KA5032 - Contract Administration and Procedure

The aim of this module is to build upon and ultimately practice the QS skills introduced to you at level 4. The common theme of the module will be to develop an understanding of the consultant’s (Quantity Surveyor) role in managing or administering the contract between the client (employer) and the contractor on construction projects. You will be able to undertake (i) pre-contract activities including deciding on the type of procurement route and building contract and examination of priced tender documents and selection of contractors/consultants; and (ii) both agency and decision-making functions following commencement of a construction project. You will be able to apply and develop skills through a range of seminar activities and online tasks which will provide verbal and written formative feedback in preparation for summative assessments. You will learn to carry out a range of standard contract administrative procedures. The summative assessment will comprise a coursework at the end of the semester.

You will learn through lectures, seminars and online sessions (where appropriate). Lectures will be used to introduce the topics and emphasize key points. Directed learning will prepare you to exercise practical contract administrative skills in seminar sessions. You will master the necessary skills to undertake standard contract administrative procedures on a typical construction contract such as deciding on a procurement and/or tendering method and selection of a (sub)contractor / consultants. Feedback on seminar sessions will encourage your development and progress in readiness for assessment at the end of the semester which will assess skills gained on this module.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for contract administration and procedure. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

The seminar sessions and project associated with this module will be designed to assist you in learning and applying facts and administrative procedures taught you in lectures. You will be given formative feedback as a group, at the conclusion of each seminar exercise. In addition, you will be given individual feedback on your on your coursework. You may support one another in the learning process through discussion though not in the final preparation of submissions.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

Knowledge & Understanding:

• 1: Critically evaluate the processes related to the procurement and contractual management of construction contracts/projects and their supply chains.
• 2: Critically evaluate and apply current pre- and post-contract administrative procedures and processes.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• 3: You will be able to analyse procurement & tendering strategies, determining their appropriateness to construction project situations.
• 4: You will understand and apply a range of activities required for the contractual administration of a typical construction project from inception to completion.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• 5: You will develop awareness of the importance of professional ethics in administering construction contracts / projects.

Formative assessment: there are a range of individual and group tasks embedded within the lecture and seminar sessions. Formative feedback, where appropriate, is provided in a variety of formats after completion. This timely feedback will assist in consolidating your learning as you move through the module.

Summative assessment will be in form of a coursework requiring individual submission (with a value of 100% of the module assessment). The coursework will assess module learning outcomes (LOs).

Assessment is by Coursework comprising an individual coursework submission that addresses all module learning outcomes. It will be assessed based on the level of quality of your professional response to the scenario/challenge and your overall advice.

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This module will equip you to play an active part in working life, whether in a Professional consultancy, working for the client, or on site, working in a contracting organisation. Building on understandings gained in the first year of your degree you will now learn to apply these through practical procedures which you will learn during the semester. You will apply these in seminars based on practical scenarios / real-life project examples.. Also, you will engage with practical pre- and post- contract activities directly related to lecture content, such as the preparation of interim valuations and final accounts, advising on procurement methods and cash flow management.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for contract administration and procedure to develop your skills and knowledge.