CEM215-Infrastructure Development

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:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Tabarak Ballal
Email: t.ballal@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To meet the challenges of rapidly growing urban communities and cities, infrastructure development projects need to be responsive, inclusive and sustainable. It is therefore essential to understand the planning, finance and delivery of these projects and the challenges associated with meeting development goals in increasingly complex and uncertain contexts. Decision-making processes of infrastructure projects must respond to the specifics of the local context (including local knowledge, culture, legal and institutional frameworks, industry characteristics, funding models, procurement methods and so on).

Aims:

The main aim of this module is to explore the role of infrastructure in development and explain theoretical frameworks that underpin the processes of design, construction and implementation of infrastructure development projects. It primarily focuses on the challenges of delivering infrastructure projects and the impact of these on achieving developmental goals.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to understand the processes associated with planning, financing and delivering infrastructure projects and the societal impacts of such developmental projects. They will also be able to critically analyse issues relating to stakeholder participation and inclusive delivery of infrastructure development projects and the impact of these on sustainable development of communities.

Additional outcomes:

In addition to the above, students will develop an appreciation of specific contextual differences and understanding of the wider impact of sustainable infrastructure development. This will provide students with the necessary transferable skills to be able to evaluate contextual appropriateness and critically analyse development goals and infrastructure delivery in different regions.

Outline content:

The content of the module will build on the following main themes:

• Infrastructure development (theory and practice)


• Funding models and sources of finance • Role of stakeholders (decision-making approaches, collaboration and accountability) • Understanding local context (local knowledge, culture, legal and institutional frameworks, industry characteristics and procurement)


• Exemplifying applications (examples of infrastructure development projects in different contexts)

Global context:

The topic of this module is relevant to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. As well as those from developed and emerging economies, those from more developed countries may apply this material through working with international companies, government aid agencies and NGOs internationally.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will utilise a blended approach through lectures, group-work tutorials involving specialist experts from academia and industry, and the virtual learning environment.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

In-module 1000-word written group essay assignment 20%

In-module group oral presentation 10%

Individual 2500-3000 written essay 70%

Formative assessment methods:

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: 27 July 2023