23057159 Pranisha Shrestha Week 4

 Week 4: BOQ Preparation & Budget Negotiations

Work Placement Experience

This week, I transitioned from design-focused tasks to a more analytical and strategic role, concentrating on the cost estimation and procurement phase for two key projects—the eco-resort in Pokhara and the apartment development in Lalitpur. This shift allowed me to gain firsthand experience in the financial and logistical aspects of project execution, including the preparation of Bills of Quantities (BOQs), vendor coordination, and cost-saving strategies, all while ensuring alignment with the firm’s sustainability and design standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepared a BOQ for bamboo structures in collaboration with EcoMat Solutions.
  • Coordinated with tile vendors, securing bulk discounts for the apartment project.
  • Suggested porcelain countertops as a cost-effective alternative to marble due to last-minute budget changes.

Challenges:

  • Tight deadlines for material changes
  • Balancing transparency with vendor relationships
  • Standardizing documentation under lean operational guidelines

Tools Used:

  • Excel BOQ templates
  • Supplier comparison matrix for vendor selection
  • Market benchmarking across 3 vendors


Contribution to the Organization

  • Secured 10% cost savings on ceramic tiles, reallocating budget for premium finishes
  • Introduced a supplier matrix to streamline procurement
  • BOQ aligned with sustainability goals by sourcing renewable materials

Outcomes:

  • Saved approx. NPR 1.2 lakhs
  • Facilitated faster budget adjustments without delaying timelines


Learning & Theoretical Application

  • Porter’s Value Chain: Saw procurement as a strategic advantage
  • Value Engineering: Balanced aesthetics, function, and budget
  • Agile Management: Responded quickly to evolving priorities


Evaluation & Growth

Strengths:

  • Strong negotiation and vendor analysis skills
  • Accurate and detail-oriented BOQ documentation

Areas to Improve:

  • Expand knowledge of international BOQ formats
  • Learn more about procurement compliance and contracts


Conclusion

Week 4 deepened my understanding of the financial and operational aspects of design. By supporting procurement and budget decisions, I contributed to cost efficiency and project continuity—marking an important step from design execution to strategic resource management.

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