The Construction Context

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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

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

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 building professionals and be aware of their responsibilities during the life cycle stages of a building project;
• appreciate the challenges facing different building actors in the construction industry;
• understand the general principles and underpinnings of building contracts;
• broadly recognise building materials, methods and traditions;
• appreciate the historical and cultural developments underlying the history of building;
• understand the cultural role of building technology;
• understand the basic theories of management and project management.

• One three-hour examination (60%);
• Assignments to the equivalent of not more than 2000 words (40%).

Hurdle requirement: Regardless of assignment results, a minimum mark of 40% has to be achieved in the examination in order to pass this subject.

Course Reader

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

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.