CE3CIC-International Construction

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Roger Flanagan
Email: r.flanagan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An examination of the organisation and structure of the world’s construction market, including the size, employment statistics and the scope of work, in addition a review of the organisation of the major international construction and design companies, that will also explore the key differences when buying design and construction services around the world.

Aims:

To provide the knowledge and understanding necessary to examine the organisation and structure of the world’s construction market, as well as be able to review the organisation of the major international construction and design companies and the way that they operate. Have an understanding of the regulatory framework and the codes and standards used in international construction. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Identifying how the social and political environments shape the way that the construction industry operates in any country.


• Awareness of the different approaches to procurement for design and construction in the international market.


• Understanding how the European, USA and Japanese construction industries work, and their different methods of procurement.


• Ensuring that students think globally and act locally.


• Identification of the drivers and issues that impact the international engineering and construction market.
  
   

Additional outcomes:

Creating an awareness of how the regulations, compliance requirements, codes and standards, and ethical behaviour affect all organisations in the construction sector, whether working domestically or internationally.

Outline content:

• The organisation and structure of the world's construction market, including the size, employment statistics, the scope and type of work.


• The organisation of the major international construction and design companies.


• The different approaches to buying design and construction services around the world.


• Investigation of the European, North American, and Japanese construction industries. Looking at how cost, speed, quality, safetyand health, and labour relations are managed.


• Construction in the developing markets of Asia, Africa, Middle East and South America.


• Focus on the Chinese construction market, and the behaviour of Chinese companies when operating internationally.


• Strategies for entry into a market including acquisitions, mergers, and strategic alliances.


• The theory and practice of developing competitive advantage for companies.


• Understanding the importance of compliance with the UN Global Compact.


• The issues involved in bribery and corruption and the regulatory and compliance requirements.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, Tutorials and Private Study

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One two-hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/ September

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