| Section | Key Topics Covered | |---------|--------------------| | | SMM7, NRM2, elemental cost analysis, waste calculation | | Procurement & Tendering | Tender documentation, bid evaluation, subcontractor selection | | Contract Administration | Payment applications, interim valuations, variations & claims | | Final Account & Close-out | Retention release, final reconciliation, dispute avoidance | | Software & Digital Workflows | BIM for QS, automated take-off, 4D cost modelling | Practical Use Cases in the Field Consider a junior QS working on a hospital extension. A dispute arises over whether excavation of contaminated soil constitutes a compensable variation under the NEC3 Option C contract. Instead of searching through a 500-page textbook, the QS opens their QS guide PDF on a tablet, navigates to the “NEC3 Compensation Events” section, and confirms the required notification timeline—within two minutes. This speed mitigates financial risk and preserves client trust.