module specification

The module aims to bring together learning from earlier modules, in particular measurement and cost planning and project management and contract administration and build upon this learning. Contract administration and cost planning will be examined in the context of a complete construction project from inception to completion, from both the client and contractor’s perspective and develop skills required as a quantity surveyor, whether working in a consultancy or commercial management role.

By the end of the module you should be able to:
• Identify and analyse factors which influence cost during the pre-contract stage of a project, and their impact on construction and operational costs.
• Identify the main types of procurement and the tendering and negotiation processes involved.
• Appreciate risk allocation and contractual relationships relating to procurement routes and tendering procedures.
• Prepare cost data comparing different construction techniques.
• Estimating techniques for tender purposes.
• Administer a contract and undertake cost control during the construction phase of a project.
• Propose appropriate responses to contract dispute scenarios

The syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the built environment. Topics will include:
• Principles of pre-contract cost control and the factors that influence the cost of construction (LO1)
• Standard contract forms including the JCT suite and alternatives (eg. NEC, FIDIC) (LO2)
• Contract selection (LO2)
• Tendering process (LO2)
• Estimating techniques (LO3)
• Contract administration practice (LO4)
• Valuations, certifications and payments (LO4)
• Assessing applications for delays and extensions of time (LO4,5)
• Managing variations (LO4)
• Subcontractors and supply chains (LO4)
• Management and resolution of disputes (LO5)
• The role of personal development and professional practice in the quantity surveying 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, guided asynchronous activities 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 the selection and management of contracts. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Workshops will facilitate group study of authentic project scenarios, presenting typical problem-based learning challenges which will require the students to propose and test solutions and evaluate the outcomes.

Problem based learning encourages independent learning through proposing a problem which is complex with more than one right answer, challenging the students to work individually and in small groups to develop solutions, thereby developing their problem-solving abilities.  Staff will act as facilitators throughout the activities.

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. Critically analyse factors relating to pre-contract cost control and their impact on construction costs.
2. Advise upon matters of contract selection, procurement routes, tendering, and administration.
3. Apply estimating and cost planning techniques to produce solutions to complex problems.
4. Produce cost reports relating to the commercial management of construction works and management of supply chains.
5. Propose appropriate dispute resolution procedures.
6. Evaluate your own personal development and professional practice

The 3 module assessments test the student’s knowledge and understanding that should have been developed throughout the module. Students will be supported throughout their assessment preparations through having access to formative feedback which will be available throughout the module, during lectures, seminars, and workshops.

The module will be assessed by the students responding to a series of scenarios.

Coursework 1: Individual Project (1500 words) 25%

Coursework 1 is an individual project in which the students will be presented with a dynamic project scenario for which they need to provide some cost advice, select a form of contract and draw up the same ready for tender issue. Further detail will be provided in the coursework briefing document.

Coursework 2: Individual Project (2250 words) 50%

Coursework 2 is an individual submission and requires students to manage a contract across several weeks within a dynamic project scenario.  The students will be presented with events which will require them to produce considered responses over several weeks within formal workshops and self-directed activities.  The outputs of these workshops and activities will form the basis of the project. The project brief will provide more detail about the constraints, aims and objectives of the project.

Coursework 3: Professional Discussion (10 minutes) 25%

A 10-minute professional discussion will be held to review the Students PDJ and progress made over the academic year, including CPD activity. The discussion will require the student to present their activity over this academic year and outline their plans for professional development activities over the next academic year.

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:-
Ashworth, A., Hogg, K. and Higgs, C. (2013) Willis’s Practice and Procedure for the Quantity Surveyor. 13th edn. London: Wiley Blackwell.
Atkinson, A. (2020) JCT Contract Administration Pocket Handbook. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.
Brook, M. (2016) Estimating and tendering for construction work. Abingdon: Routledge
Cartlidge, D. (2022) Quantity Surveyor's Pocket Book. 4th edn. Abingdon: Routledge.
Lee, S. (2020) Willis's Elements of Quantity Surveying.13th edn. London: Wiley Blackwell.
Lupton, S. (2019) Which Contract: Choosing the appropriate building contract. 6th edn. London: RIBA Publishing.
Lupton, S. (2017) Guide to JCT Standard Building Contract 2016. London: RIBA Publishing.
RICS (2016) Commercial management of construction. Available at:
www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/construction/black-book/commercial-management-of-construction/.
Additional reading:-
RICS Black Book
RICS key standards for construction
RICS New Rules of Measurement
International Cost Management Standard (ICMS)
CIOB Global Construction Review
Association for Project Management news
RICS news and insight
Construction Management Magazine