CE3CME-Management of Construction Projects

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

Module Convenor: Prof Martin Guy Sexton
Email: m.g.sexton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide the knowledge and skills to understand the different approaches to managing construction projects. Using the systems approach as a touchstone, the module covers the key ingredients of project management such as the principle roles, briefing, managing the client and the team, understanding the structural choices and the contextual setting, whilst emphasising the softer skills required. The module therefore provides an over-arching understanding of the processes of project management and the competencies of a project manager.

Aims:
This module aims to provide the knowledge and skills to understand the different approaches to managing construction projects. Using the systems approach as a touchstone, the module covers the key ingredients of project management such as the principle roles, briefing, managing the client and the team, understanding the structural choices and the contextual setting, whilst emphasising the softer skills required. The module therefore provides an over-arching understanding of the processes of project management and the competencies of a project manager.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module:

' Students will have an understanding of some key principles for managing construction projects and their historical developments.
' Students will be able to relate management theories to interpreting their own work experiences, whilst being critical of current project management thinking.
' Students will be able to use management theories to analyse simple project case studies.
' Students will have a better understanding of how the management of major projects operate.

Additional outcomes:
The module is structured around three themes. 1. The first theme will offer an overview of the development of project management and what it means to today's managers and their role. This will include the fundamentals of project management and some of the key thinkers and organisations. 2. The second theme will then focus on specific aspects currently in vogue, such as partnering, supply chain management, and BIM and what these mean to today's managers and the sector generally. 3. The final theme will concentrate on recent research and industrial experiences. This will hopefully illuminate the subject matter through gaining an understanding of up-to-date research in the field which is critical. Students will be encouraged to focus upon interpreting and challenging the literature in order to develop critical thinking allowing them to build their own arguments. Discussions with a practitioner from a leading project management/construction organisation concerning their lived experiences of the challenges facing project managers today will further aid bringing such concerns to life.
Note:
Material relating to the course may progressively be posted on Blackboard -including copies of previous examination papers, lecture notes, and current topics of interest. However, this is not a substitute for lectures or your own reading but merely an aid to them. Some of the notes or information might be superseded or out of date, if in doubt, please double check with the module convenor. Also, be aware that like any IT based system, Blackboard can crash, thus plan your work accordingly. Past exam papers are also available from the resource room.

Outline content:
Lecture 1 An introduction to project management, the module, and a systems approach
Lecture2. Organisation and the Construction Process
Lecture 3. Briefing process
Lecture 4. Project Team and Stakeholders
Lecture 5. Management fashions
Lecture 6 Management fashions
Lecture 7
Lecture 8. Process, leadership and organization structure
Current research seminars
Lecture 9 Industry speaker
Lecture 10 Current research seminars


Whilst every effort is made to ensure this schedule is adhered to there may, at times, be a need to shuffle some of the lecture subjects between weeks.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Dr Graeme Larsen (GL) will be giving the majority of the lecturers, however, guest lecturers and practitioners will also contribute to the module.


The course will consist of 2 hours of lectures/seminars each week throughout the Autumn Term (20 hours in total). However, you are strongly advised that these simply provide the core themes of this complex subject. You are therefore strongly advised to engage in at least a further two hours of reading per week around the subject a rea as directed.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One two-hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The course will be assessed using two methods. Group presentations across week's 8-10, relating to the research papers issued. This will be account for 20% of the overall module grade (10% overall group performance and participation and 10% for individual performance). The course will also be assessed by a 2-hour written examination in May/June: re-examination in September only. The exam will count for 80% of the overall module grade.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:
one two -hour 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: 30 March 2023