student handbook and programme document · 2018-08-15 · bsc in quantity surveying and...

Student Handbook

and

Programme Document

BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and Construction

Economics


Economics (with German)

Full-Time (DT111A)


Economics

Part-Time (DT8155)

School of Surveying and Construction Management

Dublin Institute of Technology

Bolton Street

Dublin

September 2016

Accreditation pending from:

Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI)

Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)

BSc in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics – Programme Document

1

Welcome from the Chairperson of the Programme Committee

On behalf of the Institute and the Programme Committee, I would like to

extend a warm welcome to you as you begin your participation in the BSc

(Hons) in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics in DIT Bolton

Street.

The programme is primarily designed to educate the student for a

professional career in Construction Surveying. The course specifically

focuses on preparing students to work as Quantity Surveyors, in planning

cost, controlling cost, limiting risk and adding value to projects, ensuring that

projects are delivery on time and within budget.

The programme aims to cover a wide range of numerical, technological,

economical, financial, environmental, legal and managerial skills

underpinned by complimentary professional interpersonal skills, all of which

are required for a successful career in Construction Surveying.

The experience the student will encounter includes three core levels:

1. Knowledge and Understanding (knowing)

2. Application (doing)

3. Reasoned advice (advising)

all of which will help graduates prepare more seamlessly for their

progression to Chartered Surveying status with relevant professional

institutions.

We have introduced further structural changes to year 3 and 4 of the full time

programme for 2016/17 and also redesigned the part-time programme over a

5 years period with the introduction of a new 1st year cohort commencing in

September 2016.With Work Based learning now form a core component of

the part-time programme we are delighted with the support that we are

receiving from industry in this regard.

This document contains detailed programme information for your reference

and should provide you with answers to most questions or concerns that you

might have regarding your time on the programme.

Dr. Alan V Hore

Chairperson of the Programme Committee DT111

Charles Mitchell

Chairperson of the Programme Committee DT8155


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Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 6

1.1 Programme Aims ..........................................................................................................6

1.2 Programme Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................7

1.3 Graduate Capabilities ..................................................................................................9

1.4 Structure of the Programme .......................................................................................11

1.4.1 Full Time Programme ................................................................................. 11

1.4.2 Part Time Programme ..................................................................................... 12

2. The Dublin Institute of Technology .................................................................... 16

2.1 College of Engineering and the Built Environment ...................................................17

2.2 School of Surveying and Construction Management .................................................18

2.3 Brief Outline of Facilities and Resources ..................................................................18

2.3.1 Specialised Resources ................................................................................. 18

2.3.2 E-Learning support ..................................................................................... 19

3. Detailed Programme Information ....................................................................... 20

3.1 Registration for the programme .................................................................................20

3.2 Admission Requirements and Procedures ..................................................................20

3.2.1 Full Time ..................................................................................................... 20

3.2.2 Part Time ..................................................................................................... 20

3.3 Advanced Entry Admission.........................................................................................21

3.4 Programme Calendar and Contact Hours per Week .................................................21

3.5 Programme modules ..................................................................................................22

3.5.1 Optional Modules........................................................................................ 32

3.5.2 Introduction of German Language .............................................................. 32

3.5.3 Rationale for introducing these programmes .............................................. 34

3.5.4 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Exemptions .............................. 34

3.5.5 Linkage to SCSI APC Competencies ......................................................... 35

3.6 Placement in the Workplace (Full-Time Programme) ...............................................42

3.7 Work Based Learning (Part-Time Progamme) ..........................................................42

3.7.1 Preparing Students .......................................................................................... 42

3.7.2 Supporting Students ........................................................................................ 42

3.7.3 Assessing Students ......................................................................................... 42


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3.7.4 Employer Agreements .................................................................................... 42

3.8 Staff teaching on the programme ...............................................................................43

4. Assessment and Feedback .................................................................................... 44

4.1 Coursework Assessment and Feedback......................................................................44

4.2 Compensation and Thresholds ...................................................................................45

4.3 Calculation of Degree Classification .........................................................................45

4.3.1 Full-Time Students...................................................................................... 45

4.3.2 Part-Time Students...................................................................................... 46

4.3.3 Where German Optional Modules are taken .............................................. 46

4.4 Special Assessment Regulations .................................................................................46

4.5 Mark Allocation - Written Examination & Project ....................................................47

4.6 Project Submission and Penalties for Lateness .........................................................47

4.7 Submission Guidelines for assessments .....................................................................47

4.8 Assessment Criteria ....................................................................................................47

4.9 Options for Reviewing Assessment Results ................................................................50

4.10 Quality Assurance and Programme Management .....................................................50

4.11 Programme management ...........................................................................................50

4.12 Programme Team and Committee ..............................................................................51

4.13 Module, Progression and Award Boards ...................................................................52

4.14 Programme quality assurance and enhancement procedures ...................................53

5. Guidance to students and Student Support Services ......................................... 54

5.1 Writing Academic Assignments and Poster Preparation ...........................................54

5.2 Obtaining Unfair Academic Advantage - Cheating at Assessments ..........................54

5.3 How to avoid plagiarism ............................................................................................55

5.4 DIT Library and Information Services .......................................................................56

5.4.1 DIT Library electronic information and resources ......................................... 57

5.4.2 DIT Library research ...................................................................................... 57

5.5 Mathematics Learning Centre ....................................................................................57

5.6 International Student Office .......................................................................................58

5.7 Student Retention Office .............................................................................................58

5.8 Academic Writing Centre ...........................................................................................58

5.9 Campus Life................................................................................................................58

5.9.1 Campus Life Office ..................................................................................... 59

5.10 Careers Service ..........................................................................................................59


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5.11 Chaplaincy Service .....................................................................................................60

5.12 Student Counselling Service .......................................................................................60

5.13 Disability Services ......................................................................................................60

5.14 DIT Health Services ...................................................................................................61

5.15 DIT Societies Office ...................................................................................................61

5.16 DIT Sports and Recreation Services ..........................................................................61

5.16.1 DIT Students Union (DITSU) ..................................................................... 61

6. Further opportunities ........................................................................................... 62

6.1 Professional Recognition ...........................................................................................62

6.2 Progression Opportunities within DIT .......................................................................63

7. Detailed Module Descriptors ............................................................................... 64


5

List of Figures

Figure 1 Structure of the Full Time Programme .......................................................................14

Figure 2 Structure of the Part Time Programme .......................................................................15

List of Tables

Table 1 Available Computer Laboratories ................................................................................19

Table 2 Calendar and Contact Hours of Full Time Programme (indicative only) ....................21

Table 3 Calendar and Contact Hours of Part Time Programme (indicative only) ....................22

Table 4 Details of Curriculum – Year 1 – Full Time Progamme ............................................23




Table 8 Details of Curriculum – Year 1 – Part Time Progamme ............................................27

Table 9 Details of Curriculum – Year 2 – Part Time Progamme ............................................28

Table 10 Details of Curriculum – Year 3 – Part Time Progamme ..........................................29



Table 13 Overview of German Language modules in proposed programme ..........................34

Table 14 Mapping of Year 1 modules to SCSI APC Competencies .......................................38




Table 18 Staff teaching on the BSc in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics ......43

Table 19 Assessment Criteria (Indicative only) ......................................................................48


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1. Introduction

1.1 Programme Aims

The primary aim or the broad purpose of the Quantity Surveying and Construction

Economics Degree programme is to educate the student for a professional career in the

Construction and Property Industries in Ireland or overseas. This education is to have

particular regard to the evolution of the profession in respect of the key areas of

management of cost and value, management of the procurement process and management

of the total facility in an environment of rapidly changing information technology.

Programme objectives are intended to be specific steps that take us from where we are

towards our primary aim. The specific objectives of the programme include:

To offer an appropriate educational environment for the professional,

entrepreneurial and personal development of the student.

To provide a sound academic foundation in the technological, commercial, legal

and managerial skills required to work as a quantity surveyor in the construction

or property industry.

To promotion of an understanding of the integrative nature of the development

and building processes enabling the graduate to combine with other design

professionals in the design, construction and project management teams.

To promote an understanding of the economic performance of the Construction

Industry.

To develop a sense of flexibility of outlook, enabling graduates to initiate and

critically examine procedures and to innovate in a manner appropriate to the rapid

technological, financial, and structural changes within the construction market

and building procurement systems.

To meet the requirements of a primary qualification for those wishing to progress

to a Chartered Surveyor designation and / or those who wish enter post-graduate

programmes or to undertake post-graduate research.


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In addition to the tradition functions of the quantity surveyor, the School of Surveying

and Construction Management recognises the need for graduates to possess business

management and interpersonal skills if they are to contribute effectively to the profession

and the economy. Therefore, professionals engaged in the construction industry require

specific expertise in these areas, as well as, a broad perspective on socio-economic and

technological trends, in order to provide the range and standard of services demanded by

society.

1.2 Programme Learning Outcomes

The knowledge, skill and competence acquired are relevant to personal development,

participation in society and community, employment, and access to additional education

and training. On successful completion of the programme, students will be expected to

have developed knowledge, skill, know-how and competence. The specific learning

outcomes associated with the programme are specified below and relate to Level 8 of the

National Framework of Qualifications1.

On successful completion of the programme the graduate will have gained:

(Knowledge: Breadth)

1. An understanding of the theory, concepts and methods pertaining to the

construction industry in general and the fields of quantity surveying and

construction economics, in particular.

(Knowledge: Kind)

2. A detailed knowledge and understanding of the framework within which the

construction industry operates, namely the technical, economic, legal, financial

and administrative framework.

3. A detailed knowledge and understanding of the specialised areas of cost and value

management, tender documentation, procurement, construction administration

and management.

(Know-How and Skill: Range)

1 http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/

http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/


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4. The skills and tools necessary for a quantity surveyor/construction economist to

function, namely the skills of measurement and quantification, economic and

financial analysis, administration and management. They will be able to use and

modify these skills and tools to conduct closely guided research into construction

related matters, as well as to work in the quantity surveying/construction

economist field.

(Know-How and Skill: Selectivity)

5. The ability to carry out the more complex duties required whilst working as a

quantity surveyor/construction economist within the construction industry,

whether for professional, commercial or other organisations, and to understand

the underlying differences thereof. They will be able to exercise appropriate

judgment and accept accountability while carrying out those duties.

(Competence: Context)

6. Advanced skills to conduct research, or advanced technical or professional

activity, accepting accountability for all related decision making; transfer and

apply diagnostic and creative skills in a range of contexts.

(Competence: Role)

7. An ability to work as members of or to lead teams, whether within the

organisations that they will work in or within the projects those organisations will

participate in.

(Competence: Learning to learn)

8. The ability to manage their own learning, in order that they may act in their

employment in variable and unfamiliar contexts, and to do so with a clear

understanding of the professional and ethical issues involved.

(Competence: Insight)

9. Insight into the integrative nature of the construction process as a whole, so that

they may work closely with other members of the planning, design, construction


9

and management teams that go to make up the construction industry and

construction activity.

Quantity Surveying is a discipline based on the application of economic and financial

evaluation techniques to land and buildings. This skill requires a broad knowledge of a

wide range of competence areas, together with a fundamental understanding of the

economic, physical and legal framework within which buildings are constructed and used

and how the construction market operates. For these reasons, the programme is

generalist in the sense that its scope is wide but specific in that it seeks to apply

knowledge to a particular sector of the economy in a manner that will give the graduate a

foundation to pursue a career as a quantity surveyor. The educational approach aims to

develop in the student the ability to evaluate and integrate information from diverse

sources to arrive at a conclusion of cost or value. This is a distinctive characteristic skill

of the quantity surveyor.

1.3 Graduate Capabilities

The Construction Economist must be capable of meeting both present needs and adapting

to future challenges in the market place and community. Consequently, this educational

programme is rooted in sound academic principles and research-based state of the art

knowledge. The graduate is the result of a process of enhancing and developing personal

qualities and capacities within a progressively integrated structured educational

programme.

The broad aim of the programme is to develop a construction professional capable of

operating in a dynamic and competitive environment. The programme, therefore, seeks to

foster graduates who are both literate and numerate, have good analytical, inter-personal

and communication skills, are adaptable, practical, critical, responsible and

environmentally sensitive.

The global economy is presently undergoing significant transformation characterised by a

rapid rate of technological, social and institutional change. As a consequence, major

changes in business organisation and practices and in the nature and role of the various

professions are already manifest at national and international level in construction and

related fields.


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Current trends are now redefining the traditional role of the quantity surveyor including:-

the development of new skills and the increasing important business role of information

technology, such as, Building Information Modelling.

The increasing internationalisation of surveying activity has caused the programme team

to introduce a language option. It is intended to add further languages in the future,

subject to a review of industry demand. The programme team feel it is critically

important to provide our future students with multi-lingual skills, in order to prepare them

more readily for working internationally.

The increased emphasis on the concept of value for money and economic resource

allocation and evaluation, in both the private and public sectors, creates new

opportunities for the application and development of the core skills of the construction

economist. In the Irish context, the land use and environmental needs of a developing

economy create a demand for the particular services provided by the construction

economist. The increased need for these services and the capacity to fulfil a potentially

wider role in Cost-benefit Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment and resource

evaluation will result in a heightened public perception in Ireland of the important

contribution the Construction Economist can make to more appropriate economic and

physical development.

There is at present a general tendency towards a merging of the services provided by the

various construction professionals. This in turn is reflected in the changing roles and

functions of the different cognate professionals, characterised by overlap on the one hand,

and increased specialisation on the other. Increasingly there is a blurring of the distinction

between professional and commercial services and the graduate construction economist

needs to be adaptable and flexible to meet the challenge of these services.

Finally, in common with professionals in the technological and scientific fields,

construction professionals are increasingly required to renew and update their

professional education and training.


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1.4 Structure of the Programme

The programme comprises four years of full time or five years of part time study at

honours degree level (level 8). Each of the years is divided into two semesters. Over its

duration, the programme seeks to progressively develop and integrate the various core

and complementary disciplines required for the education of a construction

economist/quantity surveyor.

The basic structure of the programme and the subject modules studied are indicated in

Figures 1 (full time) and 2 (part time). A more detailed breakdown by academic stages is

shown in Tables 4 to 13.

1.4.1 Full Time Programme

This is a four year programme with each year of the programme being divided into two

semesters. The first two years focus on building the knowledge and understanding

required by the graduate quantity surveyor. There is a particular emphasis on building on

the core knowledge required in construction technology; financial management;

construction economics; contract practice; measurement and costing; construction

management and construction law, with complimentary studies in information

technology; professional development and quantitative methods to give the programme

its orientation.

In the first two years students will also gain an insight and knowledge of technological

developments, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). Whilst there are no

specific BIM modules integrated into the programme, it is the intention of the programme

team to embed BIM into the Measurement and Costing modules. Currently discussions

are ongoing with the School of Multi-Disciplinary Technologies about the more visual

embedding of BIM modules into the programme in later years.

The third year sees the core knowledge areas maintained in construction studies;

construction economics; financial management; construction law and the inclusion of an

integrated development project to “knit” the core competencies together. The Contract

Administration module requires students to prepare responses to predetermined tasks that


12

serve to replicate, where possible, real life issues and problems encountered on a

construction project.

The emphasis in year 3 sees a move away from a focus of “knowledge” to one more of

“doing” or application of the knowledge and understanding gained in the first two years.

Semester 2 involves placing the students in industry, where the student will directly

experience the application of knowledge gained in a working environment.

The final year of the programme sees the student taking the knowledge and

understanding gained in the first three years to a more “inquisitorial and advisory” focus.

The final year can be broadly separated into two components.

The first component of the final year comprises the cores areas of measurement and

costing; commercial management; construction economics; development project; which

collectively act as the “capstone” to the knowledge they will require to progress to the

next phase of their journey in seeking a chartered designation. In order to recognise the

increasing specialist nature of some aspects/knowledge required by graduate quantity

surveyors, the programme seeks to introduce optional modules, from which the student

will select two of their choice.

The second component of the final year seeks to support the student in the preparation of

an undergraduate dissertation or a company project. The final year company project is an

alternative to the traditional dissertation, which enables students to research and analyse a

topic in an applied setting. While there is no specific requirement for the student to be

working within the organisation, it is envisaged that students who have previously gained

worked experience with a company may be in a position to work with that company on a

mutually beneficial research project.

The distribution of the modules on the full time programme is shown in general terms in

Figure 1, and in more detail in Tables 4 to 7.

1.4.2 Part Time Programme

This is a five year programme with each year of the programme being divided into two

semesters. The modules taken by part-time students are largely the same as those on the


13

full time programme, but are distributed over five years (10 semesters) rather than the

four years (8 semesters) of the full time programme.

To strengthen the transitional learning experience for the part time advance entry

students, two additional 5 credit Measurement and Costing modules are added to both the

fourth and fifth year. This adaptation of the part time programme addresses a previously

perceived weakness of the part time programme, where it was felt there was insufficient

measurement modules particularly for advanced entry students.

The part-time programme also sees the introduction of a 10 credit Work Based Learning

module into each of the first 4 years of the part-time course. A separate Student

Handbook will be provided to the students for these modules.

The distribution of the modules on the part time programme is shown in general terms in

Figure 2, and in more detail in Tables 8 to 12.


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Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2

Construction Studies 3

CONS3021

Construction Economics 3

ECON3005

Financial Management 3

FINM3000

Construction

Economics 1A

Construction

Economics 1B

Construction

Economics 2

Construction

Law 2

Construction Law 3

ECON1032 ECON1033 ECON2022 LAW2033 LAW3029

Professional

Development/

Integrated Project

Information

Technology

Construction

Management

Programming and

PlanningMeasurmeent and Costing 3A or

3B

PRFD1000 INFT1001 MGMT2040 CONS2045 CEST3000/CEST3001

Quantitative Methods Law 1 Pre-Contract

Practice

Post Contract

PracticeContract Administration

QMD1001 LAW1051 CONS2046 CONS2047 CONS3009

German 2 for

EBE (OPTION)

German 3 for

EBE (OPTION)

German 4 for EBE (OPTION)

GERM2025 GERM2026 GERM3010

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Semester 1 Semester 2

Construction Studies 1 Construction Studies 2 Work Placement

WKPL3005

Commercial

Management

Construction

Economics 4

CONS1039 CONS2044 COFI4000 ECON4003

Measurement and Costing 1 Measurement and Costing 2 Measurement and Costing 4

CEST1001 CEST2000 CEST4000

FINM1000 FINM2000 CONS3022

Financial Management 1 Financial Management 2 Development Project

STMG4011 COMM4000

Project Management

(OPTION)Corporate Property

Asset Management

(OPTION)

Strategic Management

and Ethics

(OPTION)

Conflict Avoidance

and Dispute

Resolution

Dissertation or Company Project

GERM1024 DISS4007

PRJM4000 MTAM4000

Work Placement

(German Option)

WKPL3005

Foundation German for EBE

(OPTION)

Figure 1 – Structure of DT111A Full Time Programme


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Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2

Commercial

Management

Construction

Economics 4

COFI4000 ECON4003

Construction

Economics 1A

Construction

Economics 1B

Financial

Management 3

Measurement and

Costings 3A/3B

ECON1032 ECON1033 FINM3000 CONS3000/3001

Quantitative

Methods

Law 1 Construction

Economics 2

Construction

Law 2

Construction

Economics 3

Construction

Studies 3

QMD1001 LAW1051 ECON2022 LAW2033 ECON3005 CONS3021

Professional

Development/

Integrated Project

Information

Technology

Construction

Management

Programming

and Planning

Pre-Contract

Practice

Post Contract

Practice

Construction Law 3 Contract

Administration

PRFD1000 INFT1001 MGMT2040 CONS2045 CONS2046 CONS2047 LAW3029 CONS3009

Measurement & Costing 4

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Construction Studies 1 Construction Studies 2 Financial Management 2

CONS1039 CONS2044 FINM2000

Measurement and Costing 2Measurement and Costing 1

Development Project

CONS3022

CEST2000

DISS4007

Work Related Learning Work Related Learning Work Related Learning Work Related Learning

CEST4000

Financial Management 1 Dissertation or Company Project

FINM2000

CEST2000

WKPL3007 WKPL4001WKPL1001 WKPL2001

Figure 2 – Structure of DT8155 Part Time Programme


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2. The Dublin Institute of Technology

The Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) has been an integral part of the Irish Higher

Education system for more than a century. In that time it has continued to adapt and expand

its provision to reflect a changing society and the wider economic environment. DIT is now

one of Ireland’s largest and most innovative university-level institutions. A comprehensive,

dual-sector doctoral-awarding institution, DIT combines the academic excellence of a

traditional university with professional, career-oriented learning, preparing graduates for

productive leadership roles. The core values of DIT emphasize student-centred learning,

useful knowledge, rigorous processes of discovery and critical enquiry, and support for

entrepreneurship and diversity.

There are almost 23,000 students registered in DIT, and over 2,000 members of staff. Nearly

20% of the student body comes from outside Ireland, creating a culturally diverse and

stimulating teaching and research environment. A community of over 800 student and staff

researchers are engaged in addressing 21st century challenges, ensuring that DIT plays a vital

role in Ireland’s transition to a smart society. Academics and students are committed to

making a significant contribution to international knowledge and enhancing Dublin’s role as

Ireland’s global gate-way.

The DIT campus spreads across Dublin City Centre and include:

DIT Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1

DIT Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1

DIT Bolton Street, Dublin 1

DIT Chatham Row, Dublin 2

DIT Aungier Street, Dublin 2

DIT Kevin Street, Dublin 2

DIT 159 Rathmines Road, Dublin 6

DIT 143-149 Rathmines Road, Dublin 6

DIT Grange Gorman, Dublin 7

http://www.dit.ie/tools/locations/localcommunityinformation/#d.en.14808







http://www.dit.ie/about/grangegorman/


17

Maps and Transport details for each of our Campuses are available at

http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/transport/

DIT comprises the following colleges:

The College of Engineering and the Built Environment

The College of Sciences & Health

The College of Business

The College of Arts and Tourism

2.1 College of Engineering and the Built Environment

Building on our tradition of excellence established over generations in Bolton Street and

Kevin Street, the College of Engineering & Built Environment provides professionally

accredited, industry relevant, multi-level education and training for people who will engineer,

build and sustain the world of tomorrow.

The College’s learning environment is a supportive, creative and dynamic place where

students engage in collaborative learning and applied research, supported by excellence in

teaching that is informed by research, professional practice and strong industry links. The

College enables its students and staff to reach their full potential through a learner- centred

approach underpinned by the belief that all are lifelong learners.

The College is recognised as the first choice in Ireland and an international destination for

people who seek practice-led, research-informed and career-focussed programmes in a

creative and innovative environment renowned for its learner-centred approach, discovery and

ethical engagement.

The College of Engineering and Built Environment currently comprises seven schools and is

located in the Bolton Street and Kevin Street campuses. The Bolton Street campus has a

principal presence in the main Bolton Street and the Linenhall buildings.

The BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics and BSc (Hons) in

Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics (with German) will exist within the School

of Surveying and Construction Management.

http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/transport/


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2.2 School of Surveying and Construction Management

The School of Surveying and Construction is Dublin’s only School of Land, Construction,

and Property Surveying and the only school of its type in the state with a unique focus on

particular specialisms related to building, construction management and geomatics, as well as,

building, quantity and valuation surveying.

Many professionals in these areas are represented by the Chartered Institute of Building, the

Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

(RICS), as well as the Irish Institution of Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Civil

Engineering Surveyors, all of whom have a close relationship with the College.

For more detailed information on the school see

http://www.dit.ie/surveyingconstructionmanagement/

2.3 Brief Outline of Facilities and Resources

Throughout the duration of the programme, students will enjoy the full facilities of the

Institute as available to students of its many and diverse programmes. Before using such

facilities, students should familiarise themselves with current DIT guidelines and regulations,

some of which may be found at:

http://www.dit.ie/is/governance/regulations/studentregulations/ and

http://www.dit.ie/healthsafety/

Information on DIT’s extensive library facilities may be found at: http://dit.ie/library/

The programme will be accommodated primarily in the School of Surveying and Construction

Management.

2.3.1 Specialised Resources

Specialist laboratory space that is available to the programme is itemised in Table 1.

http://www.dit.ie/surveyingconstructionmanagement/

http://www.dit.ie/is/governance/regulations/studentregulations/

http://www.dit.ie/healthsafety/

http://dit.ie/library/


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Room Type Resources Available

321 Laboratory 24 networked PC’s running specialist QS software and

BIM packages.


BIM packages.


BIM packages.

Table 1 Available Computer Laboratories

2.3.2 E-Learning support

The programme committee is committed to a considerable degree of flexibility in how

students can attain the learning outcomes of the programme. It is the intention of the

programme committee to develop some programme modules, where appropriate, into a form

capable of being accessed as CPD (continuing professional development) learning resources.

In some cases, this may include the development of distance e-learning modes of access.

Currently, however, this is not available on any modules on this specific time.

Extensive e-learning support is however available to the programme through the Learning,

Teaching and Technology Centre (LTTC) at DIT. The LTTC administers and supports the

DIT E-Learning environment, Webcourses-BlackboardLearn ®, which is utilised by the

programme committee to supplement other forms of module delivery. On registration and

receipt of a DIT student number, student will have immediate access to Webcourses-

BlackboardLearn ®, at: http://www.dit.ie/lttc/webcourseslinks/

Here the student can access learning material for each programme module, and a wide range

of material relating to programme-related, School and Institute-related procedures, regulations

and guidelines.The system also includes extensive links to wider learning resources and

sources of general and useful information.

