BSc (Hons) Building Contract Management
Course Modules
BUEQS3039 - Integrative Projects
BUEQS3026 - Construction Procurement Strategies
BUEQS3045 - Cost and Financial Control
BUEQS3016 - Business Management
BUEQS3022 - Economics of Production
Faculty of Technology and Environment
School of Built Environment
Introduction to the course
Your Programme Leader for this course in Building Contract Management is Dr Andrew Ross (Email: a.d.ross@livjm.ac.uk), please contact him if you require further information.
Andrew is the head of post graduate programmes and teaches project financial management, design economics, research methods. He is a chartered surveyor and a chartered builder, he has a BSc in Quantity Surveying, an MSc in Information Technology and a PhD in Construction Economics. He has published over 40 research papers and text books and is currently researching transactions between main contractors and their subcontractors. He is lead investigator on a Knowledge Transfer project which seeks to integrate Quantity Surveying services and project management.
To download a copy of the Students' Handbook .
BUEQS3039 - Integrative Projects
Introduction - Aims - Learning Outcomes - Description - Outline Syllabus - Assessment - Indicitive References
Module Leader & TUTOR
Mr Paul Kenny, BA (Hons)., MSc., Cert. Ed., MCIOB
Senior Lecturer
Built Environment
James Parsons Building
Email: p.kenny2@ljmu.ac.uk
Paul is a senior lecturer in the School of the Built Environment and lectures in construction technology, conservation and surveying. He is a Chartered Builder and his research is in the filed of historic building conservation. He has been a lecturer for 20 years and is the programme leader for the BSc Hons in Building Surveying and the MSc in Commercial Building Surveying.
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The module will integrate individual studies within the construction suite of programmes so as to provide focus and context by simulated project work in both pre and post contract situations. In addition the module will adopt the Cross School inter professional project so as to allow the development of negotiating and problem solving in a multi disciplinary situation. Students will be using the RAPID package to reflect on the acquisition of employability skills to date and identify opportunities for improving these skills.
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Aims
To provide a framework for subject integration and cross-subject analysis and synergy.
To reinforce the wide array of skills, knowledge and applications necessary for the successful completion of project team work.
To develop and refine communication skills with reference to group organisation and to practice verbal and written presentation and negotiation skills.
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Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module the student should be able to:
- Communicate concepts, participate in debate using logical arguments, listen to and negotiate with peers.
- Appreciate the need for planning, effective time management and teamwork.
- Determine the factors that affect the completion of a project and select appropriate solutions to defined problems using the practical application of previously acquired skills and knowledge.
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Description
The module will be delivered in two parts
1 Initially the sessions are aimed at developing an appreciation of team building and interdependency of roles amongst the parties to construction projects.
2 The teaching then takes the form of a series of lectures and workshop tasks involving the use of the AROUSAL computer package. This package simulates a construction firm over a number of years, with students making decisions on the management of the firm, including staffing, marketing, tendering for projects and financial reporting.
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Outline Syllabus
The module serves as a vehicle for the application and further development of knowledge, skills and understanding developed in other modules across the course.
More particularly, the module focuses attention on the need for, and the difficulties of, integrating the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in other modules across the course.
The structure and the objectives of the projects that have been set up in this module call for independent study in the areas of:
- Group work and its problems,
- Teamwork issues such as team building, co-ordination and management;
- Time management
- Business planning
- Marketing management
- Personnel management
- Financial management
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Assessment
Assessment of the module will be via coursework.
The module mark will be calculated from:
- A group report mark (55%)
- A presentation mark (20%)
- An individual report mark (25%)
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Indicative References
To be given at beginning of the module
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BUEQS3026 - Construction Procurement Strategies
Introduction - Aims - Learning Outcomes - Description - Outline Syllabus - Assessment - Indicitive References
TUTOR & Module Leader
Dr Richard Kirkham, PhD., BA(Hons)
Programme Leader
Construction Management
Building Design Technology Management
Email: r.kirkham@ljmu.ac.uk
Research interests: Construction process management; complexity in the built environment.
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Introduction
This module develops an understanding of the issues underpinning decisions made about procurement strategies. The risks explicit and implicit connected to various procurement arrangements are also explored.
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Aims
To examine the development of strategies for the procurement of construction work; to do this using a problem solving approach considering project objectives, procurement solution options, procurement decision models and issues of implementation; and to do this with a particular emphasis on the allocation of risk and responsibility.
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Learning Outcomes
After completing the module the student should be able to:
- Identify and analyse project, and particularly client,requirements and objectives.
- Identify and evaluate procurement solution options for complex building works, discussing their characteristics and especially their strengths and weaknesses.
