MSc Engineering Project Management / Course details

The unit is structured around principles of smart technologies, sustainability, and infrastructure lifecycle management, with emphasis on their integration for modern infrastructure projects. The unit leverages the latest industry standards, case studies, and collaborative learning to provide a structured and practical approach to infrastructure management.

Students will explore:

• Introduction to smart and sustainable infrastructure
• Principles of sustainability and lifecycle thinking
• UAVs and robotics in infrastructure management
• Blockchain applications for smart procurement management
• Internet of Things (IoT) and its applications in real-time infrastructure monitoring
• BIM and digital twins for predictive maintenance and lifecycle optimisation
• Artificial intelligence and data analytics in sustainable infrastructure
• Circular economy principles in infrastructure
• Smart Energy management in infrastructure
• Sustainable urban mobility and transportation systems
• Commercial risk management and resilience in infrastructure projects

The aim of this unit is to:

1. Equip students with knowledge of smart technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, digital twins, blockchain) and their strategic, operational, and commercial applications in sustainable infrastructure projects.
2. Develop students’ understanding of sustainability principles and their application across the infrastructure lifecycle.
3. Enhance students’ ability to critically analyse and propose sustainable solutions for infrastructure challenges using smart technologies, ensuring commercial viability, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle cost optimisation.
4. Foster interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork skills in addressing complex infrastructure management problems.

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

ILO 1: Explain the role of emerging technologies in enhancing infrastructure sustainability and efficiency.

ILO 2: Analyse complex infrastructure sustainability challenges and propose appropriate digital and smart solutions to address them.

ILO 3: Develop sustainability-driven infrastructure proposals, incorporating smart technologies and digital solutions.

ILO 4: Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams to solve sustainability challenges in infrastructure projects.

This unit uses a blended learning approach that combines lectures, tutorials, and supervised group work with digital tools and online resources. Lectures introduce key concepts, supported by interactive tutorials and real-world case studies to deepen understanding. Students engage in group activities that simulate interdisciplinary collaboration across construction, engineering, and commercial project management. E-learning is integrated through the virtual learning environment (e.g., Canvas), where students access materials, participate in discussions, and complete formative tasks. Additional resources such as pre-recorded videos, digital collaboration tools, and industry reports support independent study and critical engagement with current smart and sustainable infrastructure practices.

Individual Report - A 1500-2500 word essay. 
Group work project - A report (30%), presentation (15%), and peer assessment (5%). 

Individual Report - Written feedback via Canvas and within. 
Group work project - Written feedback on the report and within two weeks of submission.

Core:

• Ainger, C., & Fenner, R. (2014). Sustainable infrastructure: principles into practice. ICE publishing.
• Torgal, P. F., Ding, Y., Colangelo, F., Tuladhar, R., & Koutamanis, A. (2020). Advances in construction and demolition waste recycling.
• Hwang, B. G. (2018). Performance and improvement of green construction projects: management strategies and innovations. Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Nehdi, M. L., Arora, H. C., Kumar, K., Damaševičius, R., & Kumar, A. (Eds.). (2024). Artificial intelligence applications for sustainable construction. Elsevier.

Essential:

• Chaudhary, G., Khari, M., & Elhoseny, M. (Eds.). (2021). Digital twin technology. CRC Press.
• Hardin, B., & McCool, D. (2015). BIM and construction management: proven tools, methods, and workflows. John Wiley & Sons.
• Digital Twins in the Built Environment: Fundamentals, principles and applications Hardcover – 16 Jun. 2022.

Recommended:

• Zimmann, R., O’Brien, H., Hargrave, J., & Morrell, M. (2016). The Circular Economy in the Built Environment, ARUP. Londres, Inglaterra.
• Dounas, T., & Lombardi, D. (Eds.). (2022). Blockchain for construction. Springer Nature.
• Tal, D., & Altschuld, J. (2021). Drone technology in architecture, engineering and construction: A strategic guide to unmanned aerial vehicle operation and implementation. John Wiley & Sons.