The DIT E-Learning environment, Webcourses-BlackboardLearn ®, also serves as the

principal means by which staff and students will communicate on programme-related issues.

Further student support is available through the Telematics Department in DIT Aungier St.

where professional video production assistance and facilities are available. A considerable

body of e-learning experience exists amongst staff of the School and this experience is

available to all staff in the proposed programme.

http://www.dit.ie/lttc/webcourseslinks/


20

3. Detailed Programme Information

3.1 Registration for the programme

All students are required to formally register with DIT and pay the required fees before they

attend classes. Once registered, they are entitled to attend classes, avail of DIT’s student

services and sit examinations. Detailed Instructions on how to finalise Registration and obtain

a DIT student card may be found at: http://www.dit.ie/registration/

3.2 Admission Requirements and Procedures

3.2.1 Full Time

In common with practically all programmes at degree and diploma/certificate level in the

State, admission to the full time programme is achieved through the Central Applications

Office (CAO). For the standard applicant, the basic entry requirement for the programme is

the Irish Leaving Certificate with passes in at least six subjects, of which two must be at

Grade C or higher on Higher Level papers. The six subjects must include Mathematics and

either English or Irish. An equivalent qualification to this may also be acceptable. Applicants

for the programme are ranked in order of educational merit scored in accordance with a points

system linked to educational attainment in the Leaving Certificate used by the Department of

Education and Science and the CAO.

3.2.2 Part Time

Applications for admission to the part time programme (DT8155) are made by means of the

part time application form, which can be accessed at

http://www.dit.ie/studyatdit/part-

time/programmescourses/allcourses/quantitysurveyingconstructioneconomicsdt8155.html

On the basis of these applications, qualified applicants are interviewed and class lists

completed.

An important point for applicants to note is that, for many years, there have been insufficient

applications from school leavers’ and others to enable DIT to start a first year of the DT155

programme. The programme has effectively run since 1989 as an honours degree conversion

programme for certain holders of Level 7 Construction related Ordinary Degrees from the

http://www.dit.ie/registration/

http://www.dit.ie/studyatdit/part-time/programmescourses/allcourses/quantitysurveyingconstructioneconomicsdt8155.html

http://www.dit.ie/studyatdit/part-time/programmescourses/allcourses/quantitysurveyingconstructioneconomicsdt8155.html


21

regional Institutes of Technology or from DIT’s Ordinary Degree construction graduates

(DT134 and DT149A). It is the intention of the School to start the first year of the part-time

degree in September 2016.

3.3 Advanced Entry Admission

DIT is committed to the idea of providing a ‘ladder of opportunity’ to students. Entry to the

later years of both the full time and part time programmes is available and encouraged where

space permits. The points of advanced entry and exemptions will be looked at, on a case by

case basis. Applicants with other prior qualifications are dealt with on an individual basis.

Applications should be made through the CAO for advanced entry. For details see

http://www.dit.ie/study/

3.4 Programme Calendar and Contact Hours per Week

Table 2 and 3 illustrates the programme calendar and approximate contact hours per week for

both the full time and part time programmes. In the full time programme, the students will

have approximately 20 hours of contact per week in the first three years, which would

typically involve having two half days and one full day free from contact per week. Full time

students will be off site in the semester 2 of year 3 on work placement. It is envisaged that

final years student on the full time programme, will have approximately 18 hours of contact

per week, which typically equate to two and a half days of class contact per week. In respect

to the part time option the programme is normally delivered over one full day and one

evening per week. Where possible, the part time programme will be wholly synchronised with

the full time programme, save for tutorial support, where it is envisaged that additional

dedicated tutorial support will be offered to full time students.

Year Semester Period Student Contact

Hours/Week

1 1 Sept. – Jan. 21

2 Jan. – May 19

2 1 Sept. – Jan. 19

2 Jan. – May 20

3 1 Sept. – Jan. 24

2 Jan. – May Work Placement

4 1 Sept. – Jan. 17.75

2 Jan. – May 17.75

Table 2 Calendar and Contact Hours of Full Time Programme (indicative only)

http://www.dit.ie/study/


22

Year Semester Period Student Contact

Hours/Week

1 1 Sept. – Jan. 9

2 Jan. – May 8

2 1 Sept. – Jan. 8

2 Jan. – May 8

3 1 Sept. – Jan. 8

2 Jan. – May 9

4 1 Sept. – Jan. 14

2 Jan. – May 8

5 1 Sept. – Jan. 7

2 Jan. – May 7

Table 3 Calendar and Contact Hours of Part Time Programme (indicative only)

Specific class timetables, together with instructions on how to use this online facility, may be

found at: http://dit.ie/registration/studentclasstimetables/

3.5 Programme modules

Tables 4 to 12 provides a detailed breakdown of the curriculum of each year on the full time

and the part time programme. Detailed module descriptors can be found in Section 8.

Module descriptors are also available online in the DIT Module Catalogue at:

http://www.dit.ie/catalogue/

http://dit.ie/registration/studentclasstimetables/

http://www.dit.ie/catalogue/


23

Year 1 (F/T)Semester

Module

descriptorsStudent Contact Hours

Annual

Contact

Annual

Learning ECTSAssessment Marks Module Author

ModuleCode Page Lab/Pract Lecture Tutorial Sem 1 Sem 2 Hours Hours Credits

Coursewk

ProjectsExams

Course-

workExams Total

Construction Studies 1 CONS1039 1,2 66 2 2 4 4 96 200 10 2 1 100 100 200 S. Smyth

Measurement & Costing 1 CEST1001 1,2 68 1 2 2 5 5 120 200 10 3 200 200 C. Mitchell/

Financial Management 1 FINM1000 1,2 71 2 1 3 3 72 200 10 1 1 70 130 200 K. O'Reilly

Economics 1A ECON1032 1 73 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 T. Power

Economic 1B ECON1033 2 76 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 T. Power

Law 1 LAW1001 2 79 2 1 3 0 100 5 4 100 100 F. Corcoran

Information Technology INFT1001 2 81 2 2 24 100 5 1 100 100 K.O'Reilly

Quantatitive Metthods QMD1001 1 83 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 30 70 100 P.Heuston

Professional

Development/Integrated ProjectPRFD1000 1 85 2 2 24 100 5 3 100 100 M.Keaveney

TOTALS: 3 16 9 20 20 444 1200 60 17 5 800 400 1200

AssessmentWeekly

Table 4 - Details of Curriculum – Year 1 – Full Time Programme


24

Year 2 (F/T)Module


Annual

Contact

Annual


ModuleCode Semester Page Lab/Pract Lecture Tutorial Sem 1 Sem 2 Hours Hours Credits

Coursewk

ProjectsExams

Course-

workExams Total

Construction Studies 2 CONS2044 1,2 89 2 1 3 3 72 200 10 1 1 80 120 200 M. Keaveney

Measurement & Costing 2 CEST2000 1,2 91 2 2 4 4 96 200 10 3 200 200 F.McDonnell

Financial Management 2 FINM2000 1,2 93 2 1 3 3 72 200 10 1 1 70 130 200 K. O'Reilly

Construction Economics 2 ECON2022 1 95 2 1 3 36 100 5 3 100 100 R. Murphy

Construction Law 2 LAW2033 2 97 2 1 3 36 100 5 2 100 100 C. Mitchell

Construction Management MGMT2040 1 99 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 M. Keaveney

Programming & Planning CONS2045 2 101 2 2 4 48 100 5 1 100 100 R. Hayden

Pre-Contract Practice CONS2046 1 103 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 T. Cunningham

Post-Contract Practice CONS2047 2 105 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 T. Cunningham

TOTALS: 4 18 7 19 20 468 1200 60 14 5 770 430 1200

AssessmentWeekly



25


Module


Annual

Contact

Annual



Coursewk

ProjectsExams

Course-

workExams Total

Construction Studies 3 CONS3021 1 111 5 1 6 72 100 5 2 100 100 S. McCarthy & M.J. Gleeson

Construction Economics

3ECON3005 1 113 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 100 100 R, Murphy

Financial Management 3 FINM3000 1 115 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 100 100 K. O'Reilly

Construction Law 3 LAW3029 1 117 2 2 4 48 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 R. Hayden

Contract Administration CONS3009 1 119 4 4 48 100 10 2 100 100 R.O'Carroll/N. Ingle

Measurement and

Costing 3A/3B*

CONS3000/30

011 122/124 2 2 4 48 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 F.McDonnell/C.Mitchell

Work Placement SSCM3700 2 128 1 1 12 600 30 7 600 600 F. Mc Donnell

Optional Module*

TOTALS: 24 1 300 1200 65 13 4 790 410 1200

AssessmentWeekly



26


Module


Annual

Contact

Annual


Module Code Page Lab/Pract Lecture Tutorial Sem 1 Sem 2 Hours Hours CreditsCoursewk

ProjectsExams

Course-

workExams Total

Commercial

ManagementCOFI4000 1 132 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 F. McDonnell

Construction

Economics 4ECON4003 2 134 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 R. Murphy

Measurement &

Costing 4CEST4000 1,2 136 2 2 4 4 96 200 10 2 200 100 D.Kehily

Development Project CONS3022 1 139 4 4 4 48 200 10 4 200 200 R.O'Carroll/N. Ingle

Strategic

Management & Ethics

(Optional)

STMG4011 1 142 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 R. Murphy

Conflict Avoidance

and Dispute

Resolution (Optional)

COMM4000 2 144 2 1 3 36 100 5 1 100 100 C. Mitchell

Project Management

(Optional)PRJM4000 1 146 2 1 3 36 100 5 3 100 100 N. Ingle

Coprorate Property

Asset Management

(Optional)

MTAM4000 2 148 2 1 3 36 100 5 3 100 100 D. McKeown

Dissertation or

Company ProjectDISS4007 1,2 150 0.75 0.75 0.75 18 400 20 1 300 300 R. Roisin

TOTALS: 17.75 17.75 414 1200 60 1200

Total Marks for Final Part (1 Year 3 - Semester 1 only): 600

Total Marks for Final Part 2 (Year 4 - weighted by 100%): 1200

Total for Finals Part 1 & 2: 1800

MARKS FOR DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

AssessmentWeekly



27

Year 1 (P/T)Semester

Module


Annual

Contact

Annual



Coursewk

ProjectsExams

Course-

workExams Total

Construction Studies 1 CONS1039 1,2 66 2 2 2 48 200 10 2 1 100 100 200 S.Smyth

Measurement & Costing 1 CEST1001 1,2 68 1 2 3 3 72 200 10 3 200 200 C. Mitchell

Law 1 LAW1001 2 79 2 2 24 100 5 4 100 100 F. Corcoran

Information Technology INFT1001 1 81 2 2 24 100 5 1 100 100 K.O'Reilly

Quantatitive Metthods QMD1001 2 83 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 30 70 100 P.Heuston

Professional

Development/Integrated ProjectPRFD1000 1 85 2 2 24 100 5 3 100 100 M.Keaveney

Work Based Learning 1 TBA 1,2 152 0.5 0.5 0.5 20 200 10 2 200 200 F.McDonnell

TOTALS: 2 10 9 8 236 1000 50 16 2 830 170 1000

AssessmentWeekly

Table 8 - Details of Curriculum – Year 1 – Part Time Programme


28


Module


Annual

Contact

Annual



Coursewk

ProjectsExams

Course-

workExams Total

Construction Studies 2 CONS2044 1,2 89 2 2 2 48 200 10 1 1 80 120 200 M. Keaveney

Economics 1A ECON1032 1 73 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 T. Power

Economic 1B ECON1033 2 76 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 T. Power

Financial Management 1 FINM1000 1,2 71 2 2 2 48 200 10 1 1 70 130 200 K. O'Reilly

Construction Management MGMT2040 1 99 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 M. Keaveney

Programming & Planning CONS2045 2 101 2 2 24 100 5 1 100 100 M.Keaveney


TOTALS: 12 8 8 192 1000 40 6 3 590 410 1000

AssessmentWeekly



29

Year 3 (P/T)Module


Annual

Contact

Annual



Coursewk

ProjectsExams

Course-

workExams Total

Financial Management

2FINM2000 1,2 93 2 2 2 48 200 10 1 1 70 130 200 K. O'Reilly

Measurement &

Costing 2CEST2000 1,2 91 2 2 2 48 200 10 3 200 200 F.McDonnell

Construction

Economics 2ECON2022 1 95 2 2 24 100 5 3 100 100 R. Murphy

Construction Law 2 LAW2033 2 97 2 3 36 100 5 2 100 100 C. Mitchell

Pre-Contract Practice CONS2046 1 103 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 T. Cunningham

Post-Contract Practice CONS2047 2 105 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 T. Cunningham


TOTALS: 12 8.5 9 224 1000 50 13 3 750 250 1000

AssessmentWeekly



30

Year 4 (P/T)Semester Module descriptors

Student Contact Hours Annual

Contact

Annual



Coursewk

ProjectsExams Course-work Exams Total

Construction Studies 3 CONS3021 1 111 5 1 6 72 100 5 1 100 100 S. McCarthy & M.J. Gleeson

Construction

Economics 3ECON3005 1 113 2 2 24 100 5 1 100 100 R, Murphy

Financial Management

3FINM3000 2 115 2 2 0 100 5 1 100 100 K. O'Reilly

Construction Law 3 LAW3029 2 117 2 2 0 100 5 1 1 40 60 100 R. Hayden

Contract Administration CONS3009 2 119 2 2 4 48 100 5 2 100 100 R. O'Carroll

Measurement and

Costing 3A/3B*

CONS3000/30

012 122/124 2 2 2 48 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 F.McDonnell/C.Mitchell

Development Project CONS3022 1,2 139 2 2 2 48 200 10 1 1 200 200 N. Ingle / R. O'Carroll


TOTALS: 4 15 15 8 240 1000 50 7 6 590 410 1000

* Optional Module

AssessmentWeekly



31


Module

descriptors

Annual

Contact

Annual

Learning ECTS

Assessment

MarksModule Author

Module Code Page Lab/Pract Lecture Tutorial Sem 1 Sem 2 Hours Hours CreditsCoursewk

ProjectsExams Course-work Exams Total

Commercial Management COFI4000 1 132 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 F. McDonnell

Construction Economics 4 ECON4003 2 134 2 2 24 100 5 1 1 50 50 100 R. Murphy

Measurement & Costing

4CEST4000 1,2 136 2 2 4 4 96 200 10 2 200 200 F.McDonnell/D.Kehily

Dissertation or Company

ProjectDISS4007 1,2 150 0.75 0.75 0.75 18 300 20 1 400 400 R. Murphy

TOTALS: 1.5 6 0.75 6.75 6.75 162 700 40 5 2 700 100 800



Total for Finals Part 1 & 2: 1800

Student Contact Hours per

WeekAssessment

MARKS FOR DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

Weekly

Calculation made on Ex 1800



September 2016

32

3.5.1 Optional Modules

Students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in a specialist area through the

selection of two modules from a suite of four optional modules in the final year of the full

time programme.

These options will unfortunately not be made available to part time students, as it was felt

critically important by the programme committee to create the “space” for “core” competency

modules to underpin the knowledge and understanding of our mainly advance entry students

on the part time programme. The omission of these module is more than offset by the ongoing

on the job work experience been gained by the part time students.

The admission of students to a particular optional module is subject to the availability of that

module, consideration of possible timetabling conflicts, to constraints imposed by minimum

and maximum class sizes and to resource-related issues as determined by the College

Executive and Head of School.

3.5.2 Introduction of German Language

In the first three years of the full time programme students will be given the opportunity to

study the German language. An optional suite of modules specifically designed for students

studying in the DIT College of Engineering and the Built Environment will be made available

for students to study alongside their primary modules from September 2014. Whilst these

modules are optional in the earlier years, should students successfully complete the language

programme, they will be offered the opportunity to buy back credits from their final year of

study. Students who have successfully completed the language programme will not be

required to complete the optional modules in the final year.

This German option is not, however, available to the part time students. Students who choose

these programmes would share these modules with other existing programmes in the College

of Engineering and the Built Environment. At the end of their successful completion of the

programme, it is intended that students would be entitled to an exit award that specifically

includes reference to their language achievements e.g. BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and

Construction Economics (with German).


September 2016

33

Students will be offered two entry points into the programme. On the basis that there may not

be a sufficient number of applicants with prior knowledge of German at Leaving Certificate

Honours Grade C level or higher, students in year 1 would be offered a foundation level

module of 10 credits. In year 2 students with prior knowledge of German at Leaving

Certificate Honours grade C level or higher would join modules 2 and 3 with those who have

successfully completed the foundation module in year 1. In year 3 module 4 would prepare

students for living and studying in a German speaking country.

To complete the full cohort of German modules students will be encouraged to spend

semester 2 of year 3 in a German speaking environment.

The assessment process for the German exchange would replicate that for the work placement

students, with a total of 30 credits awarded to students for the work placement module, 15 of

which would be allocated to the German language component of the module. The School of

Languages, Law and Social Sciences would be asked to assist in monitoring and reviewing

students’ proficiency in German to ensure that industry expectations in this regard are being

met.

A student who started as a beginner in first year would have 25 credits for German before the

period abroad. A student starting in second year with Leaving Cert level German would gain

15 credits before the period abroad. In addition to the criteria to be assessed in the work

placement module, the allocation of 15 credits for the language component would mean that

all students would attain a minimum of 30 German credits, thus making them eligible for the

award of BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics (with German).

There would be no major cost implications to the introduction of the language option, as the

College already employs a language lecturer who can offer modules in German at beginners’

and post-Leaving Certificate levels. If there is sufficient demand, other languages could be

introduced with the input of the School of Languages, Law and Social Sciences. In view of

the low set-up costs, class sizes would be in the region of 10-20 students and they could be

open to students from programmes across the College and to staff members.

Each module would require a class contact of 3 hours per week. Allowing access to students

from across a range of programmes may, however, provide timetabling challenges. If it is not

possible to free up hours in the normal daytime timetable, such as allowing longer lunch

breaks, a two hour class could take place in the evening or at two separate lunchtime hours,

with the third hour taking place online using the Webcourses facility. This would be


September 2016

34

supplemented by homework assignments and self-directed study. Examination would include

continuous assessment and involve all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and

writing, with a particular emphasis on oral skills.

Table 13 below provides an overview of the proposed modules and the level of proficiency in

German expected.

Year Module Code ECTS credits Level of proficiency

in German2

1 GERM1024 10 A1/A2

2 GERM2025 5 A2

2 GERM2026 5 A2/B1

3 GERM3010 5 B1

3 WKPL3006 15 B2

Table 13 Overview of German Language modules in proposed programme

3.5.3 Rationale for introducing these programmes

With little additional cost existing programmes could attract a new cohort of students who

would not normally consider this programme. The combination of language study and a

semester abroad would make graduates more employable. EU studies on the Erasmus

mobility programmes have shown an increase in the initial employability of graduates along

with a life-long positive effect on promotion prospects and an increased likelihood of

postgraduate study by participants. The programme would help to promote an international

focus within the College and, as this would be the first Quantity Surveying course of its kind

in Ireland, this would attract students from across the country who can envisage a professional

future for themselves in the international arena. The full suite of German module descriptors

are included in section 7.

3.5.4 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Exemptions

In recognition of prior learning (RPL), students may apply for an exemption from a maximum

of two modules in each of years 1, 2 or 3 of the full time programme. No exemptions will be

permitted in final year of the full time programme. Applications for exemptions from part

time students will also be considered on a case by case basis.

2 As described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language of the Council of Europe,

available at http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_en.pdf

http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_en.pdf


September 2016

35

DIT is committed to fully complying with the NQAI document: Principles and Operational

Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning in Further and Higher Education and Training,

June 2005.

The principles and guidelines in that document inform the policy and procedures for the

recognition of a student’s prior learning by the programme committee. The committee accepts

the principle that RPL is an academic activity and will only be performed by academic staff

competent in the process. External advice and advice from professional/regulatory bodies

may, however, be sought by the committee where it is deemed appropriate. The committee

will implement the current College of Engineering and Built Environment policy on the

granting of exemptions as follows:

Exemption decisions are made at School level. An exemption is granted if the following

people all approve and recommend the exemption:

Module Lecturer

Head of Department/Assistant Head of School

Head of School

Only in a case where agreement cannot be reached within a School will a case be submitted to

College Board.

Where exemption is granted from a module at the Award stage of a programme, the

calculation of the candidate’s marks contributing towards the grade of their award shall be

based on the marks gained in those modules which have actually been assessed.

3.5.5 Linkage to SCSI APC Competencies

The course curriculum is predominantly focused on candidates that opt for the Graudate 1

route of membership to the SCSI i.e. candidates who have completed a Royal Institution of

Chartered Surveyors (RICS)/Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) accredited course

with limited (less pthan 5 years), or no prior relevant experience.

The course seeks to ensure that candidates for the Assessment of Professional Competence

(APC) reach required levels for each of the Competencies, namely:

Level 1 – knowledge and understanding.

Level 2 – application of knowledge and understanding.

Level 3 – reasoned advice and depth of technical knowledge.


September 2016

36

The competencies are in three distict categories, namely

Mandatory

Core

Optional

Mandatory Competencies

Level 3

Conduct rules, ethics and professional practice

Level 2

Client care

Communication and negotiation

Health and safety

Level 1

Accounting principles and procedures

Business planning

Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures

Data management

Sustainability

Teamworking

Core Competencies

Level 3

Commercial management of construction or Design economics and cost planning

Contract practice

Construction technology and environmental services

Procurement and tendering

Project financial control and reporting


September 2016

37

Quantification and costing of construction work

Optional Competencies

Two competencies at level 2 from the list below

Capital allowances

Commercial management of construction or Design economics and cost planning

Contract administration

Corporate recovery and insolvency

Due diligence

Insurance

Programming and planning

Project evaluation

Risk management

Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedure or Sustainability

It is important to note that candidates who are seeking to apply for professional status and

who commence their Assessment of Professional Competence period of preparation, only

need to attain these levels on formal application for the APC final assessment. Every effort

has been made by the programme team to assist in preparing the students in attaining these

levels, by ensuring that good range of Mandatory, Core and Optional Competencies are

covered in the curriculum.

Tables 14, 15, 16 and 17 attempt to map the SCSI APC competencies against the programmes

modules in each of years on the full time programme.