- Apply a risk management approach to the analysis of a construction project in support of the procurement route decision-making process.
- Analyse and take into account any requirement for specialist works before deciding on a procurement strategy.
- Advise on the most appropriate procurement solution for a given set of project objectives.
- Decide when to take specialist advice on issues beyond their competence.
- Anticipate the problems that may commonly arise in the construction procurement process, taking appropriate steps to avoid them or deal with them.
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Description
The module will be delivered via a series of key-note lectures; a series of student-led debates on current topics and a portfolio of project-based tasks. Students' position papers on the debating topics will be posted on, and follow-up discussion of these will be facilitated by, an email discussion list set up for the purpose.
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Outline Syllabus
Context:
The delivery of material at this level will be set in the context of a business park development project or other complex building development.
Problem solving approach:
Framing the problem; defining the problem; identifying solutions; analysing resource requirements and availability; selecting optimum solution; implementation; feedback.
Project definition:
Briefing: project environment; clients objectives: function/quality, time and cost etc.; other participants' objectives. Procurement arrangement criteria.
Procurement options:
Strategic frameworks; Procurement routes available; differences between routes available; allocation of risk; allocation of responsibility; degree of control. Procurement of management. Procurement of design; design liability. Procurement of (design and production of) specialist works. Payment basis.
Procurement route selection:
Models / tools for procurement route decision-making.
Implementation:
Pre-contract: Production of project design and/or documentation. Investigation of performance and prescriptive methods of documentation. Advanced contract and subcontract arrangements. Issues in obtaining tenders. Tender analysis and reports; award of contract.
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Assessment Details
Examination: 60% invigilated 2.5(hrs)
Coursework: 40% Student-led debates and portfolio of project based tasks
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Indicative References
Barrett, P & Stanley, C (1999) 'Better Constructiion Briefing' Blackwell Science
Masterman, JWF 'An Introduction to Building Procurement Systems'
Franks, J 'Building Procurement Systems'
Turner, AE 'Building Procurement'
Walker, A 'Project Management in Construction'
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BUEQS3045 - Cost and Financial Control
Introduction - Aims - Learning Outcomes - Outline Syllabus - Assessment - Indicitive References
Module Leader & TUTOR
Dr Andrew Ross
Head of Construction Studies
Built Environment
James Parsons Building
Room 102
Email: a.d.ross@livjm.ac.uk
Andrew Ross is the head of post graduate programmes and teaches project financial management, design economics, research methods. He is a chartered surveyor and a chartered builder, he has a BSc in Quantity Surveying, an MSc in Information Technology and a PhD in Construction Economics. He has published over 40 research papers and text books and is currently researching transactions between main contractors and their subcontractors. He is lead investigator on a Knowledge Transfer project which seeks to integrate Quantity Surveying services and project management.
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Introduction
This module develops an appreciation of cost and value control. It considers the use of estimating outputs as a means of establishing targets for control. The arousal business simulation package is used to develop a practical understanding of the approaches to be taken.
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Aims
To develop an understanding of cost and value in construction and their relationship with the estimating and financial control functions within contracting organisations.
To understand the impact of the timing of receipts and payments on the financing arrangements of the organisation.
To develop competence in the use of techniques for the financial control of construction projects and contracting firms.
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Learning Outcomes
After completing the module the student should be able to:
- Understand how cost control is applied to construction projects and organisations.
- Appreciate the way in which cost is controlled during construction and how this relates to the valuation of work in progress.
- Prepare forecasts and reconciliations of cost and value for contractors, to monitor actual physical and financial progress against planned.
- Understand the effect of delay in the payment process and the impact of this on the capital lock-up on projects and the financing requirements of construction firms.
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Outline Syllabus
Classification of cost, relationship with the estimating and buying functions, cost generation, recording and control.
The concept of value, conditions of payment in standard forms of contract.
The relationship between cost and value, cost: value reconciliation, valuation of stocks and work in progress, accounting standards, SSAP9, timing of receipts and payments, financing arrangements.
Techniques for the financial control of construction projects and contracting firms.
Forecasting techniques; Approximate methods, S-curves and formulae, computer software packages, using the programme.
Cost control and reconciliation with value pre and post-contract.
