Specialist Contracting

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

This subject runs on a biennial basis in semester 1.

170 Hours

Admission into one of the following courses:

MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture (300 points)
MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture
MC-LARCH2Y Master of Landscape Architecture (200 points)
MC-LARCH3Y Master of Landscape Architecture (300 points)
MC-CM Master of Construction Management
MC-CONMG2Y Master of Construction Management (200 points)
MC-CONMG3Y Master of Construction Management (300 points)
MC-PROP Master of Property
MC-PROP2Y Master of Property (200 points)
MC-PROP3Y Master of Property (300 points)
MC-URPL Master of Urban Planning
234AA Master of Design
234AH Master of Design (Heritage)
373AA Graduate Diploma in Planning and Design

Or approval from the subject coordinator.

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

The aim of this subject is for students to synthesise both macro and micro views about the specialist contracting sector. The subject reviews the reasons for the existence of specialist sectors in construction as well as its relationship to regulatory regimes, market and trade sectors, design, management practice and socio-technical consideration.

Students capture information and data through industry and formal research, class exercises, readings and lectures. Assignments will consolidate all aspects of the content covered.

The 3 hour weekly sessions will include lectures, guest lectures, class participation, and discussion. Students will be able to synthesise from class sessions, readings, private research, and working in groups.

• To clarify the extent to which the construction industry operates with specialists, and articulate the reasons behind this organisational structure;
• To introduce students to specialised fields in construction, subcontracting, and subcontractors’ practices;
• To familiarise students with terminology and protocols of specialist work in construction;
• To articulate the impact specialists have on the construction process; and
• To research current practices and issues in specialist contracting.

1. Individual report - 1,000 words, due Week 4 (20%)

• Outline proposal, literature review, industry and market information

2. Individual report – 1,000 words (progressive development to 2,000 words cumulative), due Week 7 (20%)

• Report structure, data collection and analysis

3. Individual report - Summative class presentation of final draft report - 500 words (progressive development to 2,500 words cumulative), due Week 10 (10%)

• Summative presentation of data and analysis, outline of discussion outcomes and conclusions

4. Tabling and submission of final report – additional 2,500 words (progressive development to total 5,000 words), due Week 12 (50%)

• Collated final report: inclusive of executive summary, data, analysis, discussion, conclusions and references

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to identify the need for specialists and subcontractors.
• Ability to engage with specialists and subcontractors effectively.
• Ability to oversee an integral planning and construction process.
• Ability to read and understand socio-technical circumstances in construction.
• Ability to appreciate the impact of specialists’ and subcontractors’ work.