PE7006 - Contract Administration and Practice

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will gain an understanding of, and examine, the role of the surveyor in managing property, construction contracts and the design process. You will learn to identify and analyse the key theories and procedures within construction projects including procurement, tendering and contract selection. You will understand how these are integrated within the roles and duties of the contract administrator and health and safety practice. An understanding of design principles and practice along with specification writing will further enhance your practical skills and compliment the theoretical knowledge learnt.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility within businesses.

How will I learn on this module?

The module is delivered entirely online via our electronic learning platform (elp). You will interact with a range of materials on the module site. The module home page provides you with quick access to detailed information about the module in an interactive, easily accessible format. The teaching materials support your learning. Each session delivers flexible, interactive learning materials, accessible in a variety of formats such as audio and video presentations, podcasts, MP3 files and hard copies. Tasks to extend and test your learning are interspersed within the learning materials. A range of different tasks, with formative feedback, are aimed at supporting your learning style. In addition to this you will be encouraged to utilise peer to peer support opportunities through the use of elp supported platforms for interaction or, if you choose to, external student supported platforms. Each session is supported by directed reading accessed through the electronic reading list.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive distance learning environment. You will be introduced to the module by the module tutor in an introductory video. The online module sessions and interactive tasks form the cornerstone for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team and each session includes a link to enable you to email a question directly to the tutor from within the session. In advance of each assessment a video presentation is uploaded to support you in your preparation for this session. This is followed by an online live question and answer session prior to submission of your assessed work. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

• MLO1 Critically evaluate the theoretical theories related to the procurement and delivery of construction projects.
• MLO2 Critically assess the stages, players, mechanisms, procedures and tools for successfully delivering a complex construction project.
• MLO3 Critically evaluate contemporary pre and post contract procedures and processes.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO4 Critically analyse information, identify solutions, demonstrate judgement and communicate findings in a professional and ethic manner.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5 Demonstrate the capacity for independent, evidence based thinking and decision making in relation to the contract administration of construction projects.
• MLO6: Develop and apply a reflective approach to learning and personal development.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment: there are a range of tasks embedded within the module sessions. Formative feedback, where appropriate, is provided in a variety of formats after completion. This timely feedback will assist in consolidating your learning as you move through the module.

Summative assessment will be in form of an individual project based on a practice scenario (with a value of 50% of the module assessment) and a report (50%).

Both course works will assess MLO1-6.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module aims to explore and establish the main processes and procedures involved within the delivery of a construction project from the initial inception through to client handover following the RIBA Plan of Work. It seeks to introduce students to the decision-making and legal processes within the context of selection of procurement and tendering. You will critically analyse and examine key legislation, develop an understanding of the roles of different professionals involved within a project. The importance of communication and the change process relating to contract administration will be explored. Practical experience to enhance design skills is an essential part of this module, which is underpinned with the theoretical knowledge and which will enhance and develop your vocational skills and knowledge.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Distance Learning

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location Ellison Building, Newcastle City Campus

City Newcastle

Start Upcoming Intakes: January 2025, April 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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