
PRJ5004 QRP Management Plan Report Sample
This assessment requires students to work in a group of 3 to analyse a real-life project, either completed (within last five years) or ongoing, and to evaluate and discuss its QRP management plan (Quality management, risk management, procurement management) in successful delivery of the project. Students can select a project in their field of interest, but the project must be aligned with the discipline of project management. The following resources may assist students in selecting a real-life project:
• The Australian Government's Department Infrastructure and Transport. National Infrastructure Construction Schedule (NICS): https://www.nics.gov.au/Project
• Transport for UNSW: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects
• City of Sydney, Changing urban precincts:
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/changing-urban-precincts
Note: This assessment does not allow the use of AI and AI-generated materials, including copied and edited text. Details on generative AI can be found from Academic
Generative AI: Guidelines for Students
Assessments 3 Marking Criteria and Rubric
The assessment will be marked out of 100 and will be weighted 35% of the total unit mark. The marking criteria and rubric are shown on the following page.
Solution
Introduction
In this study, the Quality, Risk and Procurement Management Plan for the Bruce Highway and Munro Street intersection improvement project is presented. This looks at key areas of management and how stakeholders are managed, the phase plan to be followed, steps taken to address project risks and ways of maintaining the quality of implementation to ensure successful delivery of the project with a view of benefitting a given community in the long run. The Bruce Highway at Innisfail Cairns and Munro Street at Babinda upgrade plan will upgrade the more intersections with objectives of improving the safety, and flow of traffic and supporting regional economic development. Co-administered by the Australian and Queensland governments, this seven-million-dollar. The 23 million project implies the improvements of the existing transport infrastructure and signals, pedestrian crossings, and roadway lighting. This is more important as the project’s success depends on several main best implementation practices, including phased implementation, wide involvement of stakeholders and adequate use of safety measures. Presently in the construction stage with stage two still under negotiation with Queensland Rail, the undertaking has a clear vision of ensuring the improvement of the quality of lives of the people in the surrounding area and users of the road.
2. Case Project identification
Project Type Identification
The Bruce highway (Innisfail-Cairns) and Munro Street (Babinda) interchange for transportation infrastructure projects aimed to develop road safety and work efficiency. This upgrade involves the installation of traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and other safety features at the key main intersection. It also includes improvements to the pedestrian and the cyclist infrastructure and upgrades to roadway lighting (tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024). Funded jointly by the Australian and the Queensland governments, this project for university assignment help seeks to address the traffic management issues and develop regional connectivity and support economic growth by improving travel reliability and the safety for all road users.
Figure 1: Location map
(Source: tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024)
The Bruce Highway (Innisfail-Cairns) and Munro Street (Babinda) interchange project, with a total investment of $7.23 million, is a joint Australian and Queensland government initiative. Stage 1, completed in late 2021, involved road widening and resurfacing (tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024). Stage 2, under discussion with Queensland Rail, will focus on upgrading the intersection with the north coast line to improve traffic flow and safety.
Industry Context
The Bruce Highway (Innisfail-Cairns) and Munro Street (Babinda) are critical infrastructure segments in Northern Queensland. The Bruce Highway supports regional connectivity and economic growth, while Munro Street is vital for local traffic management (Investment.infrastructure.gov.au, 2024). Analysis signifying that the Bruce Highway's capacity issues impact regional logistics, whereas Munro Street's traffic flow affects local accessibility and safety. Upgrades to both are vital for efficiency and safety. This project falls within the transportation infrastructure sector, focusing on highway and interaction improvements. This sector is increasingly prioritising safety, efficiency and sustainability due to growing traffic volumes and infrastructure demands. In the field of Australia’s expansive road network, such projects are vital to maintain and develop connectivity, reducing congestion and ensuring safe travel (Doctoroff, 2022). This project reflects diverse industrial trends towards integrating advanced traffic management systems to improve road infrastructure to support economic growth. The Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, which includes multiple projects like the Babinda intersection upgrade, reflects broader industry trends towards integrating advanced traffic management systems and smart technology, such as adaptive traffic signals, to enhance road infrastructure and support long-term economic growth across the region.
