PROFILE : Agile Adaptation Helped Me Overcome Unforeseen Obstacles.

Construction Professional Sthobile Ntleko shares her story about a Construction project that
was a pivotal moment in her career as a Quantity Surveyor.

In 2022, I was involved in a high-profile commercial building project as a Lead Quantity Surveyor. The project was challenging and rewarding due to its tight deadline, stringent budget, and the construction of a large-scale residential complex, including a small shopping complex in a rapidly developing urban area.

Midway through the project, we encountered an unexpected surge in steel prices due to supply chain disruptions. This sudden increase threatened to push the project over budget, jeopardizing our contract and the overall success of the project.

To mitigate the impact of the rising costs, I took several actions. I initiated a reassessment of the budget, evaluated alternative materials and construction methods through value engineering, and engaged in negotiations with suppliers to secure bulk purchasing agreements. I also maintained open communication with the client throughout the process, providing regular updates and reassurances.

Through these actions, we managed to keep the project within budget, and the shopping complex was completed on schedule. The client was pleased with our ability to navigate the challenges and deliver a high-quality result despite unforeseen circumstances.

This project was a pivotal moment in my career as a Quantity Surveyor, demonstrating my ability to adapt to unexpected challenges and reinforcing the importance of proactive problem-solving and strong stakeholder communication. It also enhanced my reputation in the industry, establishing me as a reliable and resourceful professional.
Reflecting on the project, I identified several key lessons that have shaped my approach to future projects:

1. Adaptability: The project emphasized the importance of being adaptable and ready to adjust strategies quickly when faced with unexpected challenges.
2. Proactive Problem-Solving: Anticipating potential issues and taking proactive measures can prevent minor challenges from becoming major setbacks.
3. Value of Strong Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiation with suppliers can be crucial in securing favorable terms and maintaining good relationships.
4. Importance of Value Engineering: Regularly reassessing project components and exploring cost-saving alternatives can help maintain quality while managing costs.
5. Clear and Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication with all stakeholders, especially the client, is critical for maintaining trust and confidence.
6. Risk Management: Having robust risk management processes in place is essential for identifying potential risks early and developing contingency plans.
7. Team Collaboration: Success in complex projects often depends on effective teamwork and collaboration with the design team, contractors, and suppliers.
8. Resilience and Confidence: Overcoming significant challenges can boost confidence and resilience, which are crucial traits when faced with difficult situations

I also identified some mistakes and regrets from the project that provided valuable lessons:

1. Initial Underestimation of Risk: I underestimated the possibility of significant fluctuations in material costs.
2. Delayed Response to the Price Surge: A faster response to the price increase could have allowed for better negotiation leverage or more time to explore alternatives.
3. Overlooking Early Signs of Market Volatility: I might have overlooked subtle indicators of impending market changes.
4. Under-Communication with the Client Initially: Initially, I was hesitant to disclose the potential impact of the price surge on the budget, which could have strengthened the client's trust.
5. Not Documenting Lessons Immediately: I should have more thoroughly documented the challenges faced and solutions implemented.
6. Over-Reliance on a Single Supplier: Relying too heavily on a single supplier for critical materials exposed a vulnerability to price volatility and supply chain disruptions.

I addressed these mistakes through enhanced risk assessment, improved response time, staying informed on market trends, proactive client communication, documenting lessons learned, and diversifying the supplier base.

The project taught me the importance of approaching future projects with a comprehensive view of risk, acting decisively in the face of challenges, and maintaining transparent and proactive communication with all stakeholders from the very beginning. The successful resolution of the challenge, client satisfaction, and personal growth were key highlights of my career.

Sthobile Ntleko, a BSc Quantity Surveyor with a decade of experience in the construction of commercial building projects, currently holds the position of Senior Quantity Surveyor at Buzaphi Construction, where she focuses on the construction of Civil Engineering projects.

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