Thursday, October 28, 2010

Construction Project Professional Program


Problems of rising costs, shortage of skilled labour and difficulties in maintaining standards of workmanship are vitally affecting the construction industry at this point in time. Considerable gains in productivity and standards of achievement can be obtained from improved attention of supervisors in above matters. Construction Project Professional Program deals with the functions of supervision for the identified competency capsule to enable trained candidates meeting the professional demands efficiently.
For a successful completion, construction projects require a cadre of execution persons those who can assist the constructor in the supervision activities. These persons should be knowledgeable of the essentials of a specific activity or a group of activities and can control the execution activities in an optimum manner with lesser errors and better outputs. These persons should be able to translate the planned project or the specific work components to ground. They should be able to address the jobsite safety issues while supervising. Knowledge base of such persons should permit them to identify any incorrect technical decision or action or inappropriate material so that proper work in accordance with the specifications could be executed.
At the initial level, the cadre of such supervising persons is termed as Construction Project Assistant (CPA). The program aims to develop such cadre with fifteen different specializations required for successful project supervision. Is has also been structured for vertical progression with the following career progression path:
Sl.   Candidate's education
1.    Between 0 to 4 Capsules                    Construction Project Assistant (CPA)
2.    From 5 to 10 Capsules                        Construction Project Officer (CPO)
3.    On Completing the entire set                Construction Project Manager (CPM)
Program Details
The program is designed for Industry entrants and working professionals desirous of enhancing their proficiencies through structured training. It is built on a modular system to be delivered through either contact classes or distance mode on a semester system. Each proficiency capsule comprises of three components. Having completed one capsule, the trainee shall have the option to persue other capsules.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Indian Institute of Architects


The history of The Indian Institute of Architects is one of absorbing interest. Unfolding the scenes throughout the years, it speaks in its manifold aspects, of the struggles and influence of architectural education from one solitary centre throughout India, of the rebirth and youth of a profession which the Country had almost forgotten, of a struggle for existence and the need to have the meaning and value of Architecture and architectural service understood and attempts and experiments towards a new stage in the architecture of the country. In the Renaissance or reawakening of India, the Institute has its due place in the sphere of Architecture.
Its history is also one of men with vision and ideals, men who had at heart, the welfare of architecture and the profession and who with such a goal, helped to lay and build up the foundations of an architectural future fraught with the finest possibilities conceivable.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Indian Buildings Congress desires to publish articles


Indian Buildings Congress desires to publish articles / papers on the topics mentioned below, as these pertain to the main objective of IBC. The article should aim at covering built environment while dealing with the subject as a related matter .
List of Topics:-
  • Prefab technology-its relevance and scope.
  • Energy saving in buildings.
  • building bye-laws : need for re-appraisal.
  • Project monitoring coordination.
  • Quality.
  • Maintenance of buildings.
  • Funding infrastructure and pricing policy.
  • Water proofing in buildings.
  • Privatisation and service level assurance.
  • Tendering policies.
  • Alternate materials for bricks.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Builders' Association of India (BAI)


Builders' Association of India (BAI) was formed in 1941 in Pune with guidance from Brigadier Jackson, who also allotted office space in the Military Compound. The then office of BAI, aptly named 'Jackson Hut' in his memory, is still being used by BAI. During last 68 years since its inception, BAI movement has grown in leaps and bounds and at present has 99 Centres spread over the length and breadth of the Country, with its headquarters at Mumbai.
With a direct membership of 10,000 constructors and indirect membership of 30,000 through various regional Associations affiliated to it, BAI by virtue of its size is the only true spokesman for this core industry. It safeguards the interests of the Indianconstruction industry against unjust government legislations and at the same time promotes adherence to fair government legislations by its members. Its aims and objects speak for themselves.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

IBC: Conferences & Seminars


Since its inception the Indian Buildings Congress has been organising Seminars on subjects of topical interests, one to coincide with the Annual Convention and the other on the occasion of mid-term session.   It also publishes quarterly magazine  “IBC News” and a monthly bulletin “IBC Samachar”.   It has also instituted awards for the best papers presented in the Seminars and items relating to excellence in built environment. The first Seminar on the theme `Buildings in National Development’ was held at New Delhi on October 4-5, 1994. Since then, fifteen more Annual Conventions along with National Seminars at Delhi and fifteen Midterm Seminars outside Delhi i.e. at Jaipur, Roorkee, Chandigarh, Pune, Chennai Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Raipur  & Pondicherry have been organised. All the Seminars had topical Themes.

IES Excellence awarded building and construction magazine

Being the first & only IES Excellence awarded building and construction magazine in the country, not only The Masterbuilder has always chipped in with comprehensive coverage on the latest information on trends and technologies, with exclusive views from the industry captains from a myriad of sectors, but has also provided the lead role of a solution provider, particularly in the developing markets where high quality and reliable information were hard to reach. The Masterbuilder boasts of a subscription base of over 280 cities across the country, apart from its conventional circulation through exhibitions sales, conferences, book stores and libraries. The Masterbuilder has successfully transformed itself as a true catalyst bridging the user industry with the manufacturing industry, thus cementing the interface for the better.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Indian Roads Congress (IRC)


The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) is the premier technical body of Highway Engineers in the country. The IRC was set up in December, 1934 on the recommendations of the Indian Road Development Committee best known as Jayakar Committee set up by the Govt. of India with the objective of Road Development in India.