Challenges and Characteristics
The key challenges include coordinating with Queensland rail for stage 2 works, which involves upgrading the intersection that crosses the north coast rail line. Managing traffic disruptions during construction and ensuring a minimal effect on the local traffic flow are significant concerns (Alleman & Tran, 2021).
Table 1: Challenges
(Source: Self-created)
The main characteristics of this project include the addition of the new traffic signals, signal-controlled pedestrian crossings and developed safety features such as guardrails and fencing. Effective stakeholder management and core planning that is vital to overcome these issues to achieve project objectives.
Needs, Risks, and Opportunities
This project addresses the need for improved road safety and traffic efficiency at a critical introduction, which is a vital factor for reducing travel time and supporting regional growth. Risks include potential delays and cost overruns due to unforeseen issues during the construction or coordination with Queensland Rail (Clark, 2022). Opportunities include developed safety, economic benefits from improved travel reliability and positive impacts on regional development (Investment.infrastructure.gov.au, 2024). The project needs include infrastructure upgrades and enhanced safety features. Risks involve potential traffic disruptions and coordination challenges with Queensland Rail. Opportunities lie in improved regional connectivity and enhanced safety for local users (tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024). By analysing these needs and to signifying opportunities, this project can contribute efficiently to the areas of transportation infrastructure and overall economic vitality.
Uncertainties and Constraints
Uncertainties include the potential for unexpected issues during the upgrade of the main intersection, specifically to coordinate with Queensland Rail. Constraints may involve budget limitations, potential construction delays and need to handle traffic disruption effectively. This project must navigate these uncertainties while signifying budget and timeline constraints (tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024). Effective risk management strategies include proactive stakeholder communication and the detailed planning that is vital to mitigate these uncertainties and ensure the successful completion of these entire projects. Uncertainties include delays in coordinating with Queensland Rail and unforeseen construction challenges. Constraints involve a $15 million budget and a 12-month timeline, with strict measures needed to manage traffic disruptions ((Investment.infrastructure.gov.au, 2024). Effective risk management through proactive communication and detailed planning is crucial.
Uncertainties involve potential delays in coordinating with Queensland Rail and unforeseen construction challenges. Constraints include budget limitations, strict timelines, and the need to minimize traffic disruptions during the upgrade.
The Bruce Highway and Munro Street intersection upgrade project Involves different stakeholders. The key stakeholders, the Australian and Queensland governments are present. Both governments are jointly funding the project. The Queensland Rail is one of the main stakeholders of the project mainly for stage two of the project. Stage two of the project upgrades the intersection with the North Coast rail line (tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024). Other main stakeholders of the project are the local community members and all the road users. Collecting proper feedback from them during the planning phase of the project significantly improves the design of the project and its execution. In addition, the Department of Transport and the main road also comes under the main stakeholder. This department maintains the implementation of the project and alignment of safety and efficiency.
Best Practices
Best practices for the Bruce Highway and Munro Street intersection upgrade project include Extensive consultation with the community during the planning phase of the project. This process ensures that the feedback of the local people is integrated into the final design of the highway. Maintaining successful collaboration with different key stakeholders like Queensland rail facilities provides smooth coordination and maintains the accuracy of the work done in the rail infrastructure (Kermanshachi, Safapour, Anderson, Goodrum & Taylor 2020). Maintaining safety through integrating different features like roadway lighting upgrades, signal control crossing and pedestrian safety fencing are also some important practices in the project. Stage one of the project mainly focuses on resurfacing and road widening. With each face of the project, effective progression is maintained and disruption is minimised to get well-organised execution.
3. QRP Management Plan and their impact on project delivery
Quality Management and its impact on project delivery
Quality management is of great significance for the success of the chosen project which is “Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns) and Munro Street (Babinda) intersection upgrade project”. This strategy has been developed around strict coherence to the established standards, hardcore planning, and consistent monitoring to make sure that the project addresses and meets all the needed specifications as well as stakeholders' expectations. The project is supervised by the Australian standards, which guarantees that a strong quality management system is implemented (Tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024). This standardisation makes sure that each and every stage starting from design to construction and development, is in proper alignment with the highest benchmarks in the industry. For instance, the design of roads, abides by the Austroads Guide, ensuring the structural integrity of the highways and that the safety features meet the required criteria (Austroads Guides, 2024). Regular inspections have been conducted throughout the lifecycle of the project in order to verify the alignment of the construction materials and practices along with the target specifications.