September 2016

38

Module Titles Mo

du

le C

od

e

Acco

un

tin

g p

rin

cip

les a

nd

pro

c

Bu

sin

ess p

lan

nin

g

Cli

en

t ca

re

Co

mm

un

ica

tio

n a

nd

neg

Co

nd

uct

ru

les,

eth

ics a

nd

pro

fessio

na

l p

ra

cti

ce

Co

nfl

ict

Av

oid

an

ce,

ma

na

gem

en

t

an

d

dis

pu

te r

eso

luti

on

pro

ced

ures

Da

ta m

an

ag

em

en

t

Hea

lth

an

d s

afe

ty

Su

sta

ina

bil

ity

Tea

mw

ork

ing

Co

mm

ercia

l M

an

ag

em

en

t o

f

Co

nstr

ucti

on

Co

nstr

ucti

on

Tech

no

log

y a

nd

En

vir

on

men

tal

Serv

ices

Co

ntr

act

Pra

cti

ce

Desig

n e

co

ns a

nd

co

st

pla

nn

ing

Pro

cu

rem

en

t a

nd

ten

derin

g

Pro

ject

fin

co

ntr

ol

an

drep

orti

ng

Qu

an

tifi

ca

tio

n a

nd

co

sti

ng

of

co

nstr

ucti

on

wo

rk

s

Co

ntr

act

Ad

min

istr

ati

on

Co

rp

ora

te r

ec &

in

so

lnen

cy

Du

e d

ilig

en

ce

In

su

ra

nce

Pro

gra

mm

ing

an

d p

lan

nin

g

Pro

ject

ev

alu

ati

on

Ris

k m

an

ag

em

en

t

M001 M002 M003 M004 M005 M006 M007 T008 M009 M010 T010 T013 T017 T022 T062 T067 T074 T016 T020 T025 T045 T063 T066 T077

Construction Studies 1 CONS1039 L1

Measurement & Costing 1 CEST1001 L1

Financial Management 1 FINM1000 L1

Economics 1A ECON1032 L1

Economic 1B ECON1033 L1

Law 1 LAW1001 L1

Information Technology INFT1001 L1

Quantatitive Metthods QMD1001

Professional

Development/Integrated ProjectPRFD1000 L1

L1 = Knowledge and Understanding (Knowing)

L2 = Application (Doing)

L3 = Reasoned Advice (Advising)

Mandatory Competencies Core competencies Optional Competencies

Table 14 Mapping of Year 1 modules to SCSI APC Competencies


September 2016

39

Module Titles Mod

ule

Cod

e

Accou

nti

ng p

rin

cip

les a

nd

proc

Bu

sin

ess p

lan

nin

g

Cli

en

t care

Com

mu

nic

ati

on

an

d n

eg

Con

du

ct

ru

les, eth

ics a

nd

profe

ssio

nal

practi

ce

Con

flic

t A

void

an

ce, m

an

agem

en

t

an

d d

isp

ute

resolu

tion

proced

ures

Data

man

agem

en

t

Healt

h a

nd

safe

ty

Su

sta

inab

ilit

y

Team

work

ing

Com

mercia

l M

an

agem

en

t of

Con

str

ucti

on

Con

str

ucti

on

Tech

nolo

gy a

nd

En

vir

on

men

tal

Servic

es

Con

tract

Practi

ce

Desig

n e

con

s a

nd

cost

pla

nn

ing

Procu

rem

en

t an

d t

en

derin

g

Proje

ct

fin

con

trol

an

drep

orti

ng

Qu

an

tifi

cati

on

an

d c

osti

ng o

f

con

str

ucti

on

work

s

Con

tract

Ad

min

istr

ati

on

Corp

orate

rec &

in

soln

en

cy

Du

e d

ilig

en

ce

In

su

ran

ce

Program

min

g a

nd

pla

nn

ing

Proje

ct

evalu

ati

on

Ris

k m

an

agem

en

t


Construction Studies 2 CONS2044 L1 L1 L1

Measurement & Costing 2 CEST2000 L2 L2


Construction Economics 2 ECON2022 L1

Construction Law 2 LAW2033 L1

Construction Management MGMT2040 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1 L1

Programming & Planning CONS2045 L1

Pre-Contract Practice CONS2046 L1 L1

Post-Contract Practice CONS2047 L1 L1







September 2016

40

Module Titles Mod

ule C

od

e

Accou

ntin

g p

rin

cip

les a

nd

proc

Bu

sin

ess p

lan

nin

g

Clien

t c

are

Com

mu

nication

an

d n

eg

Con

du

ct r

ules, eth

ics a

nd

profession

al p

ractice

Con

flict A

void

an

ce, m

an

agem

en

t

an

d d

isp

ute r

esolu

tion

proced

ures

Data m

an

agem

en

t

Health

an

d s

afety

Su

stain

ab

ility

Team

work

in

g

Com

mercial M

an

agem

en

t o

f

Con

stru

ction

Con

stru

ction

Tech

nology a

nd

En

viron

men

tal S

ervices

Con

tract P

ractice

Design

econ

s a

nd

cost p

lan

nin

g

Procu

rem

en

t a

nd

ten

derin

g

Project f

in

con

trol a

nd

rep

ortin

g

Qu

an

tification

an

d c

ostin

g o

f

con

stru

ction

work

s

Con

tract A

dm

in

istration

Corp

orate r

ec &

in

soln

en

cy

Du

e d

iligen

ce

In

su

ran

ce

Program

min

g a

nd

plan

nin

g

Project e

valu

ation

Risk

man

agem

en

t


Construction Studies 3 CONS3021 L2

Construction Economics 3 ECON3005 L2 L1


Construction Law 3 LAW3029 L2

Contract Administration TBA L1 L1 L1 L2 L1 L1 L1 L1 L2 L1

Measuremnet & Costing 3A CONS3000

Measurement & Costing 3B CONS3001

Work Placement WKPL3005 L2 L1 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2







September 2016

41

Module Titles Mo

du

le C

od

e

Acco

un

tin

g p

rin

cip

les

an

d p

ro

c

Bu

sin

ess

pla

nn

ing

Cli

en

t ca

re

Co

mm

un

ica

tio

n a

nd

neg

Co

nd

uct

ru

les,

eth

ics

an

d

pro

fess

ion

al

pra

cti

ce

Co

nfl

ict

Av

oid

an

ce,

ma

na

gem

en

t

an

d

dis

pu

te r

eso

luti

on

pro

ced

ures

Da

ta m

an

ag

em

en

t

Hea

lth

an

d s

afe

ty

Su

sta

ina

bil

ity

Tea

mw

ork

ing

Co

mm

ercia

l M

an

ag

em

en

t o

f

Co

nst

ru

cti

on

Co

nst

ru

cti

on

Tech

no

log

y a

nd

En

vir

on

men

tal

Serv

ices

Co

ntr

act

Pra

cti

ce

Desi

gn

eco

ns

an

d c

ost

pla

nn

ing

Pro

cu

rem

en

t a

nd

ten

derin

g

Pro

ject

fin

co

ntr

ol

an

drep

orti

ng

Qu

an

tifi

ca

tio

n a

nd

co

stin

g o

f

co

nst

ru

cti

on

wo

rk

s

Co

ntr

act

Ad

min

istr

ati

on

Co

rp

ora

te r

ec &

in

soln

en

cy

Du

e d

ilig

en

ce

Insu

ra

nce

Pro

gra

mm

ing

an

d p

lan

nin

g

Pro

ject

ev

alu

ati

on

Ris

k m

an

ag

em

en

t


Commercial Management COFI4000 L2

Construction Economics 4 ECON4003 L2

Measurement & Costing 4 CEST4000 L2 L2

Development Project CONS3022 L2 L2 L3 L3 L3 L3 L3

Strategic Management & Ethics

(Optional)STMG4011 L2 L2

Conflict Avoidance and Dispute

Resolution (Optional)COMM4000 L2

Project Management (Optional) PRJM4000 L2 L2 L2 L2 L2Coprorate Property Asset

Management (Optional)MTAM4000 L2

L2 L2

Dissertation or Company Project DISS4007





Note: For the purpose of this exercise the competencies attained in the Dissertation or Company Project have not been presented.



September 2016

42

3.6 Placement in the Workplace (Full-Time Programme)

The most significant change to the programme is the recent inclusion of a full semester of

work placement in year 3. This module covers the industrial placement element of the

programme and is designed to ensure transfer of classroom learning to the work place while

developing further skills and competence through work as a practitioner in the field of

construction. The overall aim of the module is to provide the student with industry experience

and to consolidate the theoretical content from the modules covered on the programme for

students who wish to develop the skills, knowledge and competence required to perform as

professionals in quantity surveying roles in the construction industry.

A Work Placement student handbook will be made available to all students on the

commencement of their industrial experience.

3.7 Work Based Learning (Part-Time Progamme)

3.7.1 Preparing Students

A specific Work Based Learning module descriptor has been developed for each year of the

DT8155 programme and is included in Section 8. Students will receive a briefing on the Work

Based learning component of assessment by the programme chair early in Semester 1 of the

academic year.

3.7.2 Supporting Students

All students will be allocated a tutor who will arrange to visit them in their work place once a

semester. They will also mentor the students in regard to preparing their interim submissions

and their end of year presentation to their peers.

3.7.3 Assessing Students

Students will be assessed on a pass/fail basis for the Work Based Learning. Specific

guidelines will be given to the students in a detailed Work based Learning Student Handbook.

3.7.4 Employer Agreements

A Memorandum of Agreement has been developed by the School (based on HEAD REAP

Initiative) which is intended to be signed by the sponsoring employer representative. This

agreement will include clear communication protocols, responsibilities and details of how the

student/employee will be monitored. It will also include how the school plans to address

issues related to changes in the student’s employment status.


September 2016

43

3.8 Staff teaching on the programme

Table 18 contains a list of staff involved with the programme, an outline of their role and

contact details.

Name Role Module Area Contact

Myles Keaveney Lecturer

Construction Studies,

Construction Management,

Professional Development,

Programming & Planning

[email protected]

Charles Mitchell

Lecturer Measurement and costing,

Construction Law, Conflict

Avoidance and Dispute

Resolution Management

[email protected]

Kevin O’Reilly Lecturer Financial Management,

Information Technology [email protected]

Thomas Power Lecturer Economics [email protected]

Padraic Hueston Lecturer Quantitative Methods [email protected]

Fiacra McDonnell Lecturer Measurement and Costing,

Commercial Management [email protected]

Roisin Murphy

Lecturer Construction Economics,

Strategic Management &

Ethics

[email protected]

Tony Cunningham Lecturer Measurement and Costing,

Contract Practice [email protected]

Sean McCarthy Lecturer Construction Technology [email protected]

Michael J Gleeson Lecturer Building Services [email protected]

Ruairi Hayden Lecturer Construction law [email protected]

Richard O’Carroll

Lecturer Construction Administration

and Management,

Development Project,

Measurement and Costing

[email protected]

Nicholas Ingle

Lecturer Construction Administration

and Management,

Development Project, Project

Management

[email protected]

Dermot Kehily

Lecturer Measurement and Costing,

Applied Cost and Value

Management

[email protected]

Declan McKeown Lecturer Corporate Property Asset

Management [email protected]

Suzanne

O’Shaughnessy

Lecturer German Susan.oshaughnessy@dit

.ie

Table 18 Staff teaching on the BSc in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics

mailto:[email protected]


















September 2016

44

4. Assessment and Feedback

The purpose of the various assessments of the programme is to contribute to the students’

learning and to demonstrate that they have fulfilled the objectives of the programme and

achieved the standard required for level 8 award classification. Assessment requirements are

related to the programme learning outcomes.

Details pertaining to the assessment of each module are provided in the relevant module

descriptors and are summarised in Tables 4 to 12. A combination of assessment methods is

used, including written examinations, continuous assessment, written assignments and project

and problem-based learning. The minimum pass mark for all forms of the assessment is 40%

of the maximum marks available.

Students will be assessed at the end of each semester in accordance with the general

assessment regulations of DIT as are currently in force3. The assessment process comprises

two main elements

formative assessment

summative assessment

In the case of summative assessment a standard two-hour written examination is the norm.

The formative assessment includes feedback that is given to the students regarding their

performance in coursework. Such formative assessment may be individual or group based.

Peer and self-assessment are also included where appropriate.

4.1 Coursework Assessment and Feedback

In keeping with the terms of the DIT Student Charter4, students will be provided with a

schedule of assignments for each module within two weeks of starting work on that module.

Details of an assignment will be provided at least four weeks before it is due to be handed in.

Such detail will clearly state the criteria which will be used for assessment and the level of

detail of feedback to be expected. The formative nature of this mode of assessment will be

3 DIT General Assessment Regulations 2009 (Revised June 2012).

Available at http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/student-assessment-

regulations/general/ 4 DIT STUDENT CHARTER as adopted by DIT Governing Body on 8th December 2004

http://dit.ie/media/campuslife/olddocuments/DITStudentCharter.pdf

http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/student-assessment-regulations/general/


http://dit.ie/media/campuslife/olddocuments/DITStudentCharter.pdf


September 2016

45

realised through formal feedback sessions whereby strengths and weaknesses of the

coursework can be explored.

Students can expect the return of marked assignment with feedback from the examiner within

four weeks, unless there is a good reason for this not to be possible.

Where the grade first awarded is less than the minimum pass grade of 40%, the student will

be given the opportunity of resubmitting the work for reassessment. A maximum grade of

40% is available for resubmitted coursework. The original coursework and assessment sheet

must be returned with the resubmitted coursework.

4.2 Compensation and Thresholds

Where a module is assessed both by coursework and written examination, compensation is

possible unless explicitly prohibited in the module descriptor. Where compensation are

applied this is explicitly stated in the module descriptor.

4.3 Calculation of Degree Classification

Tables 4 to 12 inclusive outline the breakdown of the marks on which the degree

classification is calculated for the programme.

4.3.1 Full-Time Students

The following is a summary of how the classification of the degree will be calculated for the

full-time programme.

100 % of Year Three Semester 1 marks

100% of Year Four marks

The total overall marks from which a classification will be calculated will be EX 1800 marks.

Where a student is admitted directly to Year Three of the full-time programme and has been

granted some exemptions within that Year the marks on which their degree classification is

made are as follows:

100% of the marks obtained in those modules in Year Three that the student is

required to take (Examination and Coursework), ignoring those modules in which

exemption has been granted.

100% of Year Four marks.



September 2016

46

4.3.2 Part-Time Students


full-time programme.

100 % of Year Four marks.

100% of Year Five marks.


Where a student is admitted directly to Year four of the part-time programme and has been

granted some exemptions within that Year the marks on which their degree classification is

made are as follows:

100% of the marks obtained in those modules in Year four that the student is required

to take (Examination and Coursework), ignoring those modules in which exemption

has been granted.

100% of Year Five marks

The total overall marks from which a classification will be calculated will be EX 1800 marks

4.3.3 Where German Optional Modules are taken

In order to exit the course with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and Construction

Economics (with German) students will have to have a completed a minimum of 30 credit of

German (see pages 33 and 34). Where full-time students have successfully completed the 30

credits of German they will not be required to complete the optional modules in the final year.


full-time students who successfully complete the suite of German modules.

100 % of Year Three Semester 1 marks

100% of Year Four marks (with the exception of the optional modules)


4.4 Special Assessment Regulations

When a course unit is assessed both by written examination and coursework, it may not be

possible to compensate marks between course work and written examination. Details of any

requirement to pass both coursework and written examination are clearly identified in the


September 2016

47

Module Descriptor for the relevant module. In such circumstances, where the minimum pass

threshold is not achieved, the student will have the opportunity to re-submit the failed element

of coursework for re-assessment within a specified time frame, for which the maximum

available mark will be 40%.

4.5 Mark Allocation - Written Examination & Project

Where assessment in a particular unit involves both written examination and project(s) work,

the mark allocation for the latter will be based on a realistic measure of the academic standard

and workload involved. This information will be conveyed to the student in the general

handbook on programme information and also on the brief for each piece of project work.

4.6 Project Submission and Penalties for Lateness

The following penalties for late submission of coursework are based on % of the awarded

grade

1 day: less 10%

2 days: less 20 %

3 days: less 30%

More than 3 days: maximum grade 40 %

More than 1 week: non-submission recorded

4.7 Submission Guidelines for assessments

Guidelines for writing academic assignments and avoiding plagiarism are available for

students to download from the DIT website.

4.8 Assessment Criteria

In order to assign marks to student work, whether written examination answers or submitted

coursework, staff will normally apply the criteria set out in Table 19. The evaluation of the

work is based on the following indicative criteria:

Overall Standard of Content

Method

Knowledge and understanding

Evidence of Reading

References and Bibliography

Presentation, Grammar, Spelling and Proofing

http://www.dit.ie/media/images/study/mature-students/Academic%20Writing%20Guide%202009.pdf

http://www.dit.ie/media/library/documents/researchersandplagiarism.pdf


September 2016

48

Classification Grade%

Overall

Standard of

Content

Method Knowledge and

understanding

Evidence of

Reading

References and

Bibliography

Presentation,

Grammar,

Spelling and

Proofing

1 85-100

Critical,

insightful &

reflective

evaluation and

synthesis of the

material

Method -

exceptionally

focused.

Appropriate to

aims and

objectives

Exceptional

knowledge and in-

depth

understanding of

principles and

concepts

Extensive

evidence of

reading and

assimilating

information

from

appropriate

sources

Outstanding

referencing and

bibliography

Outstanding –

proof-read

presentation.

Logically

structured report

using correct

grammar, spelling

and stylishly

written.

1 70-84

Critical,

insightful &

reflective

evaluation and

synthesis of the

material

Excellent

method -

appropriate to

aims and

objectives

Excellent

knowledge and in-

depth

understanding of

principles and

concepts

Evidence of

extensive

reading and

assimilating

information

from

appropriate

sources

Excellent

referencing and

bibliography

Excellent – proof-

read presentation.

Logically

structured report

using correct

grammar, spelling

and stylishly

written

2.1 60-69

Critical

evaluation and

synthesis of the

material

Good method -

appropriate to

aims and

objectives.

Comprehensive

knowledge and

understanding of

principles and

concepts

Evidence of

reading from a

range of

appropriate

sources

Comprehensive

referencing and

bibliography

(with few

omissions)

Good quality,

proof-read

presentation. Well

structured report

with correct

grammar and

spelling.


September 2016

49

2.2 50-59

Accurate, but

limited critical

evaluation and

synthesis of

main issues

Basic Method

– a little

limited and

poorly focused.

Adequate

knowledge and

understanding of

principles and

concepts

Limited

evidence of

reading from a

range of

sources

Acceptable

referencing and

bibliography

(with obvious

omissions)

Good quality

presentation.

Style and structure

a little limited.

Some errors in

grammar and

spelling.

Pass 40-49

Limited

evaluation of

main issues.

Minimal

examination of

subject matter.

Weak method -

very limited

and

unfocussed.

Basic knowledge

and limited

understanding of

key principles and

concepts

Somewhat

limited

evidence of

reading.

Limited

referencing and

bibliography

Minimum effort in

presentation.

Poor grammatical

style and structure.

Limited proofing.

Fail 30-39

Poorly defined.

Omission of

some relevant

subject matter

Ill defined

method which

lacked clarity

and focus

Inadequate

knowledge and

poor

understanding of

key principles and

concepts

Minimal

evidence of

reading.

Inadequate

referencing and

bibliography

Presentation

unacceptable.

Gross errors in

presentation style

and structure. No

evidence of proof-

reading.

Fail 0-29

Unfocussed,

omitted

relevant

material and

largely

irrelevant to

objective

Confused

method which

lacked clarity

and focus

Insufficient

evidence of

knowledge of key

principles and

concepts

Minimal or no

evidence of

basic reading.

Inadequate or no

referencing and

bibliography

present

Gross errors in

presentation style

and structure.

Unacceptable

standard of writing

or command of

language

Table 19 Assessment Criteria (Indicative only)

BSc in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics – Student Handbook

50

4.9 Options for Reviewing Assessment Results

Students who wish to view their examination performance in any assessment or examination

should contact the School within ten working days of the first release of results. The Head of

School or nominee will arrange to produce the assessed work, where possible, and

demonstrate to the candidate the basis on which the marks were awarded.

A number of options are available to a student who wishes to have his/her assessment result

reviewed, namely re-check, re-mark and appeal options. The procedures for availing of these

options are set out in the currently applying DIT General Assessment regulations. Relevant

forms can be accessed at

http://www.dit.ie/examinations/kevinstreet/pc1formsrechecksremarksappeals/

4.10 Quality Assurance and Programme Management

The programme complies with DIT regulations and the quality assurance requirements, as

described in the DIT Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement5 and the General

Assessment Regulations. The quality assurance procedures implemented in the management

of the programme ensure these regulations and requirements are followed effectively and

efficiently. These procedures are supported by the Head of Learning Development in the

College of Engineering and the Built Environment who works closely with the DIT Quality

Assurance Office.

4.11 Programme management

The Programme Team and Programme Committee are responsible, in conjunction with the

Head of School, for developing and assisting in the operation of the programme.

Responsibility for the delivery and maintenance of modules lies within the College of

Engineering and the Built Environment, and the School of Surveying and Construction, on the

recommendation of the Programme Committee.

An annual programme monitoring review is undertaken by the Programme Committee and the

review document is a very effective means of identifying issues and actions to be taken to

5 DIT Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement (revised 2010)

http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/quality/handbook/

http://www.dit.ie/examinations/kevinstreet/pc1formsrechecksremarksappeals/

http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/quality/handbook/


September 2016

51

improve the programme. Summative assessments are managed by the College Examinations

Office, together with Examination Module and Progression Boards.

4.12 Programme Team and Committee

The Programme Team/Committee is in effect a sub-committee of the College Board and is

assigned the following academic responsibilities, within the framework of the regulations laid

down by Academic Council:

1. advising the School Executive/Forum and through them the College Board, and as

appropriate, through it, Academic Council, on matters relating to a proposed or

existing programme having regard to section 11(3) of the DIT Act (1992);

2. developing programme proposals after they have received outline planning approval

from the College Board;

3. assisting in processing such proposals through the appropriate Validation Panel with a

view to securing approval of the programme from the Academic Quality Assurance

Committee;

4. following approval by Academic Quality Assurance Committee, and where

appropriate, preparing further documentation in relation to the programme or

programme modules as required, before it is submitted to an external accrediting

body;

5. following appropriate internal (and if necessary, external) approval, monitoring the

implementation of the programme and regularly reporting on these matters to the

School Forum and College Board;

6. incorporating approved modifications in the Programme Document after annual

monitoring;

7. carrying out the critical self-study of the programme and the preparation of revised

documentation and other tasks in relation to five-yearly programme reviews;

8. contributing to the process of School Review;

9. carrying out such other functions as are considered appropriate, subject to the approval

of the School Forum and College Board.


September 2016

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10. ensuring that there is student representation on the Programme Committee in

accordance with the membership listed below.

The Chairperson is responsible for reporting the decisions and views of the Programme

Team/Committee to the School and College Board and for transmitting the relevant decisions

and views of the Board to the Programme Team/Committee.

Membership of the Programme Team comprises an Assistant Head of School, the Heads of

School involved with the programme (or their nominees) and all members of staff teaching on

the programme.

Membership of the Programme Committee comprises an Assistant Head of School, the Heads

of School involved with the programme, up to ten nominated members drawn from the

membership of the Programme Team, one student from each year of the programme (elected

student representatives) and a number of co-opted members if deemed appropriate by the

committee. Where appropriate the relevant Heads of Learning Development will be included

in the membership. One member of the academic staff will have been appointed as Academic

Coordinator for each Stage of the programme and will liaise closely with the student

representative on academic matters.

The Chairperson of the Programme Team, who also serves as Chairperson of the Programme

Committee, is normally an Assistant Head of School or another member of staff nominated by

the Head of School. With the agreement of the Head of School, the Chairperson may be

another member of staff nominated by the Programme Committee.

The Programme Team meets at least once each year. The Programme Committee meets at

least once each semester and at such other times as required. Minutes are recorded and made

available in the Office of the Head of School.

4.13 Module, Progression and Award Boards

The purpose of the Module Board is to review the preliminary marks awarded to each student

whose performance in the module has been assessed and to agree a recorded mark for each

student. In addition, in the case of a failure by a student to achieve a pass in any module, the

Board will agree and specify any re-assessment that might be required.

The Module Board comprises the College Director (or nominee) who acts as Chairperson;

Head of School; academic staff assigned the responsibility for the assessment of all


September 2016

53

components involved in the module; External examiner where necessary; College

Administrator (or nominee) who acts as Recording Secretary.

The purpose of the Progression and Award Board is to review the overall performance of each

student and to make a decision on progression between the stages of the programme of study.

It is also the purpose of the Board to consider the performance of candidates for awards to

determine whether an award will be made and the classification of such an award.

The Progression and Award Board comprises the Director of the College (or nominee), who

acts as the Chairperson; Head of School; Internal Examiners; External Examiners; College

Administrator (or nominee) who acts as Recording Secretary.

4.14 Programme quality assurance and enhancement procedures

To provide regular academic quality assurance and foster improvements in the programme, an

annual monitoring report (Q5) on the functioning of the programme in the previous academic

year is prepared by the Programme Committee. Feedback through the Q5 process is

summarised under the following subheadings:

Course Delivery and Course Development – Student Feedback

Course Delivery and Course Development – Staff Feedback

Course Delivery and Course Development – External Examiner Feedback

Course Resourcing and Ancillary Facilities

Each student is requested to evaluate programme modules through the completion of a

Student Feedback form (Q6a). The lecturer responsible for that module then summarises this

feedback and completes the Q6b form, which is submitted to the Programme Committee. The

College Quality Action Plan is based on the issues identified in the Annual Quality

Monitoring Q5 forms received from the Schools in November and December in each

academic year. The Q5 forms include external examiner reports, staff and student feedback

and assessment statistics.

In order to ensure that modules taught within the programme remain relevant, modules can be

amended/created and approved on a regular basis within specific timeframes. Procedures have

been developed in the Institute to facilitate the approval of new and amended modules in


September 2016

54

order to ensure that the administrative systems that facilitate the implementation of the

programme accurately reflect the content of the modules.

5. Guidance to students and Student Support Services

“DIT will develop an enhanced student experience for all students, underpinned by

curriculum design and appropriate support services. The latter will be delivered through a

more integrated student services function”.6 The purpose of this handbook is to ensure that

students know what, when and how they will learn and be assessed on each specific part of

the programme with an opportunity to provide timely feedback on programme content and

delivery. Library, ICT, social and specialist resources provide environments for individual

and group work that form integral parts of the programme, while administrative services and

supports are of a quality to facilitate students in fully participating in the programme.

In addition, an extensive number of guidance documents are available to the student to help

him/her in writing academic assignments, correct referencing of literature and poster

presentation as examples.

5.1 Writing Academic Assignments and Poster Preparation

The DIT Learning, Teaching & Technology Centre’s (LTTC) Academic Writing pack7 is

recommended and includes two sections. Section 1 deals with the process of writing

assignments for postgraduate programmes, while Section 2 details the American

Psychological Association (APA) referencing style required for this programmes.

The LTTC’s Designing a Poster pages include a guide and ten steps to good poster design8.

5.2 Obtaining Unfair Academic Advantage - Cheating at Assessments

All assessments are intended to determine the skills, abilities, understanding and knowledge

of each of the individual students undertaking the assessment. Cheating is defined as

obtaining an unfair academic advantage and any student found using any form of cheating,

6 Dublin Institute of Technology, Strategic Plan 2011-2014

http://www.dit.ie/media/aboutdit/documents/StrategicPlan20112014forpublicationonWebSite.pdf 7 http://www.dit.ie/lttc/media/ditlttc/documents/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20AcademicWritingReferencing.pdf 8 http://www.dit.ie/lttc/resources/lttcresourcepacks/designingaposter/

http://www.dit.ie/media/aboutdit/documents/StrategicPlan20112014forpublicationonWebSite.pdf

http://www.dit.ie/lttc/media/ditlttc/documents/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20AcademicWritingReferencing.pdf

http://www.dit.ie/lttc/resources/lttcresourcepacks/designingaposter/


September 2016

55

attempting to cheat or assisting someone else to cheat may be subject to disciplinary action in

accordance with the Institute's Disciplinary Procedure.

Plagiarism and other forms of cheating, represent breaches of academic values, academic

conventions and codes of practice. If a student is having difficulty with his/her work it is

important to seek help from the relevant tutor rather than be tempted to use unfair means to

gain marks. Students should not risk losing their degree and all the work done to date.

The Institute’s regulations9 define a number of different forms of cheating:

submitting other people's work as your own - either with or without their knowledge.

