Advanced Cost Management

Subject ABPL90129 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2013:

Semester 2, 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: 3 hours per week
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours

Prerequisites:

Admission to MC-CONMG2Y Master of Construction Management (200 points)

OR completion of the first 100 points of MC-CONMG3Y Master of Construction Management (300 points)

OR approval of the subject coordinator.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Microsoft Excel

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Peter Lawther

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer (building 113)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Website: http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Successful project development depends on pro-active cost management from feasibility through to design, tender and construction, to the completion and useful life of the project. This subject examines applications of economics, management, law and statistical techniques to construction cost economics and management.

Topics include:

advanced cost modelling techniques with parametric and probabilistic cost estimating methods; cost-in-use studies and life-cost approach to building evaluation (LCC in practice); feasibility studies and financial decision-making; value management; tender analysis; construction claims, conflict and dispute management; professional practice in quantity surveying including professional ethics; the role of quantity surveyors during construction as it affects the valuation of preliminaries, fluctuations, change orders and accounts, provisional sums and prime cost sums, as well as the role of quantity surveyors in risk assessment.

Principles of professional liability in quantity surveying practice are also examined.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Evaluate a contractor’s tender based on priced Bill of Quantities or Builders Quantities and prepare a tender evaluation report.
  2. Apply parametric and probabilistic estimating methods to project cost estimation.
  3. Develop, evaluate and interpret a life cycle cost model for a simple commercial building using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
  4. Describe and analyse the role of quantity surveyors in risk assessment as well as the principles of professional liability in quantity surveying practice.
  5. Identify and describe some of the emerging and future roles and responsibilities of quantity surveyors in the construction industry.

Assessment:
  • Three written assignments (3 x 20%) of 1000 words each, due in weeks 4, 8 and 11.
  • One two-hour written exam (40%) of 2000 words, taken at the end of semester.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

At the completion of the subject students should have developed the following skills and capabilities:

  1. decision making and analytical skills as applicable to cost management i.e. economic analysis of project and project components;
  2. effective participation as a team member and communication;
  3. project evaluation, monitoring and cost reporting;
  4. information gathering, analysis and interpretation;
  5. understanding and application of professional ethics and conduct in practice.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Building
Building Systems and Trade Specialties
Corporate Management
Cost Management
Project Management

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