MQM1LPL: Leading the Property Lifecycle

Module code: MQM1LPL

Module provider: Real Estate and Planning; Henley Business School

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Ibrahim Dabara Daniel , email: ibrahimdabara.daniel@henley.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: 2024/5

Available to visiting students:

Talis reading list:

Last updated: 11 July 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to ensure that leaders are familiar with all the different phases of the property life cycle. This will include understanding the key functions and roles involved in the process from planning to investment, as well as aspects of financing, valuation, economics, asset, and corporate management. Consideration will be given to the impact market behaviour may have on these different phases. This module will also aim to recreate a decision-making environment to broaden and deepen the understanding of the process and to learn how to engage more effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Analyse the academic principles surrounding the property lifecycle
2. Evaluate examples from their own practice that evidence their knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories
3. Apply knowledge of Identify all key roles and functions in the property lifecycle beyond their particular expertise and be able to apply this knowledge in a practical way
4. Identify and examine key steps in the decision-making process related to real assets and markets
5. Synthesize information to extract relevant evidence for enhanced decision-making
6. Contribute to the decision-making process with senior stakeholders.

Additional outcomes

The student will be able to:

• Work in a group of peers to leverage a range of expertise
• Assess operational issues with a strategic approach
• Improve presentation and communication skills
• Communicate technical concepts to non-technical audience.

Module content

The module will use a mixture of lectures, group discussions and case studies as stimulus to identify key phases and issues of the property lifecycle such as: planning, development, financing, asset management, valuation/pricing, and portfolio management at corporate/departmental level. These issues will be considered from an asset, portfolio, and policy perspective, building up the complexity which needs to be addressed in the real world. Issues and key roles within each phase of the property lifecycle will then be discussed and deepened in facilitated groupwork. This will culminate in a ‘true to life’ decision-making environment which will allow students to process key information and present valid cases in support of specific decisions to be taken.

As part of a guided interaction in group discussions and the presentation, students will also develop interpersonal skills to be able to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience and to influence decision-making.

The programme has been commissioned by the Cabinet Office for the UK Government property function which extends from government departments into the wider public sector such as the NHS etc. However, the issues facing the government property function are not insulated or isolated from the global context. We will be drawing from the group insight as well as our own expertise to consider the wider implications for the profession in the globally interconnected world in which we live and work.

The course will also refer to and develop skills and understanding of key global concepts related to the topic, such as sustainability and compliance with environmental, social and governance impact, as well as the impact of COVID on the behaviour of markets, demand in the different sectors and the management of owner-occupied buildings.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

• Independent study and blended learning
• Self-assessment
• Faculty input from subject matter experts
• Plenary and small group discussion
• Peer-to-peer learning
• Practice presentations
• Peer/tutor/stakeholder feedback
• Group coaching
• Reflective writing.

The module is delivered with a blended learning methodology. Firstly, students will access online content containing brief videos, texts and references detailing core concepts and guiding them through the learning path. Alongside theory, a presentation of case studies will also be included to provide stimulus and support the more detailed analysis of participants’ own real-world cases.

After this online delivery, students will attend a three-day workshop, where theoretical concepts will be recalled and inserted within the work and discussion on case studies that will be used to present the different phases of the property lifecycle. Particularly, after an exploration of key issues to be analysed and discussed, students will be asked to work in groups and the main lecturer, alongside a facilitator, will support the learning by engaging the groups in teamwork and peer-to-peer learning. Students will also engage and learn about how to influence the decision-making process and how to extract and communicate relevant information to senior stakeholders. Throughout the three-day workshop, they will gather for discussions that will be used to embed key concepts and knowledge as part of the learning path. The group will engage with key stakeholders and receive feedback on their ability to influence at the most senior levels.

After the workshop, students will then be required to apply their learning within an assignment which blends theoretical concepts with real world insight and application. As to facilitate a continuation of the peer-to-peer learning, students will be suggested to continue to work in groups for information gathering and discussion. A group coaching element will facilitate the peer-to-peer learning and develop the critical reflection skills required at this level. Each student will bring their chosen topic to the group and will receive questions, observations, and supportive challenge to deepen their thinking and understanding. Group surgery sessions on the content of the written assignment will be provided throughout the following weeks until the assignment hand-in date. Students will also learn by applying key concepts in their work environment and the contact points mentioned above will enable verification of this action-based learning.

Study hours

At least 20 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

a minimum overall mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

This module is subject to the Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes policy, which can be found at:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties to work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar month 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; 
• where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar month after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

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.

Reassessment

Additional costs