CIVIL 791 : Construction Management

Engineering

2025 Semester One (1253) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Understanding topics necessary for effective construction management. Using a generic construction project life cycle, essential aspects of construction projects including the tendering process, planning, resource allocation, teamwork, site safety, and contract types are covered. Case studies are used to reinforce the application of theoretical ideas to the successful running of construction projects with considerations of cultural, social and ethical responsibilities.

Course Overview

Civil 791 is aimed at preparing final-year students for their careers in industry and complements the technical knowledge gained during their degree. The curriculum is structured into four comprehensive modules, each addressing critical aspects of project success, on-site practices, scheduling and  cost management, and emerging trends in the construction industry. Through lectures, tutorials, and guest talks, students will gain practical insights into managing complex projects in a dynamic and evolving sector.

Module 1: Foundations of Project Success – This module lays the groundwork for effective project management. Students will learn about stakeholder management, the importance of health and safety in construction, approaches to managing project risks and procurement strategies.

Module 2: On-Site Management – The focus shifts to on-site operations, covering construction methodologies and the establishment and management of materials and resources.

Module 3: Project Scheduling and Cost Management – This module delves into project scheduling techniques and comprehensive cost management, from initial cost planning and estimating to monitoring, reporting, and economic analysis. These skills are critical for delivering projects on time and within budget.

Module 4: Future Trends in Construction – This forward-looking module explores the latest advancements in sustainability and digital technologies shaping the construction industry.

Course Requirements

Restriction: CIVIL 409

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 2: Sustainability
Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand how to set up a construction project for success in the early stages through comprehensive stakeholder analysis, effective health and safety management, a robust risk management plan, and the strategic selection of procurement methods. (Capability 5.1 and 6.1)
  2. Develop a working knowledge of on-site management practices including the basic processes of constructing different types of buildings/facilities, site layout planning, and material management. (Capability 3.1 and 4.1)
  3. Plan and manage project schedules and costs, leveraging tools and strategies for effective financial and timeline control. (Capability 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1)
  4. Recognise the impact of sustainability and digital technologies on the construction industry, preparing for future challenges and opportunities. (Capability 2.1 and 3.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments 50% Group & Individual Coursework
Final Exam 50% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Assignments
Final Exam

A passing mark is 50% or higher, according to University policy.

Students must sit the examination to pass the course. Otherwise, a DNS (did not sit) result will be returned.

Late submissions will not be accepted/allowed for the exam, tests, and online quizzes. It is possible to submit late for the assignments and projects, and the late submission penalty schedule will be included in the assignment and project handouts.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 2 hours of lectures, 1 hour tutorial, 3 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 4 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including tutorials to complete components of the course.

Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials may be available as recordings.

The course may include live online events including group discussions and information sessions.

Attendance on campus is required for the exam. 

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Health & Safety

Students must ensure they are familiar with their Health and Safety responsibilities, as described in the university's Health and Safety policy.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

All student feedback is used to develop and evolve the content and structure of the course.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 03/12/2024 12:47 p.m.