CE2CCL2-Construction Contract Law

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: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Ronan Champion
Email: r.champion@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Construction work is typically carried out through contracting with a variety of different firms, connected through a complex network of contracts. Construction contract management encompasses the institutional infrastructure of the industry in terms of its impact on the production of standard-form contracts, the influence of procurement methods on contractual networks, common roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, and a consideration of contract choice and risk allocation.

Aims:
The aim is to understand the role of contracts in the construction sector and the fundamentals of construction contract law in relation to its impact on the work of construction professionals.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module and assessments, students will be able to:

• Locate construction contracts in the context of negotiation and tendering processes


• Distinguish the variety of contractual roles that are defined in contracts, statutes and standards


• Appraise the range of tendering processes for construction work


• Explain the commercial processes for allocating liability in the construction process


• Critically appraise the options for dispute resolution

Additional outcomes:
Additional outcomes

Students will develop an ability to engage with the law as it applies to construction work, in relation to how contracts define and influence both construction project management and the economics of construction business. They will also develop an ability to explain complex, inter-related issues that affect the way that construction work is carried out.

Outline content:

Global context:
Construction contracting is related very closely to the place in which construction work is carried out. By making clear the reasons for specific contract clauses, placing them in their statutory and common law context, students will understand that contracts are context-dependent.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, on-line tests, assessed assignments and private study. Two of the weekly sessions will be double periods to allow for guest speakers to spend time in discussion with students.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour examination. 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Three computer-based tests. The total from these tests will contribute 30% of the overall assessment. One essay will be submitted on-line, contributing 30% to the overall assessment.

Formative assessment methods:

A formative feedback component is embedded within the lectures (e.g. interactive in-class exercises) and the assignment. A central ethos of the module is interactive and participative.

Penalties for late submission:

Failure to participate in the essays or undertake the on-line tests at the specified availability times will result in a mark of zero for the missed essay or test. Students who are prevented from taking part in these tests at the set time because of circumstances beyond their control may submit an extenuating circumstances form for consideration.

The Support Centre will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.

• 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: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/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%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in September:  There are three assessment groups: online tests, essay, and exam. Students are eligible to resit any group. For online tests, three tests to be taken; for essays, one essay is required.

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: 30 March 2023