Construction Project Management

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Course Details

Course Code	SG_OCONS_K08
Level	8
Duration	2 years
Credits	60
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	Sligo

How to Apply

How to Apply

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.

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Construction Law Liabilities and Obligations This 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 Management This 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 3. Evaluate appropriate strategies and make recommendations 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
Year	Digital Construction Technology This 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. 2. Demonstrate an ability to coordinate the responsibilities of other design team professionals to bring a project to fruition in accordance with the relevant codes of practice 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. 5. Appraise current digital workflows and associated software and technologies. 6. Manage deadlines and appreciate the need to work to rigid programmes and to deliver on commitments. 7. Utilise innovative digital platforms which connect multidisiplinary project teams and data in real-time.	10	Mandatory
2	Construction Contracts and Dispute Resolution This 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 3. Discriminate and appraise various methods of dispute resolution available in construction 4. Apply techniques to the preperation and appraisal of contractual claims 5. Understand the legislative responsibilities of various parties in the counstruction process	05	Mandatory
2	International Construction The 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

Year 2

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
Year	Dissertation in Construction Project Management This 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). 2. Articulate the aims of the investigation. 3. Apply appropriate theoretical approaches and methodology. 4. Produce a well focused literature review. 5. Collect relevant data and analyse them in the light of the research questions. 6. Present findings in a coherent and logical manner. 7. Defend your argument, the work undertaken, the validity of the conclusion, alternative methods and the ramifications/impact of the project on the built environment and society at large.	10	Mandatory
1	Project Appraisal, Procurement and Finance This 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 Programming This 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. 3. Demonstate an applied understanding and knowledge of construction scheduling techniques (Gant Charts, Network Diagrams, Precedence Diagrams, Line of balance, etc) . Criticiallyassess the merits of each ofthe different methods of construction scheduling. 4. Apply resource scheduling and allocation techniques to facilitate effective project control 5. Apply and prepare budgetary and cash flow projections for the effective financial control of projects.	05	Mandatory
2	Lean Principles and Quality Management The 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 Control The 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 5. Critically analyse the role and the needs of the client and other key stakeholder and understand demonstrating the importance of project communication	05	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

All modules require 2 contact hours per week, with the exception of the Dissertation module which is 1 hour per week. For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5-credit module to your studies.

Examination and Assessment

Each 5-credit module is a combination of exam and coursework and are assessed at semester end. The 10-credit modules are 100% coursework and are assessed at year end. Digital Construction Technology: Must be studied when in the first year of course. Dissertation: Must be studied when in the second year of Course. Both modules are to be assessed at year-end only. Both modules are 10 Credits, all other modules are 5 Credits.

On-Campus Attendance Requirement

No attendance required.

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.

Download a prospectus

Undergraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

A Level 7 qualification (min 40% average) in a related construction/engineering discipline. Work experience will also be taken into consideration.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €9000

Further information on fees

External Accreditation

Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

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.