MSc Construction Management

Title:

Business of Construction

Code:

CEM102

Convenor:

DR Shabnam Kabiri

Summary:

This is the key integrating module for the MSc Construction Management programme. It is based on the idea of integrating learning from core programme modules into a personal, coherent view of the discipline of construction management. We will investigate the diverse perspectives that different modules bring to the study of construction management through two continuous pieces of work running in parallel throughout the programme. First, through the use of reflective writing based on observations of practice and lessons from core modules connected to a recognised professional skills framework. Second, the application of learning from core modules to a case study building project.

Please note that there are three matching module description forms: CEM102, CEM12A and CEM12B. 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.

Assessment Method:

Report 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research skills

Code:

CEM10A

Convenor:

PROF Libby Schweber

Summary:

Students are provided with research skills lectures and workshops to support their dissertation research and writing on a topic of their choice.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Set exercise 15%, Project 15%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Research dissertation

Code:

CEM10B

Convenor:

PROF Libby Schweber

Summary:

Students are provided with academic supervision to support their dissertation research and writing on a topic of their choice.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Project Management

Code:

CEM202

Convenor:

DR Shabnam Kabiri

Summary:

The construction sector provides infrastructure and facilities to all other economic sectors. In this module we address the key principles of managing the supply side of this provision. Construction work is typically oriented around projects and the supply chain is extensive. In this kind of business environment, a key requirement is to manage the delivery of specific obligations within the parameters of specific objectives. Moreover, the success of the business depends on the ability to manage the demands of a variety of simultaneous projects. Effective project management is essential to business success. Managing a number of projects, in sequence and in parallel, especially so. Thus, the focus in this module is on the interface between delivering successful projects and managing the flow and balance between projects in order to maintain a successful business.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 65%, Report 35%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

International Construction

Code:

CEM204

Convenor:

PROF Roger Flanagan

Summary:

The module gives an overview of the scale and scope of design, engineering, and construction work in the global construction market. Consideration is given to the structure of the different construction markets and the influence of culture, climate, geology, the regulatory framework of codes and standards, compliance and ethical behaviour. Different approaches are considered to the procurement of professional services and construction work. Examining how international construction companies operate in the global construction market and how they manage risks in project delivery.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Contract Law

Code:

CEM206

Convenor:

DR Ronan Champion

Summary:

The procurement of construction work takes place within specific legislative frameworks. Contracts result from agreements between businesses for all forms of consultancy and construction work, whether they are formally written or not. New developments in statutes, court cases and standard form contracting have a significant impact on the kinds of deals that take place in the construction industry. Also, new business processes promote new ways of working and collaborative business arrangements that require a deeper understanding of the way that business participants interact in the construction process. The construction industry is characterised by the way that each participant typically works for a different practice or firm, and they are all expected to work together, usually under the terms of business contracts (formal or informal) within the statutory framework that prevails. This module seeks to explain the statutory and contractual context of contracts in construction, in order that the students will be able to recognise and confront the kinds of problem that can get in the way of successful contract management.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Managing Construction

Code:

CEM209

Convenor:

PROF Roger Flanagan

Summary:

The management of construction work requires a broad overview of management and organisational theories applied to the construction sector from the perspective of the project delivery team. While most of the work in the construction sector takes place on projects, the people who contribute to projects work in firms and other organisations. The module considers the importance of safety and health, production planning, logistics, environmental requirements, temporary works, quality assurance, and the management of the supply chain. The interfaces between various levels in construction organisations are made more complex because the work is done through projects. This module explores the complex interfaces in the management and organisation of construction work. It considers the changing nature of project delivery on the job site, with consideration of the regulatory environment and compliance requirements. Innovative approaches to project delivery will be explored.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

People, Information and Technology

Code:

CEM210

Convenor:

DR Ian Ewart

Summary:

The proliferation of digital data, and the rapid development of tools and technologies to collect, analyse and disseminate it, are opening up new opportunities for the Architecture Engineering and Construction sectors (AEC). However, this is set against the need for information that is relevant, accessible and useful at a human scale. Balancing developments in digital technologies with specific user requirements, forces us to think about why and how data is collected, and how it can be presented in useable ways.

