module specification

This module consolidates and extends learning from previous modules around the role of a construction manager, requiring you to apply this learning to different project types and contexts, and undertake a variety of tasks. You will learn more about planning and programming of construction projects, their financial management and assessing risks of construction processes.
As well as examining the fundamentals of construction project management, the module considers contemporary project management methodologies. The module will consider case studies and the latest research in this dynamic area.
The module will assist you in constructing a portfolio of evidence of your knowledge of construction management and contemporary project management methodologies.  As professional project managers are deployed on built environment projects across the globe the module will consider the challenges in successfully managing projects across different geographical locations and cultures.  Throughout, the module will contextualise project management with regards to sustainable, inclusive, and ethical management of projects. 

By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate a deep knowledge and understanding of:

• planning and programming of construction projects
• legal environment
• resource management
• change management 
• people management
• financial management (final accounts, claims and dispute resolution)
• preparing method statements and risk assessments
• health, safety and well being
• waste management and resource efficiency
• the project management discipline
• the contemporary trends in project management
• how to select appropriate project management methodologies to suit a variety of project types and contexts.
• principles and practice of project control
• the roles of the professional bodies
• how to accommodate diverse discipline, cultural, legal, economic and environmental requirements within a project.
• the impact of technology on the management of projects
• country context on project management methodologies

The syllabus is informed by contemporary research and practice in the management of risk and change. Topics will include:

• Construction management challenges (LO1)
• Construction management procedures (LO1)
• The legal environment around construction management in UK and international perspective (LO2)
• Contemporary issues in project management (LO3)
• Agile, waterfall, and hybrid project management methods (LO3)
• Inclusive ethical and sustainable project management (LO3,4)
• Importance of effective communication and how to communicate effectively (LO5)
• Why context matters (LO3,4)
• Programme and Portfolio Management (LO1, 2)
• Management and resolution of disputes (LO5)
• The role of personal development and professional practice in the construction management profession (LO6)

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Student’s teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of lectures, seminars, discursive sessions, and workshops. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar activities in which the use of case studies from around the world stimulates discussion and helps them to develop a deep understanding of contemporary project management in context. Workshops will facilitate group study of authentic case studies, presenting project scenarios and challenging the students to consider the advantages and risks associated with various project management methodologies. The case studies will be diverse in project type and seminars and workshops will include exploring how different factors, influence approaches to selecting project management methods for a particular project. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Throughout the module student output’s will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

You will reflect on your learning which will contribute towards your online Professional Development Journal (PDJ).

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. Apply the procedures of project control, such as assessing risks, waste management, change management and financial management to case studies of varying complexity.
2. Explain the legal context of the construction manager and examine this from an international perspective.
3. Identify, evaluate, and select appropriate project management methodologies to suit project contexts, cultures, sectors and countries.
4. Justify decisions in relation to sustainability and ethical principles of project management.
5. Propose appropriate dispute resolution procedures.
6. Evaluate your own personal development and professional practice.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.

Core:-
APM Enabling Change SIG, 2017, Introduction to Managing Change, Association for Project Management.
Burke, R. (2013) Project Management. 5th edn. Chichester: Wiley
CIOB (2022) Code of Practice for Project Management for the Built Environment. 6th edn. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell
Kloppenborg, T., Anantatmula, V. and Wells, K. (2019) Contemporary Project Management. 4th edn. Delhi: Cengage.
Project Management Institute (2021) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. 7th edn. PMI

Additional Reading:
The Change Ninja Handbook: An interactive adventure for leading change Paperback – 23 Aug. 2022 by Dr. Tammy Watchorn

Other resources:
Agile Business Consortium
Association for Project Management (APM)
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) website
Construction Management magazine
Project Management Institute (PMI) website
PRINCE 2 Guide, OGC, 2017
Periodicals – Journals & Web Sites:-
International journal of project management
Project Management Journal