This includes copying in examinations; using notes or unauthorised materials in

examinations;

impersonation - taking an assessment on behalf of or pretending to be another student,

or allowing another person to take an assessment on your behalf or pretend to be you;

plagiarism - taking or using another person's thoughts, writings or inventions as your

own. To avoid plagiarism you must make sure that quotations from whatever source

must be clearly identified and attributed at the point where they occur in the text of

your work by using one of the standard conventions for referencing.

5.3 How to avoid plagiarism

Plagiarism can be either an intentional act whereby work is deliberately utilised and claimed

as one’s own, or it can occur unintentionally either through bad academic practice by the

student or failure to become informed about the Institute’s regulations. Plagiarism is not

confined to written assignments, projects or theses; it incorporates all academic work,

including practical workshops, demonstrations, three dimensional work and artistic practice.

The best way to avoid plagiarism is to become informed. Students should request information

from their lecturer, examine programme writing style guides and conventions, access

programme documents and consult the Institute’s General Assessment Regulations. Be clear

about the particular referencing system of the discipline concerned, while noting that with

modularisation students may study modules in different disciplines. Therefore, be sure of the

correct referencing procedure appropriate to the discipline studied. Above all, clearly

9 DIT General Assessment Regulations 2009 (revised 2012).

Available at: http://www.dit.ie/qualityassuranceandacademicprogrammerecords/student-assessment-

regulations/general/




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acknowledge all sources of information accessed during the work. The Institute’s Library

Services have several useful texts on plagiarism which are both accessible and informative,

and they are a good guide to referencing. Library staff provide Information Literacy sessions

that include guidance on referencing and plagiarism.

Students may be asked to sign a declaration on all written assignments/theses submitted to

verify that the work is not plagiarised. If such a declaration is not signed, however, students

will still be subject to the regulations governing plagiarism.

5.4 DIT Library and Information Services

Each of the main DIT centres has a site library. The Library Central Services Unit in DIT

Rathmines Road coordinates the library service. Readers may avail of the services, borrow

books or access electronic resources in any, or all, of the site libraries. Total collections across

the DIT presently comprise more than 250,000 volumes, 20,000 journal titles in electronic

and hard copy formats and over 80 databases covering our main subject fields.

All the libraries share a fully integrated library management system called Millennium.

Readers may query the library database or use the electronic resources (e-journals, databases,

full-text data sources, e-book collections, standards, exam papers and internet links) through

the Web Opac (library catalogue) in any site library, across the wider DIT campus or from

anywhere outside DIT using their ID number and PIN.

Readers may also manage their accounts, record their reading history, access the institute’s

VLE module webcourses.dit.ie, contact library staff and sites, recommend items for purchase,

make helpful suggestions and partake in web surveys through the Web Opac. Wireless access

to library resources is available across most sites.

A significant built environment collection (architecture, building, planning, property studies,

urbanism, civil and building services engineering, geomatics, construction management and

law) is housed in Bolton Street while collections in the areas of art and design and business

studies and management are at Mountjoy Square and Aungier Street respectively. DIT Bolton

Street Library has 420 reader places, contains approximately 35,000 items and receives 500

current journals. It opens sixty-seven hours per week. Our holdings also contain a range of

material pertaining to engineering, computing and environmental studies.


September 2016

57

5.4.1 DIT Library electronic information and resources

Electronic information resources in Bolton Street Library are accessed via the Web. A wide

range of subject specific resources are arranged through subject gateways on the Web Opac

and linked to the DIT homepage. On offer, grouped under architecture, construction and

planning are databases, British Standards, electronic resources, Internet search engines,

gateways, directories and the catalogues of other academic institutions.

Databases, electronic journals and other commercial electronic information resources, many

featuring full-text documentation, illustrations, images and sound are provided to support

learning and teaching in our core disciplines. The library service currently provides almost

ninety databases and other electronic information services via the Web.

5.4.2 DIT Library research

Inter-library-loan services, document supply and access to other libraries can be arranged

through the library. DIT participates in the ALCID co-operative access scheme, permitting

postgraduate degree student’s access without formality to the libraries of other Irish academic

institutions on production of their card. DIT is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme

permitting staff and research postgraduates to register and borrow from the libraries of other

participating institutions in Ireland and the UK.

5.5 Mathematics Learning Centre

The DIT Maths Learning Centre is a support providing additional help for students with all

types and levels of maths. Students are advised of and encouraged by school staff members to

avail of this resource should the need arise. The centre addresses any problems the student

may have with maths or statistics in their particular programme, providing drop-in sessions

during which the student can receive free one-to-one tuition in any area of maths that may be

difficult. No appointment is necessary, but the students lecture notes are required.

Students seeking maths support also have access to the online information including revision

notes, self-tests, interesting articles and useful links, as well as the time-table for the drop-in

sessions.


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5.6 International Student Office

The DIT International Student Office provides information, advice and assistance to all

international non-EU Students from the time of their initial enquiry and on an ongoing basis

throughout their studies in DIT. The International Student Office is also responsible for co-

ordinating the Erasmus programme at DIT. The programme allows DIT students to spend a

semester or year at a partner institution in the European Union.

5.7 Student Retention Office

The Student Retention Office is charged with monitoring student withdrawal, drop out and

success rates. A critical issue in student retention is student induction, and ensuring that

incoming students are given all necessary information and support as they make the journey

from second to third level education, frequently in parallel to moving from home to

independent living.

The College of Engineering and Built Environment runs a comprehensive induction

programme for all incoming students, starting with the students’ arrival in September, and on-

going over the course of first semester through individual inputs by personnel from the

various support services.

5.8 Academic Writing Centre

The Academic Writing Centre was established by DIT to assist students become competent

writers in an academic environment.

Tutors at the Academic Writing Centre are specially trained to provide advice and guidance to

help equip students with the necessary skills to be able to manage and complete all forms of

written academic work from planning a piece of work, improving their writing style to the

final editing of a document.

Students can book one to one sessions with our tutors, attend theme specific workshop or

download online resources. For more information see http://dit.ie/awc/

5.9 Campus Life

The DIT Campus Life group was created in 2006 and includes a wide range of services that

have been developed to support the students of DIT. These include:

Campus Life Office

http://dit.ie/awc/


September 2016

59

Careers Service

Chaplaincy Service

Counselling Service

Disability Service

Health Centres

Societies Office

Sports Unit

Student Sport, Recreation and Support Office, which also provides Accommodation

Service and Student Financial Aid.

For details see http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/campuslifeoffice/

5.9.1 Campus Life Office

The main function of the office is to provide a seamless unit of integrated student support

services that ensure that each and every DIT student receives the support they need to achieve

an excellent student experience.

5.10 Careers Service

The DIT Careers Service provides a professional, friendly and proactive service to meet the

needs of students, graduates, employers and academic colleagues. It focuses on facilitating

and empowering students to manage their own lifelong learning and strategic career

development.

As a service it is committed to providing the highest standard of careers guidance and

information to enable DIT students, graduates and, when appropriate, staff to make and

implement informed career decisions. In doing so it supports the institute in providing

opportunities for its students and graduates to develop skills and attributes required by

employers.

http://www.dit.ie/campuslife/campuslifeoffice/


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In this programme, the expertise of the Careers Service will be adopted in modules where

group projects and PBL learning techniques are employed, particularly when assigning and

evaluating team roles.

5.11 Chaplaincy Service

The DIT Chaplaincy is a professional and ecumenical service staffed by men and women

from different Christian traditions. The Chaplaincy offers a welcome to all the students and

staff of the Institute with the aim of providing support and care for the personal, social and

spiritual lives of students and staff and contributing to a sense of community in the DIT. The

Chaplaincy offers a full-time confidential service with a Chaplain available in almost all DIT

centres.

5.12 Student Counselling Service

The DIT student counselling service is available to all DIT students. It is a free and

confidential service, providing a safe place where the student can come and talk about any

issue or difficulty that may be troubling them. There is a team of counselling psychologists

operating in four of the main sites, who are available by appointment or by phone. The service

offers a variety of other services including learning skills services, assessment services and

special skills training courses.

5.13 Disability Services

The Disability Service is committed to helping students with disabilities achieve their

academic goals. Support is provided for students with a physical, sensory or learning

disability, medical or mental health condition that interferes with the student learning.

Working closely with academic staff, tutors, administrators and other support services, there

is a wide range of supports available to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The level

of support required will differ between students, and students with similar disabilities, as each

student brings with them their own experience.

Disability support typically include specialist tuition, proof reading, electronic note taking,

academic / personal assistance, photocopying and specialist equipment.


September 2016

61

5.14 DIT Health Services

The student health centres are served be a team of doctors and nurses providing health care

for the body and the mind. While the service is available to all full-time DIT students and

apprentices, it does not replace the student family doctor.

5.15 DIT Societies Office

As DIT is committed to providing the best student experience possible, the DIT Societies

Office, with the support of the DIT Cultural and Social Committee, endeavours to promote

and provide a diverse range of student societies and activities, to cater for all tastes and

interests.

5.16 DIT Sports and Recreation Services

The DIT Sports and Recreation Service provides sports services and programmes exposing

students to a variety of sporting opportunities. There are three natural grass pitches at

Grangegorman, which accommodate the DIT GAA, Soccer and Rugby Club activities with

sports facilities supervised by qualified professional staff.

The DIT Student Sport, Recreation and Support Office administer a wide range of vital

student services across DIT, overseeing the distribution and expenditure of the Student Sports,

Recreation and Support Services fund. This fund arises from the student registration fee and is

used to finance registration and examination fees, student welfare, clubs and societies and the

Students’ Union. Services include the Student Accommodation Service, the Personal

Accident Insurance Scheme, the DIT Student Assistance / Access Fund, the Child Care

Support Fund, and the DIT Development Fund.

5.16.1 DIT Students Union (DITSU)

The DIT Students’ Union (DITSU) is the largest Students’ Union in the country and is the

representative body for all students of the Institute. All students who pay a capitation fee (full-

time, part time, day / block release, postgraduate, apprentice and ERASMUS) become

members of the Students’ Union upon registration at the Institute. DIT Students’ Union is

affiliated to USI (Union of Students in Ireland), which is the national representative body for

students. The work of the Union and the agenda of its Elected Officers are monitored by SU

Governing Council. Governing Council is the executive body of the DIT Students’ Union and

it is where students discuss, debate and decide what activities the SU becomes involved in,


September 2016

62

what campaigns it runs, what policies its holds. The Governing Council meets every 3/4

weeks. Full minutes of all meetings can be found on the DITSU website.

6. Further opportunities

6.1 Professional Recognition

In 1966, the course which had been on offer to prepare students for the external examinations

of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Quantity Surveying Division was

revised and extended to become the four year full-time Diploma Programme in Construction

Economics.

This new course was given official recognition by the RICS in 1968, whereby Diploma

holders were exempted from all the RICS examinations except two papers in the Final

Examination. This exemption was extended by the RICS in 1972 to include all their

examinations. Diploma holders were required only to pass a Test of Professional Competence

before attaining corporate professional membership of that Institution. From 1974, graduates

of the Diploma in Construction Economics were also eligible for the award of the honours

degree B.Sc. (Surveying) from the University of Dublin.

In 1978, at the request of the RICS, the part-time Diploma Course in Construction Economics

was introduced.This course, spread over six years of part-time study, was identical to the full-

time course in entrance standards, syllabus content and assessment/examination.

In 1984, agreement was reached with the University of Dublin, whereby B.Sc. (Surveying)

degrees became available to those students who successfully completed the part-time course.

This was regarded as a significant achievement as it was the first of such courses offered by

DIT leading to a professional diploma and a degree award.

The course was reviewed by the RICS in 1984, 1985, and 1988, and by the Society of

Chartered Surveyors, in succession to the RICS, in 1992, 2000 and 2005. It was also reviewed

by the University of Dublin in 1990 and 1997 in conjunction with DIT’s Academic Council.

The RICS/SCS recognition and University degree status were continued on each occasion.

In 1997, DIT was granted its own degree awarding powers by Act of the Oireachtas and the

University of Dublin degree award was progressively phased out.The cohort of CEMD

students graduating in June 2002 were the first eligible for the award of the DIT B.Sc.

(Surveying) degree rather than that of the University of Dublin.


September 2016

63

In more recent years the DIT has been successful in securing accreditation for this programme

from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland through a partnership arrangement, which

necessitates an annual visit to the College.

Presently this programme is fully accredited by the following professional institutions.

Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors

6.2 Progression Opportunities within DIT

The School is committed to providing an educational ‘ladder of opportunity’ to all its

students. Graduates of this programme will be eligible to progress to other postgraduate

programmes, both related and unrelated to the geospatial information domains, in DIT and in

other educational institutions in Ireland, the UK, the EU and elsewhere.

The Institute offers a number of further learning opportunities through research at M.Phil and

PhD level and the student is advised to refer to DIT's Postgraduate office at

http://www.dit.ie/postgrad/ for further detail.

A particular ladder of opportunity for our DT111/DT155 graduates is our DT164 MSc in

Applied Construction Cost Management. The primary aim of the this programme is to provide

students with specialised education in certain specific areas of quantity surveying to enhance

their knowledge and skills in cost management of development and construction projects,

with particular emphasis on mechanical & electrical and civil engineering works. For specific

details on the programme see

http://www.dit.ie/postgrad/programmes/dt164mscinappliedconstructioncostmanagement/

http://www.dit.ie/postgrad/

http://www.dit.ie/postgrad/programmes/dt164mscinappliedconstructioncostmanagement/


September 2016

64

7. Detailed Module Descriptors


September 2016

65

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CONS1039 10

Module

Title


School Responsible: School of Surveying and Construction Management

Module Overview:

This module introduces the student to the area of domestic construction technology, and to

the range of principles and functional/performance requirements of constructional elements.

It examines in detail the practical means of achieving those requirements in the context of

low-rise domestic construction. The module examines the main Building Regulations and

their associated Technical Guidance Documents governing house building in Ireland. The

module provides the student with a sound grasp of the basic science and technology required

to understand the construction process.

Learning Outcomes (LO):

On Completion of this module, the learner will be able to

1 Analyse principles of construction, particularly in the context of the external envelope,

building fabric, finishes and services in domestic construction.

2 Identify the symptoms of common defects in domestic buildings, provide a reasoned

opinion of the likely causes of the defects and specify the available remedial

measures which may be used.

3 Analyse how sustainability is influencing the design and construction of buildings.

4 Construct and work with drawings as a medium of communication.

5 Communicate technical information graphically.

6 Interpret construction drawings and illustrations including standard details in

domestic construction.

7 Specify and list the detailed techniques and/or materials commonly used in domestic

construction.

Indicative Syllabus:

Graphics and Drawing

Building Regulations and Technical Guidance Documentation

Functions of Domestic Building

Preparing to Build

Soils and Site Investigations

Reading Drawings

Construction Materials

Foundations

External walls

Floors

Roofs

Internal Walls

Fireplaces and Chimneys


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66

Windows

Stairs

Roof Coverings

Ventilation and Condensation

Finishes

Fire Safety

Sustainable Construction

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology

Building Energy Rating

Water Supply

Drainage

Electrical Supply and Distribution

Surveys of Existing Buildings

Learning and Teaching Methods:

Instruction is by means of lectures, tutorials and classroom discussion. Coursework is set

to assist the student in furthering their knowledge and understanding. Audio-visual aids in

the form of photographic slides and video presentations are used to elaborate on lecture

content and stimulate discussion. Students to take part in group presentations to develop

team work.

Total Teaching Contact Hours:

(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 4; Lecture 2, Tutorial 2)

(Part-time Weekly contact hours: 2; Lecture 2)

96

Total Self-Directed Learning Hours: 104

Module Delivery Duration:

This module is delivered over one academic year.

Assessment

Assessment Type Weighting (%) LO

Assessment

(No.)

Summative examination 50% 1-7

Coursework: Project, Drawing Practice and Group

Presentations

50% 1-7

Module Specific Assessment Arrangements (if applicable)

(a) Derogations from General Assessment

Regulations

None

(b) Module assessment thresholds. None

(c) Special Repeat Assessment Arrangements None

Essential Reading:

Riley, M and Cotgrave, A (2013) Construction Technology 1 House Construction, 3rd

Edition. Palgrave Macmilan.

Marshall, D. Worthing, D. Dann, N and Heath, R (2013) The Construction of Houses. 5th

Edition. London: Estates Gazette.


September 2016

67

Supplemental Reading:

Barry, R. Emmitt, S and Gorse, C.A (2014) Introduction to Construction of Buildings. 2nd

Edition. Oxford: Blackwell Science.

McMullan, R (2012) Environmental Science in Building. 7th Edition. Hampshire: Palgrave.

Homebond (2012) House Building Manual. 7th Edition. NHBGS.

Marshall, Duncan (2013) Understanding Housing Defects. 4th Edition. Estates Gazette

Building Regulations, Technical Guidance Documents, 1997- 2016, Department of the

Environment, Community and Local Government.

Relevant Irish Standards and Codes of Practice, NSAI.

Relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice, BSI.

Web References:

www.info4education.com

www.nsai.ie

www.environ.ie

Version No: Amended By Sean Smyth

Commencement

Date

September 2016 Associated

Programme Codes

Date of Academic Council approval June 2016

http://www.info4education.com/

http://www.nsai.ie/

http://www.environ.ie/


September 2016

68

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCE

D

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CEST1001 10

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This is a one year module. It begins by examining the role of the Quantity Surveying

profession throughout the construction process. It progresses to cover an introduction to

building measurement and introduces the core functions of a Quantity Surveyor in the

production of Bills of Quantities. The module develops by building on the essential skills

involved in the taking-off of building quantities by use of structured exercises. On

completion of these exercises the student will progress to complete the take-off solutions for

a relatively simple single storey domestic dwelling. In parallel with the production of bill of

quantities the students will gain an appreciation of the importance of developing good

interpersonal skills. The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of

the purpose of building measurement and give them the essential skills necessary to take-off

building quantities accurately and neatly onto standard dimension paper for a simple

domestic dwelling. The module will also aim to provide the students with an insight in to the

interpersonal skills required by the practicing quantity surveyor. Students will also be

introduced to the practise of estimating for construction works. This will look at the basics

of collecting cost data and producing estimates for elements of the work.



1 Define and illustrate the role of the Quantity Surveyor throughout the construction process.

2 Describe and give examples of the purpose and processes involved in the practice of

Building Measurement

3 Apply the theory of good practice and professionalism in the presentation of building

quantities on standard dimension paper

4 Develop and complete measured solutions for particular elements of a domestic dwelling

5 Apply technical and practical knowledge in the compilation of rates for items measured in

the bill of quantities.

6 Work as part of a team and develop their interpersonal skills.


Introduction to building measurement:- Historical development of building measurement

in the Republic of Ireland; purpose of building measurement; building measurement in

practice; standards methods of measurement; the Agreed Rules of Measurement; National

Standard Building Elements; Bills of Quantities; Terminology; processes involved in the

preparation of a Bill of Quantities; future of building measurement.

Good measurement practice:- Taking-off process; setting down dimensions; calculating

centrelines and girths of both regular an irregular perimeters; elementary take-off

exercises; take-off planning; use of query sheets; use of the Agreed Rules of Measurement;

use of design schedules.


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Taking-off case study:- Taking-off elements for substructure, external walls, internal walls,

roofs, external doors and windows, internal doors, external finishes and internal finishes

for a domestic dwelling

Estimating and costing: - reviewing descriptions of the works and the processes required to

complete them; compilation of rates from first principles including labour, plant and

materials; appreciation of waste in measured items; costing of preliminary items.


Instruction is by means of lectures, tutorials and group presentations. Audio visual aids are

used by the tutor in the form of slide projections mainly to elaborate on lecture content and

to stimulate discussion. The lecturer will incorporate the use of online resources, namely

short tutorial videos and revision quizzes for student use. The revision quizzes will consist

of short multiple choice questions based on the lecture series and will be completed via

webcourses. Students are encouraged to provide feedback via class blog in order to keep

content current and to highlight topics which may require more focus within the group.

The lecturer will provide all notes online using webcourses. Students are encouraged to

utilise relevant student software packages (CostX, Buildsoft etc) and incorporate into

semester 2 Project. Students are further encouraged to use readily available technology

(Powerpoint, Prezi or posters) to make presentations as part of their portfolio presentations.

The lecture programme will seek to introduce the basic theories and concepts of the subject

matter and prepare the students for weekly tutorials. The weekly tutorials will provide

students with the opportunity to make a presentation to their tutor on pre-determined tasks.

Students are encouraged to work in collaborative groups during tutorials so as to encourage

peer learning. Site visits looking at the technology of construction and the role of the

quantity surveyor in the construction process, both pre and post award of contract




96

Total Self-Directed Learning Hours 104



Assessment

Assessment Type Weighting (%) LO Assessment (No.)

Describe and give examples of the purpose and

processes involved in the practice of Building

Measurement for domestic dwellings (Portfolio of

works from Semester 1 – incorporating weekly

submissions and short exercises)

30% 1&2&6

Demonstrate the ability to follow good practice in

the presentation of building quantities on standard

dimension paper. (In class examination) Semester

1

20% 2&3

Demonstrate the ability to prepare take-off

solutions for particular elements of a domestic

dwelling. (Compilation of weekly exercises

50% 3-6


September 2016

70

including weekly submissions and short exercises)

Semester 2



Regulations

None

(b) Module Assessment Thresholds None


Essential Reading: (author, date, title, publisher)

Seeley and Winfield's building quantities explained : Irish edition / Ivor H. Seeley, Roger

Winfield ; edited by Alan V. Hore, Maria O'Kelly, Rita Scully. Palgrave Macmillan, 2009

Agreed Rules of Measurement (4th Edition), The Society of Chartered Surveyors and

Construction Industry Federation.

Supplemental Reading: (author, date, title, publisher)

Ashworth A. and Willis D., Practice and Procedure for the Quantity Surveyor, (11th

Edition), BSP Professional Books, 2001.

Hore A.V. et al, Construction 1, Construction Technology, Materials and the Environment,

Macmillan 1997.

Hore A.V. et al, Construction 2, Management, Finance, Measurement, Macmillan 1997.

Gould, Fredrick E., Managing the Construction Process; estimating, scheduling and project

control, Prentice Hall 2011.

Dagestino, Frank R., Estimating in Building Construction (7th Edition), Pearson Education

International 2011.

Web references, journals and other:

www.scsi.ie

www.rics.org.uk

www.ciob.org.co.uk

www.youtube.com – Quantity Surveying tutorial videos *

www.homebond.ie/home_builders/.../house_building_manual

http://www.maths.dit.ie/mlsc/aims.html

www.cif.ie

Version No: Amended By Charles Mitchell

Commencement

Date


Programme

Codes

Date of Academic Council approved June 2016

http://www.scsi.ie/

http://www.rics.org.uk/

http://www.ciob.org.co.uk/

http://www.youtube.com/

http://www.homebond.ie/home_builders/.../house_building_manual%20*

http://www.maths.dit.ie/mlsc/aims.html

http://www.cif.ie/


September 2016

71

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCE

D

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

FINM1000 10

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This module introduces the student to the area of financial accounting, with a certain

emphasis on accounting in the context of the construction industry. It examines in detail the

main financial statements of a single person business; namely, the profit and loss account, and

the balance sheet. In addition, the module provides the student with an introduction to cash

budgeting and to the bookkeeping process of a business.

The module details the format of accounts for different organisations, in particular limited

companies, and explains the purpose and methodology of depreciation and stock accounting.

In addition, the module provides the student with an introduction to financial analysis, and to

the preparation and analysis of cash flow statements.



1 Prepare a cash budget and suggest appropriate financial decisions that follow from

their findings

2 Explain the difference between profit and cash, and the consequences of poor cash

management

3 Use the accounting equation to record financial transactions, and be able to complete

accounts from transactions through to the financial statements and describe the

principles behind the double entry system

4 Draw up a set of final accounting statements for a single person business incorporating

relevant accounting adjustments and explain the fundamental accounting concepts and

conventions and demonstrate how these are reflected in financial statements

5 Identify the role of financial accounting in a business, and the users of accounting

information and highlight their decision-making needs

6 Calculate a valuation for closing stock and highlight the consequences for final

accounts of applying different accounting methods

7 List the causes of depreciation, the different methods of depreciation and prepare and

evaluate the depreciation figures in the profit and loss account and balance sheet

8 Analyse and critically interpret accounting information to assess profitability

performance

9 Discuss the differences between the financial statements of a variety of organisations,

in particular limited companies

10 Prepare a cash flow statement and evaluate it’s use for business management


Cash budgets and cash management


September 2016

72

Progress payments, retentions, certificates of work completion, and building contractor

cash budgets.

The accounting equation

The double entry system, t-accounts, and trial balance.

Accruals and Prepayments

The profit and loss account

The balance sheet

End of Year Adjustments

Accounting policy for depreciation and the sale of a fixed asset.

Accounting policy for stock

Stock control

The four main account concepts

Accounting standards and accounting policies

The purpose of accounting and accounting users

Limited liability

Shares and dividends

The format of limited company financial statements

The sources of company accounts

Profitability analysis of financial statements using ratio analysis, with a particular

emphasis on construction firm examples

The cash flow statement

Analysis of accounts using the cash flow statement


Instruction is by means of lectures, tutorials, and classroom discussion. Illustrative questions

and practice exercises are used to elaborate on lecture content and stimulate discussion.

Background readings on application of material to the construction industry is provided to the

students




72


Module Delivery Duration


Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Midterm assessment 35% 1-4

Final assessment 65% 1-10

(These exams will constitute conventional unseen time

constrained tests)



September 2016

73

(d) Derogations from General Assessment

Regulations

None

(e) Module Assessment Thresholds None

(f) Special Repeat Assessment Arrangements None

Essential Reading: Lecture notes and practice questions documents provided on the course

Internet pages.