Further, “independent quality audits” have also been performed in order to provide an additional validation that the project is in compliance with the quality standards (Sheng, Ding, Zhong, Love, Luo & Chen 2020). These audits help in identifying the possible issues at an early stage, thus allowing the required time for necessary actions. A constant feedback loop is also integrated into the system of quality management, which enables consistent improvement. The data gathered from all the audits and inspections are analysed to determine the issues that are recurring. According to Othman and Abdelrahim (2020), these issues will then be worked upon by providing extra training to the workforce and by process amendments. Such an approach will make sure that the work quality is enhanced steadily during the whole project.
Additionally, stakeholder alignment with the project is also necessary. This can be done through regular discussions with local enterprises, residents as well as the government bodies. As per the views of Andres-Jimenez, Medina-Merodio, Fernandez-Sanz, Martinez-Herraiz, and Ruiz-Pardo (2020), the stakeholders' feedback is utilised in the quality management plan, making sure that the final results are in compliance with technical specifications as well as in alignment with public expectations. Finally, the plan will make sure that the project meets its objectives that is minimising congestion, enhancing safety and developing economic growth.
Risk Management and Its Impact on Project Delivery
Table 3: Risk Matrix
The risk management plan for this project has been designed to actively engage in determining, measuring and mitigating the potential risks that might disrupt the project operations. The complexity of the project calls for a comprehensive process of identification for potential risks, such as environmental impacts, construction-related hazards, social concerns and financial uncertainties (Love & Matthews, 2020). Risks in construction projects could be of various types like equipment failure, workers' safety or logistical issues. Environmental risks emphasise any potential damage to the surroundings where the project is being held. Further, financial risks such as unpredicted expenditures and budget surge overs can rise along with legal challenges.
According to the risk matrix above, safety hazards score the highest. In order to mitigate the risk for workers, the inclusion of safety training for workers is necessary, along with continuous use of PPE kits (personal protective equipment). Further, construction delays and environmental damage have the same risk score of 12. Though the risk probability is moderate, it should be addressed by incorporating schedule buffers and environmental controls. Finally, budget overruns can be an issue which should be prevented by designing a contingency budget plan beforehand. According to Abdul-Samad and Kulandaisamy (2022), this will help in identifying the unexpected expenses and conducting regular financial reviews to keep track of the expenditures and make plans accordingly. These risks can impact the project delivery by hindering the project timeline, compromising environmental and safety standards as well as elevating costs. Thus, it is necessary to mitigate the risks with this risk management plan to ensure that the project is on schedule, within budget and maintains all necessary standards.
Procurement Management and Its Impact on Project Delivery
Table 4: Procurement Management Plan
This procurement management plan for the current project is designed in a strategic way to guarantee the purchase of high-quality resources that are necessary for the success of the project. By classifying the resources into categories like raw materials, construction lease equipment, human resources, human resources, subcontracted services and professional services, the plan has addressed all the necessary requirements of the project related to procurement. Obtaining the necessary materials and equipment at an early stage has been given priority to prevent project delays (Willar, Waney, Pangemanan & Mait 2021). The plan also includes making secured contracts with renowned suppliers, who can be relied upon. Furthermore, consistent engagement with the certified environmental consultants makes sure that the project is in compliance with environmental regulations, minimising non-compliance risks as well as potential delays (Tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024). The impact of a procurement plan on project delivery is very crucial as it maintains quality, reduces delays and controls costs, thus delivering a successful project.
Control and Management Processes
To maintain successful project delivery and management of the control throughout the street intersection upgrade project different quality and management control processes are present.