Blending social science methods with modern digital technologies, we will examine the relationship between people and the information that circulates in an AEC setting. Students will learn about and use digital tools and technologies to produce models and representations of the built environment, whilst also engaging with the built environment as perceptive human beings.

Assessment Method:

Oral 40%, Project 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Human Resource Management

Code:

CEM205

Convenor:

DR Florence Phua

Summary:

Effective human resource management (HRM) contributes significantly to overall organizational performance. People are a key source of a firm’s competitive advantage and so, the processes, practices, and implications of HRM must be considered seriously. However, due to a range of practical pressures and factors that are either associated with or embedded within the industry, the vital role of HRM in construction is often overlooked.  The module will cover the essential elements of HRM and their implementation in the UK and international construction industry. It draws substantially on HRM concepts, theories and practices from different industries to facilitate understanding of the issues and concerns that are applicable to both construction and non-construction firms. It will explain and clarify how an informed, well-structured and participative approach to HRM can deliver substantial benefits to all stakeholders: employers and employees as well as their shareholders and clients.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Infrastructure Development

Code:

CEM215

Convenor:

DR Tabarak Ballal

Summary:

To meet the challenges of rapidly growing urban communities and cities, infrastructure development projects need to be responsive, inclusive and sustainable. It is therefore essential to understand the planning, finance and delivery of these projects and the challenges associated with meeting development goals in increasingly complex and uncertain contexts. Decision-making processes of infrastructure projects must respond to the specifics of the local context (including local knowledge, culture, legal and institutional frameworks, industry characteristics, funding models, procurement methods and so on).

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Oral 10%, Set exercise 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

International Construction Labour

Code:

CEM216

Convenor:

DR Dylan Tutt

Summary:

‘Emerging economies’ are a highly heterogeneous mix. Oil rich countries are often grouped along with the newly industrialised countries and even declining economies. While globalisation, urbanisation and infrastructure renewal is expected to stimulate growth in emerging markets over the next decade, there are also common accompanying problems of geographical and societal inequality, cultural dislocation and labour exploitation. Construction is a labour-intensive industry, but issues of implementing effective OH&S and construction management (especially of vulnerable workers) are particularly crucial where the huge potential of markets for investment are accompanied by huge resources of low cost labour. This module will encourage a critical examination of international construction labour markets and the role of migrant workers and emerging economies. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Oral 10%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Sector Transition

Code:

CEM217

Convenor:

DR Shu-Ling Lu

Summary:

This module equips students with leading-edge knowledge on transition management approaches to bring about successful construction sector reform in a country. The module demonstrates how construction sector policies, company strategies and new technologies are all closely interconnected and the profound transition management challenges these complex interactions create. Throughout the module detailed cases studies are used to bring to life key issues. The cases are drawn from research projects being undertaken by members of the module delivery team in the transition management area.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Urban Sustainability

Code:

CEM220

Convenor:

PROF Tim Dixon

Summary:

This module develops an awareness and knowledge of how the principles of sustainable development can be applied in an integrated and holistic way at city level.

Assessment Method:

Project 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Energy in Buildings

Code:

CEM221

Convenor:

DR Mehdi Shahrestani

Summary:

Buildings account for more than 40% of total energy consumption in most countries. Considering this significant energy consumption, this module will provide an overview of the energy policies, demand and supply load profiles in buildings and also will address the main approaches to assess and improve the energy performance of buildings. In addition, sustainable and renewable energy generation technologies applicable to buildings will be introduced and the potential capability of these technologies to mitigate the building energy related CO2 emissions will be discussed. Moreover, this module will address the building energy systems and the concept of heat transfer together with detailed analysis of the heating, cooling and ventilation processes.

