The KNUCA Construction Economics Department had a vibey time the other day. Oleh Vasenov, lead consulting engineer, who knows everything and even more about real-life construction, delivered a special-guest online lecture. Actually, it was not a regular lecture but a straight talk about how money and resources work in projects where facts of life are not as perfect as in student books.

He spoke about things that are a true challenge everyone faces. For instance, how it happens that the BOQ states one thing, the warehouse has the other, and КБ-2в delivery-acceptance certificate writes still other things. Oleh used practical examples to explain why ABK-5 software is not just about working with tables but personal liability for every unit of materials. Because if the cost estimate fails, one can end up suffering serious losses instead of a successful project.

The risk part was especially exciting. He talked sincerely about realistic cases where errors with the disposal or improperly formalized papers resulted in grave consequences and even criminal prosecution. This makes the students realize that the role of the consulting engineer is primarily professional oversight and ability to detect a problem before it emerges on the construction site.

A special attention was given to the FIDIC forms as a foundation for those intending to work in a transparent manner and on the international level. It is comprehension of such contracts and ability to manage risks that transforms a student into a true professional.

This event became another significant result of collaboration under the memorandum of scientific cooperation signed by the Interstate Consultants Engineers Guild and Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA) and aimed at developing the practice-oriented education and integration of international standards in the training of specialists.

It is good that even virtually, the energy of the profession can be felt and hands-on experience can be shared.

It was utterly beneficial.