MSc Construction Project Management

This is an optional module on an MSc programme. The course units address legal issues, standard forms of contract, contract management techniques and the application and strategic and organisational issues.

The course unit runs over twelve weeks with no pre-requirements from the students. The students attend structured lectures on specific topics of law, contract management and project management practice. In addition to this the students work through a group based coursework.

The group based coursework provides the students with the opportunity for a contract practical expression of the theory and principles taught here. The students will be assessed by the coursework and blackboard  discussion and scenarios.

To develop a critical understanding of the factors that influence contract management practice in project management by introducing the legal issues affecting and regulating PMs and developing an understanding of the legal issues affecting and regulating PMs and projects.

On successful completion of the course, a student will be able to:

ILO 1: Explain why engineers need to take account of the commercial and legal contexts, in deciding how to manage contracts and in determining and evaluating the legal and dispute risks associated with projects.

ILO 2: Explain legal issues and contracts affecting and regulating project management; and projects.  

ILO 3: Use their group/team working experience to contribute effectively as a team member or leader.

ILO 4: Describe and explain the legal issues governing contracts including health & safety and environmental issues.

ILO 5: Describe the reasons for a necessary high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering projects involving the preparation of legal analysis and contracts  including the  identification and allocation of risks in  contracts and projects.

ILO 6: Solve problems in project conflict and dispute by preparing well-structured reports using, research and investigation.

ILO 7: Use time management and other study skills to organise their study effectively and improve their performance.

Each week a keynote lecture deals with an issue:

• Procurement and Contracts and Contract documents
• Terms of Payment. Incentives and damages terms. Traditional remeasured contracts compared with other contracts
• Management Contracts & Target Cost Contracts.
• Standard/Model Conditions of Contract: FIDIC, ICE, JCT, IChemE, etc.
• New Engineering Contract. Objectives and principal features of the NEC family of contracts.
• Partnering, Alliances, Joint Ventures and Clustering. Definitions. Objectives and principal features of such arrangements.
• Managing variations to scope or programme of contract work
• IP issues for PMs
• Contracts, Corruption and Bribery for PMs

Exams - via script viewing

Online quiz - as required

Assessed tutorial work - Immediate, as required, weekly podcast unit summary

Written report - Individual and generic written feedback