CEM204-International Construction

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Professor Irem Dikmen
Email: i.dikmen@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module gives an overview of the scale and scope of design, engineering, and construction work in the global construction market. Consideration is given to the structure of the different construction markets and the influence of culture, climate, geology, the regulatory framework of codes and standards, compliance and ethical behaviour. Different approaches are considered to the procurement of professional services and construction work. Examining how international construction companies operate in the global construction market and how they manage risks in project delivery.

Aims:

Having an understanding of the size and characteristics of the global construction market, and the drivers and issues shaping the market. Awareness of the organisational structure and strategy of the construction and consulting companies operating internationally. Understanding the importance of global standards, governance, and codes of practice used on international projects. Appreciation of the role of the Multilateral Development Banks in financing and procuring construction work in developing countries.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the completion of this module, the student will have a knowledge and understanding of the economics and management of the global market in design and construction services, their operation and practice, and an appreciation of the strategies of some of the world’s leading market operators in this sphere.

Additional outcomes:

Awareness of the inter-connectivity of many of the drivers and issues shaping international construction, and the interconnection with other modules.

Outline content:

• Global drivers and issues: The main drivers and issues influencing construction in developing, emerging, transition and developed countries.


• Historical perspective: Consideration of the reasons for the way that international construction has evolved since 1960.


• Size and shape of the markets: Size, distribution and type of work undertaken in different countries, the geopolitical influences and the impact of climate on construction in different countries.


• Economic Cycles: The causes of the cyclical nature of construction and how governments control workload.


• The key differences in approach to buying design and construction around the world: The fundamental differences in approach to buying design and construction work in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia and the USA.


• Emerging markets; Consideration of how the emerging markets of China, India, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia are different and complex.


• Developed markets; Consideration of the USA, Japan, and the European markets and how they are changing.


• The large Construction and Consultant: The world’s major consulting and construction companies, how they have grown and diversified. The strategies for market entry, growth, winning work, profitability, and survival. Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances.


• Governments and Regulatory Bodies: Their roles, activities and influences in registration, governance, codes and standards, health and safety, environmental protection, and ethical behaviour.


• Bribery and corruption: The legislative and corporate requirements.


• Insurances and bonds: The main requirements on international projects.


• Labour issues: The role of the International Labour Organisation. The role of the labour unions, wage negotiations, and the use of foreign labour on job sites.


• Project finance: The role of the World Bank and the Multilateral Development Banks in financing and procuring construction work.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught by lectures, tutorial discussions and seminars, some of which will involve specialist experts in aspects of international construction.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Active participation of students who have work experience internationally is encouraged to share experiences and knowledge. There will be discussion of the course content for the group assignment, with feedback in class groups, relevant to the assessed assignments.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to?all full time and flexible modular?students on taught PGT programmes in SBE. 

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:
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:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 4 December 2023