This advanced technology module is designed to develop your technical knowledge and the skills to apply that knowledge in the context of both new build and refurbishment work. The focus of this module leads on from domestic construction and provides a broad understanding of the way we build commercial and industrial buildings. The module will consider the functional requirements of single-storey industrial sheds and multi-storey framed structures in concrete and steel. In addition, the effects of the latest legislation in relation to fire and health & safety on the construction process are examined. The application of Building Regulations and the associated Approved Documents to both commercial and industrial buildings will be explored. You will compare different construction methods and analyse suitable applications for each method. In particular: frames, cladding systems, internal walls, structural flooring and roofing will form key areas of the module. This analysis will include considerations of buildability, pre-fabrication, value for money and whole life costs. Environmental performance and sustainability are a central part of this module and you will investigate how to ensure high levels of environmental performance through using insulation, maintaining airtightness and the installation of building services and controls. You will have the opportunity to compare the installation requirements of natural and forced ventilation systems and different methods of heating and cooling commercial and industrial buildings. The provision of high quality IT and communications infrastructure systems will also be investigated. You will be introduced to standard methods of assessing and measuring the environmental performance of buildings, such as Passivhaus and BREEAM and be able to suggest improvements to building performance and sustainability.
Ruskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.
This module examines the process of procurement and tendering for construction works, analysing the decisions made throughout the project life cycle which affect the commercial strategy used to procure the project. It considers traditional 'selective competitive tendering' procedures for the full range of contractual arrangements; the content and impact of published reports and legislation; and the development of team-working, partnering, PFI, PPP and other arrangements in the procurement process for construction works in the UK. The application of research and statistical analysis to bidding and marketing, and the concepts of risk and uncertainty throughout the process, are analysed in the context of deciding an appropriate commercial strategy for any particular project. The module will make extensive use of case studies to enable the student to analyse a variety of procurement options & select suitable procurement routes within given constraints The module also includes an outline comparison of UK procedures with those in the EU and USA, considering their main features and differences.
This module seeks to develop your understanding of the legal context of your work and the practical context of this legal framework, specifically within the context of construction contracts. It will develop skills within the framework of common law contracts and will equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills relevant to standard forms of construction contracts. Study will cover the essential features and principles of creating a legally enforceable contract and the principles of breach and remedies. For this you'll be required to apply the learning outcomes of previous law modules. Knowledge attained will be applied to the detailed study of the various provisions that should be contained within standard contracts used in the UK construction industry. You'll be required to analyse and draw comparisons between the provisions in the various standard forms of construction contract under a number of life-like scenarios. You'll consider implications of current legislation that may impact on the running and administration of construction projects. You'll also explore the various methods of dispute resolution that may be available to the parties to a construction contract. We'll also consider the role of the Technology and Construction Court, including the examination and analysis of recent rulings and judgements.
This module intends to introduce an understanding and appreciation of quantification and measurement through the various stages of the development process of a building project. The module seeks to develop skills in interpreting drawn and written information and of presenting that material in appropriate quantified descriptive form to facilitate the analytical processes necessary for accurately assessing the cost of construction works. The content of the module will cover the knowledge, skills and competences necessary to quantify a range of construction and civil engineering work in accordance with the relevant standard forms of measurement from project initiation through to design completion. You'll be expected to interpret and apply the principles and rules contained within the appropriate measurement rules and demonstrate an understanding of the need to quantify work at the various stages of design development. You'll be assessed through a 1,500-word equivalent case-study based assignment and a portfolio of work.
This is a problem-solving module that takes typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. It requires you to analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions, then provide professional advice to clients. Its focus is the application of theory to practice. Emphasis is placed on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions. Deliverables take the form of reports, documents, letters, and similar that provide useable information to clients. Considerable importance is placed upon the form and presentation of these written documents, and the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors. All written documents are expected to be produced to a professional standard. The aim of the module is to enable you to develop your professional skills. It facilitates the development of the personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. It will also develops your cognizance of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct. Assessment involves the development of a portfolio of professional, industry-standard solutions in response to the scenarios/problems addressed during the module. These will take a variety of forms, including reports, letters and presentations that provide professional advice to a client. Usability to the client is a key assessment criterion for the work.
