Merlin Group QS & Planning Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Baseline schedules should be updated regularly to reflect changes in project scope, timeline, and resources.

• Baseline schedules should be updated at key project milestones or when significant changes occur.

• Regular updates ensure that the schedule remains accurate and reflects the current status of the project.

• Updates should be communicated to all stakeholders to keep them informed of any changes.

• Examples of changes that...read more

Crashing of schedule is a technique used in project management to shorten the project duration by adding more resources.

• Crashing involves adding more resources to critical path activities to reduce the overall project duration.

• It is typically used when there is a need to meet a deadline or when there are financial incentives for early completion.

• Crashing may increase project costs due to the additional resources requir...read more

Various types of trackers used for project monitoring include Gantt charts, milestone trackers, budget trackers, and resource trackers.

• Gantt charts: Visual representation of project tasks and timelines

• Milestone trackers: Monitoring key project milestones and deadlines

• Budget trackers: Tracking project expenses and budget allocations

• Resource trackers: Monitoring the allocation and utilization of project resources

Types of constraints in scheduling include resource constraints, time constraints, and dependencies.

• Resource constraints: limitations on the availability of resources such as equipment, materials, or personnel

• Time constraints: deadlines or specific time frames that must be adhered to

• Dependencies: tasks that are dependent on the completion of other tasks before they can begin

• Examples: A construction project may have res...read more

Levels of scheduling refer to the different stages of planning and organizing tasks in a project timeline.

• Levels of scheduling include strategic, tactical, and operational planning.

• Strategic planning involves setting long-term goals and objectives for the project.

• Tactical planning focuses on specific actions and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals.

• Operational planning deals with day-to-day tasks and schedul...read more

Productivity of different items in construction project varies based on factors like complexity, labor skill level, and equipment availability.

• Productivity can be influenced by factors such as complexity of the task, skill level of laborers, availability of equipment, and weather conditions.

• For example, installing basic electrical wiring may have higher productivity compared to installing specialized HVAC systems.

• Effic...read more

Planning engineers are responsible for creating project schedules, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely completion.

• Develop project schedules using software like Primavera P6

• Monitor project progress and identify potential delays

• Coordinate with various teams to ensure timely completion

• Prepare reports on project status and communicate with stakeholders

• Implement changes to the schedule as needed to keep the project on

Critical path is the longest sequence of tasks in a project that must be completed on time to ensure the project finishes on schedule.

• Critical path helps in identifying the tasks that are crucial for the project timeline.

• It determines the shortest possible duration for completing the project.

• Any delay in tasks on the critical path will directly impact the project's overall timeline.

• Activities on the critical path have ...read more

Density of steel is approximately 7.85 g/cm^3.

• The density of steel is commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm^3).

• The density of steel is approximately 7.85 g/cm^3.

• Different types of steel may have slightly different densities.

Weight of steel can be calculated by multiplying the volume of steel by its density.

• Calculate the volume of steel (length x width x height)

• Determine the density of the specific type of steel being used

• Multiply the volume by the density to get the weight

• Example: Weight of a steel plate with dimensions 2m x 1m x 0.1m and density of 7850 kg/m^3 would be 2 x 1 x 0.1 x 7850 = 1570 kg

Number of tiles can be calculated by determining the area to be covered and the size of each tile.

• Calculate the total area to be covered by multiplying the length and width of the space.

• Determine the size of each tile in square units.

• Divide the total area by the size of each tile to get the number of tiles needed.

• Consider adding extra tiles for cuts and wastage.

• For example, if a room is 10 feet by 12 feet and each tile

Quantity can be arrived at by calculating the dimensions and quantities of materials needed for a project.

• Calculate the dimensions of the project area

• Determine the materials needed for the project

• Estimate the quantities of materials required based on the dimensions and specifications

• Consider factors such as wastage and additional materials for contingencies

• Use software tools like AutoCAD or Excel for accurate calculati

Cost analysis involves evaluating the expenses associated with a project or operation to determine its financial feasibility.

• Identify all costs associated with the project or operation, including direct and indirect costs.

• Break down costs into categories such as labor, materials, equipment, overhead, and contingency.

• Compare actual costs to budgeted costs to identify any variances and analyze the reasons behind them.

• Use...read more

Planning process involves defining objectives, identifying resources, creating a schedule, and monitoring progress.

• Define project objectives and scope

• Identify available resources and constraints

• Create a detailed project schedule

• Monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary

The planning process involves identifying objectives, determining resources, and creating a timeline for completion.

• Identify project objectives and goals

• Determine available resources and constraints

• Create a detailed project plan with timelines and milestones

• Monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary

• Communicate with stakeholders and team members throughout the process

Yes, I am ready to locate for Panipat.

• I am willing to relocate to Panipat for the Senior Planning Manager position.

• I understand the importance of being physically present in the location for effective planning and management.

• I have researched about Panipat and its industrial landscape, which aligns with my expertise.

• I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the company in Panipat.