The module will provide learners with the necessary legal knowledge to understand and identify the complexities of law surrounding construction contracts. In doing so learners will be able to recognise and confront the kinds of problems that can get in the way of successful construction contract/project management. The legal meaning and implications of key terms in construction contracts and their impact on the administration will be examined in detail. The principal legal differences between standard forms of contract, both national and international, will be identified and evaluated. The nature and type of construction claims will be considered as well as the various dispute resolution mechanisms currently employed within the construction industry.

1. Appraise the various types and standard forms of construction contracts in common use in the construction industry demonstrating a critical awareness of the main contractual framework established in the main standard form of construction contract and the significance of specific contractual terms within a construction contract
2. Critically assess the role, obligations and responsibilities of the employer, contractor and subcontractorunder construction contracts.
3. Assess and analyse legal concepts/facts and formulate reasoned legal opinion/advice.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal and statutory requirements for the resolution of construction contractual disputes including conflict management and dispute resolution procedures within the construction process including the requirements and function of the expert witness within the construction industry and in particular their role and the importance of evidence.
5. Critically analyse and appraisethe key legal concepts underpinning standard construction terms and provisions which are encountered in the administration of construction contracts.
6. Assess and appraise the validity of various contractual claims

The module considers the nature and importance of contracts and procurement and their role within project management. Procurement and contracts are integral to successful project delivery. This course examines the processes used to procure products and services that are required by the project team or the project organisation. Students learn how to plan procurements, conduct a tendering process, negotiate and administer the resulting contract. A key aspect to this course is developing an understanding of the key legal implications of contracts as they relate to project success.

1. Critically analyse the effect procurement and contract management strategies have on the overall project system.
2. Evaluate thestandardmethods of procurementand demonstate the ability to give reasoned advice on the appropriateness of various procurement routes.
3. Critically assess the varying forms of contract andthe incorporation ofterms and conditionsrelating to theexposure, transfer and mitigation of risk.
4. Establish effective project communications plan and performance measurement/monitoring against contractual terms.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and applied understanding of important legal issues that underpin and influence both contract and procurement law. Critically analyse the key legalconceptstaht may arise fromparticular procurement option.
6. Critically evaluate the theory and development of negotiating approaches and to develop appropriate negotiation strategies for use in project management.

This module explores the origin and development of environmental policy at European and National level, how the Irish Planning system is used to protect the environment and the requirements of European and National legislation in relation to the environmental assessment of projects (Environmental Impact Assessment) and programmes (Strategic Environmental Assessment).

1. Critically review the development and implementation of environmental policy at Local, National and European level.

2. Explain the legislative framework of the Irish Planning system and how it can help to protect the environment.

3. Explain the legislative framework for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at European and National level.

4. Explain the requirements of the EPA Guidelines for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR).

5. Carry out a detailed review of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR).

In this module the student will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of strategy making, strategy transformation and implementation, learn how to recognise corporate structures and how to influence decision making in the hierarchy.

1. think strategically about a company, its present business position, its long-term direction, its resources and competitive capabilities, the calibre of its strategy, and its opportunities for gaining sustainable competitive advantage.
2. craft business strategy, reason carefully about strategic options, use what-if analysis to evaluate action alternatives, and make sound strategic decisions.
3. Demonstrate why the different parts of a business need to be managed in strategic harmony for the organization to operate in winning fashion.
4. have strongerpowers of managerial judgment,be ableto assess business risk, and improved ability to make sound business decisions and achieve effective outcomes.
5. appreciate how ethical principles, core values, and socially responsible management practices matter greatly in the conduct of a companys business.

This module introduces the student to the various economic schools and examines the economics of the construction sector and the economic environment in which construction firms operate. The module also aims to develop the students awareness and understanding of financial management in construction and how companies structure their finances and the sources of capital. The module will introduce the leaner to various methods for construction project appraisal, with particular emphasis on; Net Present Worth evaluation, Equivalent Annual Worth and Internal Rate of Return techniques.

1. Critically appraise the importance of the construction industry to the economy.
2. Develop an understanding of the effects of macroeconomic policies on construction firms and their response to such policies.
3. Analyse and assess the theories of corporate and financial planning of organisations in the construction industry and appreciate the relevance of business strategy to construction contractors.
4. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the need for financial management in construction.
5. Financially appraise and evaluate alternative schemes and strategies.

This subject takes a potential entrepreneur through the process of starting a business, from first thoughts about self-employment to the practicalities of start-up. The student will be required to generate a new Business Plan for a start-up business.

For those students already in employment, this module will focus on 'intrapreneurship'. Intrapreneurship is the process by which companies seek to maintain their competitive edge in innovation and profit by asking employees to spawn new businesses within their company. This module would provide the student with a greater understanding of what it would take to run a particular aspect of the company, perhaps a new product line, department or subsidiary.

Key reasons major corporations encourage intrapreneurship are:

Technology and globalisation are increasing competition. Companies that can pounce quickly on new opportunities will have an advantage over slower competitors.

A recent McKinsey report shows that a company's chances of holding on to a top position are fading. The key player in any industry will have a tougher time holding onto the top spot now more than ever. Leaders must become flexible and entrepreneurial.

•Employee loyalty is ending. If employees feel their great idea would be better received by the competition, they will leave more quickly than ever before. Take, for example, the case of Palm. The company grew large; it started stifling intrapreneurship, and the founders left to start Handspring. Then Palm realised its mistake and purchased Handspring back at a huge cost.

Topics to be addressed include: What makes a good entrepreneur / intrapreneur? Developing a strategy Market Research, Marketing & Advertising Innovation Financial support Preparing budgets and cash flow statements How to generate a business plan How to present your plan to potential investors

It is not required that the proposed new business will be taken any further than the end of the academic year. The marking criteria will take into account how innovative the idea is, that the plan is realistic (potential sales, market share, market research, financial projections) and that students have addressed the main issues including staffing, funding, and route to market.

Note: Guest lectures from industry and government agencies will be utilised on this course.

1. Prepare a Market Research and Feasibility Study for a new manufacturing or service business
2. Develop a Strategy, Mission Statement and Vision for the new business.
3. Identify the optimum business and legal structure and manage Intellectual Property requirements for the new business
4. Generate financial statements, operating budgets and cash flow statements.
5. Integrate all of the above items in order to prepare and present the business plan to a group of potential investors, state agencies and financiers