48340 Construction
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48310 Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering
Description
This subject aims to engage students in a broad-based introduction to construction and emphasizes the technical, managerial and collaborative skills required for professionals working in this industry. It explores innovative theories, conceptualisations, and tools for managing construction successfully. Students critically analyse problems and propose solutions to construction management problems. Lastly, this subject supports the development of teamworking skills needed for the collaborative delivery of construction projects.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Identify the relationships among theories, conceptualizations, and tools for effectively managing construction. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically analyse management problems in construction that affect projects performance. (D.1) |
| 3. | Apply concepts, methods, and/or tools learnt from management theories to solve problems in construction projects. (D.1) |
| 4. | Communicate and work collaboratively for the successful planning of construction projects. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered in a workshop format, entailing lectures blended with interactive activities. Such activities (to be carried out by students individually or in groups) may include (but are not limited to): games, discussion of recorded contents/simulations, problem-solving exercises, development of an assessment task in groups, etc. A flipped classroom approach will be used for some sessions, whereby resources (pre-recorded contents, online videos, reading materials/websites, etc.) will be made available for students to study at their own pace but are expected to have engaged with prior to the weekly session. Students are required to bring their own computer devices (BYOD or library loan) for face-to-face sessions. Feedback for the different items of the rubric for each assignment will be provided on UTS Review.
Content (topics)
- Construction activities (e.g. earthmoving, compaction, concrete, etc.)
- Line of balance
- Theory of production in construction
- Hierarchical planning and control for construction
- Lean construction principles and tools
- Cost; Quality/value
- Collaboration
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Construction Problems (Report)
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students apply studied management theories and concepts as part of proposing solutions to construction management problems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1500 words in length (Part 1) and 2500 words in length (Part 2) |
Assessment task 2: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students identify fundamental notions and relationships that apply to a construction project from the studied theories, conceptualisations and tools learnt in the subject. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Quiz 1 is 15 minutes and Quiz 2 is 30 minutes |
Assessment task 3: Team Planning Assignment (Report)
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students collaboratively work in teams to propose two plans for a construction project. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 6000 words in length. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Donarumo, J, and Zandy, K. (2019) "The Lean Builder: A Builders Guide to Applying lean tools in the field" Lulu Publishing Services.
Trevelyan, J. (2014) "The Making of an Expert Engineer." CRC Press.
Umstot, D. and Fauchier, D. (2017) "Lean Project Delivery: Building Championship Project Teams" CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Koskela, L. (2000) "An exploration towards a production theory and its application to construction" Technical Research Centre of Finland, VTT Publications 408, Espoo.
Koskela, L. (1992) "Application of the New Production Philosophy to Construction" CIFE (Center for Integrated Facilities Engineering) Technical Report #72, Stanford University.
Recommended texts
Not applicable
References
The subject is supported by Canvas: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/