The aim of this module is to encourage you to develop your own approach to management by establishing a solid foundation of management knowledge and practice; integrating these with your own values, experiences and goals, that will provide a basis for the life-long development of your management skills. The module focuses on developing the ability to apply theory to practice and to enable you to develop practical approaches to managing in a built environment and uses case studies to demonstrate the application of concepts and principles. The module will consider the main activities of management from an integrating perspective, together with identifying and developing the qualities required to be a successful manager, including leadership.
This module introduces an understanding and appreciation of the production of costs associated with a range of construction operations and projects. You'll therefore study the principles and methodology in the computation of construction costs throughout a project's life cycle, including relevant commercial factors and risk. This will involve identifying and assessing all direct and indirect costs related to construction works as well as an understanding of the factors required to be considered at tender adjudication. You'll gain an understanding of the measurement and pricing of maintenance and repair work involved in the running and upkeep of buildings using the relevant measurement rules and recognised good practice. You'll also consider the use of Building Information Modelling within project development. You'll be assessed through a 1,500-word equivalent case study based assignment and a portfolio of work.
This module seeks to develop your understanding of the commercial management function performed by quantity surveyors, particularly in a contractor position. It aims to develop an understanding of the procedural, legal and practice issues involved in all aspects of the commercial management of construction projects, together with the ability to apply these in a recognised commercial form. The module will develop your knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills related to commercial management, together with your ability to produce professional quality advice and to communicate this effectively to clients. Assessment will take the form of a written report that requires you to explore and develop a critical understanding of a commercial management situation and provide advice or a solution(s). The examination is designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts, principles and practice of commercial management.
This module is designed to introduce you to the management of risk, value and environmental impact of construction projects. The module will enable you to distinguish between risk and uncertainty and the influence these issues may have on the technological, managerial and financial aspects of the project life cycle. You will be introduced to Value Engineering techniques along with the concept of Value management workshops and how these can be used throughout the project life cycle, case studies will be used to enhance your understanding along with identifying the key issues relating to the use of Value Engineering throughout the project life cycle. You will be introduced to the concept and use of the risk management workshop, and how these workshops are used to identify and distribute project risks to members of the project team throughout the project life cycle. You will also be introduced to the importance of reducing and managing the environmental impact of construction projects during the design and construction phases as well as through the whole project life-time. Legislation and other pressures for the protection of the environment are considered, including pollution control and environmental impact assessment. The module is of a practical nature using case studies to enhance the student experience and provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Risk, Value and Environmental Impact over the project life cycle.
This module is designed to provide a working knowledge of the factors that affect the economics of building design and the cost of buildings. It will provide the background necessary for offering advice to clients or the design team on matters concerning economy, cost or price at the various stages of the design process. The range of possible scenarios will be envisaged and a 'tool kit' of principles, concepts and technologies will be provided to allow a range of scenarios to be managed. The sources of data to assist the surveyor will be explored. You'll develop cost models from these. The module is relevant for a practitioner in a private practice or in construction as increasing amounts of design work is carried out by construction firms. This is largely a practical module and there will be opportunities to develop appropriate skills and techniques. Assessment will comprise of a case study report and an examination.
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your professional skills. It facilitates the development of the personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. It also develops your cognizance of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct.
This module represents the culmination of your development through learning undertaken on your programme. It provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial original study to investigate a subject, issue, or problem and to produce a usable outcome. You'll carry out an original piece of work that may be either an expert study or a research study. The module is in three parts. The proposal will identify the subject area, the aims of the study, the rationale for it, the method statement and an ethics statement and evaluation. You're also required to identify a minimum of ten literature sources that will be used. The proposal is to be submitted early in semester one, the exact date being in the Study Guide. Proposals must be approved before a tutor is allocated and work proceeds with the study. Where proposals are not approved, you'll be counselled and required to re-submit the proposal to the required standard. Advice will be provided regarding the writing of the proposal. The major project/dissertation requires you to demonstrate analytical, deductive, investigative and written communication skills in relation to your chosen subject. You'll deploy a wide range of skills that you have developed during your programme including initiative, self-motivation, time management, analysis and integration of data and information together with the organisational skills needed for such a large piece of work. The dissertation should be submitted in accordance with the date published in the Study Guide.