse topics – project management, engineering practice, law, grammar, word usage and even philosophy – all of which are touched on in this practical 2-day course.
This course starts with the role of the specification in the project, its legal status and the needs of the various stakeholders. Using a range of practical tools and techniques, we will cover a systematic approach to structuring and writing the specification that builds in quality, detail, methods of verification and clear communication.
Workshop format
4 virtual classes (VCs) of 3 hours each, 2 VCs each day.
Session 1: Best practice & process
Session 2: Structure & templates
Session 3: Correct language & format
Session 4: Pulling it all together
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Verified by an engineer, Carl Baxendell, AMIMechE
"I think it’s fair to say that the learning transcends into many areas. The concepts of clear sentences and unambiguous terminology have been incredibly useful in many areas of my work."
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Who should attend?
This programme is suitable for engineers at all levels.
How will I benefit?
After the course you will be able to:
• Explain the role and purpose of specifications and the different types.
• Identify the role of specifications in managing projects.
• Define and prioritise the detailed requirements.
• Structure a specification to clearly get the point across.
• Write clear, unambiguous English.
• Understand the procurement cycle.
• Prepare, edit and approve specifications more quickly.
• Identify commercial and contractual issues and take steps to avoid them.
• Know how specifications should be issued, modified and controlled.
• Reflect on personal examples and experiences.
Key topics
• Identify objectives and stakeholders.
• Identify standards and contracts.
• Structure specification.
• Collect and prioritise requirements.
• Write specification detail.
• Applying BS 7373.
• Edit, issue and control.
Mapped against UK- SPEC competencies:
B,
D and
E
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Design and development of processes, systems, services and products - For Chartered Engineers: ‘Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of mechanical engineering problems’
For Incorporated Engineers ‘Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to design, develop, manufacture, construct commission, operate, maintain, decommission and re-cycle mechanical engineering processes, systems, services and products’
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Communication and inter-personal skills - For Incorporated and Chartered Engineers: 'Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills’
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Professional commitment - For Incorporated and Chartered Engineers: ‘Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment’
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Jean Billingsley
Jean has 25 years’ experience in engineering and project management, holding senior management positions at Rolls-Royce and Alstom, most recently as Programme Manager.
In-house and bespoke training
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