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 web-based course on Blackboard [including quizzes; self-assessment; discussion and scenarios].

The web-based course and exercises will provide the students with the opportunity for practical expression of the theory and principles taught here. The students will be assessed by unseen exam and coursework consisting of: report; on-line questions, quizzes; self-assessment; discussion and scenarios.
 

To develop a critical understanding of the factors that influence contract management practice in project management.
introduce the legal issues affecting and regulating PMs; develop an understanding of the legal issues affecting and regulating PMs; develop an awareness of the structure and framework of relevant law via Common law and Statute (legislation).
 

Procurement and Contracts. Definitions. Why have contracts? Supply and payment chains. Transaction costs. Objectives and processes. Contract documents.
Contracts. Legal principles & overview of contract law. Implied terms. International contracts.
Contract Strategy. Number and scope of contracts and sub-contracts. Responsibilities and risks.
Terms of Payment. Incentives and damages terms. Traditional remeasured contracts for construction compared with other contracts for engineering work. Standard Methods of Measurement.
Management Contracts & Target Cost Contracts. Objectives and principal features of these 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