CE3CCM-Construction Contract Management

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: CE2CPT Construction Procurement CE2CCL2 Construction Contract Law
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 contracts define a complex range of roles and responsibilities. The complex network of contracts in a construction project create multiple, interdependent roles that can only be understood in the context of the legal jurisdiction within which they are intended to operate. Construction contract law deals with the contractual mechanisms for governing the relationships between the major parties in terms of allocation of responsibilities, allocation of risk, definition of obligations and documentary requirements. The emergence of disputes calls for a range of dispute resolution methods and techniques for terminating contract prematurely. Because of the sheer scale of investment that is represented by construction processes, contractual issues require accurate interpretation and careful handling. By looking at terms in a range of standard-form contracts, we will study how these issues are dealt with in the construction sector.

Aims:

The aim is to understand the interpretation and application of contracts in the construction sector and the fundamentals of construction contract dispute resolution methods.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Recognise the obligations of the contractor and the employer under standard contracts.


• Describe the legal positions of designers, specialist trade contractors and contract administrators.


• Decide on the appropriate remedies for breach of contract.


• Administer and manage the basic principles associated with contractual claims.

Initiate appropriate dispute settlement procedures including arbitration and litigation

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop an ability to engage with construction contract law and management in the context of its impact on the work of construction professionals. They will be able to identify the typical issues covered by standard-form contracts and interpret clauses from contracts in regular use in the UK construction sector. They will also develop an ability to explain the impact of contractual provisions on the work of construction professionals.

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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		12
Guided independent study:		88
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	30
Set exercise	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Three computer-based tests. The total from these tests will contribute 30% of the overall assessment. One essays is set, 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:

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%

Reassessment arrangements:

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:  

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: 30 March 2023