Assessment Method:

Exam 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Urban Microclimates

Code:

CEM223

Convenor:

DR Zhiwen Luo

Summary:

The module introduces the basic physics as well as the up-to-date advances on urban microclimates including urban fluid mechanics, energy balance, solar radiation, acoustic etc, and evaluates how the urban surroundings interact with buildings. It will also address the application of urban microclimate principles to guide and assess urban climate planning.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Carbon Management

Code:

CEM224

Convenor:

DR Michael Peters

Summary:

Climate change presents a pressing and complex global challenge, which can be addressed through some combination of adapting human systems to withstand future impacts and mitigating the worst effects of climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. This module concentrates on the role of carbon management for countries, businesses and individuals in responding to the need for climate change mitigation. Attention is given to the level of certainty in climate science and the implications this has for global and local action. Policy tools for achieving carbon reduction and the role of the energy supply system are considered, alongside technological options for carbon sequestration.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Building Information Modelling

Code:

CEM225

Convenor:

DR Laura Maftei

Summary:

The module introduces and explores Building Information Modelling (BIM) as sets of standard processes for managing information across delivery, operations and handover. The course addresses BIM as collaborative process, supported by a range of technologies, and introduces concepts of structured collaboration, data exchange, interoperability, and life cycle information management, in lectures and through group work. Emphasis is placed on the UK BS / PAS 1192 suite of standards as an example of BIM process, although international alternatives are discussed.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 65%, Project 35%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

ICT and Energy Management

Code:

CEM226

Convenor:

PROF Li Shao

Summary:

The substantial gap between design and in-use performances affects a wide range of newbuild and retrofit projects as well individual energy technologies. Against this background, energy monitoring and management offers major energy saving potential. Based on ICT and sensor technologies, energy monitoring and management integrates the optimisation of building energy systems with the engagement of users and FM in the process. This module will address these technology and user issues in a systematic way.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Set exercise 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Economics

Code:

CEM228

Convenor:

PROF John Connaughton

Summary:

This module covers construction economics at three broad levels.  The Macro level deals with the role of the construction industry in the national economy and the impact of macro-economic policies and developments on the property and construction sectors.  The Meso level focuses specifically on the size, structure and performance of the construction industry, and how it compares to other sectors.  And the Micro level deals with the economic performance and behaviour of construction firms and the economics of construction projects, in their respective markets. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Design Management

Code:

CEM230

Convenor:

PROF John Connaughton

Summary:

This module is designed to develop an understanding of current and developing approaches to design management in construction. Participants will gain an appreciation of the management of design processes and the essential conflict between creative design and the need for management and control. The module will introduce a range of practical measures for effective design management.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Set exercise 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Urban Energy Systems

Code:

CEM233

Convenor:

DR Maria Vahdati

Summary:

Emerging technologies, especially alternative vehicles and electricity based heating systems, have potential to bring a rapid change in demand on urban energy systems. Such changes need to be understood at district and city scales and may also be best managed at these scales. This module will consider the possible impacts of such changes and appropriate mitigation approaches, including the emergence of smarter energy grids. A particular focus is given to the rapidly changing role of energy distribution networks. Consideration of urban energy systems is used to introduce wider systems thinking approaches that offer new insights and currently have an evolving place in energy and sustainability research. Wider aspects of urban sustainability specifically related to energy use are also addressed.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Construction Cost Engineering

Code:

CEM238

Convenor:

DR Lawrence Mbugua

Summary:

Buildings and related facilities are expensive to construct, maintain, refurbish and operate. Meeting these costs requires significant expenditure and investment by the developer, building owner or the occupier. It is therefore important that these costs are accurately estimated and budgeted for before construction work starts; controlled and planned for during construction as well as forecasted for the operational life of the building.

This is a two-week module that covers the basic principles and techniques of building construction, quantification and measurement of construction work during the first week. The first week of the module covers the fundamentals of construction technology and measurement of construction works. It feeds-forward to the second week of the module, which goes into details of advanced construction technologies, cost planning and commercial management. The first week is particularly targeted at non-cognate students who require a basic understanding of building construction and quantification of construction costs.    

