The Construction Context

Subject ABPL20041 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Lecture 1 hour 2 x weekly; Tutorial 1 hour 1 x weekly
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours.
Prerequisites: None specified
Corequisites: None specified
Recommended Background Knowledge: None specified
Non Allowed Subjects: None specified
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Lianson Unit website: http://www.services.unimleb.edu.au/disbility/

Coordinator

Mr Jim Georgiou

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
T: +61 3 8344 6417/9862
F: +61 3 8344 5532
Email: envs-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject provides a broad introduction to the nature and construction industry both locally and internationally and investigates the roles and responsibilities of a range of industry stakeholders. Theories relating to management, project management, teamwork and communication and how they apply to the construction industry are presented. The project life cycle concept is presented and project procurement systems and contracts are explored. An introduction to estimating practices, tender preparation and the main contractor selection is provided. New challenges for construction managers are considered including environmental concerns, ethical issues, technological innovation, workforce diversity and skills shortages. Finally an overview to legal issues affecting managers in the industry is presented with an introduction to the Australian legal system, law of contract and law of tort provided.
Objectives: On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • understand the role of the construction industry in the economy and the key characteristics of the industry;
  • appreciate the role of construction professionals and be aware of their responsibilities during the life cycle stages of a building project;
  • understand the basic theories of management and project management;
  • identify factors affecting the selection of the project procurement systems and selection of the main contractor;
  • understand the general principles of estimating, tendering practices and building contracts. Appreciate challenges facing construction managers in the construction industry;
  • appreciate the role of construction professionals and be aware of their responsibilities during the life cycle stages of a building project;
  • understand the basic theories of management and project management;
  • identify factors affecting the selection of the project procurement systems and selection of the main contractor;
  • understand the general principles of estimating, tendering practices and building contracts;
  • appreciate challenges facing construction managers in the construction industry;
  • understand the general principles of the law of contract and law of tort.
Assessment:
  • One three-hour examination (60%)
  • Assignments to the equivalent of not more than 2000 words (40%).

Regardless of assignment results, a minimum mark of 40% has to be achieved in the examination in order to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts: Course Reader
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Upon successful completion of this subject students will have had the opportunity to develop the following generic skills:
  • analytical skills;
  • communication skills;
  • problem solving skills;
  • team working skills.
Notes:
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Construction

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