 As the activities of the IRC expanded, it was formally registered as a Society in 1937 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. Over the years Congress has burgeoned and grown into a multi -dimensional many faceted organisation, devoted to the cause of better roads & better bridges in the country.

The Congress provides a National forum for sharing of knowledge and pooling of experience on the entire range of subjects dealing with the construction & maintenance of roads and bridges, including technology, equipment, research, planning, finance, taxation, organisation and all connected policy issues.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

ASAPP Media Information Group


ASAPP Media Information Group is a transnational information and publishing house with publications across seven countries which include business magazines and journals: INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY, CONSTRUCTION WORLD, POWER TODAY, EQUIPMENT INDIA, CW INTERIORS, PROJECTS INFO, and CONSTRUCTION TENDERS & PROJECT REPORTER.
The group organizes awards and conferences; these include the annual CONSTRUCTION WORLD AWARDS, where Architects, Builders, Contractors, Equipment, & Building Material Companies in the Construction Sector are awarded in India and the Gulf; and India's first-ever infrastructure awards, the KPMG- INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY AWARDS which were held in New Delhi with Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission presenting the awards to deserving companies.
The organisation’s foray into research and education is through its FOUNDATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH STUDIES TRAINING (FIRST). FIRST is also engaged in research through a PPP with an ITI in Navi Mumbai.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training (FIRST)


Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training (FIRST) is an initiative & promoted by ASAPP Media Information Group in year 2003 a Mumbai based transnational group working in providing knowledge, research and publications for the construction and infrastructure industry in India and overseas.
Main Features of FIRST :
  • FIRST is a Not-for-Profit, Social Trust.
  • FIRST ran computer classes at its office premises
  • Conducts research on Construction / Infrastructure and Allied Industries.
  • Instrumental in ranking top construction companies in India.
  • Keep tracks of infrastructure related projects in India. (Conceptual / Planning / Implementation / Commissioning stage).

Construction World


Construction World has a wealth of intelligent and up-to-date information spanning the entire gamut: Infrastructure, Technology, Projects, Equipment, Design & Interiors, New Products and Building Material Prices.
It also covers topics like finance, human resources and safety. There are sections even on real estate and tenders & contracts. Regular Topics include: Cement Update, Equipment Update, Transportation Update, Technology, Project Opportunities, New Products, Interiors World, Interviews of experts and corporate captains, Special Reports and latest happenings and many more.
The magazine provides complete value to the advertisers as it reaches out key decision makers both in India and abroad. It is also circulated in all major trade exhibitions, seminars & conferences in India and abroad.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Largest Circulated Construction Business Magazine

CONSTRUCTION WORLD is India's No.1 magazine for Construction Sector since last thirteen years. CW provides the most authentic, up-to-date & timely information from the world of Construction. It presents to readers a comprehensive, in-depth and insightful analysis of the Indian Construction Industry. Each issue carries features, updates and top interviews covering the entire gamut: Projects, Infrastructure, Building Materials, Equipments, Technology, New Products, Design & Interiors, Building Material Prices, Finance, Human Resources, Safety, Tenders, Contracts and lots more.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Building Centre Movement

The Building Centre Movement was launched by the Government of India, Ministry of Housing Urban & Poverty Alleviation through HUDCO in 1988. Building Centres are playing a significant role not only in the construction of cost effective livable, durable, aesthetic, in short say as affordable and acceptable houses by using cost effective, appropriate, intermediate and sustainable technologies but also generating substantial employment opportunities by training not only in the conventional technologies but also in the cost effective building material trades.

The Indian Institute of Architects


The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of Architects in the country. Having started in the year 1917, the institute today has more than 15000 members. The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture by organising and uniting in fellowship the Architects of India to promote aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in Practice and in Education. IIA is represented on various national and international committees connected with architecture, art and the building industry and is also actively associated with International Union of Architects (UIA) Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation of Architects (SAARCH). 
The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is intended to provide information of the Architectural scenario in India for the fellow architects, prospective clients, students and people at large.

Construction Industry: largest economic activities

The construction industry in India is one of the largest economic activities contributing to the nation's development. India has been witnessing tremendous growth in building and construction sector for the past 5years. With the increase in income levels there are also changes in the life styles of various sections of the society. While this is a healthy trend, it is putting enormous pressure on the industry have a vital role to play in preserving the environment. The India Green Building Council (IGBC) was formed in the year 2001 to address many of these aspects.

Then IGBC is represented by all stakeholders of construction industry comprising of Corporate, Government, Nodal agencies, Architects, Designers, Institutions, Builders & Developers, Product manufactures, Suppliers, Facility managers, etc.

The vision of the council is 'To usher in a green building movement in the country and to facilitate India become of the world leaders in green buildings by 2010'.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

INDIAN GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL


"A green building is one which uses less water, optimises energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building."

