CEM230-Design Management

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof John Connaughton
Email: j.connaughton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to develop an understanding of current and developing approaches to design management in construction. Participants will gain an appreciation of the management of design processes and the essential conflict between creative design and the need for management and control. The module will introduce a range of practical measures for effective design management.

Aims:

The aims of this module are:

• To develop robust understanding of the organisation of construction design processes


• To appreciate differences between the management of design and the management of construction


• To gain important insights into the complex nature of project briefing


• To benefit from practical insights into briefing and design management processes as applied on projects

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module the participants will be able to:

• Make informed decisions concerning phased processes in project briefing and design


• Appreciate complexities in the design/business interface


• Understand different modes of analysis for design processes and planning techniques


• Apply these concepts and practices to their own  work circumstances 

Additional outcomes:

On completion of this module participants will have gained theoretical and practical knowledge of:

• Assessing the needs and aspirations of different types of client


• The contribution of design management to project outcomes


• The UK legislative framework for design and on-site activities


• Modes of communication in construction design teams 

Outline content:
Themes the module addresses include:

􀀕 Design activities and processes
􀀕 The design/business interface
􀀕 Clients and users as project stakeholders
􀀕 Project briefing processes
􀀕 Design team formation
􀀕 Design planning: data flows; mapping design processes; systems and communication in design
􀀕 Engineering design
􀀕 Quality management for design
􀀕 Building information modelling and its management

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Methods of delivery will be a balance between lectures, tutorials, case studies, individual and teamwork assignments and private study. To emphasise the current and practical relevance of this subject contributors will include academics and practitioners who specialise in briefing and design management in the construction sector. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	24
Tutorials	6
Guided independent study:	70
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	80
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Part 1: Set exercise 20%


• Part 2: Written assignment including essay 80%

Preparatory work for the Part 1 Set Exercise will be undertaken on a group basis using a classroom exercise during timetabled module sessions. Work will be completed and submitted on an individual basis outside of class.  The Part 2 Written Assignment is an individual assignment completed during independent study after the timetabled sessions.

Formative assessment methods:

Case studies will be used to challenge and stretch students’ understanding. Group-based exercises will provide opportunities for regular review of, and feedback on, students’ development.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: /web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmissionPGflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

To be reassessed by re-submission of coursework/assignment only. Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 29 June 2021