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Construction Project Management
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
Course Code | SG_CCONS_K08 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 1 Year |
Credits | 60 |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Course Overview
Construction Project Management is a professional field that focuses on each part of the construction process of any built environment. The course at ATU Sligo equips graduates with skills and knowledge in project management as well as an understanding of the business process and environment. Armed with such expertise, graduates will be prepared for decision making and undertaking executive responsibilities within a number of industries, such as; construction, energy, utilities, telecommunications, architecture, production, design and service industries.
Construction project managers are responsible for planning, co-ordination and control of a project from inception to completion. Their role is to deliver clients requirements in order to produce a functionally and financially viable construction project that will be completed on time, within budget and to the required quality and standards. Construction project managers, quantity surveyors and senior engineers require a combination of engineering knowledge, good business and organisational skills and a capacity for leadership in managing people and construction operations within the building process.
Key Skills:
- Ability to manage the construction process and to meet the needs of clients within legal, financial and environmental constraints.
- Obtain a capacity for leadership in managing the building process.
- Management skills to plan, organise and control construction projects.
- Ability to contribute to the construction process in a manner that sustains and enhances the natural and built environments.
- An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the business process and the necessary theoretical knowledge to match solutions to business problems.
Did you know?
A new ATU Sligo initiative, a Female Student Network, has been established at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU Sligo) to help female students to settle into third level education and aid retention. This new peer group operates within the Civil Engineering and Construction programmes at ATU Sligo.
ATU Sligo has been promoting construction-related programmes to females through various initiatives recently and have seen growth in their female student numbers this academic year.
According to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), there are significant shortages of graduates from construction-related programmes, and only 1 in 10 employees are female.
The CIF has highlighted that it will be challenging to ensure an adequate supply of graduates to satisfy a growing demand over the next few decades, given that 112,000 additional construction workers will be required.
Trevor McSharry, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, said:
“With improving health and safety, the use of digital technologies and a focus on collaboration and sustainability, I think a lot of females are now considering construction-related programmes as the sector evolves. Improving gender balance within the construction sector is a key priority for all national bodies, not only to address skill shortages, but also to improve team diversity, inclusion and overall performance”.
He further continues: “We offer a broad range of full-time programmes including civil engineering, quantity surveying and construction project management and applied technology.”
Lisa Brennan, who was recently recruited from the construction industry as a lecturer, leads the newly established student female network initiative. She has secured the support of the Engineers Ireland Women in Engineering group, the Chartered Institute of Builders and the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland.
She said: “By implementing our networking initiative and providing an all rounded experience for female students, we can increase the appeal for females to study construction related programmes at ATU Sligo. This will ultimately help grow the number of graduates from third level and help improve diversity.”
Monthly discussion groups will be held between female students across the programmes, both full time and online. Presentations from industry-based female guest speakers will also be organised. Regional school engagement will be set up to promote programmes, especially to female students, to increase the awareness of the range of careers available.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Construction Law Liabilities and ObligationsThis subject introduces the learner to the various areas of law which impact on the management and successful delivery of construction projects both here in Ireland and in other jurisdictions. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate understanding of the legal systems of Ireland and of other jurisdictions and the sources of law relevant to the construction industry. 2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the key concepts and features of construction contract law. 3. Demonstrate an applied knowledge and understanding of salient areas of law applicable to the management and operation of a construction project in particular tortious liability, occupiers liability, vicarious liability, product liability, employment law and health and safety law. 4. Critically assess the role, obligations and responsibilities of the project manager under both the construction contract and the general operation of the law (legal liability) including underlying ethical considerations. 5. Identify, evaluate and critically assess, keylegal issuea thatarising during the course of a constructionproject andformulate legal advice/opinion based on the thorough examination of the facts and the application of legal concepts. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Construction Corporate ManagementThis module will provide students with knowledge of the main elements of corporate management and its relevance to contemporary practice in construction. It brings together ideas from economics, marketing, management, business and politics to develop corporate management for both contractors firms and the associated professions. Learning Outcomes 1. Assess the influence of Government policy on the construction industry 2. Evaluate the internal and external environment of the organisation 4. Apply the key theoretical frameworks and concepts pertaining to leadership and motivation 5. Ascertain the key principles and practices of managing people |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Project Appraisal, Procurement and FinanceThis module evaluates the different investment appraisal techniques required by decision makers. It also assesses how procurement and project financing play a vital role in modern construction project management. Learning Outcomes 1. Appraise the principles and practice of procurement in the construction / property context. 2. Determine the alternative forms of capital investment used by firms within the property and construction industries 3. Assess the various investment appraisal techniques used in the property and construction industries 4. Deduct how project financing plays a role in modern construction management, cashflow and project cost control 5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the principles and practices of financial accounting |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Construction Planning and ProgrammingThis course introduces the learner to the processes and steps involved in the planning and programming of construction projects. The most common forms of programming/scheduling techniques are introduced and considered. Issues relating to resources, budgets and cash flows are discussed and critically analysed. The module will use a mix of theory, worked examples and case studies to illustrate the application of the key principles. