CEM13A-Principles and Practice of Project Management A

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CEM12A Business of Construction A CEM14A Construction Cost Management: Principles and Practice A CEM15A International Development in Construction A CEM17A Sustainable Design and Management Principles and Practice A CEM11A Collaboration, Practice and Innovation A
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Shu-Ling Lu
Email: s.lu@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is the key integration module for the MSc Project Management programme. A series of exercises and case studies will be undertaken to explore and integrate the application of related programme modules, in particular the five core 10-credit programme modules.

Please note that there are three matching module description forms: CEM103 Principles and Practice of Project Management, CEM13A Principles and Practice of Project Management A and CEM13B Principles and Practice of Project Management B. This is because the A and B versions are the flexible-modular equivalent of the full-time version. The flexible-modular equivalent runs over two years. The only difference between full-time and flexible-modular in relation to assessment is that the assignments for the 40-credit version are split across two years for flexible-modular students in two 20-credit versions. The differences in contact hours for these modules relate to the class contact hours.

Aims:

The aims are to explore the changing nature of knowledge and practice in the management of project environments and construction organisations (e.g. new procurement methods) and how these changes bring new opportunities and new challenges for project managers.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module the students should be able to:

• Give an account of the operation of the construction sector, with detailed knowledge of one aspect of the sector, chosen by the student.


• Provide accounts of specific cases of construction activity, synthesising knowledge drawn from the other modules studied in the programme.


• Evaluate professional competences through observation and evidence related to recognised professional bodies’ competence frameworks, in particular, those professional bodies accredited to the MSc Project Management programme.


• Clear and concise report writing and organisation of written material.

Additional outcomes:

Case studies will give the student practical training in time management and problem-solving and enhance the student's ability to work and learn independently. Assignments and guided reading will enable students to connect inputs from more specialised modules and form an effective overview of the topic of construction in project management.

Outline content:

Students will assemble data, information and knowledge to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated topics covered in the programme.  They will apply tools, techniques, knowledge and skills developed from across the programme to realistic examples of project management in construction. The content integrates the various aspects of the MSc Project Management programme into case studies and a series of assignments where the student is required to use the knowledge, tools and techniques used through the programme to articulate coherent arguments and solutions to questions.

Global context:

Project management is related very closely to the place in which construction work is carried out. By making clear the specific practices and their contexts, students will understand that construction projects are context-dependent with practice varying significantly around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, workshops, tutorials, case studies, reflective learning, guided reading, site visits.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Three summative assessments: (I) one group report (20%); (2) one integrating case study (50%) ;and, (3) one reflective portfolio (30%). Both integrating case study and reflective portfolio carry out over the duration of the programme with submission after the end of the timetabled core modules.

Formative assessment methods:

There will be a range of formative assessment methods embedded within the module delivery. Principally, the formative assessment feedback will take place during tutorial interaction as the students’ integrated projects evolve and progress. A central ethos of the module is iterative, intense student progression and formative assessments.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to all full time and flexible modular students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. 

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 which applies to all full time and flexible modular PGT students in SBE 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:

A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

To be reassessed by re-submission of coursework. Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  £50

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 6 November 2023