Figure 2: Critical factors in a project
(Source: Xu & Zou, 2021)
Project planning and scheduling: The project needs to follow a detailed plan and schedule that outlines each phase and all associated tasks and can be completed within the timeline. The implementation approach begins with resurfacing and widening the road (Ariyanto, Purba & Purba 2020). Progression of intersection upgrade comes after the stage. This process ensures structured extension and project execution. As per the information “ Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council” has developed 15 years of vision and 5 years of planning to implement different projects along with the “Safer Bruce 2030 Action Plan” (tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024)
Stakeholder management: In the context of the studied project, it has been identified that the management of stakeholders is very crucial to obtaining success. Communication with the stakeholders, including the government and local community, offers information concerning various engagements; this communication is regular and transparent (Xu & Zou 2021). Collating feedback from the stakeholders as well as the consistent enhancement of the planning process aids in enhancing the projects’ design and fostering ownership amongst the stakeholders.
Risk management: Another critical control management process of the project is also a risk management process of considerable magnitude. Potential problems like lack of funds, time consumed in construction, or safety measures may be experienced and thus require the formulation of solutions (Umar, Okwandu & Akande 2024). Hence, this process assists in the sustainability of challenge adaptation while at the same time ensuring the quality of the project as well as the time it will take to complete. Managing the transition between the stages is beneficial in achieving the proper results.
Quality control: in the project strict quality control measures need to be maintained to meet high standards. Regular inspection of the project and conducting audits help to verify the material, safety features and workmanship that are aligned with the specifications of the project. If any deviations are analysed in the project, then addressed and helps to maintain the project integrity.
Budget Management: Effective budget management ensures that the project stays within its $7.23 million budget. The joint funding model from both the government needs to be transparent with regular budget review and financial reporting. These processes maintain the resources and optimise allocation of the finance (tmr.qld.gov.au, 2024).
Figure 3: Total investment done in road construction in Australia from 2024 to 2023
(Source: statista.com, 2024)
As per the statistical data, significant investment in road construction is done. in the year 2021, around 15.82 billion Australian dollars are invested in constructing highways, and subdivisions. In the year 2023, the investment increased to 18.6 billion dollars. That provides evidence for proper budget management in the construction and success of the planned project.
Communication and reporting: Clear and transparent communication channels provide consistency in the information flow between the stakeholders. All the detailed milestones that are achieved any issues encountered and upcoming tasks need to be communicated with the stakeholders to build trust and maintain alignment with project goals.
Key Success Factors
Stakeholder Engagement, Phased Implementation, Safety Measures, Funding and Resource Allocation are some key success factors. Stakeholders’ interest is protected through consultation with the local community, Queensland Rail, and government departments. The scenario threatens collaboration among the engineers and designers that creates trust towards arriving at a design that addresses safety and efficiency (Beshah, Jekale Mengesha & Demiss 2024). The project is further divided into stages, stage 1 has incorporated activities related to road widening and resurfacing and the improvement activities in intersections find a place in stage 2, such a sequential planning and implementation methodology is highly effective. This minimises possible interruptions and guarantees that all phases are executed to the best of their capacity.
4. Conclusion
The QRP management plan designed for the project makes sure that the “Bruce Highway (Innisfail – Cairns) and Munro Street (Babinda) intersection upgrade project” will be delivered on the set time, addressed to the highest standards and is within the budget plan. Bruce Highway and Munro Street intersection upgrade project is a well-planned project which aims to solve such problems as safety and efficiency and improve the region. This means that by engaging the stakeholders during the project and implementing it in phases while following strict safety measures the project can deliver on what is aimed at, that is enhanced travel reliability and economic growth. The focus on best practices accompanied by strong control and management processes leads to the fact that the project is set for proper and successful completion. Even though the Bruce Highway and Munro Street intersection upgrade project demonstrated effective management of stakeholders, phases of project execution, and safety measures, there is possible room for improvement in risk management and procurement. Previously consultation with Queensland Rail could have made stage 2 more efficient and free from several hours of delay. Besides, there may have been improvement in the management of the procurement of materials and resources to increase cost-effectiveness to ensure the project was implemented reflecting on the organisational requirements within expected costs and time frame.
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