CEM209-Managing 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: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Basic management and organisation theories
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Roger Flanagan
Email: r.flanagan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The management of construction work requires a broad overview of management and organisational theories applied to the construction sector from the perspective of the project delivery team. While most of the work in the construction sector takes place on projects, the people who contribute to projects work in firms and other organisations. The module considers the importance of safety and health, production planning, logistics, environmental requirements, temporary works, quality assurance, and the management of the supply chain. The interfaces between various levels in construction organisations are made more complex because the work is done through projects. This module explores the complex interfaces in the management and organisation of construction work. It considers the changing nature of project delivery on the job site, with consideration of the regulatory environment and compliance requirements. Innovative approaches to project delivery will be explored.

Aims:

The aim is to provide students with a range of tools and techniques for understanding and managing organisations and projects in construction. The focus is on the application of ideas to real-world situations.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:

• Explain the scope and context of the construction sector and understand the position of construction organisations within the sector.


• Apply management and organisational theories to a range of practical and contemporary issues in the management of construction work on site.


• Develop control tools for projects in the context of the portfolio of work in a construction organisation.


• Explain how construction firms manage site production to achieve an optimum level of profitability.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• Construction industry scope and context: The scale and importance of the industry, UK and international markets, trends and reports on future direction and shape of the industry. Visions and challenges for the future in major strategic reports relating to site production.


• Management theories and organisational studies: Review of prior learning and private study in relation to current trends in management innovations, organisational theory and practice. Case studyof management and structure of a leading UK construction firm. Leadership, team working, influence and power and its application. Competitive advantage strategies. Relationship based business.


• The new workplace and developing management skills in relation to current issues such as, gender, new technology, digital communications, managing change, social media, leadership, engaging people, emotional intelligence, and decision making.


• Management of major and regional projects; features and differences. Case studies of projects. Integrated project working such as frameworks, joint ventures, and alliances. Supply chain management.


• Learning from successful projects.


• Managing risks in business and projects. The importance of health and safety, meeting the regulatory requirements and developing a health and safety plan. Managing quality on site. Site logistics. Off-site construction techniques.


• Commercial management. The importance of bid selection, the bidding process and settlement. Commercial considerations; cash profiles, typical contractual amendments, summary of bonds, warranties and financial protection. Preserving margins. Brief coverage of integrated non-standard procurement approaches such as programme management, delivery partner(s), joint ventures.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The teaching is through lectures and seminars, augmented with guided independent study.

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 over all.

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: 27 July 2023