CE2CMB-Management in the Built Environment

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: This module is only available to students who study on the School of Built Environment Programmes
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Shabnam Kabiri
Email: s.kabiri@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An introduction and study of the application of management techniques in the built environment. There is an emphasis on projects and project management. 

Aims:
To study various aspects of the built environment and the application of management techniques with particular emphasis on project management.

Assessable learning outcomes:

To gain an appreciation of the role of management and techniques needed to address the requirements of the 21st century built environment.



At the end of the module, the students will:



• be familiarized with the scale and importance of the built environment and the role of management.

• develop the principles of the application of organizing and controlling resources in construction projects

• study the importance of projects, the role of the project manager and project teams.

• have an introduction to the key management tools particularly related to projects e.g. time, cost and quality.

• gain an appreciation of the main risks facing the construction enterprise and a more in depth study of risks associated with projects.

• learn about the principles of the management of health and safety within the built environment including relevant regulations and management systems.

Additional outcomes:
£ Students will enhance their abilities to conduct online group discussions and preparation of an essay assignment based on contemporary industry challenges.
£ They will develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which managers interact with the built environment by the use of tools and techniques.

Outline content:

General introduction, content, learning resources and assessment:

• General introduction – Leading concept of Work Break Down Structure (WBS) .


• Project time management.


• Project cost management.


• Project resource management.


• Quality control and assurance


• Principles of schedule compression.


• Risk management.


• Project management and the team dynamics.


• The management of health & safety.

Global context:
The students are encouraged to develop an international perspective in studying management which is supported by a lecture in international management.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is delivered via lectures and tutorials on relevant topics.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Tutorials	5
Guided independent study:	85
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour written examination (70%)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An assignment which reflects a real small project in which the students need to apply the techniques related to work breakdown structure, time and resource management. The assignment counts 30% towards the total mark for the module.  

Formative assessment methods:

Weekly tutorials for students, conducted by module convenor  to practice the techniques thought in the lectures. The students receive formative feedback in tutorials. 

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:
40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

One two hour re-examination for failing the examination and /or one  assignment for failing coursework 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022