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Assessment Details
Examination: 70% unseen 2(hrs)
Coursework: 30% assignment
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Indicative References
Canter, M.R. 'Resource Management for Construction' Macmillan
Harris & McCaffer 'Modern Construction Management' Granada
Cooke, B 'Cost and Financial Control for Construction Firms' Macmillan(out of print)
Upson 'Financial Management for Contractors'
Griffiths A. (1999) 'A Systems Approach to Construction Management' McMillan
Langford D., Fellows R., Newcombe B. (1985) 'Construction Management in Practice' Longmans
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BUEQS3016 - Business Management
Introduction - Aims - Learning Outcomes - Description - Outline Syllabus - Assessment - Indicitive References
Module Leader & TUTOR
Dr Fiona Borthwick PhD, BSC (Hons), PgCertTLHE, ICIOB, ILTM
Principal Lecturer in Construction Technology, International Construction and Construction Management
Built Environment
Cherie Booth Building
Room 203
Email: f.borthwick@ljmu.ac.uk
Interests: European Construction Products Directive, EU construction industry, market entry and industrial analysis for the construction industry and materials sector.
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Introduction
The module evaluates the major principles and techniques of effective management, broadens student's appreciation of the complexities of modern business, both current and future, and the potential role of construction professionals.
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Aims
To evaluate the major principles and techniques of effective management.
To broaden student's appreciation of the complexities of modern business. Particularly factors affecting current and future business practice.
To appreciate the potential role of the QS and Construction professional.
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Learning Outcomes
After completing the module the student should be able to:
- Appreciate the various styles and methods of managing businesses according to the task, people, organisational requirements and technology.
- Analyse the impact of modern business processes on management and decision making within an organisation in the Construction Industry.
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Description
Topics covered in this module will include definition and scope of management in knowledge based organisations, leadership and motivation of professional staff, organizational structures and cultures, business planning, financial and management accounting, marketing professional services.
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Outline Syllabus
Definition and scope of management in knowledge based organisations, leadership and motivation of professional staff, organizational structures and cultures, business planning, financial and management accounting, marketing professional services.
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Assessment Details
Examination: 70% unseen 2(hrs)
Coursework: 30% assignment
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Indicative References
Stephen Lavender; MANAGEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY; Longman
Charles B.Handy 'Understanding Organisations' 3rd Penguin Business Books
John Adair 'Effective Leadership' Pan Books
Brian Greenhalgh 'Practice Management of Land, Construction and Property Professionals' E.F.Spon
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BUEQS3022 - Economics of Production
Introduction - Aims - Learning Outcomes - Description - Outline Syllabus - Assessment - Indicitive References 
Module Leader & TUTOR
Mrs Alison Cotgrave, BSc., MEd., PGCertEd., FCIOB., FBEng., MRICS
Head of Property and Planning Studies
Faculty Learning Development Manager
(Technology and Environment)
Room 207, New Tutorial Block, Byrom Street
Email: a.j.cotgrave@livjm.ac.uk
Alison Cotgrave lectures at all levels from Yr 1 to postgraduate students in Structural Mechanics, Land Surveying, Construction Technology, Building Production, Managing Resources and Contract Administration. She gained her BSc at the Liverpool Polytechnic in 1988, her PGCertEd (1994) and her MEd Training & Development (1997) at the University of Manchester and is currently studying for her PhD (Sustainability in the Built Environment Curriculum). Alison secured a research grant from D. McLeans Contractors for a 3 year funding programme to research into 'construction education' and has had over 8 submission published in books/journals/conference papers. She serves on 8 professional committees and is a CIOB Professional Interviewer and PDP Assessor and Mentor.
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Introduction
This module develops an appreciation of the inter-relationships between the stakeholders and the environment of the construction industry. It seeks to inculcate a sense of rational action by the various stakeholders and their response to the changes that affect construction and development.
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To familiarise the student with the complexity of the construction from concept to financing, designing, contracting and life cycle affects. To develop an understanding of the exogenous influences on resources and the production process are examined and the economic relationships analysed.
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After completing the module the student ought to be familiar with the financial and physical interface between resources and how to manage them efficiently and effectively under varying conditions
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Description
The module is delivered via lectures and tutorials. Students are expected to take an active part in the tutorials. Tasks are set for which the students set out parameters and plans of action.
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The structure and nature of the industry and the role of governments
Construction markets, size and output
Project finance
Resources control PERT sequencing and method statements, resource smoothing
Control and management of sub contractors
Health and Safety and safe work practices
Managing Quality, Supply Chain Management and JiT materials supply
Human resource management and motivation of project teams
Risk Management
Managing the project on site
Assessment Details
The module is assessed by two pieces of written coursework each at 50% of the overall mark
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Indicative References
Cooke B, Williams P, Construction Planning and Control 2nd ed. (2004)
Hannagan P, Management: Concepts and Practices 4th ed. (2005)
Winch GM, Managing Construction Projects (2004)
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