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of planning and estimating to both the client and contractor for different construction project types. 2. Critically analysethe importance of constructionplanning and demonstrate knowledge of the planning processes involved in construction and the typical programmes used. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Construction Contracts and Dispute ResolutionThis module will cover the standard forms of contract in use in construction, sources of contractual claims, presentation and writing of claims, as well as dispute resolution mechanisms used under those standard forms. Statutory Adjudication in construction contracts will also be included. Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the standard forms of contract,administration of the contract, andrisk allocation 2. Select and evaluate the appropriate forms of contract to allow for correct risk allocation |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
International ConstructionThe international construction market has been transformed over recent years due to major key developments. This module will provide students across all related construction disciplines knowledge on key business areas associated with the broad spectrum of international construction. It will prepare students for the challenges of the changing and increasingly global construction industry. Learning Outcomes 1. Appreciate the issues that a construction organisation and an international project might faces in an international environment. 2. Assess various international construction markets and associated risks 3. Evaluate appropriate entry modes and make recommendations 4. Assess the competitive environment of global construction organisations, with particular emphasis on lessons learnt from projects 5. Appraisethe individual issues, group and organisational issues to consider when working in construction internationally or on projects with an international dimension. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Lean Principles and Quality ManagementThe aim of this module is to develop students awareness and understanding of the key characteristics associated by improving the effective operation of the construction industry by implementing lean and quality systems. The module also evaluates the areas where lean production theories can make a significant impact in construction. Lean Construction planning underpins a wider approach to applying Lean Thinking to create significant improvements in project safety, predictability, construction and improved productivity. The module will provide the students with an introduction to lean construction and quality management and the tools/method required to implement these processes. Learning Outcomes 1. Critique lean principles, thinking, and practices, and their application in construction 2. Establish the five lean principles, seven wastes and a lean quality approach in a project environment 3. Develop process and continuous improvement skills in the application of lean tools and techniques in a project environment 4. Evaluate and discuss the importance of Supply Change Management 5. Assess the relative merits of Quality and Construction Management tools for using Lean, Quality and BIM synergies. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Project Management and ControlThe module introduces the learner to the important role of project management in the successful delivery of construction projects. Key concepts and control measures which impact on the day to day management of construction will be considered and critically analysed, such as risk management, value management, quality control, cost control. Emphasis is also given to the important role the management of health and safety plays in managing construction projects. The module will use a mix of theory and case studies to illustrate the application of key principles. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate the role of project management and the project manager in the successful delivery of construction projects 2. Evaluate and analyse key safety, quality and environmental management issues that underpin both decision making and executive responsibilities relating to construction projects. 3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of importance of project controls in the successful delivery of projects in particular cost control, change management and earned value management. 4. Critically assess the role both risk and value management plays in improving both the delivery of construction projects and in production process improvement from the perspective of the contractor. Demonstrate competence in the identification and appraisal of construction risks |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Digital Construction TechnologyThis module will develop the student's expertise in the practical application of the taught modules on the programme. It will consist of Projects, Multidisciplinary Teamwork, digital software applications, digital workflows and digital technologies. The projects will require the student to display a professional level of skill in project management and administration pertaining to the new digitalisation era. Learning Outcomes 1. Consolidate the skills attained in other modules of this programme and apply them to the practical aspects of Construction Project Management. 3. Illustrate a capacity to communicate effectively with clients, other design team members and with contractor’s personnel using innovative digital workflows. 4. Select research information sources and apply findings as appropriate. 6. Manage deadlines and appreciate the need to work to rigid programmes and to deliver on commitments. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
Dissertation in Construction Project ManagementThis module will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete an element of undergraduate research and produce a dissertation. Learning Outcomes 1. Formulate a research problem and generate related research question(s). |
10 | Mandatory |
Progression
Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates may progress to a Masters of Science in Project Management which is a three-year part-time programme designed for graduates or professionals who are interested in developing their skills and competencies in project management. A Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management can be achieved after two years part-time study with a research thesis undertaken in year three to gain the MSc award.
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Entry Requirements
A level 7 qualification (min 40% average) in a related construction/engineering discipline. Work experience will also be taken into consideration.
Careers
Graduates from this course will have the necessary technical skills to manage a group of employees in a modern dynamic construction business. By combining operations and construction project management skills, graduates will be ideally equipped to take up positions as construction project leaders or managers in a variety of disciplines including; construction, energy, utilities, telecommunications, architecture, production, design and service industries.
Further Information
Contact Information
Civil Engineering & Construction