CEM230-Design Management

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: CEM106 Sustainable Heat and Power CEM107 Sustainable Design and Management Principles and Practice
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof John Connaughton
Email: j.connaughton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to develop an understanding of current and developing approaches to design management in construction. Participants will gain an appreciation of the management of design processes and the essential conflict between creative design and the need for management and control. The module will introduce a range of practical measures for effective design management.

Aims:

This module aims to provide participants with an understanding of the design process in contemporary construction, and the tools and techniques used for its management in a wide range of project circumstances. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module the participants will be able to:

• Appreciate the importance and complexity of design in the particular context of building construction


• Understand the need for design management, and its relationship to risk management


• Understand different modes of managing the design process, their underlying principles and contemporary practices


• Apply the principles and practices of design management to their own work circumstances

Additional outcomes:

On completion of this module participants will have gained theoretical and practical knowledge of:

• The importance of design in the built environment, and how it may be evaluated


• Assessing the needs and aspirations of different types of construction client through briefing and design processes


• The contribution of design management to project outcomes


• Modes of communication in construction design teams

Outline content:

Themes the module addresses include:

• The nature of building design


• Design activities and processes


• The design/business interface and in particular the relationship of design management to risk management


• Clients and users as project stakeholders


• Project briefing processes


• Design team composition and management


• Design planning: information flows; mapping design processes; systems and communication in design


• Design management: management and control techniques; formal and informal approaches


• Quality management for design


• Change management


• Building information modelling and its management in the context of design management

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Methods of delivery will be a balance between lectures, tutorials, case studies, individual and teamwork assignments and private study. To emphasise the current and practical relevance of this subject contributors will include academics and practitioners who specialise in briefing and design management in the construction sector.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Preparatory work for the Part 1 Set Exercise will be undertaken on a group basis using a classroom exercise during timetabled module sessions. Work will be completed and submitted on an individual basis outside of class.  The Part 2 Written Assignment is an individual assignment completed during independent study after the timetabled sessions.

Formative assessment methods:

Case studies will be used to challenge and stretch students’ understanding. Group-based exercises will provide opportunities for regular review of, and feedback on, students’ development.

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:

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

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: n/a

2) Specialist equipment or materials: n/a

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: n/a

4) Printing and binding: n/a

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: n/a

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: n/a

Last updated: 27 July 2023