RE1PROJ-Projects in Real Estate and Planning

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: IC103 Introductory Economics for Business and Finance LW1A05 General Introduction to Law LW101F Introduction to Property Law RE1IAP Investment Appraisal RE1IPB Introductions to Planning and Building RE1INDA Introduction to Data Analysis
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Mark Dobson
Email: M.E.Dobson@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The purpose of this module is twofold. Firstly, it aims to develop a range of key skills to help students make the transition from school to university and on to work; in pursuit of this objective there is a strong emphasis on independent learning. Secondly, the module provides students with the opportunity to apply and develop knowledge gained through the study of the co-requisite modules, so demonstrating the complexity and dynamics of the ‘business’ of real estate in an academic and relevant practice context.

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Aims:

The aims of this module are:

• Introduction and contextualisation of real estate & planning within the wider business context;


• Integration, application and consolidation of real estate knowledge and concepts;


• To outline the nature of teams and to develop effective team working;


• Development of effective communication to a range of audiences in various formats;


• Development of research and study skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module it is expected that students will be able to:

• Locate appropriate information sources and identify, select, assemble, analyse and present relevant data and information in a variety of contexts; 


• Communicate ideas, analyses and conclusions in a range of forms to different audiences;


• Recognise the process of teamwork and evaluate the qualities individuals can bring to a team.

Additional outcomes:

1. Apply knowledge gained through the study of other Part 1 modules to a range of contemporary problems and situations.


2. Students will develop IT skills through, inter alia:
   
   
   
   1. The required use of Word in the submission of essays and reports;
   
   
   2. The required use of PowerPoint for team presentations;
   
   
   3. Internet research and the use of other web-based tools and resources.
   
   
   
   

Outline content:

The module is structured into two parts that each provide foundational knowledge on real estate and development practice and theory. The first half (Autumn term) presents key real estate and planning concepts and theory and the second half (Spring term) develops practice skills for market evaluation and commentary. Each project has a different form of assessment to provide broad early experience of the different kinds of outputs students will be expected to produce in Parts 2 and 3 and during their careers. These include a critical essay and reflection on theory and practice, a professional report evaluating a local property market and a client presentation advising on a business relocation. In the second half of the module there is a strong emphasis on team working as a key practice skill for industry. The content includes:

1. Nature and benefits of teamwork;


2. Developing the management and culture for group working, including, inter alia:
   
   
   
   1. Setting ground rules for group and self management
   
   
   2. Project management and determing team roles (Belbin)
   
   
   3. Recording meetings and decisions and progress reporting
   
   
   
   


3. Peer appraisal;


4. Evaluation of a local commercial real estate market;


5. Report writing and answering client instructions;


6. Sustainability in the built environment;


7. Corporate relocation;


8. Stakeholders, events and resources involved in the real estate development process;


9. Introduction to Academic Writing;


10. Study skills development including, inter alia:
    
    
    
    1. Critical thinking
    
    
    2. Structuring essays
    
    
    3. Referencing
    
    
    4. Report writing
    
    
    5. Presentation Skills
    
    
    
    

Global context:

The study and group working skills components are common to students irrespective of study location. However, each coursework project relates to either a UK or Malaysia location, depending on the respective campus at which students are attending the module.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises two projects that draw together different aspects of the co-requisite modules studied. Each project develops different study skills and they run sequentially. A project launches with a briefing lecture, which highlights the essential aspects of the assessment, together with the teaching and project programme. Teaching and support varies with each project according to the requirements of the brief, but generally, there are additional lectures or workshops to provide, inter alia, essential information and skills development, monitoring of group and/or individual progress and additional guidance. The Blackboard site provides all lecture and assessment content in addition to a wide range of materials relating to both study skills and to group management. Group work is peer assessed and, where appropriate, both group and individual feedback is provided for the project assessments.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	7	1
Seminars	1	5
Guided independent study:
Preparation for presentations		40
Preparation for seminars	2	12
Preparation of practical report		40
Group study tasks		40
Essay preparation	80
Reflection	60	12
Total hours by term	150	150	0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Report	25
Oral assessment and presentation	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• A 3,500-word Individual Essay & Reflection worth 50% due in Week 11 Autumn Term


• A 4,000 word Group Market Report worth 25% due in Week 5 Spring Term


• A 15 Minute Group Client Presentation worth 25% due in Week 10 Spring Term

Formative assessment methods:

The interactive sessions for each project allow students to ask questions about their approach to assessment and so improve their submission.

Penalties for late submission:

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 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 least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will involve answering a new project brief, which, as far as practically possible, adheres to the original project task and the related assessable learning outcomes, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

None.

Last updated: 30 March 2023