CEM680: Infrastructure Development and Appraisal

Module code: CEM680

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

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Tabarak Ballal , email: t.ballal@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Shahab Kabiri Renani, email: s.kabirirenani@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

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

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: No placement specified

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students:

Talis reading list:

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module aims to equip students with knowledge of how infrastructure projects are planned, developed, and appraised, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure development in the context of developed and developing economies. Students will gain insights into the critical role infrastructure plays in sustainable development, exploring how projects are initiated, financed, and executed. The module emphasises local knowledge, legal and institutional frameworks, stakeholder engagement, procurement strategies, and financial appraisal. By completing the module, students will be prepared to contribute to infrastructure planning, policy-making and project management, ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with long-term economic, social, and environmental objectives. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to: 

• Understand the processes involved in planning, financing, and delivering infrastructure projects. 
• Analyse the societal impact of infrastructure development projects. 
• Critically evaluate theoretical frameworks in infrastructure development 
• Evaluate the role and assess the impact of infrastructure in sustainable development across different economies, understanding the drivers and challenges in developed and developing nations. 
• Apply financial and economic appraisal techniques to assess the feasibility and sustainability of infrastructure projects. 
• Assess risks associated with infrastructure development, including political, environmental, and financial risks, and propose mitigation strategies. 
• Understand the regulatory and policy frameworks that govern infrastructure projects across different regions, and their implications on project delivery. 

Module content

1) Introduction to Infrastructure Development 

• Definition and classification of infrastructure (transport, utilities, digital, social) 
• Importance of infrastructure in economic and social development 
• Overview of global infrastructure trends and needs

2) Project Lifecycle and Delivery Models  

• Stages of infrastructure project development: Conceptualisation, Feasibility, Design, Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning 
• Project delivery models: Traditional, Design-Build, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) 
• Risk allocation in contracts 
• Role of stakeholders: Government, Private Sector, Multilateral Development Banks, NGOs 

3) Economic and Financial Appraisal Techniques 

• Principles of cost-benefit analysis 
• Financial modelling and forecasting 
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for infrastructure success 
• Sensitivity analysis and scenario planning 
• Discounted cash flow (DCF) and net present value (NPV) analysis 

4) Financing Infrastructure Projects 

• Sources of finance: Public vs private finance 
• Debt, equity, and mezzanine financing structures 
• Innovative finance models (e.g., green bonds, infrastructure funds) 
• Role of multilateral agencies in infrastructure financing 

5) Risk Assessment and Management 

• Political and regulatory risk 
• Environmental and social risks (ESG factors) 
• Construction and operational risks 
• Mitigation strategies: Insurance, guarantees, hedging 
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development 
  • Green infrastructure and climate resilience 
  • Case study analysis: sustainable infrastructure projects 
• Emerging Trends in Infrastructure Development 
  • Role of Technology and digital transformation (AI, Digital Twins) 
  • Social value in infrastructure  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions. Lectures will introduce key concepts, theories, and techniques related to infrastructure development and appraisal, providing students with a strong foundational knowledge. Seminars will offer opportunities for in-depth discussion, critical analysis of case studies, and peer collaboration. Practical sessions will focus on hands-on activities such as financial modelling, project appraisal exercises, and risk assessments, enabling students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios. 

Study hours

At least 36 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 to all full time and flexible modular students on taught PGT programmes in SBE 

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 lecture and tutorial interaction. 

Reassessment

Additional costs