During the second week, the module covers the techniques used to accurately estimate and budget for construction work; control and manage these costs during construction as well as forecast the operational life of the building.

Those students who may already have learned this material on an earlier qualification or have relevant experience within the construction industry may be exempted from the requirement to attend the first week of the module upon provision of a valid and equivalent qualification transcript or employment letter confirming that the student has the required basic knowledge in the area. However, the students will still need to complete the week 1 assessments as they contribute 40% of the overall mark.  The exemption to attend week 1 classes is subject to approval by the Programme Director. There is no exemption to completing the week 1 assessments.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Energy and the Environment

Code:

CEM241

Convenor:

DR Maria Vahdati

Summary:

Energy underpins our current standard of living and economic development. The environmental impact of energy use and transition to a lower carbon economy presents significant challenges. This module is concerned with the technical, environmental, economic and social issues associated with the production of energy. It includes an overview of energy production and consumption trends, traditional means of energy production, renewable energy, sustainability, environmental issues and political and economic concepts in energy. Students are able to explore a range of energy related issues through conducting research for one assessed report.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Advanced Visualisation and Interactive Technologies

Code:

CEM242

Convenor:

DR Dragana Nikolic

Summary:

Practitioners in the architecture, engineering and construction (ACE) disciplines often find that no single drawing, graphic or tool best represents a given idea, concept or project. However, to evaluate a project at any stage, engineers, designers and stakeholders need to visualize project progress in a way that allows them to easily interact with, understand, critique and revise the work. One of these methods, virtual prototyping, tailors information representation for users and affords a level of interactivity that can assist the decision-making process at any point in the design and construction process (e.g. conceptual design diagrams for initial project phases or photo realistic representation at final phases). The purpose of this module is to introduce students to different interactive virtual, digital and physical prototyping tools and technologies used in the architecture, construction and engineering fields, particularly those related to building information modelling (BIM) and visualisation. Through a review of current research and applications of virtual reality and interactive technologies, the goal is to discern and evaluate the rationale for their use, and further explore methods to apply innovative approaches to support users in a given context of use.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Set exercise 5%, Project 35%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

New Technology, Management and Change

Code:

CEM243

Convenor:

DR Martin Green

Summary:

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.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Analysing Construction Processes

Code:

CEM244

Convenor:

DR Ruth Dowsett

Summary:

To gain relevant knowledge and skills to analyse construction processes and structures and develop abstracted and systemic forms of representation and understanding.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Strategic Management

Code:

CEM302

Convenor:

PROF Stuart Green

Summary:

Strategic management is the continuous planning, monitoring, analysis and assessment of all that is necessary for an organisation to meet its goals and objectives. Strategic management involves setting objectives, analysing the competitive environment, analysing the internal organization, evaluating strategies, and ensuring that management follows the strategies across the organisation.
Strategic Management aims to prepare current and future managers of private and public service organisations for leadership roles by focusing on the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to manage organisations strategically. This module is focused on the construction sector, it embodies both strategic planning and leadership issues.
Strategic planning is an organisational management activity that is used to set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, ensure that employees and other stakeholders are working toward common goals, and establish agreement around intended outcomes/results.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Real Estate Development: Appraisal and Analysis

Code:

CEM335

Convenor:

DR Edward Shepherd

Summary:

This module provides a course of study that focuses on the property development process. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of:

• the factors which influence the development process and its outcomes;
• the activities, agents, events, relationships, skills and tasks involved;
• current trends in UK residential and commercial development; and
• applied techniques in the financial appraisal of development opportunities.

The content of the module is focused on the practicalities of real estate development, as well as on the broader political context in which development takes place. There is an emphasis on applying and linking concepts from economics, political economy and finance in order to help students to develop their understanding of property development as a multidisciplinary and social process. In addition, students will develop a practical and applied understanding of real estate development appraisal which includes an introduction to basic financial mathematics.

This module is delivered at the University of Reading only.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.