KA6030 - Design And Construction Economics

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, local case study buildings, self-directed study and presentations. Lectures and seminars will be used to reinforce and focus on key issues, concepts and techniques acting as a framework for professional surveying practice. You will take part in practical building surveys that will reinforce management theories and further reinforce health and safety aspects of on-site surveying. A major part of your learning is by attending, observing and then participating in presentations made by students within your cohort ensuring a wide exposure to building feasibility solutions. The presentations will enable you to develop your ability to work effectively as part of a group or team, which is very important in relation to future employability.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for design and construction economics. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

During field surveys you will engage in small group activities during which you will benefit from peer interaction and support. In these sessions, you will also interact closely with teaching staff, who will provide formative support and feedback on activities leading up to the assessment tasks.

You will also be supported by the provision of on-line resources via the module e-learning portal. These resources include lecture and workshop information, interactive reading list with on-line access to a number of key articles. Teaching staff will also respond to individual questions via the module’s discussion board so that everyone taking the module can benefit. Staff teaching on the module have an ‘open door’ approach during normal working hours and are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.
If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

• MLO1
You will be able to analyse management and organisational theories, practices and strategies provided in case study materials and produce appropriate reports.

• MLO2
You will be able to evaluate quality management systems and processes provided in case study materials and produce appropriate professional reports.

• MLO3
You will be able to evaluate risk management principles, cost planning and life cycle costs provided in case study materials and produce appropriate professional reports.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• MLO4
You will evaluate building case study materials and produce feasibility reports to communicate to a range of Built Environment stakeholders.

Personal Values Attributes

• MLO5
You will develop and reinforce the ethical characteristics of a Northumbria graduate as you consider the values that underpin the role of a built environment professional and reflect on how they link with your own values.

You will be assessed in 1 part:

The summative assessment is an individual feasibility report (3000 words) appraising a local building, taking into account building design efficiency, cost planning and project management - -assessing Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and contributes to 100% of the module assessment.

You will receive formative feedback as you progress providing an indicator on your progress, whilst providing useful feedback to assist you with subsequent work. This will include a 20-minute presentation (project showcase, in groups), focussed on the final set of proposals.

None

None

You will carry out a building survey for a local commercial building and develop a feasibility report for potential refurbishment. The report will include the implications of design decisions, operational costs, life cycle costs, cost planning and value engineering, allowing you to develop your appraisal and evaluation knowledge and skills. Formative, feedback is provided throughout the module and summative feedback is provided in stages, allowing you to time to reinforce and improve your learning. The knowledge and skills developed will improve your building surveying attributes alongside inter-personal skills, significantly enhancing your employability.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for design and construction economics to develop your skills and knowledge.