What will I learn on this module?
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.
Key topics include:
• Procurement and selection of procurement methods
• Tender Processes including pre-qualification
• Tender Analysis (Examination of priced tender documents)
• Sub-contracting
• Interim Valuations & Payments
• Delays/ Extensions of Time
• Cash Flow Management
• Loss and Expense
• Variations
• Final Account Procedures
• Application of Financial Protection Measures
• Determination
• Retention of Title
•Professional Ethics
How will I learn on this module?
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.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
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.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
Key Texts
Kirkham, RJ; Ferry, DJ. Brandon, PS.(2007) Ferry and Brandon's cost planning of buildings (8th Edition) Published Oxford, UK ; Malden, MA :
Blackwell
Ramus, JW., Birchall, S. & Griffiths, P. (2006) Contract Practice for Surveyors. (4th Edition) London: Butterworth Heinemann
Supporting Texts
Ashworth, A., Hogg, K. & Willis, CJ. (2007), Willis’s Practice & Procedure for the Quantity Surveyor (12th Edition). Oxford – Blackwell Publishing
Ashworth, A. (2010) Cost studies of buildings (5th Edition) Published Harlow: Pearson.
BCIS Online (available in Faculty IT labs and Desktop Anywhere)
Cartlidge, DP. (2011) New Aspects of Quantity Surveying Practice (3rd Edition) Oxford – Spon Press
Eggleston, B. (2006) NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract (2nd Edition) Blackwell.
Greenhalgh, B. & Squires, G. (2011) Introduction to Building Procurement Oxford – Spon Press
Hackett, M., Robinson, I. & Statham, G. (2007) The Aqua Group guide to procurement, tendering & contract administration, Published Oxford ;
Malden, MA : Blackwell Pub./Davis Langdon
JCT (2012) Contracts Discovery – Sweet and Maxwell
Lee, S., Willis, A. & Trench, W. (2005) Willis's Elements of Quantity Surveying (10th Edition) Published Malden, MA : Blackwell Pub 2005
RICS (2012) NRM 1 – RICS New Rules of Measurement - Order of Cost Estimating and Cost Planning for Capital Building Works. (2nd. Edition)
Published by RICS.
www.RICS.org
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Critically evaluate the theories and procedures related to construction procurement & tenderering and management of construction contracts/projects.
• MLO2: Critically evaluate current pre- and post-contract administrative procedures and processes.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will be able to analyse procurement & tendering strategies, determining their appropriateness to construction project situations.
• MLO3:You will be able to carry out a variety of practical tasks / activities required of the professional Quantity Surveyor in the pre-contract and post-contract stages of the management of a typical project / project.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will develop awareness of the importance of professional ethics in administering construction contracts / projects.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is by Coursework comprising group and individual submissions.
MLO1-3, 5 will be assessed based on a project and presentation in groups. You will receive feedback regarding the level of quality of your professional advice.
MLO 2, 4 and 5 will be assessed through your performance or explanation of a number of practical functions of the practising Quantity Surveyor based on a set of scenarios.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
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.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 5 years part-time
Department Architecture and Built Environment
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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