IGBC which is part of CII- Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, is actively involved in promoting the Green Building concept in India.

The council is represented by all stakeholders of construction industry comprising of Corporate, Government & Nodal Agencies, Architects, Product manufacturers, Institutions, etc.

The council operates on a consensus based approach and member-driven.

The vision of the council is to usher green building revolution and India to become one of the world leaders in green buildings by 2015.

Masterbuilder : Construction Magazine


The Masterbuilder focuses on sector-wise analysis and comes out with research-based features/articles, not only on the Industry but also on its myriad of segments including the fast changing trends in construction technology, materials and methods of construction.


The Masterbuilder offers solid, informed advice, helping the fraternity to be on the top of competition. Since its inception, The MB has spearheaded for the cause for adapting latest technologies, with an eye to the ‘local' needs and challenges of the industry; calling ‘a spade a spade' and disseminating invaluable information on what is going on in the market/industry, providing a balanced view on the topics discussed.


 To say the least, it makes one more wise & responsive to change, and make you build better, in a sustainable way.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Indian Buildings Congress


IBC holds two National Seminars every year on subjects of topical interest like Safety in construction, cost management in building products, emerging trends in building technology, Total quality management in building construction, Innovation in building material and technology, modernisation of building construction etc.

Construction management software application

Construction is the second largest economic activity, second biggest contributor to Gross Domestic Product and second biggest labour employer. It is a core industry and engine for development.



A project management solution is needed which enables efficient communication and automation of tasks to carry out the project on time and within budget.

Using an online, web based, construction management software application is a serious consideration for construction project managers. There are many benefits to using a web hosted system, sometimes referred to as a cloud hosted system; the main benefit revolves around the unrivalled ability for online collaboration between work teams, managers and suppliers.

Up to date and relevant information and data in many media formats, such as installation drawings and financial records can be input to the project software for distribution to the applicable parties. There is therefore no need for direct contact as teams can be updated when new information is available. Data in the form of spreadsheets, project costs and timelines can be shared in real time. This will invariably allow for issues to be resolved quickly and in a more efficient manner as teams can access the data online via their computer or a handheld device.

Probably the most important feature is the ability for construction management software applications to allow online collaboration between workers to discuss data in real time while in different locations, but all having access to the same documents. It is even possible for users with the correct permissions to alter data as and when needed. The information does not need to be retyped, forwarded or sent out to the appropriate person.

To improve the accountability documents can be date stamped and monitored, this will provide an up to the minute status of where the job is up to and who is responsible for different aspects of the project. The project software will also take into account the need to monitor suppliers and supplies of materials received. A cost can then be associated with the supplies to ascertain if the project is on budget and a calendar created to manage when materials should be delivered.

A good online construction management program is designed to be user friendly with a familiar look to improve the software learning curve. It should also be extremely robust to cope with the many alterations and access points which will occur during a construction project. The software should have at its core the ability to improve the efficiency of the task which will in turn save time and reduce associated costs...

Monday, October 4, 2010

Construction Industry Development Council

The Planning Commission, Government of India, jointly with the Indian construction industry has set up Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) to take up activities for the development of the Indian construction industry


The Council, for the first time in the country, provides the impetus and the organisational infrastructure to raise quality levels across the industry. This helps to secure wider appreciation of the interests of construction business by the government, industry and peer groups in society.

CIDC is a change agent to accelerate a process of self-reform that should enable the industry to answer the challenges of the future.

Clarity of purpose and intent forms CIDC's mandate. Since its inception in 1996, the Council has taken several initiatives for the development of the industry. Few are given below:
  • Advice the Government on policy formulation related to construction industry.
  • Standardization of construction contracts and procedures.
  • Training manpower at skilled worker level and construction management level.
  • Grading of construction entities
  • Devise mechanisms for workers' welfare.
  • Create an environment that ensures equality of opportunity for all Indian contractors.
  • Help evolve policies for financing.
  • Help the industry move from the current state of rule-bound, lowest-price-based contracting to a more quality-conscious, time-bound & technology-driven one.
  • Dispute Resolution in Construction Contracts.
  • Establishing construction equipment bank.
  • Interaction and networking with international organisations to promote emerging technologies and best practices.

The Indian Buildings Congress


The Indian Buildings Congress was founded on 1st September 1992 and registered as a society on the 29th March 1993, with its headquarters at New Delhi. The vision of the organization is a built environment conducive to good living, affordable, aesthetic, cost competitive, technology driven and capable of meeting the needs of the Indian citizens.

In order to meet its objectives, the organization is striving continuously to bring all professionals connected with built environment, like administrators, financiers, planners, developers, architects, engineers of all disciplines, horticulturists, builders, researchers, teachers and manufacturers of building materials on a single platform so as to form collective opinion on subjects related to built environment and project the same for consideration of the Government.

It has sustained a spectacular growth of about 2300 individual members and 67 institutional members from all over the country including Central and State Govt. Department Development Authorities, Housing Boards, Private Organizations, Research & Training Institutes.