CEM243-New Technology, Management and Change

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: Dr Martin Green
Email: m.s.green@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
To gain an understanding of major theoretical approaches to socio-technical systems and to their use in understanding and implementing systems and change in the contexts of built environment and infrastructure teams, projects, firms and the construction sector.

Aims:
To gain an understanding of major theoretical approaches to technology-related organisational change.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Assessable outcomes: At the end of this module the student should have demonstrated ability in the following areas:
' Knowledge of the broad concept of socio-technical systems;
' Knowledge of distinct analytical and theoretical approaches to understanding socio-technical systems - their research base, points of difference and where they complement each other, their advantages and disadvantages;
' Application of theoretical approaches to realistic case studies in construction in oral presentation and written writing.

Additional outcomes:
' Application of theoretical approaches to realistic case studies in construction in class discussion including applying multiple perspectives to single cases;
' Competence in written and verbal communication through assignments, discussion and group work activities.

Outline content:
' Socio-technical research in new technology and information systems in architecture, engineering and construction;
' Introduction to alternative approaches to understanding socio-technical systems, such as; technological determinism, innovation studies, multi-level perspective, institution theory, social constructivism, actor-network theory, critical/political perspectives;
' Discussion of case studies of new technology and information systems in construction teams, projects, firmsand/or sectors to illustrate and apply theoretical content.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 3,500 word essay due in week 7 of the Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:
Formative assessment will be through feedback on group discussion during the module teaching.

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