Atrill and McLaney, Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists, Prentice Hall

Millichamp, A.H., Finance for non-financial managers: An active learning approach

(Letts Educational)


Wood, Frank, Business Accounting –Irish Edition (Financial Times –Pitman)

Dyson, J.R., Accounting for Non-Accounting Students, (Pitman)

Millichamp, A.H., Finance for non-financial managers: An active learning approach (Letts

Educational)

Gallen, Frank, Foundation Accounting -leaving certificate (C.J.Fallon)

Byrne and Willis, Accounting Principles and Practice -leaving certificate (Folens)

Jennings, A. R., Accounting and Finance for Building and Surveying, (Macmillan)

MacGregor, Gervase, Surveyors, architects and estate agents: An industry accounting and

auditing guide (Accountancy Books)

The Financial Times: www.financialtimes.com

Guide to Understanding Financial: http://www.ibm.com/investor/financialguide

Business: http://www.bized.ac.uk/

Version No: Amended By Kevin O’Reilly

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.financialtimes.com/

http://www.ibm.com/investor/financialguide

http://www.bized.ac.uk/


September 2016

74

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCE

D

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

ECON1032

Module

Title

Economics 1A


Module Overview:

This module is designed for students studying economics as part of an undergraduate course

relating to surveying. This module introduces the main concepts and tools of economics

applicable to real estate and construction. It brings the principles of economic theory and the

construction industry together. It incorporates three sections – introductory concepts, supply

and demand 1 (how markets work) and supply and demand 2 (markets and welfare). The

course is designed for those coming to the subject matter of economics for the first time. The

module is constructed to emphasise applications and policy rather than formal economic

theory. This is effectively accomplished by using case studies that demonstrate how

economic principles are applied to real events. The module is designed as essential material

over a wide range of disciplines including construction management, planning, architecture

and real estate.



1 Critically evaluate economic principles in relation to construction and property.

2 Analyse and comment on scenarios as an economist.

3 Utilise economics resources in the preparation of economic commentary.

4 Evaluate and understand how markets sometimes fail and why government can

improve economic outcomes.


Indicative syllabus covered in the module and / or in its discrete elements

1. Lesson 1: introduces students to a view of the world from an economist point of

view and introduces big ideas such as marginal decision making, the importance of

incentives and market efficiency.

2. Lesson 2: How economists approach their subject matter, the concept of an

economic model and the role of the economist as policy advisor and the relevance

of this to clients and contractors.

3. Lesson 3: The market forces of supply and demand and the costs of the

construction firm

4. Lesson 4: Elasticity and its application relevant to the construction economist, the

distinction between cost and price and mark-up. The difficulty in construction work

of pricing before work commences and how this contrasts with manufacturing

where the product does not have to determine price until the activity is complete.

5. Lesson 5: The role of government: market failure and government intervention,

taxation, rent control and subsidies.

6. Lesson 6: Consumers, Producers and Market Efficiency: extending the supply and

demand analysis and the efficiency of markets.


September 2016

75

7. Lesson 7: The costs of taxation and the trade-off between equity and efficiency,

introducing social housing intervention

8. Lesson 8: Externalities and government intervention to rectify market

inefficiencies such as pollution and to investigate possible public and private

solutions.


Statements about the various types of learning and teaching methods that are used in the

delivery of the module. Each lesson has the following learning and teaching methods and

tools:

1. Lecture using power point presentation, visual and written

2. A list of primary objectives to guide students to where the lesson is heading. This

list is brief (4 or 5) to help keep student focussed.

3. Case studies and FYI notes are used to apply theory to actual events and policies.

These will change to reflect current economic themes. The following are indicative

examples:

a. The Dublin Glass bottle site (LO 1)

b. Adam Smith and the invisible hand (LO 5)

c. Rent control LO 5)

d. Mother nature shifts the supply curve (impact on construction output) (LO

3)

e. Pricing a private toll road (LO 8)

f. Does a drought need to cause a water shortage (LO 8)

g. The incidence of the property tax (LO 7)

h. Henry George and Land value taxation (LO 7)

i. The Built Environment: The Economy’s Shadow (LO 1)

j. Is the Housing Market working (LO 2)

k. Determinants of Effective Demand for Construction and property (LO 3)

l. Introducing the Property/Construction cycle-bringing together elasticity’s)

(LO 4)

4. Definitions of key Concepts: when these are introduced in the presentations they

are presented in bold. This helps students when reviewing material.

5. Tutorial problem sets including short quizzes. After each lesson students are

advised to attempt each of those to test their comprehension of each lesson.

6. Questions are divided into two types (a) review and (b) problems and applications.

7. Regular short class tests (not graded) are given to provide feedback on learning and

comprehension.

Taken together these design features will enable the student to master the subject and

pass the related examination.


(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 3; Lecture 2, Tutorial

1)


36



This module is delivered over one semester.


September 2016

76

Assessment

Assessment Type

There will be two assessments in the form of two 1.5 hour

examination

First assessment will cover lessons 1-4 and is in the form of

SHORT questions that examines principles in context.

Second assessment is a 1.5 hour formal end of semester

formal examination and is in the form of short questions

examining lessons 5 to 8.

Weighting (%) LO

Assessment

(No.)

ASSESSMENT 1

50% 1,2,3,4

ASSESSMENT 2

50% 5,6,7,8



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Power T. Lecture notes, powerpoint presentations, tutorial notes and problem sets (2015).

Power, T. (2015) Affordable Housing, Rent Control and the Invisible Hand, Society of

Chartered Surveyors (SCSI) Journal, Volume 5, No.2, Summer 2015

Power, T (2008) Tax Treatment Encourages Residential Investment Arrow DIT

Power, T (2008) Are Government Laws Consistent with the laws of Supply and Demand –

the case of Rent Control and Water Charges Property Valuer Winter

Power, T (2008) The Economic Case for Residential Property Taxation Property Valuer

Autumn

Power, T (2005) Ecology, Morality and Synergism – to present three somewhat eccentric

views on how the problems of the environment might be resolved. Property Valuer Journal,

Summer

Power, T (2005) Land Value taxation and Deadweight Loss Property valuer Winter Arrow

Resources DIT

Power, T (2004) Horse manure or Freefall – A costs – benefits approach to global warming

Property Valuer, Autumn – Arrow Resources DIT

Power, T(2004) Bringing the Environment in from the cold Arrow Resources DIT

Power, T(2004) N.N.P. Nowhere Near perfect – measuring environmental degregation

Property Valuer, Summer – Arrow Resources DIT


Myers, Danny (2013), Construction economics –a new approach 3rd edition. Routledge.

Power, T (2009) Lessons for NAMA from Valuation Practices Property Valuer Summer

Power, T (2009) NAMA versus Nationalisation Property Valuer Autumn

Begg David, Fischer Stanley, Dornbusch Rudiger, "Foundations of economics" 5th ed.

McGrawHill 2013.

Mankiew Gregory " Principles of economics"5nd Ed. Harcourt College Publishers 2011

Begg David, Fischer Stanley, Dornbusch Rudiger “Economics” 11th edition McGraw-Hill


September 2016

77

2014.

Turley Gerard & Maloney Maureen “Principles of Economics – an Irish Textbook” 4nd ed.

Gill & Macmillan 2011.

Version No: Amended By Thomas Power

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

78

Module

Code

Pre-requisite Module

codes

Co-

Requisit

e

Modules

code(s)

ISCE

D

Code

Subjec

t Code

ECTS

Credit

s

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

ECON1033 5

Module

Title

Economics 1B


Module Overview:

This module is designed for students studying economics as part of an undergraduate course

relating to surveying. This module introduces the main concepts and tools of economics

applicable to real estate and construction. It brings the principles of economic theory and the

construction industry together. It covers three broad sections – The economics of the public

sector, Firm behaviour and organisation of industry, and real economic data. The course is

designed for those coming to the subject matter of economics for the first time. The module

is constructed to emphasise applications and policy rather than formal economic theory. This

is effectively accomplished by using case studies that demonstrate how economic principles

are applied to real events. The module is designed as essential material over a wide range of

disciplines including construction management, planning, architecture and real estate.



1 Illustrate and explain the economic theory of the public sector.

2 Critically evaluate and comment on the decisions that lie behind supply (costs) in

construction markets.

3 Define the various types of market structure in the construction industry.

4 Identify and evaluate the data of macroeconomics used to monitor overall

developments in the construction industry as a whole and be able to describe the

forces determining real variables in construction.



1. Lesson 1: The economics of the public sector and common resources, introduction

to environmental economics and the markets for green buildings and infrastructure.

2. Lesson 2: Measuring and interpreting macroeconomic data, the meaning of GDP,

GNP and national income

3. Lesson 3: Measuring the costs of living and the use of the consumer price index

and relevance to construction.

4. Lesson 4: Productivity and variations in living standards over time and across

countries and application of productivity in construction industry

5. Lesson 5: Savings, investments and the Financial System and capital structure for

construction investment

6. Lesson 6: Introduction to the monetary system, the role of the ECB in controlling

monetary system and its relevance to the construction economist.

7. Lesson 7: The costs of production in manufacturing and construction, below cost

selling in construction, bid rigging, diminishing returns in construction.


September 2016

79

8. Lesson 8: Market structures and what typifies market structure in construction

(contestable markets, dominance).



delivery of the module

Each lesson has the following learning and teaching methods and tools:

1. Lecture using power point presentation, visual and written

2. A list of primary objectives to guide students to where the lesson is heading. This list is

brief (4 or 5) to help keep student focussed.

3. Case studies and FYI notes are used to apply theory to actual events and policies.

These will change to reflect current economic themes. The following are indicative

examples:

i. Statistical values of human life (LO 1)

ii. Sustainable development, ecological footprints, countries that follow

sustainable development in construction (LO 1)

iii. Are lighthouses public goods (LO 1)

iv. The economics of road pricing

v. A guide to Irish sources for Construction output statistics (LO 2)

vi. Construction industry output in Ireland - latest statistics (LO 2)

vii. International differences in GDP and quality of life (LO 2)

viii. Is the CPI accurate? Problems in measurement (LO 3)

ix. Mr Index goes to Hollywood – on Indexation (LO 3)

x. Internal features to improve productivity in construction (LO4)

xi. Benefits of modern methods of construction and impact on productivity (LO

4)

xii. Are natural resources a limit to growth (LO 4)

xiii. Thomas Malthus and population growth (LO 4)

xiv. The relationship between mortgage rates and other rates in the economy

(LO 5)

xv. What is a property ‘bubble’ (LO 6)

xvi. The €500 note – a way to solve the euro debt crisis (LO 6)

xvii. Bank runs and money supply (LO 6)

xviii. Typical construction costs (LO 7)

xix. Lessons from a pin factory (LO 7)

xx. What market structure typifies the construction industry (LO 8)

xxi. Public transport and Private Enterprise – man with a van (LO 8)

4. Definitions of key Concepts: when these are introduced in the presentations they are

presented in bold. This helps students when reviewing material.

5. Tutorial problem sets including short quizzes. After each lesson students are advised to

attempt each of those to test their comprehension of each lesson.

6. Questions are divided into two types (a) review and (b) problems and applications.

7. Regular short class tests (not graded) are given to provide feedback on learning and

comprehension.

Taken together these design features will enable the student to master the subject and

pass the related examination.

Total Teaching Contact Hours: 36


September 2016

80






Assessment

Assessment Type

There will be two assessments in the form of two 1.5 hour

examination

First assessment will cover lessons 1-4 and is in the form of

SHORT questions that examines principles in context.

Second assessment is a 1.5 hour formal end of semester

formal examination and is in the form of short questions

examining lessons 5 to 8.

Weighting (%) LO

Assessment

(No.)

ASSESSMENT 1

50% 1,2,3,4

ASSESSMENT 2

50% 5,6,7,8



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Power Lecture notes, powerpoint presentations, tutorial notes and problem sets. (2014).


Myers, Danny, Construction economics –a new approach 3rd edition. Routledge. (2013).

Begg David, Fischer Stanley, Dornbusch Rudiger, "Foundations of economics" 5th ed

McGrawHill 2013.

Mankiew Gregory " Principles of economics"5nd Ed. Harcourt College Publishers 2011

Begg David, Fischer Stanley, Dornbusch Rudiger “Economics” 11th edition McGraw-Hill

2014.

Turley Gerard & Maloney Maureen “Principles of Economics – an Irish Textbook” 4nd ed.

Gill & Macmillan 2011.

Version No: Amended By Thomas Power

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

81

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

LAW1051 5

Module

Title

Law 1

School Responsible: Surveying and Construction Management

Module Overview:

This module describes the legal environment in which the property and construction

professional operates, It is an introductory course designed for students studying law as part

of an undergraduate course in property or construction.



1 Demonstrate an understanding the sources of Law at local, regional, national ,EU

and UN, levels,

2 Observe the administration of justice at first hand and report on it.

3 Critically evaluate the performance of an expert witness giving evidence in court.

4 Track the passage of legislation through the Oireachtas, and EU and UN institutions

5 Demonstrate research skills in relation to the interpretation of written case-law and

legislation.

6 Demonstrate report writing skills in relation to distilling the precedents from written

case law.

7 Apply and demonstrate their knowledge of legal concepts and procedure in formal

presentations

8 Demonstrate a knowledge of contract and commercial law and apply this

knowledge.

9 Search and utilise information from online databases and academic texts.

10 Critically analyse current legal stories in the newspapers.


Sources of Law

International legal systems

Common Law and Equity

Legislation

EU Law

UN Law

Constitution

Administration of Justice and Evidence

Tribunals and other adjudicative bodies

Alternative Dispute Resolution

General Contract Law

General Commercial Law



September 2016

82

Lectures

Tutorials

Visits to Courts and tribunals(eg An Bord Pleanala oral hearing) followed by debriefing

by students..

Videos of Oireachtas, EU and UN processes.

On line research of law reports and law journals.

Presentations by students of individual written law reports.

Accessing public information ( eg. Company Registration Office files).

Analysis of legal stories in the newspapers each week.

Role play (eg Cross examination of an expert witness.)


(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 3; Lecture 2, Tutorial

1)


36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Debrief of court and tribunal visit

10% 2, 3

Written report of individual case law and piece of

legislation

30% 1, 4, 5, 6,

Oral presentation of selected case law and legislation

20% 7

Written report on contract and commercial law

40% 1, 8, 9,10



Regulations

None




Byrne and McCutcheon, 2014, The Irish Legal System, 6th ed. Bloomsbury Professional.

Kenneally and Tully,2013. The Irish Legal System, Clarus Press

Thuillier and Mac Daid, 2015, Business Law in Ireland, Clarus Press.

Clark, 2013, Contract Law in Ireland, 7th ed. Round Hall.

Hutchinson,2010, Arbitration and ADR in Construction Disputes. Round Hall.

www.gov.ie

www.courts.ie.

www.dit.library.databases.westlaw.ie

www.europa.eu

http://www.gov.ie/

http://www.courts.ie/

http://www.dit.library.databases.westlaw.ie/

http://www.europa.eu/


September 2016

83

www.un.org

www.pleanala.ie

www.epa.ie

www.lawreform.ie

www.cro.ie

www.oireachtas.ie


Hunt, 2008, Murdoch’s Dictionary of Irish Law, Tottel.

Various local authority websites.

Various commercial law firms’ websites

Irish Times, Independent, Examiner.

Version No: Amended By Francis Corcoran

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.un.org/

http://www.pleanala.ie/

http://www.epa.ie/

http://www.lawreform.ie/

http://www.cro.ie/

http://www.oireachtas.ie/


September 2016

84

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

INFT1001 5

Module

Title

Information Technology


Module Overview:

The module serves to introduce students to the basics of the Information Technology (IT)

knowledge that will be required by Property and Construction Economics students

throughout their undergraduate education. It develops and enhances the computer skills that

are required by students whilst studying in third level education and introduces the student

to the uses and applications of certain software used in the Property and Construction

Industry.



1 Use Excel to create spreadsheets with particular formatting and presentation.

2 Create an Excel spreadsheet which analyses data and creates graphs.

3 Demonstrate how Excel can be used to perform calculations on a database and also

analyse it using tools such as pivot tables.

4 Create presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint which include multimedia

elements like video and narration.

5 Demonstrate proficient use of the basic formatting functions in Microsoft Word and

some of the more advanced word processing features including the use of tables,

images, list of figures and the automatic table of contents in a formal report.


Excel Basics: provides knowledge of acquiring data, formatting data, using Excel’s

statistical functions and presenting data. It also covers the creation and presentation

of graphs including line, bar and pie charts.

Excels Finances: shows the student how to perform a financial analysis of a project

using Excel. The use of mathematical formulas and ‘What-If’ capabilities of Excel

are also covered, as are Excel’s NPV and IRR financial functions.

Excel Cash Budgets: introduce the student to adjustable spreadsheets through the

example of a cash budget. The use of cell referencing and formulas to achieve

adjustability is covered, as is date adjustability.

Excel Mortgage Calculation: involves students creating a mortgage calculator to

illustrate the use of Excel’s PMT, PPMT, and IPMT financial functions. Students

use the calculator to then create amortization tables which are charted.

Excel Data: shows the student how to use import data into Excel using the original

Property Price Register database. The exercise also covers sorting, filtering, and

analysing data using subtotals and charts. Students are also provided with

knowledge of Pivot tables.

Powerpoint Multimedia: shows the student how to create a Powerpoint presentation


September 2016

85

using templates. The use of Master Slides is also covered, as is the inclusion of

video and narrations in presentations. Windows Movie Maker software is also used

to create videos.

Powerpoint from Scratch: shows the student how to create a presentation from

scratch using Slide Masters and then applying Design Themes. The use of

transitions and narration is also covered.

Word Report: shows the student how to master presentation aspects of Word

including formatting text, page numbering, the use of headers and footers, and

margin setting. Creating tables, referencing, and including images are also part of

the exercise.


The module is delivered using a set of IT exercises which are provided to the student

during lab sessions. These exercises are multi-part exercises for which the student is

provided solutions. Screen capture videos of the exercise being completed are provided to

the student and the mastery of the skills needed to complete the exercise are achieved

through the study of these videos. All the class materials, including videos are also

available to the students online, so they can continue their learning outside of the lab

session.


(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 2;labatory 2)

(Part-time Weekly contact hours: 2; labatory 2)

24




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

The module is assessed by way of the in-class completion

of computer tests which closely follow the exercises

which the student has completed during the lab sessions.

100% 1-5



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

The students are provided with selected reading and helpful web pages for each exercise.

The videos of the exercises being completed are the main source of knowledge for the

student.


September 2016

86


Shoup, K. Simply Office, John Wiley and Sons

Bott, E. and Siechert, C. Microsoft Office –Inside Out, Microsoft Press

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/

http://www.brainstorminc.com/microsoft-office-com-help

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/office


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/

http://www.brainstorminc.com/microsoft-office-com-help

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/office


September 2016

87

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

QMD1001 5

Module

Title

Quantitative Methods


Module Overview:

This module is common to both the Property Economics Degree and the Construction

Economics and Management Degree and is delivered to the two groups jointly

Real estate and construction professionals need to be familiar with and confident in the use of

numerical and statistical methods of evaluation of business and investment options.

Analytical techniques are continually evolving within the related professions and new

numerical concepts will continue to emerge throughout the working life of the graduate. The

real estate and construction professions thus call for a reasonable degree of numeracy. This

module is specifically designed to acquaint students with those tools of quantitative analysis

of most direct relevance to careers in these industries.

The module acts as a foundation for later modules in both the Property Economics and the

Quantity Surveying programmes in the School of Surveying and Construction Management.

The module focuses on developing the student’s technical skills, and the competence to deal

with the changing nature of analytical techniques as they apply to real estate and construction.

Acquisition of knowledge is less important in this module.

It facilitates technical skill acquisition through the completion of the problem sets.

Competence to deal in the future with more advanced analytical techniques is achieved

through demystifying the language of analysis and allowing students to learn by doing.



1 Understand and apply the basic techniques of the probability of the Normal

distribution in construction project management.

2 Apply the techniques of basic financial mathematics to solve problems related to

investment decision making and construction project management.

3 Understand and apply the basic techniques in the presentation and analysis of

statistical data.


The module is made up of two separate components, Financial Mathematics and Statistics.

Financial Mathematics

Time value of money

Compound Interest

Effective rate of interest


September 2016

88

PV Annuity basic calculations

FV Annuity basic calculations

Statistics

Descriptive Statistics

Summary Statistics – interpretation and uses

-Measures of central tendency

-Measures of dispersion

Introduction to Regression and Correlation

-Simple linear regression and correlation

Introduction to Indices

-price, quantity and value indices

Introduction to Normal distribution


Both the Financial Mathematics and Statistics elements of the module are primarily learned

through an applied problem-solving approach and a significant proportion of the time is

devoted to this. An initial lecture is given on each topic and focuses on the theoretical

aspects. Student learning is then primarily achieved through a series of problem sets

related to different components of the module, supplemented by tutorial guidance.

Total Teaching Contact Hours

(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 3; Lectures 2; Tutorials 1)


36




Assessment

Formative assessment

Analytical Mathematical and Statistical skills are developed through worked examples in the

tutorial sessions and problem sets on each topic done in the student’s own time. The problem

sets provide formative assessment. Model answers are provided to students as formative

feedback.

Assessment Type Weighting

(%)

LO

Assessment

(No.)

Project based on techniques of Statistical presentation and

analysis

30% 3

Summative examination. The examination takes the form of a

traditional time-constrained, closed book test. It is weighted

towards the financial mathematics element of the module as

the Statistics element is assessed partly through the

assignment. The examination is based on material from the

lecture course and problem sets. It focuses on application of

the material, rather than demonstration of theoretical

knowledge.

70% 1-3


September 2016

89



Regulations

None



This module requires hands-on application rather than textbook or reference reading.

Learning is primarily achieved through undertaking the problem sets and the assignment.

Essential Reading:

Power, Thomas, Stephen Walsh and Paul O’Meara, (2009), Financial Management – an Irish

text, 3rd ed. Gill and Macmillan, Chapters 4, 5 and 20.

Reilly, James, (2006), Using Statistics, Gill and Macmillan, esp. Chapters, 1, 3 and 7


No other reading outside of the textbook above is required. There is a very wide range of

Statistics books of varying degrees of difficulty which cover the material in the Statistics part

of the module. These include:

Bradley, T. and Patton, P., (1998), Essential Mathematics for Economics and Business,

Wiley,

Swift, Louise, (1997), Mathematics and Statistics for Business Management and Finance,

Macmillan Press.

Publication dates and editions above are as of June 2011. Students should consult any later

editions after this date.

Version No: Amended By Padraic Houston

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

90

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

PRFD1000 5

Module

Title

Professional Development/Integrated Project


Module Overview:

The module is intended to explain to the student the nature of third level learning and the

concept of professionalism as well as providing an initial engagement for the student with

problem-based learning.

There are three key aims for this module. The first is to facilitate the student in locating the

Property and Quantity Surveying programmes within the built environment. Second, to help

the student manage his/her own learning while at third level. Third, to provide the student

with experience of problem-based learning, including experience of working in groups.



1 Identify the key professions and professional bodies that are active in the built

environment

2 Identify the roles of key professionals in the built environment.

3 Locate and select the most relevant information from source materials and apply

referencing conventions.

4 Use publishing software to devise a construction and property supplement for a

newspaper.

5 Recommend proposals to solve a set of problems presented in a group-based

integrated project.


Preparing for third level education: expectations at third level, support services

available.

Research Skills: using library resources, taking notes, referencing.

Time management

Team building

Communication skills: letter writing, report writing, effective meetings

Presentation skills

Revision and exams: managing stress

CV preparation and cover letters

Academic writing tips

Assistive learning technologies

Ethical standards for surveyors


September 2016

91


Professional Development: instruction will be through a combination of lectures, guest

speakers and revision quizzes. Guest speakers will be invited from the Careers Service,

the Library, The Learning Support Office as well as from industry. Students will have

access to a full range of notes and resources, including video content, on Webcourses.

Integrated Project: Peer learning will be fostered by working in groups to address the

issues set out in the project brief. Marks will be awarded for active participation by group

members.


(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 2; Lectures 2)


24



The module is delivered over one semester.

Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Referenced Academic Paper

40 1, 2 and 3.

Construction and Property Newspaper Supplement

30 4

Group-based Integrated Project

30 5



Regulations

None

(b) Module assessment thresholds None


Essential Reading:

Giltrow, J, Gooding, R, Burgoyne, D and Sawatsky ,M (2014) Academic Writing An

Introduction. 3rd edition. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press

Cottrell, S (2013) The Study Skills Handbook. 4th edition. London: Palgrave.

Carroll, H (n.d.) A Guide to Writing Assignments: You’re Actually a Good Writer. 1st

Edition. Ahead.

Van Emden, J and Becker, L (2010) Presentation Skills for Students (Palgrave Study Skills).

2nd edition. London: Palgrave.


Moran, A (2000) Managing Your Own Learning at University: A Practical Guide. 1st

Edition. Dublin: UCD Press

Osmond, A (2013) Academic Writing and Grammar for Students. London: Sage Publications


September 2016

92

Ltd.

Version No: Amended By Myles Keaveney

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

93

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

GERM1024 10

Module

Title

Foundation level German for Engineering and the Built Environment


Module Overview:

This module will provide the opportunity to learn to read, write and speak basic German and

begin to understand the people who speak it while developing knowledge of how the German

language is structured. It will develop cultural awareness, independent language learning

strategies and other key skills.

