AA2IPC-Industry and Practice - the Business of Projects

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mrs Louise Humphreys
Email: louise.humphreys@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is the second in a series of three modules, each covering different aspects of the industrial, policy and business contexts of architecture, to be provided over the three years of the architecture course. To be effective in the workplace, architects need to understand:

1. The industry context – including the importance of the construction and property industries to society and to the economy; the government policy dimension; how these industries function in practice; the architectural profession (role; concepts of professionalism; professional institutions, etc) (Year 1);


2. The business of projects – including the project-based nature of construction; current project management and procurement practices; the prevailing legal and contractual frameworks for construction and architecture (Year 2 – this module);


3. The business of architecture – including practice/office management (covering Business Development, HR, Finance and IT/knowledge management issues); design (process) management; terms of engagement (including liabilities, insurances, etc) (Year 3). Elements of this module may be common to modules for other programmes.

Aims:
This module aims to equip students with a good understanding of the project-based nature of construction and, in particular, the nature and significance of project management and procurement practices, as well as the legal and commercial frameworks commonly used on construction projects.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to demonstrate via written assignments:

1. An understanding of the complex nature of project work, and how different organisations come together (in the form of ‘temporary multi-organisations’) for design and construction;


2. An understanding of the wide range of ways in which projects can be procured, organised and managed, and of some of the different theoretical treatments of, and practical approaches to project procurement and management;


3. An understanding of the contractual frameworks for construction, and an awareness of the forms of construction contract commonly in use, with specific focus on the roles and responsibilities of architects, and a deepening understanding of the role of an architect within the design team and construction industry, recognising the importance of current methods and trends in the construction of the built environment; GC6.2; GC6.3.


4. A deepening understanding of the legislative framework governing construction, and in particular an understanding of current planning policy and development control context, and of the building control framework, including social, environmental and economic aspects, and the relevance of these to various stages of construction project, GC4.3


5. The fundamental legal, professional and statutory responsibilities of the architect, and the organisations, regulations andprocedures involved in the negotiation and approval of architectural designs, including land law, development control, building regulations and health and safety legislation; GC 11.1


6. The professional inter-relationships of individuals and organisations involved in the procuring and delivering architectural projects, and how these are defined though contractual and organisational structures; GC 11.2


7. The basic management theories and business principles related to running both an architects’ practice and architectural projects recognising current and emerging trends in the construction industry. GC 11.3

Additional outcomes:

Students will also be expected to have developed:

1. An enhanced awareness of the collaborative nature of building design and construction, building on Industry, Policy and Practice modules for Years 1 and 2, with a particular focus on the need to manage and co-ordinate activity across different disciplines;


2. Their ability to create well-structured pieces of written work.

Outline content:

The Module is structured around five topic areas, as follows:

1. The concept of a project and the importance of projects in construction – the project environment; project teams, the need for project management;


2. Project procurement – what it means; overlap with models of project organisation; different procurement models and their implications for design and construction processes, roles and responsibilities;


3. Project management – different theories and models; common approaches; architects’ roles;


4. The legal framework for construction – contractual framework; health and safety framework; planning policy, development and building control;


5. Construction contracts – common approaches and types; typical roles and responsibilities of key parties (including architects).

Global context:
The module is focused on the UK. While elements of procurement and management practice have wider applicability, the legal and contractual context is mainly UK-based.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be delivered via lectures and group-based seminars/tutorials by experts from the University and from Industry. Where appropriate, case studies and examples from practice will be used to focus and crystallise key concepts. Group-based project assignments may be used to develop students£ project management skills. Essay-based and other written assignments will help to develop students£ ability to create well- structured pieces of written work.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Seminars		10
Project Supervision		10
Practicals classes and workshops		10
Guided independent study:		50
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will submit a digital report to a prescribed deadline. The report will be assessed by the teaching team and the marks moderated.

Formative assessment methods:
Case studies and practical examples will be used to challenge and stretch students£ understanding. Group-based tutorials will provide opportunities for regular review of and feedback on students£ development. Group-based project work will encourage students to work in a team environment and develop an understanding of the importance of collaborative working in construction

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be by examination and coursework to be completed by August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 22 September 2022