Abstract: The current state of digital engineering adoption falls short of its potential in terms of efficient data sharing and survey expertise in the field of civil engineering. There exists a disconnection between commercial management and geospatial surveyors, which has led to unsustainable practices in construction. To address this issue, our proposal emphasizes the importance of improved data management for sustainable growth in the construction industry. We believe that civil engineering surveyors should take the lead in bridging the gap between geospatial and commercial management through digital engineering, benefiting both the industry and society. To achieve this vision, the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) recognizes digital transformation as a crucial aspect for the future of the profession, ensuring its relevance beyond 2050. This paper identifies the barriers hindering the adoption of digital engineering, including information management, data sharing, and building information modeling (BIM) in infrastructure projects. It also outlines how surveyors can assess their digital maturity and take the necessary steps to overcome current and future challenges. In addition to individual efforts, this paper highlights the supportive roles of contracts, protocols, technology, education, training, standards, and professional bodies in enabling the desired change. A deeper understanding of the expertise of geospatial surveyors and commercial managers is crucial for informed decision-making in infrastructure projects. The paper recommends involving civil engineering surveyors earlier in the planning phase, as their input during this stage can significantly impact project outcomes. By understanding the required data, its accuracy, and its use in scenario planning, costing, scheduling, and monitoring, efficiency gains can be realized, leveraging the expertise of surveyors. The roles and engagement of surveyors throughout the project lifecycle are also outlined in the paper. The drafting of this paper involved the collaboration of over 30 surveyors, with the participation of industry bodies such as Survey4BIM, the UK BIM Alliance, Women in BIM, BIM4Heritage, and the BIM Academic Forum.

Digital Transformation of Civil Engineering Surveyor
Digital Transformation of Civil Engineering Surveyor

Abstract: Modern human rights laws originate from agreements made by the international community in the immediate post Second World War years. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights 1948 is the first statement of these rights; it is a General Assembly Resolution and as such is not legally binding. These rights were brought into from as a regional instrument within the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950. These rights are legally binding by States that have ratified the Convention and in the present day can be enforced against governments of Member States of the Council of Europe by other states parties or by individuals within the jurisdiction of a Member State. The Human Rights Act 1998 illustrated a further commitment to human rights laws within the United Kingdom. It introduced the rights within the Convention into UK domestic law. This meant that complainants no longer need to take their case to the European Court on Human Rights to uphold their Convention rights, but could argue in a UK court that their human rights had been breached by government legislation. When a piece of legislation is challenged under human rights grounds the higher courts can either interpret the relevant law in accordance with the Convention right, or make a declaration of incompatibility if a provision was not capable of being interpreted in accordance with human rights guarantees. The Human Rights Act 1998 was introduced by the previous Labour government which was in power in the UK between 1997 and 2005. Since the Conservative party have taken power, both David Cameron and Teresa May have vowed to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998 and there has also been some discussion of withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights.

Advanced Level in Law (A-Level prospectus) pre-legal studies in UK: Part 5 – Human Rights
Advanced Level in Law (A-Level prospectus) pre-legal studies in UK: Part 5 – Human Rights

Abstract: This unit is designed to help you to study the Contract law of England and Wales. This guide is not a textbook and it must not be taken as a substitute for reading the texts, cases, statutory materials and journals referred to in it. The purpose of the guide is to take you through each topic in the syllabus for Contract law in a way which will help you to understand contract law. The guide is intended to ‘wrap around’ the recommended textbooks and casebook. It provides an outline of the major issues presented in this subject. Each chapter presents the most important substantive aspects of the topic and provides guidance as to essential and further reading. Each chapter also provides you with activities to test your understanding of the topic and self-assessment exercises designed to assist your progress. Feedback to many of these activities is available at the back of this guide. There are also sample examination questions, with appropriate feedback, which will assist you in your examination preparation and quick quizzes to measure your progress, with answers on the virtual learning environment (VLE). The method of study described is the result of the accumulated experience of highly experienced teachers and writers on this topic. Your knowledge of the subject will be maximised when you use this guide in the intended way. Any other approach (e.g. reading the feedback before or alongside the self-assessment) might give false confidence in your knowledge and ability to answer questions under examination conditions. In the study of contract law, it is essential to try to gain an understanding of the underlying basis of contract law — what the law is trying to do in response to particular issues. This is then supplemented and exemplified by a more detailed knowledge of its substantive principles. The rote memorisation of rules and cases alone will not equip you to analyse a legal problem or statement of the sort that form the basis of formative and summative examination in this subject. To do this you need to acquire an overview of the topic, understand its structure, parts and inter-relationships. When this is supplemented by a more detailed knowledge and skills of analysis you will be able to apply the law in written answers that gain maximum credit. To do this it is most likely that you will need to read passages or chapters in the guide (and the relevant suggested reading materials) several times in order to understand the principles of law being covered.

Advanced Level in Law (A-Level prospectus) pre-legal studies in UK: Part 4 — Contractual Law
Advanced Level in Law (A-Level prospectus) pre-legal studies in UK: Part 4 — Contractual Law