The module is intended for absolute beginners or for those who require a refresher course at

basic level.


On successful completion of this module, the learner will be able to

1 Conduct basic spoken tasks in German in a range of everyday situations with

reasonable accuracy.

2 Read, interpret and write simple German texts, signs, messages and letters.

3 Apply a variety of commonly used grammatical structures in the target language.

4 Express an awareness of the cultural identity of German-speaking countries.

5 Apply independent study skills effectively to language learning.

6 Display a level of proficiency that equates to level A1.2 of the Common European

Framework of Reference (CEFR).


Language awareness and language structures in everyday German

Grammar and vocabulary practice

Phonetic practice in German

Communication in the following situations: greetings, introductions, first contacts, providing

personal details, talking about work and study, jobs and professions, leisure pursuits, likes and

dislikes, family relationships, asking directions, ordering food and drink, shopping, booking a

hotel room, telling the time, expressing daily routine.



September 2016

94

Instruction will be by face-to-face tutorial of two hours per week and an online tutorial of one

hour per week. During the face-to-face sessions each topic presented will be followed by a

combination of listening, reading and writing exercises specific to the theme. To reinforce

oral expression, role-play will be an integral part of the class. The online sessions will be

accessed through Webcourses and will involve planned tasks to be completed under the

direction of the lecturer. This will allow links to authentic material and require active input

from students, both orally and in writing.

Students will be expected to practise and revise the language introduced in class and online by

means of self study, individually, in pairs or in small groups, as appropriate to the learning

tasks.

Key skills will be developed by means of group and pair work, accessing information via the

Internet and other sources and by processing and presenting relevant information.


(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 3; Lectures 2; Tutorial )

72




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment – written, oral, aural and online

assignments

100% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Coggle, P. and Schenke, H. (2009) Willkommen! 2nd edition, London, Hodder and

Stoughton.


Ardagh, J. (1995) Germany and the Germans, London, Penguin.

Carty, T. and Wuehrer, I. (2003) German 1, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Lemcke, C., Rohrmann, L., Scherling, T., Kaufmann, S. and Rodi, M. (2010) Berliner Platz 1

Neu, Berlin, Langenscheidt.

Tenberg, R. and Ainslie, S. (1996) Deutsch Plus, London, BBC Books.


September 2016

95

Version No: Amended By Susan O’Shaughnessy

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

96

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CONS2044 10

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This module is divided into two components: Construction Technology and Building

Services. Construction Technology is concerned with (a) aspects of the design and

construction of commercial and industrial buildings, and (b) aspects relating to the

increasing industrialisation of the building process. The Building Services component is

concerned with the main services necessary to support a comfortable and safe built

environment.



1 Analyse and assess the main elements in the design and construction of buildings.

2 Appraise and evaluate the performance of various building options and propose

constructional solutions.

3 Define building construction and building services terminology.

4 Recognise and discuss the principles and practices of low carbon design in new and

existing buildings.

5 Analyse the main services necessary to provide a comfortable and safe built

environment.


• Site investigations and influences on building substructure

• Basements

• Framed buildings

• Roof construction

• External envelope

• Portal frames

• Fire safety

• Prefabrication & off-site production

• Commercial fit-out

• Façade retention, shoring and underpinning

• Construction health and safety

• Hot and cold water services

• Low pressure hot water heating systems including renewable technologies

• Drainage above and below ground level

• Ventilation: natural and mechanical

• Electrical installations

• Lifts and active fire-fighting systems


September 2016

97


Instruction is by means of lectures, tutorials, classroom discussion and site visits wherever

possible. Coursework is set to assist the student in furthering their knowledge and

understanding. Audio-visual aids in the form of photographic slides and video

presentations are used to elaborate on lecture content and stimulate discussion.




72



The module is delivered over one academic year..

Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment based on one coursework project. 40% 2, 3, 5

Summative examination 60% 1, 3 4



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Emmitt, S and Gorse, C (2010) Barry’s Advanced Construction of Buildings. Oxford:

Wiley-Blackwell

Riley, M and Cotgrave, A (2009) Construction Technology 2 Industrial and Commercial

Building. 2nd Edition. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan

Hall, F and Greeno, R (2013) Building Services Handbook. 7th Edition. Oxford:

Butterworth Heinemann.


Cooke, R (2007) Building in the 21st Century. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Chew Yit Lin, M (2001) Construction Technology for Tall Buildings. 2nd Edition,

Singapore: Singapore University Press.


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

98

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CEST2000 10

Module

Title

Measurement and Costing 2


Module Overview:

This module will seek to extend the students ability to prepare take-off solutions for more

complex building elements, both manually and electronically. This module also introduces

students to the important role information technology plays in the Quantity Surveying

Profession. It will introduce the student to the tendering and estimating process, in

particular, the ability to build-up unit rates for measured items in a Bill of Quantities.



1 Demonstrate an ability to comply with best practice in the preparation of a Bill of

Quantities.

2 Prepare take-off solutions and interpret rules of measurement in the production of

Bill of Quantities for more complex building elements

3 Demonstrate proficiency in Construction Cost Informatics for the production of Bill

of Quantities

4 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of role and practice of the Quantity

Surveyor in the Construction Industry.

5 Demonstrate proficiency in the application of on-screen take-off..

6 Demonstrate an understanding of the tendering and estimating process, in particular,

the ability to build-up unit rates for measured items in a Bill of Quantities

7 Demonstrate a thorough understanding of requirements for tender documentation for

building projects

8 Demonstrate an ability to comply with level 1 of the SCSI competency: measurement

and costing


Taking-off elements and preparing Bills of Quantities in accordance with the National

Standard Building Elements and standard rules of measurement for more complex buildings,

focusing on but not limited to elements in the Substructure, Superstructure, External and


September 2016

99

Internal Completions, Finishes, Mechanical & Electrical Services and Site Works.

Editing of preliminaries, preambles, contingencies, dayworks, insurances, BQ summaries,

VAT, forms of tender, alternative taking off systems and BOQ types for building and civil

engineering projects

Planning, Management and Editing Bills of Quantities

Construction Informatics and its potential use in the production of Bills of Quantities,

including buildsoft, cubit costex and BIM related softwares.

Estimating and tendering, build up of unit rates.





content and stimulate discussion

Total Teaching Contact Hours :

(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 4; Lecture 2, Laboratory 2)

(Part-time Weekly contact hours: 2: Lecture 2)

96



This module is delivered over two semesters. The two hour class will cover material based

on the syllabus above. The tutorials will be broken down as follows: 2hrs manual

measurement, 2hrs computerised measurement.

Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Examination – In class exam, 4hrs duration based on

measurement of building quantities and theory / practical

question on tendering and estimating.

50% 1,2,4,6,7,8

Project 1 – Manual measurement 20% 1,4,5,7,8

Project 2 – Computerised measurement 30%

1,2,3,4,7,8



Regulations

None



September 2016

100


Essential Reading:

Ashworth, A. and Hogg, K., (2012), Willis’s Practice and Procedure for the Quantity

Surveyor, 12th edition, Blackwell Science

Environmental Research Unit, National Standard Building Elements and Design Control

Procedures

Society of Chartered Surveyors/ Construction Industry Federation (2009), ARM 4 Agreed

Rules of Measurement (4rd edit.).


Ashworth, A. (2013). Cost Studies of Buildings, 5th Edition; Prentice Hall.

Cartlidge, D. (2006) New Aspects of Quantity Surveying Practice, 2nd Edition, Oxford;

Butterworth.

Crotty, R. (2012) The impact of building information modelling: transforming construction,

New York Spon

Hore A.V., O’Kelly M & Scully R ,(2010), Seeley and Winfield’s Building Quantities

Explained, Palgrave MacMillan.

Kirkham, R. (2007) Ferry & Brandon's Cost Planning of Building, 8th Edition, Blackwell

Publishing.

Lee, S., et al. (2011), Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying, Oxford; Blackwell Science.

Murray,G.P., (1997), Measurement of Building Services, Macmillan Press Ltd

New Rules of Measurement, (2009) Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors; RICS Books.

Seeley, I H. (1997) Quantity Surveying Practice, Houndmills, 2nd Edition, Basingstoke,

England: Macmillan.

Seeley, I.H., and Murray, G.P., (2001), Civil Engineering Quantities, 6th Edition, Palgrave

Version No: Amended By Fiacra McDonnell

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

101

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

FINM2000 10

Module

Title


School Responsible: The School of Surveying and Construction Management

Module Overview:

This module focuses on the use of financial information for financial analysis. It focuses on

the determination of profitability, asset utilization, working capital management, liquidity,

gearing and investment performance of a business. In addition, the module provides students

with a sound grounding in the accounting treatment of long-term construction contracts,

especially incomplete contracts.

The module also focuses on the use of financial information for decision making. It examines

in detail project appraisal techniques for capital budgeting and how to account for inflation,

taxation, and risk. In addition, the module provides the student with a sound grasp of

economic decision making concepts, and focuses on the use of a structured analytical

approach to financial decision making.



1 Describe the concepts of liquidity and gearing, and the importance of working capital

management

2 Perform a complete ratio analysis of construction company accounts, including a

determination of profitability, asset utilization, working capital management, liquidity

and gearing and critically appraise the limitations of ratio analysis

3 Explain the role of ratio analysis in the tender process

4 Prepare an investment analysis of a set of business accounts

5 Illustrate how construction companies calculate profit on long-term contracts,

especially incomplete contracts, and show the balance sheet entries for such contracts

and explain how to provide for a loss making contract in the balance sheet

6 Apply the project appraisal techniques NPV, Payback, IRR, ARR, and Profitability

Index, to decide whether major items of capital expenditure should be purchased

7 Take account of inflation and taxation in capital budgeting and assess risk in project

appraisal calculations and perform a sensitivity analysis

8 Analyse cost behaviour and comprehend the nature of accounting information and the

contribution it makes to the decision taking and planning and explain the effect of

sales volume on the profitability of a business entity

9 Explain and illustrate the nature of the most important decision taking concepts

10 Select and apply a structured analytical approach to decision making in a broad variety

of situations


SSAP9 and the treatment of long-term contracts in the accounts


September 2016

102

The treatment of plant and machinery

Profit and loss account and balance sheet entries for incomplete long-term contracts

Accounting for projected losses on contracts

Profitability ratios and construction firms

Liquidity and gearing ratios, and the role of ratio analysis in the tender process

Investment ratios

NPV, Payback, Discounted Payback, IRR, ARR, and Profitability Index techniques as

applied to construction industry capital expenditures

Incorporating inflation and tax

Risk assessment and sensitivity analysis

Cost behaviour

Economic cost concepts

Using a structured analytical approach to decision making in different contexts

Case study on decision making by a building contractor





students




72




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Midterm assessment 35% 1-3, 6-7


(These exams will constitute conventional unseen time

constrained tests)



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Lecture notes and practice questions documents provided on the course Internet pages.


September 2016

103

CPA Study Manual, Formation 2: Management Accounting, MBI Publishing

Lucey, T. , Costing, Letts Educational


Pizzey, Alan, Finance and Accounting for Non-Specialist Students, Pitman

Dyson, J.R., Accounting for Non-Accounting Students, Pitman

Atrill and McLaney, Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists, Prentice Hall

Wood, Frank Business Accounting –Irish Edition (8th Ed) (Financial Times –Pitman)

Jennings, A. R., Accounting and Finance for Building and Surveying, Macmillan

MacGregor, Gervase, Surveyors, architects and estate agents: An industry accounting and

auditing guide (Accountancy Books)



Business http://www.bized.ac.uk/


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes






September 2016

104

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

ECON2022 5

Module

Title



Module Overview:

The module is an intermediate course in construction (macro) economics. The emphasis of

the module is on the contribution of the construction industry in Ireland to the economy as a

whole as well as the analysis of macroeconomics trends and relevant government policy in

this regard.

The module is primarily for students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the

principles of macroeconomics hence is in a position to contextualise the construction sector

in this regard.

Learning Outcomes (LO): (to be numbered)


1 Outline and discuss the principles of macroeconomic theory

2 Analyse and discuss the economic performance of an economy

3 Relate macroeconomic concepts to the construction industry

4 Analyse and discuss the role of the construction industry in the attainment of

macroeconomic objectives

5 Apply a basic economic analysis to each sector of the construction industry

6 Source and explain economic data

7 Communicate (in oral and written forms) the findings of the economic analysis of

the construction industry


Economic Growth: measuring GDP/GNP; use of national income accounts; limitations;

key definitions

Keynesian Demand Management theory: AD/AS

Inflation: consumer price index; harmonised index of consumer prices; construction

cost indices; tender price indices

Unemployment: national unemployment; construction labour market and employment

International trade: absolute and comparative advantage; specialisation; introduction to

trade theory

Balance of Payments: measurement; trends; construction sector contribution

Sustainable Development: an introduction

Fiscal policy and the construction industry

Monetary policy and the construction industry



September 2016

105

Instruction is by mean of lectures, tutorials and classroom discussion

Students will have access to WebCourses where class notes and supplementary reading

material will be uploaded periodically.




36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous Assessment: 100% 1- 7

1. Presentation of Statistical Data 25% 6,7

2. Written Report 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

3. Final Presentation 25% 3,4,5



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Manser, J.E (2003) Economics: A Foundation Course for the Built Environment 2nd Ed.

Spon Press

O’Hagan, J and Newman, C (2011) The Economy of Ireland 11th Ed. Dublin, Gill and

Macmillan

Turley, G., Maloney, M. and O’Toole, F (2011) Principles of Economics: An Irish Text 4th

Ed. Gill and Macmillan


Leddin, A and Walsh, B (2013) Macroeconomics: An Irish and European Perspective

Web References:

Central Statistics Office www.cso.ie

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government www.environ.ie

Department of Finance www.finance.gov.ie

Economic and Social Research Institute www.esri.ie

Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland www.scsi.ie

Version No: Amended By Roisin Murphy

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.cso.ie/


http://www.finance.gov.ie/

http://www.esri.ie/

http://www.scsi.ie/


September 2016

106

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

LAW2033 5

Module

Title

Construction Law 2


Module Overview:

In this module the student is introduced to the concept of tortious liability - extra contractual

liability - which arises pursuant to duties and obligations imposed by the general civil law as

opposed to duties and obligations imposed upon parties as a result of contractual agreements

made between them. In addition this module will examine the practical implications of

tortuous liability for those intending to pursue professional careers in the Construction

Industry.

The aim of this module is to

To lead the student to an understanding of the nature of tortious liability and to show that

such liability arises by virtue of general law

To teach and to explain the individual duties and obligations arising under the law of tort.

To explain the Civil law consequences of tortious behaviour.

To enable the student to recognise the particular situations commonly occurring in the

Construction Industry which may give rise to tortious liability.

To explain the application of the principles of the Law of Tort to such situations and the

attitude of the Irish Courts when dealing with same.



1 Apply the concept and nature of tortious liability through the review of scenarios and

case precedent in both written and oral medium.

2 Gain a thorough knowledge of the duties and obligations imposed upon members of

society under the Law of Tort in both written and oral medium.

3 Appreciate the remedies available to the victims of tortious behaviour in both written

and oral medium.

4 Recognise those situations commonly occurring in professional, commercial and

industrial life which frequently give rise to tortious liability and articulate this through

both written and oral medium.

5 Attain an ability to deal with such situations and a thorough knowledge of the legal

remedies appropriate for same based on real life scenarios relevant to the construction

industry through both written and oral medium.


The nature of tortious liability


September 2016

107

Trespass to land

Trespass to the person

Trespass to chattels

Nuisance

Negligence

Liability for dangerous property

Liability for dangerous objects

Liability for fire

Liability for animals

Rylands - V - Fletcher liability

Liability for the Torts of others

Defamation of Character

Remedies for tortious behaviour.


Instruction in this Module is by means of lectures where the individual duties and obligations

arising under the law of tort are explained and through tutorials at which the decisions of the

Courts in cases concerning tortious liability are considered and debated.




36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continual assessment by use of 2nr essays

100%

1-5



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Oughton, D, Marston, J. and Harvey, B., ( 2011), Law of torts, th Edition

Elliott, C. (2011), Tort Law, Longman, 8th edition

Fahey, E., (2011), Irish Tort Legislation, Dublin Ireland

McMahon & Binchy, (2012), Irish Law of Torts, Professional Books, 4th Edition.

Salmond, (1996), Law of Tort , Sweet & Maxwell, 21st Edition.

Bingham, R., (1996), All the Modern Cases on Negligence, 41st Edition



September 2016

108

The Bar Review 1996 - continuing

Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society, Monthly - Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

Web References:

http://www.bailii.org

http://irlii.org

http://www.irishlaw.org

http://www.lexisnexis.com.


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.bailii.org/

http://irlii.org/

http://www.irishlaw.org/

http://www.lexisnexis.com/


September 2016

109

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

MGMT2040 5

Module

Title

Construction Management


Module Overview:

This module covers various aspects of management including the development of

management theory and human and resource management. Management principles and

techniques that contribute to the efficient and economic operation of a commercial building

firm are also examined.



1 Apply general principles of human resources management specifically to the

construction industry.

2 Identify and discuss good management practice where health and safety is concerned.

3 Identify the key requirements of site safety documentation.

4 Identify the principal factors that need to be considered when preparing a site layout

plan.

5 Identify and discuss the critical issues in regard to the planning, programming,

controlling and co-ordination of construction projects.


• Nature of organisations

• Organisational objectives

• Motivation

• Roles and groups

• Leadership

• Communication

• Site organisation

• Planning and programming

• Plant management

• Materials management

• Waste management

• Health and safety


Instruction is by means of lectures, tutorials, classroom discussion and site visits wherever

possible. Coursework is set to assist the student in furthering their knowledge and






36


September 2016

110




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment based on one coursework project. 40% 1, 2,3

Summative examination 60% 2, 4, 5



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Harris, F, McCaffer, R, and Edum-Fotwe, F (2006) Modern Construction Management.

Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Griffith, A and Howarth, T (2000) Construction Health and Safety Management. Essex:

Pearson Education.


Fryer, B, Ellis, R, Egbu, C, and Gorse, C (2004) The Practice of Construction Management:

People and Business Performance. 4th Edition. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Langford, D.A., Fellows, R.F., Hancock, M.R, and Gale, A.W. (1995) Human Resources

Management in Construction. Essex: Longman Scientific and Technical


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

111

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CONS2045 5

Module

Title

Programming and Planning


Module Overview:

The aim of this module is to introduce construction project planning and to provide for the

development and application of project planning techniques to construction projects. This

module gives the learner an overview of the planning and its position within the

management of a construction project. The course introduces the learner to the various

forms and stages of construction planning with particular emphasis on the critical path

method. The module will cover the critical aspects of construction planning and will

demonstrate their use through software applications.



1 Define schedule activities and assign reasonable durations to the activities.

2 Sequence activities for logical project flow.

3 Explain schedule float and understand how float can be used to delay or lengthen

activities and to smooth manpower requirements.

4 Evaluate the merits and limitations of construction planning software.

5 Evaluate the main techniques relevant to time and project scheduling.

6 Apply the use of modern project planning software for construction projects.


Construction planning stages/Method statements

Bar charts/Linked bar charts

Arrow diagrams/Precedence diagrams/Line-of-balance diagrams

Project monitoring/ Accelerating the project

Resource levelling/Resource smoothing

Construction planning software including 4D BIM software


Instruction is by means of lectures, tutorials, classroom discussion and computer lab

sessions. Coursework is set to assist the student in furthering their knowledge and






48



September 2016

112



Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment based on one coursework project 100% 1-6



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Cooke, B and Williams, P (2009) Construction Planning and Control. 3rd edition. Oxford:

Wiley Blackwell

Harris, F, McCaffer, R, and Edum-Fotwe, F (2006) Modern Construction Management.

Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell


Oxley, R and Poskitt, J (1996) Management Techniques Applied to the Construction

Industry. 5th edition. Oxford: Blackwell Science

Construction Management Journals:

1. Construction Management and Economics

2. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management

3. International Journal of Project Management

4. Journal of Management in Engineering

Web References

http://bimscape.com/

http://www.astapowerproject.com/

http://www.cita.ie

Version No: Amended By Ruairi Hayden

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://bimscape.com/

http://www.astapowerproject.com/

http://www.cita.ie/


September 2016

113

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CONS2046 5

Module

Title

Pre Contract Practice


Module Overview:

This module presents an introduction to pre contract quantity surveying practice. Students

will acquire knowledge and understanding to Level 1 of the following Society of Chartered

Surveyors Ireland core quantity surveying competencies:

T062 Procurement and Tendering; - This competency covers how a project is

structured and delivered in terms of risk allocation and contractual relationships and

how tendering processes are used to establish the contract price.

T017 Contract Practice: - This competency covers the various forms of contract

used in the construction industry.

Learning Outcomes


1 T062 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main types of procurement.

2 T062 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the tendering and negotiation

processes involved in procurement.

3 T017 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various forms of main

building contract used in the construction industry.

4 T017 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various forms of

documentation used in the tendering process and for contract documentation.


1. The building team and the work of the quantity surveyor

2. The factors that affect the cost of building work

3. The development process – Capital Works Management Framework

4. Construction procurement systems 1 – ‘Traditional’ and Design and Build Procurement

5. Construction procurement systems 2 – Management, serial, partnering and framework

approaches

6. Selecting an appropriate main form of contract

7. Single stage, two stage and negotiated tenders

8. Compiling a tender list and prequalification

9. Tender documentation

10. Tendering practice and procedures – The Liaison Committee Code of Practice.

11. Awarding the contract, contract documentation, letters of intent


Lectures and class discussion




36


September 2016

114




Assessment

Assessment Type Weighting LO

Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment –One of the four outcomes above

– to be reviewed from year to year

40% Reviewed

annually

Summative examination – To cover the remaining three

outcomes

60% Reviewed

annually



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Ashworth, A. Hogg, G and Higgs, C. (2013) Willis’ Practice and Procedure for the Quantity

Surveyor 13th Ed. Blackwell Science Oxford

Brook, M. (2008) Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work 4th ed. Elsevier

Butterworth Heinemann

Cunningham, T. (2013) Factors Affecting the Cost of Building Work – An Overview, Arrow,

Dublin Institute of Technology.

Cunningham T. (2013) Choosing an Appropriate Main Contract for Building Work in the

Republic of Ireland – An Overview. Arrow Dublin Institute of Technology

The Liaison Committee (2006) Code of Practice for Tendering & Contractual Matters,

Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Dublin,

Supplemental Reading: To be advised annually

Version No: Amended By Tony Cunningham

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

115

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CONS2047 5

Module

Title

Post Contract Practice


Module Overview:

This module presents an introduction to pre contract quantity surveying practice. Students

will acquire knowledge and understanding to Level 1 of the following Society of Chartered

Surveyors Ireland core quantity surveying competencies:

T016 Contract Administration – This competency covers the role of a surveyor

administering a construction contract.

T017 Contract Practice: - This competency covers the various forms of contract

used in the construction industry.

Learning Outcomes


1 T016 & T017 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various standard

forms of contract and sub contract used in the industry.

2 T016 & T017 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic contractual

mechanisms and procedures applied at various stages of the contract.

3 T016 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of

the administrator

4 T017 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various third party rights

and the use of collateral warranties


1. Overview and roles of the parties under the RIAI & PWC Contract

2. Payment provisions –RIAI & PWC

3. Change procedures – RIAI & PWC

4. Extensions of time and liquidated damages – RIAI & PWC

5. Claims for loss and expense – RIAI & PWC

6. Subcontracting

7. Insurances, bonds and guarantees RIAI & PWC

8. Contract completion RIAI & PWC

9. Cost control

10. Final accounts

11. Termination of contract and insolvency RIAI & PWC

12. Conflict avoidance and dispute resolution


Lectures and class discussion




36


September 2016

116




Assessment

Assessment Type Weighting LO

Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment –One of the four outcomes above

– to be reviewed from year to year

40% Reviewed

annually

Summative examination – To cover the remaining three

outcomes

60% Reviewed

annually



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Cunningham T. (2012) Does the Public Works Contract for Building Works Designed by the

Employer Achieve Value For Money? Arrow Dublin Institute of Technology

Cunningham, T. (2012) Payment Procedures Under the RIAI Form of Contract and the

Public Works Contract Where the Employer Provides The Design: A Comparative Study,

Arrow, Dublin Institute of Technology.

Cunningham, T. (2013) The RIAI Standard Form of Contract 2012 Edition: a Review

Arrow, Dublin Institute of Technology.

Cunningham, T (2013) Managing Post Contract Variations Under the Principle

‘Traditional’ Irish Forms of Contract – An Overview, Arrow, Dublin Institute of

Technology.

Cunningham T (2013) The Relevance of the Contract Administrator’s Certificates under the

Principle Forms of Irish Building Contract. - Arrow, Dublin Institute of Technology.

Cunningham, T. (2014) Contractors’ Claims for Loss and Expense under the Principle

‘Traditional’ Forms of Irish Building Contract Arrow, Dublin Institute of Technology.

Keane D (2001) The RIAI Contracts a Working Guide. Royal Institute of Architects of

Ireland Dublin


Ashworth, A. Hogg, G and Higgs, C. (2013) Willis’ Practice and Procedure for the Quantity

Surveyor 13th Ed. Blackwell Science Oxford

Murdoch, J.R. and Hughes, G (2008) Construction Contracts: Law and Management. 4th ed.

