CEM103: Project Management: Principles and Practice

Module code: CEM103

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 40

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Shu-Ling Lu, email: s.lu@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 11 November 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This is the key integration module for the MSc Project Management programme. A series of exercises and case studies will be undertaken to explore and integrate the application of related programme modules, in particular the core programme modules.

The aims are to explore the changing nature of knowledge and practice in the management of project environments and construction organisations (e.g. new procurement methods) and how these changes bring new opportunities and new challenges for project managers.

Please note that there are three matching module description forms: CEM103 Principles and Practice of Project Management, CEM13A Principles and Practice of Project Management (A) and CEM13B Principles and Practice of Project Management (B). This is because the (A) and (B) versions are the flexible-modular equivalent of the full-time version. The flexible-modular equivalent runs over two years. The only difference between full-time and flexible-modular in relation to assessment is that the assignments for the 40-credit version are split across two years for flexible-modular students in two 20-credit versions. The differences in contact hours for these modules relate to the class contact hours.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Give an account of the operation of the construction sector, with detailed knowledge of one aspect of the sector, chosen by the student.
2. Provide accounts of specific cases of construction activity, synthesising knowledge drawn from the other modules studied in the programme.
3. Evaluate professional competences through observation and evidence related to recognised professional bodies’ competence frameworks, in particular, those professional bodies accredited to the MSc Project Management programme.
4. Write clear and concise reports and organise written material.

Module content

The module is designed to develop understanding and knowledge through a structured series of topics.

Students will assemble data, information and knowledge to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated topics covered in the programme. They will apply tools, techniques, knowledge and skills developed from across the programme to realistic examples of project management in construction. The content integrates the various aspects of the Project Management programme into case studies and a series of assignments where the student is required to use the knowledge, tools and techniques used through the programme to articulate coherent arguments and solutions to questions.

Project management is related very closely to the place in which construction work is carried out. By making clear the specific practices and their contexts, students will understand that construction projects are context-dependent with practice varying significantly around the world.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, guest speakers, seminars, tutorials, case studies, reflective learning, guided reading, site visits.

Study hours

At least 24 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The below information applies toall full time and flexible modularstudents on taught PGT programmes in SBE

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

There will be a range of formative assessment methods embedded within the module delivery.

Principally, the formative assessment feedback will take place during tutorial interaction as the students’ integrated projects evolve and progress. A central ethos of the module is iterative, intense student progression and formative assessments.

Reassessment

Additional costs