CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This module develops the concepts of workforce management in the construction industry. It will explore the historical developments of this legally in the UK and consider how this is developing both in the UK and internationally. It will encourage you to go through case studies to explore the implications of poor workforce management and develop strategies to improve your own skills in resource planning. In addition, it will consider the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within large and small construction companies to develop workforce management, and will also look at the implications of getting resource management wrong and its impact on projects.

You will learn the fundamentals of Land Law, Contract Law, and the application of Tort Law in the built environment under the English Legal system. Contract Law will be contextualised to include international contracts such as FIDIC and the concept of Tort Law as it affects Construction Operations. From the first principles of making laws in English Law to the interpretation of duty and liability, through to breach, penalties, and enforcement, this module focuses on the legislation and regulations, including Land Law, Contract Law and Tort Law, together with developing an understanding of the role of relevant professional, statutory and regulatory bodies. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) will be considered as used in construction contracts.

This module focuses on the principles and practices of procurement within the UK, EU and internationally for the purchase of services and goods within the construction industry. UK policy and procedures for public and private situations are extended into international procurement. The tendering processes and procedures are reviewed for compilation of document security and control while writing a bid for services or goods. Management and team interaction, along with communication methods, will oversee the whole process to ensure deadlines are adhered to.

The construction industry has recognised the need to increase off-site construction in housing and other sectors, and the construction industry was generally discussed in the Latham Report, Constructing the Team and the Egan Report, Rethinking Construction. By drawing on experiences from other industries, such as manufacturing, these reports sought to identify ways to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and make the industry more responsive to customer needs. This module will cover the development of MMC from prefabricated homes to modern factory-built housing. It will scrutinise notable periods of transformation and explore design, as well as social, economic and regulation such as changes in Building Regulations. This module aims to educate and inform students, consumers, builders, investors and insurers about MMC. It dispels the prevailing image of post-war emergency housing, which, despite its reputation, contained some remarkable engineering and durable details. In particular, prefabrication can play a crucial role in making good the UK's housing shortfall.

For all engineering managers, issues of environmental and energy sustainability are vitally important. This module covers the whole range of these issues and will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills you need to successfully operate in a net-zero carbon context, enabling you to be an agent for change in the organisations you will be working in. It will also cover the key renewable energy technologies of the future.

Students will gain advanced knowledge of project planning techniques, resource allocation, budgeting, risk management and performance monitoring, enabling them to deliver projects within client, organisational and regulatory constraints.

The module develops students’ ability to identify and justify a rigorous research question, engage critically with relevant literature, and apply appropriate research methodologies to investigate complex real-world or theoretical problems. It supports students in developing advanced analytical, reflective and project management skills while considering ethical, legal, environmental, societal and commercial factors relevant to their field.