Spon

Version No: Amended By Tony Cunningham

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

117

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

GERM2025 5

Module

Title

German 2 for Engineering and the Built Environment


Module Overview:

This module provides students with the opportunity to expand their level of communicative

competence in German to allow them to communicate in general social situations, both orally

and in writing; to understand and respond simply to basic authentic texts; to develop a deeper

awareness and understanding of the culture of German-speaking countries and to develop

independent language-learning strategies and other key skills.

The module is intended for those who have successfully completed Foundation level German

or have previous knowledge of German of at least an intermediate standard (such as Leaving

Cert of more than one year previously).



1 Conduct basic and more complex transactions in German in a range of everyday

situations, including simple study or work related situations, with reasonable accuracy.

2 Read, interpret and write texts in German in a range of registers.

3 Use an increasing variety of grammatical structures in the target language.

4 Show an awareness of the cultural identity of German-speaking countries.

5 Express basic technical terms in their discipline in German.





Language awareness and language systems in German

Introduction to basic terminology relevant to students’ disciplines




September 2016

118

Communicating in German in the following situations: daily work routines, buying

consumer goods,

travel and transportation, talking about recent and more distant past events, making

comparisons, home life and family; describing purchases; city and country life.


Instruction will be by face-to-face tutorial of three hours per week. Each topic presented will

be followed by a combination of listening, reading and writing exercises specific to the theme.

To reinforce oral expression, role-play will be an integral part of the class. Learning will be

supported by Webcourses and will allow links to authentic material and require active input

from students, both orally and in writing, outside of timetabled class times.


means of self study, individually, in pairs or in small groups, as appropriate to the learning

tasks.

The development of key skills will be facilitated by means of group and pair work, accessing

information via the Internet and other sources and by processing and presenting relevant

information.



36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Written exam

50% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6, 7

Continuous assessment – written and oral assignments

50% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6, 7



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:


Stoughton.



September 2016

119


Burnage, G. et al, (2003) Video plus German: intermediate and advanced comprehension,

London, Arnold.


Lemcke, C. et al (2010) Berliner Platz 2 Neu, Berlin,Langenscheidt.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

120

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

GERM2026 5

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This module provides students with the opportunity to expand their level of communicative

competence in German to allow them to communicate in social, business and university

environments, both orally and in writing; to understand and respond simply to basic and more

complex authentic texts; to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of the culture of

German-speaking countries and to develop independent language-learning strategies and

other key skills.

The module is intended for those who have successfully completed German 2 for Engineering

and Built Environment or similar.



1 Conduct transactions in German in a range of everyday social and student situations

with reasonable accuracy.

2 Read, interpret and write texts in German for social, study and work-related needs.

3 Use an increasing variety of grammatical structures in the target language with

confidence

4 Express an awareness of social etiquette in German-speaking countries.

5 Apply effective communication skills in a German-speaking environment.





Language awareness and language systems in German for student, social and work

environments



Communicating in German in the following situations: giving and accepting invitations;


September 2016

121

personal appearance and clothing; likes and dislikes; making social arrangements; offering

help and advice; talking about past holidays; weather conditions; health and illness;

speaking on the telephone and telephone conventions; finding a job, CV and job

application; describing German-speaking countries and their cultural differences; studying

in German-speaking countries.








means of self-study, individually, in pairs or in small groups, as appropriate to the learning

tasks.

A short group study visit to a German-speaking country will give students the opportunity to

practise their communication skills in an authentic environment and will be reinforced by

structured tasks that will be assessed as part of the continuous assessment component of the

module.



36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Written exam

50% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6, 7


50% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6, 7



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:


Stoughton.


September 2016

122




London, Arnold.


Lemcke, C. et al, (2010) Berliner Platz 2 Neu, Berlin, Langenscheidt.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

123

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CONS3021 5

Module

Title


School Responsible: School of Surveying and Construction Economics

Module Overview:

This module is comprised of two elements. Element 1, Building Services and Element 2.

Structures & Civil Engineering.

Element 1. Building Services (intermediate level). The aim of this element of the module is

for the learner to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of design,

installation and maintenance of building services for domestic, commercial and industrial

buildings. It is aimed at professionals involved in the design, implementation and

management of construction projects other than building service engineers.

Element 2. Structures & Civil Engineering. (intermediate level) This module introduces

the learner to outline structural analysis and design, of building structures and their civil

engineering infrastructure. The learner is required to study this module in order to enhance

his/her knowledge of the construction process and although reference is made to design

throughout the module, the focus of the module is on the construction process. It is intended

for non-engineering students.



1 Critically evaluate the building service options available to satisfy the clients brief /

design criteria with specific regard for the environment and energy conservation.

2 Interpret and apply the appropriate standards, regulations and guidance documents to

the design, installation and maintenance of building services.

3 Identify and explain the function of key components and controls utilised by

different building services.

4 Discuss the need and requirements of service ducts plant rooms and accommodation

for electrical and mechanical services.

5 Appreciate how building structures and their civil engineering infrastructure are

designed and constructed.

6 Perform outline evaluations as to the strength of certain structural elements.

7 Understand and appreciate how soils are classified and tested to establish their

engineering properties.

8 Compare the performance and use of different engineering materials.



Element 1. Building Services.

Hot and Cold water Storage and distribution systems

Above ground drainage systems


September 2016

124

Thermal comfort and space heating

Ventilation and air conditioning

Gas installations

Active fire control and prevention systems

Electrical Installations

Mechanical conveyors

Renewable and sustainable energy systems

Energy economics

Element 2. Structures & Civil Engineering.

Analysis and design of Simple structural elements in Timber, Steel, Masonry,

Reinforced Concrete and Pre-Stressed Concrete

Soils including Classification and Testing

Foundation Design

Slope Stability

Retaining Walls, Sheet Piles and Coffer Dams

Roads, Highways and Bridges

Tunnels and Pipe jacking

Soil Modification




This module utilises a variety of learning and teaching methods including structured lectures,

group discussions, student presentations and group tutorials incorporating problem-solving

exercises. Audio visual aids, including the internet, are used to elaborate on lecture content

and to stimulate class discussion. Teaching by means of two hours of lectures and 1 hour

tutorial per week over one semester.


Building Services (Weekly contact hours: 3; Lecture 2.5, Tutorial 0.5)

Structures and Civil Engineering (Weekly contact hours: 3; Lecture 2.5, Tutorial

0.5)

72




Assessment

Assessment Type

This module is assessed by means of a three hour end-of-semester

examination.

Weighting

(%)

LO

Assessment

(No.)

Element 1 (Building Services) 50% 1-4

Element 2 (Structures & Civil Engineering) 50% 5-8



Regulations

None

(b) Module Assessment Thresholds 40% minimum required to

pass but minimum 35% in

each submission. This


September 2016

125

allows students to

compensate between

submissions.


Essential Reading:

Element 1 Building Services

Fred Hall & Roger Greeno, 2013 Building Services Handbook, 7th edition, Routledge.

David Chadderton 2013 Building Services Engineering 6th edition, Routledge

Hall, F., Building Services and Equipment, Vols 1, 2, 3, Longman.

David Watkins Heating Services in Buildings 2011 John Wily & Sons

Supplemental Reading

Building Regulations, Relevant Technical Guidance Documents, (Current), D.O.E. Govt.

P.O.

Relevant Irish Standards and Codes of Practice, NSAI.

Relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice, BSI

Relevant CIBSE Guides and Knowledge series documents

Element 2 Structures and Civil Engineering Construction

Nageim, Durka, Morgan, Williams, Structural Mechanics, 7th ed, Prentice Hall, 2010

Holmes, Introduction to Civil Engineering Construction, 3rd ed, College of Estate

Management, 1995

Chanakya, Arya, (2009), Design of Structural Elements, E and FN Spon

Gauld, J. B., (1995), Structures for Architects, 3rd edition, Longmans

Version No: Amended By Michael J Gleeson and

Sean McCarthy

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

126

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

ECON3005 5

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This is an intermediate module in construction economics with emphasis on the application

of microeconomic principles to the workings of the construction firm.

The module has particular emphasis on the determinants of construction demand and supply

across all sectors of the industry; factor markets; competition; risk (including risk

management) and free market failure. The role and influence of the government in

influencing the construction industry as well as the international environment are

underscored throughout the module content.


For a 5ECTS module a range of 4-10 LOs is recommended


1 Explain the role and importance of economic analysis to the construction firm

2 Discuss the determinants of demand and supply of construction output across all

sectors within the industry

3 Analyse and discuss past trends and future forecasts of demand and supply of

construction output

4 Explain the market mechanism and price determination process for the factors of

production as they relate to construction

5 Outline and discuss the possible market conditions facing an individual construction

firm and the resulting impact on prices, profit, output and efficiency

6 Evaluate how economic and competitive forces influence firm decision making and

strategy

7 Analyse various types of risks facing a firm and mechanisms by which the risks may

be managed

8 Discuss the role and effectiveness of government intervention in the construction

industry

9 Identify and outline the key causes of free market failure


Demand and supply of construction output: recent trends, future performance, critical

driving forces across all sector

Factors of production for construction: demand, supply, price (including current trends

in prices indices)

Construction market structures: market structure analysis for construction; industry

analysis


September 2016

127

Competitive strategy for construction: generic strategy

Risk and risk management: risk, uncertainty and risk management tools/techniques

Market failure and government intervention

Construction industry review and outlook


Instruction is by means of lectures, tutorials and classroom discussion

Students will have access to class notes and supporting reading material on

WebCourses




36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

End of Semester exam

100% 1-9


(d) Derogations from General Assessment

Regulations

None

(e) Module Assessment Thresholds None

(f) Special Repeat Assessment Arrangements None


DeValence, G (2001) Modern Construction Economics Spon Press, New York

Hillebrandt, Patricia M. (2000) Economic Theory and the Construction Industry 3rd Ed.

Macmillan Press

Myers, Danny (2013) Construction Economics: A New Approach 3rd Ed. Oxon, Routledge

Sloman, J and Jones, E (2014) Essential Economics for Business 4th Ed Pearson


Langford, D.A. and Male, S (2001) Strategic Management in Construction 2nd Ed.

Blackwell Science


Macmillan

Web References:





http://www.cso.ie/



http://www.esri.ie/


September 2016

128



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.scsi.ie/


September 2016

129

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

FINM3000 5

Module

Title


School Responsible: The School of Surveying and Construction Management

Module Overview:

This module focuses on financial analysis and financial decision making. It takes a set of

working capital policy decisions facing companies and shows students how to perform

advanced financial analysis of different policy options. Overall working capital management

decisions as well as cash, stock and credit control decisions are the focus of the financial

analysis.

The module is also concerned with sources of finance both external and internal, but again

the focus is on how financial analysis is applied to policy choices.



1 Perform an analysis of a company’s working capital management using ratios

2 Describe the importance of liquidity and analyse a company’s liquidity position

3 Calculate total stock costs under different stock policies

4 Account for uncertainties in demand and bulk discounts in choosing stock policy

5 Performs a financial analysis of different credit policies

6 Explain how bad debt risks affects credit policies

7 Prepare a detailed cash flow budget for a building contractor

8 Determine signs of a distressed contractor and explain how cash is managed

9 List external sources of finance and analyse rights issues

10 Illustrate how different dividend policies impact company finances


Working capital management and liquidity analysis

Working capital management case study

Stock control and managing stock costs

Credit control, factoring and managing bad debt risk

Cash flow forecasting and managing cash

External sources of finance including factors affecting choice of finance

Rights Issues

Internal sources of finance including dividend policy





September 2016

130


students




36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)


(This exam will constitute a conventional unseen time

constrained test)



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Lecture notes and practice questions documents provided on the course Internet pages.

ACCA F9: Financial Management , Kaplan


Van Horne, Fundamentals of Financial Management, FT Prentice Hall

Harris Andrew “Working capital management: difficult, but rewarding”, Financial Executive

Mastering Financial Management, Clive Marsh, Financial Times Prentice Hall



http://www.scribd.com/doc/25272544/Theory-of-working-capital-management


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes




http://www.scribd.com/doc/25272544/Theory-of-working-capital-management


September 2016

131

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

LAW3029 5

Module

Title

Construction Law 3


Module Overview:

This programme deals with particular legal disputes that frequently arising during the course

of a Construction Contract and which are resolved by the applications of the principles of

law learned in the preceding modules.

The students’ knowledge is used to teach the application of the general principles of the law

of Contract to Construction Contracts in particular. To explain how tortious liability may

arise on a construction contract. To enable the learner to identify those particular situations

commonly encountered during the course of a construction contract which may give rise to

legal liability and to instruct the learner in the wider legal implications of the construction

process.



1 Possess a thorough understanding of the vulnerability of those engaged in

construction contracts to tortious liability.

2 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the results of the practical application of the

academic principles of the Law of Contract to construction contracts.

3 Having successfully completed the third module of this programme the learner will

be able to:-

Critically examine the different elements of the construction process from a legal

standpoint.

4 Display an ability to recognise those situations in professional, commercial and

industrial life, which freely give rise to a common law liability both in contract and

tort.

5 Identify areas of legal complexity -Display self confidence in dealing with legal

issues relevant to the Construction Industry/

6 At the conclusion of the module students should also be able to:

recognise legal issues in a given fact pattern

apply legal rules and principles to the relevant facts

comment upon the likely outcome of the application of law to facts

locate available and relevant sources and materials to assist in the

solution to legal problems.


Approval Certificates

Discharge of Contract


September 2016

132

Incorporation of documents

Letters of Intent and Agreement

Construction Contracts Act

Liquidated damages

Sub-Contracts and Sub-Contractors

Statute of Frauds

The Client's Contractual Obligations

The Construction Contractor and Contracts of Employment

The Construction Contractor and Third Parties

The Construction Contractor and Tortious Liability

Collateral Warranties





students.




48




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Project Work

40% 1-6

Summative examination

60% 1-6



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Wood, D. 1999, Law and the Built Environment, Mcmallian

Adriaanse J., 2005, Construction Contract Law, Palgrave Macmillan


Uff, J, 2005, Construction Law, Thomson Sweet & Maxwell

Canny., J., 2001, Construction and Building Law, Round Hall Limited

Keane, D., 2003, Building and the Law, RIAI Publications


September 2016

133

Patten, B., 2003, Professional Negligence in Construction, Spon Press

Scriven, J., Pritchard, N., Delmon A., 1999, Contractual Guide to Major Construction

Projects, Sweett & Maxwell

Web References

http://irlii.org

http://www.bailii.org

http://www.irishlaw.org

http://www.westlaw.ie

Version No: Amended By Ruairi Hayden

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.irishlaw.org/


September 2016

134

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)

CONS3009 5

Module

Title

Contract Administration


Module Overview:

The basic rationale for this module is to revisit the principal tendering assessment and

contract administration processes, procedures and options adopted traditionally in the Irish

construction industry, as was taught in Year 2 of this programme and to review against an

‘All-Suite’ International Standard Form of Contract such as the NEC3.

This module reviews in more detail the differences between the private and public tendering

arrangements.

This module approaches more from the Contractor’s Project Management position facilitating

an understanding of the various Work Stages within a Contractor’s own project progression

from tendering, project planning and projected cash flows, monitoring progress using cost

reports as well as an introduction to using EVM (Earned Value Management), right through

to project completion.

This module aims to assist students to apply and present rational solutions via ‘industry

simulated tasks’ and standard documentation using the developed scenario’s or including

suitable alternatives to achieve the required objectives.



1 Manage and coordinate team initiatives and tasks.

2 Examine the managerial processes of planning, control and organisation, and

associated techniques, as applied to construction industry simulated tasks.

3 Question the organisational and contractual relationships as well as the procedures,

which prevail and are being developed in the construction industry sector.

4 Identify project management techniques involved in the management of change.

5 Differentiate between the numerous Key performance indicators (KPIs) used in the

management of change processes.

6 Outline the function, form and content of contract documents as well as breakdown

the process involved in planning, formation and administration of construction

contracts.

7 To critically assess the clients brief and to formulate a tendering strategy to enable

the objective assessment of the most suitable contractor for the project.

8 Appraise the legal implications of conditions of building and civil engineering

contracts.

9 Determine framework criteria for effective interim valuations, variations,

fluctuations, final accounts, claims generation and presentation.

10 Setting up and administration of trade subcontract documents.


September 2016

135


The following is approximate breakdown of areas covered within this module:

Post-tender administration:

Evaluation and report on tenders, planning and organisation of contract documentation

Tendering procedures and the planning and organisation of tender documentation

Post Contract administration:

Introduction to the Engineering & Construction Contract

Procuring an Engineering & Construction Contract

Managing an Engineering & Construction Contract

Administration and financial control of the works, information management

Data usage and the use of computers and information technology in project administrative

control

Contract Administration within the Project management Environment:

Project Scope Definition

Work Breakdown Structures

Project Schedules

Procurement Management

Change Management

Performance Monitoring

Earned Value Management


The module is taught via a combination of group problem based learning tasks, self-

directed learning, group presentations, peer and self-assessment. Construction industry

simulated tasks


(Full-time Weekly contact hours 4: Tutorial 4)

(Part-time Weekly contact hours 4: Tutorial 4)

48




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Task 1: Pre-contract tender administration

Break-down of task assessment:

Weekly group administration 30%

Task report 50%

Presentation and Q&A session 20%

Note: there is a heavy emphasis on team work

30% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

& 11.


September 2016

136

Task 2: Post-contract administration

Break-down of task assessment:

Weekly group administration 30%

Task report 50%

Presentation and Q&A session 20%

Note: there is a heavy emphasis on team work

40% 1, 2, 3, 4, 7,

8, 12, 13 &

14



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Liaison Committee (2006) Code of Practice for Tendering & Contractual Matters

R.I.A.I. (latest edition), R.I.A.I. Standard Form of Building Contract- With Quantities

Keane, David, (latest edition), A Working Guide to R.I.A.I. Contracts, R.I.A.I.

Langford & Male, (latest edition), Strategic management in construction, Gower.


Hughes, K. (2016), NEC3 Construction Contracts: 100 Questions & Answers

Rowlinson, M. (2016), Practical Guide to the NEC3 Engineering & Construction Contract;

Wiley Blackwell; (2nd Edition),

Abrahamson, Max, (latest edition), Engineering Law and the ICE.

Levin, G., Ward, J. PMP Exam Practice Test & Study Guide (latest edition),

C.I.O.B, (latest edition), Code of Practice for Project Management for construction and

Development, Longman.

Cooke, B. & Williams, P., (latest edition), Construction planning, programming and control,

McMillan Press.

Lockyer K.G., (latest edition), An introduction to Critical Path Analysis.

Web references and Journals:

www.negotiation.com

www.internetmediator.com

www.pmi.org

www.rics.co.uk

www.cif.com

www.ppp.gov.ie

www.construction.about.com

www.leadersview.com

www.m4i.co.uk

C.Q.S., .Q.S. Weekly, Plan, Build, Building

CIF Journal, Architects Journal.

Civil Engineering Surveyor

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management Journal

Construction Management and Economics Journal

http://www.negotiation.com/

http://www.internetmediator.com/

http://www.pmi.org/

http://www.rics.co.uk/

http://www.cif.com/

http://www.ppp.gov.ie/

http://www.construction.about.com/

http://www.leadersview.com/

http://www.m4i.co.uk/


September 2016

137

Version No: Amended By Richard O’Carroll

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

138

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CEST3000 5

Module

Title

Measurement and Costing 3A


Module Overview:

Construction economists requires a sound knowledge of the quantitative skills of

measurement. This module develops the students' previous knowledge of measurement and

the preparation of bills of quantities. This module introduces the student to civil engineering

measurement. Students will be introduced to methods of measurement relating to civil

engineering projects such as CESMM4 and guided through these documents with appropriate

examples. This module reinforces the important role information technology plays in the

Quantity Surveying Profession, and introduces students to new computerised quantification

software.



1 Possess the ability to measure architectural and structural elements of commercial and

industrial buildings.

2 Apply the rules of standards methods of measurement in the production of civil

engineering quantities.

3 Attain a proficiency in Construction Cost Informatics in the production of tender

documents.

4 Prepare cost estimates for selected elements of civil engineering work.

5 Apply the rules of standards methods of measurement in the production of civil

engineering quantities.


The preparation of Bills of Quantities; preliminaries, preambles, contingencies, dayworks,

insurances, BQ summaries, VAT, forms of tender, alternative taking off systems and BQ

types for civil engineering projects.

Civil Engineering topics will focus on CESMM4 as a method of measurement. Topics

covered will include, but not limited to: Excavation & Filling, Concrete Works, Drainage,

Watermains, and Piling.

Construction cost infomatics, including, but not limited to: Buildsoft, Cubit ,,and BIM.

Estimating and tendering, build up of unit rates for civil engineering works.


Instruction is by means of structured lectures, group work, project work and tutorials.

Lectures will provide an introduction to the key topics of the module and these will be

supported by IT laboratory work.

Total Teaching Contact Hours 48


September 2016

139






Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Coursework 50% 1-5

Summative exam 50% 1-5



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:



The Institution of Civil Engineers, (2014), CESMM4, Civil Engineering Standard Method of

Measurement, 4th edition, Thomas Telford, London



Willis, A.J., Specification Writing for Architects and Surveyors (11th Edition)

Packer, A.D., (1996), Building Measurement, Longman.

Wheeler, R.J. & Clark, A.V., Building Quantities, Worked Examples, Newnes


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

140

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CEST3001 5

Module

Title

Measurement and Costing 3B


Module Overview:

Construction economics requires a sound knowledge of the quantitative skills of

measurement. This module develops the students' previous knowledge of measurement and

the preparation of bills of quantities. Students will be introduced to methods of measurement

relating to mechanical and electrical measurement and the procurement process surrounding

building services in domestic and commercial building projects. This module reinforces the

important role information technology plays in the Quantity Surveying Profession, and

introduces students to new computerised quantification software.



1 Measure elements of mechanical and electrical services in buildings.

2 Measure architectural and structural elements associated with mechanical and

electrical services in buildings.

3 Attain a proficiency in Construction Cost Informatics for the production of tender

documents for M&E works.

4 Apply the rules of standards methods of measurement in the production of M&E

quantities.

5 Prepare cost estimates for selected elements of M&E work.


The preparation of Bills of Quantities; preliminaries, preambles, contingencies, dayworks,

insurances, BQ summaries, VAT, forms of tender, alternative taking off systems and BQ

types for M&E projects.

Building topics will include various elements on both domestic and non domestic buildings,

developing the students competencies in these areas, with a particular emphasis on

computerised measurement and associated software.

Mechanical & Electrical topics will introduce the student to measurement of building

services. Topics on this area will include hot and cold water supply, waste disposal, heating

systems, electrical distribution, Mains / Submains, and cabling

Students will also look at works to existing structures including renovation and demolitions.

Construction cost infomatics, including, but not limited to: Buildsoft, Costex,,and BIM.

Estimating and tendering, build up of unit rates.


September 2016

141


Instruction is by means of structured lectures, group work, project work and tutorials.

Lectures will provide an introduction to the key topics of the module and these will be

supported by IT laboratory work.




48




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Coursework 50% 1-5

Summative exam 50% 1-5



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:


Surveyor, 12th edition, Society of Chartered Surveyors/ Construction Industry Federation

(2003), ARM 4 Agreed Rules of Measurement (4rd edit.).

Hore A.V., O’Kelly M & Scully R, (2009), Seeley and Winfield’s Building Quantities


Murray,G.P., (1997), Measurement of Building Services, Macmillan Press Ltd.


Willis, A.J., Specification Writing for Architects and Surveyors (11th Edition)

Packer, A.D., (1996), Building Measurement, Longman.


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

142

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

GERM3010 5

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This module prepares students linguistically and culturally for an Erasmus student exchange

or work placement in a German-speaking country. Students will expand their level of

communicative competence in German sufficiently to allow them to communicate effectively

while living for an extended period in a German-speaking country. They will continue to

develop and practise independent language-learning strategies.

The module is intended for those who have successfully completed German 3 for Engineering

and Built Environment or similar.



1 Conduct transactions in German in a range of everyday social, student and workplace

situations with increasing accuracy.

2 Read, interpret and write texts in German for social, study and work-related needs.

3 Use an increasing variety of grammatical structures in the target language with

confidence.

4 Deal competently with administrative requirements for living and studying or working

in German-speaking countries.


6 Display a level of proficiency that equates to level B1.1 of the Common European



Language awareness and language systems in German for student, social and work

environments



Communicating in German in the following situations: in shops and restaurants; finding


September 2016

143

accommodation; public transport; sport and leisure activities; offices and banks; illness,

hospital and medical emergencies; speaking on the telephone and telephone conventions;

media and current affairs; form filling; letter writing; dealing with figures and concepts;

media and current affairs; living and working in German-speaking countries.








means of self-study, individually, in pairs or in small groups, as appropriate to the learning

tasks.

Students will develop the means to measure and evaluate their own learning and language

skills in a Language Portfolio in preparation for their language learning experience in

Semester 6 in a German-speaking country.



36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Written exam

50% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6


50% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Lemcke, C. et al, (2010) Berliner Platz 2 Neu, Berlin, Langenscheidt.


September 2016

144

Kaufmann, S. et al. (2011) Berliner Platz 3 Neu, Berlin, Langenscheidt.




London, Arnold.




Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

145

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

WKPL3005 30

Module

Title

Work Placement

School Responsible: Surveying and construction management.

Module Overview:

This module covers the Industrial placement element of the programme and is designed to

ensure transfer of classroom learning to the work place while developing further skills and

competence through work as a practitioner in the field of construction. The overall aim of the

module is to provide the student with industry experience and to consolidate the theoretical

content from the modules covered on the programme for students who wish to develop the

skills, knowledge and competence required to perform as professionals in quantity surveying

roles in the construction industry.



1 Show a strong understanding of how construction industry operates;

2 Analyse and evaluate worked based problems;

3 Justify actions taken on decisions made during work placement;

4 Demonstrate an ability to meet deadlines set for monthly reports, visits, and

presentations

5 Show a strong understanding of the role of the quantity surveyor within the construction

industry.

6 Ability to carry out quantity surveying related tasks in the workplace, at an entry

level.

7 Show evidence of achieving level2 on certain competencies within the SCSI

framework for the apc.

8 Have recorded 4 months work experience out of the total of 24months required by the

SCSI necessary for graduate route 1 on the apc.


Students will attend a briefing session prior to commencing the module. At this session,

students will be given details of what is expected of them during the work placement period,

the supports that are available and the timescales that they must work to. On commencing the


September 2016

146

actual placement, the student will be monitored by a supervising Lecturer who will arrange

one industrial placement visit, or meeting through skype to review and assess the monthly

reports sent back to DIT by the student, review students weekly work diary and explain the

purpose of the employers report. Students will be required to make a final presentation on the

knowledge and skills gained while engaging with the process and their general experience of

work placement to their peers, lecturing staff and students who are at an earlier stage in the

programme and will be embarking on work placement in the near future.


The Module employs a number of teaching and learning methods:

Briefing session: will provide an introduction to the key topics of the module which will be

supported by structured group discussion.

Independent study: Students will be responsible for engaging in independent reading in

order to consolidate and expand on the material covered in lectures and workshops.





Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment (see separate Work Placement

Handbook0

100% 1,2,3,4,5,6,



Regulations

This module is a pass/fail

result only.



Essential Reading:




Procedures








September 2016

147


Butterworth.


New York Spon




Publishing.





England: Macmillan.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

148

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

WKPL3006 30

Module

Title

Work Placement in a German-speaking environment

School Responsible: Surveying and Construction Management.

Module Overview:

This module covers the Industrial placement element of the programme and is designed to


competence, including German language skills, through work as a practitioner in the field of

construction. The overall aim of the module is to provide the student with industry experience

in a German-speaking environment and to consolidate the theoretical content from the

modules covered on the programme for students who wish to develop the skills, knowledge

and competence required to perform as professionals in quantity surveying roles in the

construction industry in Ireland or abroad.

Half of the credits gained on this module (15) will be based on the level of competence

attained by students in both written and oral German by the end of the placement abroad.


On completion of this module, the learner will be able to

1 Show an understanding of how the construction industry operates in the German-

speaking world;




presentations;

5 Show an understanding of the role of the quantity surveyor within the construction

industry in a German-speaking country;

6 Demonstrate an ability to carry out quantity surveying related tasks in the workplace,

at an entry level.

7 Demonstrate a level of proficiency in German that equates to level B2 of the

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR);

8 Have recorded 4 months work experience out of the total of 24months required by the

SCSI necessary for graduate route 1 on the apc.


September 2016

149


Students will attend a briefing session prior to commencing the module. At this session,

students will be given details of what is expected of them during the work placement period

abroad, the supports that are available and the timescales that they must work to. On

commencing the actual placement, the student will be monitored by a supervising Lecturer

who will arrange one industrial placement visit, or meeting through Skype, to review and

assess the monthly reports sent back to DIT by the student, review students’ weekly work

diary and explain the purpose of the employer’s report. Students will be required to make a

final presentation, in German and English, on the knowledge and skills gained while engaging

with the process and their general experience of work placement to their peers, lecturing staff

and students who are at an earlier stage in the programme and will be embarking on work

placement in the near future.







Simultaneously, students will be expected to apply independent study skills to maintain

and improve their German language skills in the areas of listening, reading, writing and

speaking.





Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment, see attached documentation for

full scope of reports required by student as detailed in

student handbook.

100% 1-8



Regulations


result only.



Essential Reading:

DT111 Student Handbook on Work Placement in a German-speaking environment


September 2016

150




Surveyor, 12th edition, Blackwell Science.


Butterworth.

Collins German Dictionary and Grammar (2010), London, HarperCollins.


New York Spon


Procedures

Hore A.V., O’Kelly M & Scully R, (2010), Seeley and Winfield’s Building Quantities



Publishing.






Stocker, P. (2010) Wort für Wort: New Advanced German Vocabulary, 5th ed, London,

Hodder Education.


Measurement, 3rd edition, Thomas Telford, London.


England: Macmillan.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

151

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

COFI4000 5

Module

Title

Commercial Management


Module Overview:

Commercial management is a relatively new professional area, which has developed out of

the professional role of the contractor’s quantity surveyor, whose role is widening and needs

new skills. The Contractor’s Quantity Surveyor is responsible for all legal and commercial

matters within the contracting organisations. In fact their commercial learning has meant

that in many organisations they are now termed Commercial Managers rather than Quantity

Surveyors. Construction Surveyors often work for the contractor, assessing the value of the

work to be done, and monitoring and managing those costs as the project progresses. This

module is best suited for construction professionals who are schooled and experienced in the

more traditional roles of the construction professions, but who recognise their need to

develop new skills, which are invaluable in the strategic role of construction businesses, and

the optimisation of the financial performance of organisations



1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of financial management

of construction projects as a part of corporate business management

2 Understand the commercial environment that contracting organisations operate

within, and demonstrate how as commercial managers one can contribute to the

profitability of a construction organisation

3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of procurement of

construction work from a contractors viewpoint.

4 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of subcontractor management, both

financially and contractually.

5 Understand the various methods of dispute resolution techniques available to

contractors when a contractual dispute arises

6 Gain an understanding of new directions within contracting: Future of contracting;

diversification, supply chain management, new business opportunities, partnering and

alliances, socially responsible contracting, building information modelling

7 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of soft skills surrounding the role of the

commercial manager such as communications, negotiation and professionalism.


Cash flows, budgets and payment control.

Subcontract procurement: Alternative strategies, subcontract, allocation of risk and

responsibilities

Interim payments: calculating stage payments, valuation of variations, dayworks, increased

costs, loss and/or expense.


September 2016

152

Cost Reporting: value and cost, company procedures, cost and value reconciliation

Final accounts: preparation and negotiation of final accounts, financial claims, negotiation of

subcontract accounts

Management of construction organisations: Strategic planning, managing people, industrial

relations, health and safety, and quality assurance.

Financing business units: managing a corporate business, business acquisition, corporate

responsibility

New Directions: Future of contracting; diversification, supply chain management, new

business opportunities, partnering and alliances, socially responsible contracting.





content and stimulate discussion.




48



This module is delivered over one semester. The two hour class will cover material based on

the syllabus above. The tutorials will run concurrently with the project giving the student

continuous feedback on completed tasks.

Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Examination 50% 1,2,4,5,6

Module project – Each student will undertake a

commercial management project based on practical

subject matter covered in class. Each student will be

presented with a priced biil of quantities and associated

drawings and will be tasked with procuring

subcontractors, completing interim valuations and final

account based on a set of criteria.

50% 1,2,3,4,7



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Potts ,K., and Ankrah, N.,(2013), Construction Cost Management – Learning from case


September 2016

153

studies, Routledge.

Towey, D.,(2012), Construction Quantity Surveying: A practical guide for the contractors

QS, Wiley-Blackwell

Walker, I. and Wilkie, B., (2002), Commercial Management in Construction, Blackwell

Science




Cain, C.T., (2004), Profitable Partnering for Lean Construction, 1st edition, Blackwell

Publishing

Fellows, R., Langford, D., Newcombe, R., Sydney, U., (2002), Construction Management in

Practice, 2nd edition, Blackwell Science

Fryer, B., (2004), The Practice of Construction Management, People and Business

Performance, 4th edition, Blackwell Publishing

Lowe, D and Fenn, P., (2007), Commercial Management, Theory and Practice, Oxford,

Blackwell Publishing

Lowe, D. and Leringer, R., (2006), Commercial Management of Projects – Defining the

Discipline, Oxford, Blackwell Publishing

McGeorge, D. and Palmer, A., (2002), Construction Management: New Directions, 2nd

edition, Blackwell Publishing


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

154

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

ECON4003 5

Module

Title



Module Overview:

The module is an advanced course in construction economics, with emphasis placed on the

operation of the construction firm with a changing, global environment.

The module covers a diverse range of economic issues facing the construction sector from

market failure and the consequent focus on sustainable development, resource efficiency and

productivity as well as urban land use. International business economics is an important

component of the module and is examined in the context of international tender prices as

well as the internationalisation of Irish construction firms.




1 Examine the importance of economic analysis to a firm operating within the

construction industry

2 Outline and discuss the causes and consequences of market failure in construction

3 Critically outline and discuss the importance of sustainable development and the role

of the construction industry in this regard.

4 Analyse and discuss the contribution of the construction industry in Ireland to the

attainment of macroeconomic objectives

5 Outline and discuss the importance of the global economy to the construction

industry in Ireland

6 Discuss urban land use and related policy

7 Undertake a comprehensive analysis of government policy pertaining to the

construction sector


Market failure and environmental economics

Sustainability and sustainable development

Labour market and productivity in construction

Construction price indices: trends and analysis

Urban land use

International construction markets: trends, analysis and opportunities abroad for

construction firms

Government policy development and effectiveness in the construction industry

Construction industry review and outlook


September 2016

155


Instruction is by means of lectures and classroom discussion.

A series of guest lectures will be provided where practicable



(Part-time Weekly contact hours 1: Lecture 2)

36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Examination 100% 1-7



Regulations

None




Myers, Danny (2013) Construction Economics: A New Approach 3rd Ed. Oxon: Routledge

Sloman, J and Jones, E (2014) Essential Economics for Business 4th Ed Pearson


Balchin, P.N., Isacc, D., Chen, J (2000) Urban Economics: A Global Perspective

Basingstoke:Palgrave

Begg, David and Ward, Damian (2009) Economics for Business 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill

Higher Education

Bowers, John (1997) Sustainability and Environmental Economics: An Alternative Text,

England: Pearson Education


Macmillan

Web References:






http://www.cso.ie/



http://www.esri.ie/

http://www.scsi.ie/


September 2016

156


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

157

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CEST4000 10

Module

Title



Module Overview:

The structure of this module is based around a combination of behavioural and technical

skill-sets used by construction cost professionals to meet client requirements within the

industry. Measurement and cost estimating is at the core of these skill-sets, where the

module will develop the learners ability to measure and price design information during the

cost planning process through to tender documentation and bill of quantities production. The

module will develop the learner’s ability to apply their understanding of measurement and

cost estimating by leveraging Building Information Modelling (BIM) to control the cost and

value of a building project. This module will also focus on emerging services within the

quantity surveying profession which emphasises whole life appraisal of the building and a

shift from cost to value. The module elements will comprise of but are not limited to the

indicative syllabus below.



1 Show an understanding of the main factors that affect design economics over the

whole life of a building including how effective cost planning assists in the financial

control of projects.

3 Apply knowledge of measurement and costing to the cost management of design

development on a project from feasibility to design completion.

4 Apply knowledge to the quantification and costing of construction works, including

the use of appropriate standard methods of measurement and forms of cost analysis.

Carrying out measurement and costing of works at all stages of the construction

process.

5 Leverage building information modelling to post-process quantity take-off in the

production of cost reports

6 Demonstrate knowledge of emerging services within the industry that focus on a

shift from cost to value, enhanced through the use of innovative technology, risk and

value management, life cycle costing, life cycle analysis and lean construction.

7 Practice an ability to communicate effectively within the design team, with reference

to project documentation, including standard cost forms, sources of specialist

information and IT systems.


Economics of Shape & Design

Client and the Development Process

Preliminary Estimating & Cost Planning

Approximate Quantities & Estimating

Cost Data, Cost Analysis & Indices


September 2016

158

Sustainability in Construction

Building Information Modelling

Integrated Project Delivery

Cash Flow Forecasting

Life Cycle Costing and Life Cycle Analysis

Value & Risk Management

Lean Construction


Instruction is by means of lectures and tutorials. Audio visual aids are used by the tutor

mainly to elaborate on lecture content and to stimulate discussion. The lecture programme

will seek to introduce the theories and concepts of the subject matter and prepare the

students for weekly tutorials. The tutorials will enable the student to carry out work based

scenarios and apply their learning leveraging current technologies.



(Part-time Weekly contact hours: 4; Lecture 2, Laboratory 2)

96




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

An individual or group project based on a task which

simulates a work situation. The student will be required

to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the

techniques taught in the semester and be able to apply

these techniques in the practical scenarios.

60% 3,4,5,7

Summative examination 40% 1,3,4,6



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Agreed Rules of Measurement 4. (2009). Society of Charterd Surveyors Ireland.

Ashworth, A., Hogg, K., & Higgs, C. (2013). Willis's Practice and Procedure of the Quantity

Surveyor (13th ed.). West Sussex, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons.

Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sachs, R., & Liston, K. (2011). BIM handbook : A Guide to

Building Information Modelling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and

Contractors (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.


Procedures.

Kehily, D. (2012). Guide to Life Cycle Costing (pp. 1-23). Dublin: Scociety of Chartered

Surveyors Ireland.


September 2016

159

Kirkham, R. J. (2012). Ferry and Brandon's Cost Planning of Buildings (8th ed.). Oxford:

United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing.

RICS. (2012). New Rules of Measurement 1 - Order of Cost Estimating and Cost Planning for

Capital Building Works (2nd ed.). Coventry; United Kingdom: RICS.

RICS. (2012). New Rules of Measurement 2 – Detailed Measurement for Capital Building

Works (1st ed.). Coventry; United Kingdom: RICS.

RICS. (2014). New Rules of Measurement 3 - Order of Cost Estimating and Cost Planning for

Maintenance Works. Coventry; United Kingdom: RICS.

RICS. (2015). LCC: RICS Guidance Note . Coventry; United Kingdom: RICS.

Seeley, I.H., (1996), Building Economics, 4th Edition, Macmillan.


BSI. (2013b). PAS 1192-2: 2013 Specification for information management for the

capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling.

London; United Kingdom: BSI.

BSI/BCIS. (2008). Standardized method of life cycle costing for construction procurement,

A supplement to BS EN ISO 15686-5 Building and constructed asset – Service life

planning; Part 5 – Life Cycle Costing.

BS-ISO. (2008). BS EN 15686-5:2008 Building and constructed asset – Service life planning;

Part 5 – Life cycle costing. London: BSI.

Churcher, D. (2008). A BSRIA Guide: Whole-Life Cycle Costing Analysis (BSRIA B6

5/2008). Berkshire; United Kingdom: BSRIA.

CostX. (2012). Advanced Training Exercise BIM and 3D Measurement (pp. 1-123).

Australia.

Kirkham, R. J. (2005), Re-engineering the whole life cycle costing process. Construction

Management and Economics, 23(1), 6.

Kishk, M., Al-Hajj, A., Pollock, R., Aouad, G., Bakis, N., & Sun, M. (2003). Whole Life

Costing in Construction: A state of the art review. Coventry; London: RICS.

OGC. (2007). Whole-life costing and cost management Acheiving Excellence in Construction

Procurement Guide (pp. 1-24). London: Office of Government

Underwood, J., & Isikdag, U. (2011). Emerging Technologies for BIM 2.0. Construction

Innovation Journal, 11(3), 252-258.

Wu, S., Ginige, K., Wood, G., & Jong, S. W. (2014). How Can Building Information

Modelling (BIM) Support the New Rules of Measurement 1. London; United

Kingdom: RICS.

Web references, journals, and other:

http://www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie

http://www.cita.ie

http://www.ciria.org.uk/

http://www.buildingsmart.org/

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/

http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/

http://rics.org.uk

http://www.bcis.co.uk

http://www.sponpress.com/pricebooks/

http://www.aecom.ie/

http://www.bruceshaw.com/index.php

http://rsmeans.reedconstructiondata.com/

http://www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie/

http://www.cita.ie/

http://www.ciria.org.uk/

http://www.buildingsmart.org/

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/

http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/

http://rics.org.uk/

http://www.bcis.co.uk/

http://www.sponpress.com/pricebooks/

http://www.aecom.ie/

http://www.bruceshaw.com/index.php

http://rsmeans.reedconstructiondata.com/


September 2016

160

Version No: Amended By Dermot Kehily

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

161

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

CONS3022 10

Module

Title

Development Project


Module Overview:

In this ‘open-book’ module, students undertake ‘a real life’ Development Project that

introduces them to the various roles that Quantity Surveyors (Q.S.) may play in the property

development process. It will facilitate the familiarisation of the role played by other agents

such as architects, engineers, planners, etc and the inter-action expected of a Q.S. in the

property development process.

The module is aimed at Q.S. students who up until now have developed a familiarisation

with the various agents involved in the development process in isolation. This project will

now bring that knowledge together in a holistic development project format and will be

undertaken in groups to simulate a ‘real-life’ project scenario. Team work is a key aspect of

this module. Hence, the PBL nature of this module is designed to enhance team building,

communication and problem solving skills required of a Q.S. carrying out development

work.



1 Critically appraise the property development cycle process from project

inception/brief, design and costing, construction to completion.

2 Critically appraise the role played by financial institutions in the property

development process and how they as Q.S. graduates support this role.

3 Appraise a site from a planning and economic feasibility perspective.

4 Know how to project manage the complete property development process and team.

5 Develop a property development portfolio to facilitate bank lending to complete the

project.

6 Assess and manage the various risks (i.e. feasibility, financial, sensitivity analysis,

etc) involved in the complete property development process.

7 Assess the various roles and responsibilities that a Q.S. can get involved in

throughout the development process.

8 Develop a marketing strategy for the development portfolio.

9 Assess the macro economic climate that may impact on the property development

process

10 Manage and coordinate team initiatives and tasks.


Macro-economic appraisal in relation to the property development market

Property investment appraisal

Site availability search, zonings and selection

Development possibilities appraisal / briefing process

Planning permissions and fire certification


September 2016

162

Economic analysis / finance / acceptability of proposals / residual valuations

Design and procurement methods / construction / project management

Approximately Bills of Quantities, cash-flows, programmes

Marketing strategies


open-book ‘team’ PBL approach was the preferred approach to maximise student learning.

Team selection is by professional methods.

Students are given outlines of different scenarios in property investment / property

development. Each team assigns weekly duties and actions to each of its members; member’s

discoveries are circulated and discussed at their weekly meetings. Lecturers facilitate with

instruction on readings, media reports, project work, and role-playing (setting agendas,

chairing meetings, minute taking and problem-solving exercises and correspondence). The

focus is the development of the student’s oral and literary skills. Each team make a series of

oral and written presentations on this module.



(Part-time Weekly contact hours 2: Lecture 1, Tutorial 1)

96



The module is delivered over one academic year.

Assessment

Assessment Type Weighting (%) LO Assessment

(No.)

4 No. Project reports (worth 50% in total, see make-

up)

Task 1: Investment appraisal

Task 2: Team Building task

Task 3: Development appraisal

Task 4: Completed development assessment

Make-up

10%

20%

30%

40%

3, 9 & 10

10

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

&10

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

&10

4 No. Presentations (worth 20% in total, see make-

up)

Task 1: Investment appraisal

Task 2: Team building task

Task 3: Development appraisal

Task 4: Completed development assessment

Make-up

10%

20%

30%

40%

3, 9 & 10

10

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

&10

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

&10

Two semesters of Weekly meetings (worth 30% in

total)

30%

10

Essential Reading:

Millington, A.F., Property Development, Estates Gazette

Isaac, D., (latest version), Property Development: Appraisal and Finance, Macmillan

Jennings AR, (latest version), Accounting and Finance for Building and surveying, Macmillan

Isaac David, Steley Terry, (latest version), Property valuation techniques, Macmillan


September 2016

163

Cadman, D. and Crowe L.A., (latest version), Property Development, Spons

Planning & Development Regulations (latest version); Publ. Stationary Office, Dublin


Hutchinson, K., (latest version), , Building Project Appraisal, Macmillan

Rougvie, A., (latest version), Project Evaluation and Development, Mitchell, London.

Clauretie Terrence Sirmans Stacy M. G., (latest version), Real estate finance: theory and

practice, Imprint Mason, Ohio: South-Western/Thomson Learning,

Isaac David, (latest version), Property Finance. Basingstoke: Pal grave Macmillan

Isaac David, (latest version), Commercial property lending: an inaugural lecture delivered at

the University of Greenwich, Imprint London: Greenwich University Press

Bruce-Radcliffe Godfrey, (latest version), Practical property development and finance, FT

Law & Tax

Darlow Clive, Morley Stuart, Bruce-Radcliffe Godfrey and Boff John. (latest version),

Property development partnerships

Collier Nathan S., Collier Courtland A., Halperin Don A, (latest version), Construction

funding: the process of real estate development, appraisal, and finance, Imprint New York:

Wiley.

Web references, journals and other:

Journals

Property Valuer

Estates Gazette

Journal of Property Investment & Finance [electronic resource].

Journal of Property Finance [electronic resource]. Business and Finance magazine

Sunday Business post

Irish Times, business section

Irish Independent, business section

Websites:

National Development Plan: www.ndp.ie/

Construction Industry Federation (CIF): http://www.cif.ie

Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland: http://www.scs.ie

Portal for access to various newspapers: http://www.thepost.ie/minisites/newspapers/index.jsp

A service for students and educators on business and economics related subjects:


The Biz/ed / Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) Virtual Economy:

http://www.bized.ac.uk/virtual/economy/

Irish Finance and business portal: http://www.finfacts.com/

Department of Finance website: http://www.gov.ie/finance/

DIT Library: http://www.dit.ie/library/index.html

Construction Find it Ireland: http://www.finditireland.com/irish-business/construction.html

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local government: http://www.environ.ie

Version No: Amended By Nicholas Ingle

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.ndp.ie/

http://www.cif.ie/

http://www.scs.ie/

http://www.thepost.ie/minisites/newspapers/index.jsp




http://www.finfacts.com/

http://www.gov.ie/finance/

http://www.gov.ie/finance/

http://www.dit.ie/library/index.html

http://www.finditireland.com/irish-business/construction.html



September 2016

164

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

STMG4011 5

Module

Title

Strategic Management and Ethics


Module Overview:

This module examines theory and practice of strategic management in construction and

property firms, including the role and importance of business ethics. Particular emphasis is

placed on strategic decision making and ethics within professional service firms.

While the module relates to the property and construction in particular, it has potential

widespread application across any industry sector.



1 Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts of strategic management:

Planning, organising, leading and controlling .

2 Outline and discuss the importance of organisation culture.

3 Critically evaluate the key considerations in the strategic management of property

and construction firms.

4 Analyse and discuss the key considerations in strategy formulation and

implementation

5 Understand the nature of business ethics in a global setting.

6 Analyse the issues pertaining to ethics in decision making within property and

construction firms in Ireland (including the role of professional bodies in this

regard).

7 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of corporate social responsibility in a

global environment.


Strategic management theory and practice: planning, organising, leading and

controlling

Organisation culture, vision, mission and objectives

Generic strategy: corporate and business level strategy.

Strategic planning: formulation and implementation.

Client relationship management (CRM) for property and construction firms

Business Ethics: changing nature of business ethics; globalisation; ethics and IT;

whistleblowing;

Corporate social responsibility


The methods will vary according to the nature of the subject area but will include a

combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case study analysis and classroom discussion.


September 2016

165

Students will have access to WebCourses where additional reading and reference materials

will be made available.




36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous Assessment 50% 3,4,5,7

Summative examination 50% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Maister, David ( 2003) Managing the Professional Service Firm London: Simon and

Schuster

Velasquez, Manuel G. (2012) Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases Harlow: Pearson

White, Colin (2004) Strategic Management New York:Palgrave Macmillan


Grönroos, Christian (2007) Service Management and Marketing; Customer Management in

Service Competition 3rd Ed. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hrebiniak, Lawrence (2013) Making Strategy Work: Leading Effective Execution of Change

2nd Ed. Essex: Prentice Hall

Johnson, Gerry ; Whittington, Richard and Scholes, Kevan (2011) Exploring Strategy: Text

and Cases 9th Ed., Essex: Prentice Hall

Løwendahl, Bente R. Strategic Management of Professional Service Firms 3rd Ed.

Copenhagen Business School

McCabe, S., (2010), Corporate Strategy in Construction, Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell.

Tiernan, Siobhan; Morley, Michael J. and Foley, Edel (2013) Modern Management 4th Ed.

Dublin: Gill and Macmillan

Website References:

Ethics Resource Centre www.ethics.org

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors www.rics.org


http://www.ethics.org/

http://www.rics.org/

http://www.scsi.ie/


September 2016

166


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

167

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

COMM4000 5

Module

Title

Conflict Avoidance and Dispute Resolution


Module Overview:

This module provides an overview of the surveyor’s involvement in the avoidance,

management and resolution of disputes in construction projects. The module raises the

students’ awareness of the various processes and techniques commonly used in industry.



1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various techniques of conflict

avoidance procedures.

2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various techniques of conflict

management.

3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various dispute resolution

procedures.

4 Examine dispute scenarios and prepare claim and rebuttal documentation.

5 Investigate disputed issues and recommend courses of remedy.


Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures and techniques in the construction

industry.

Benefits of ADR

Conciliation in construction

Mediation in construction

Arbitration in construction

Adjudication in construction

Award writing

Construction Contracts Act 2013

Arbitration Act 2010






36




Assessment


September 2016

168


Assessment

(No.)

Continual assessment 100% 1-5



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

RICS Professional guidance, UK: Conflict avoidance and dispute resolution in construction:

RICS Books, 2012

Construction Industry Council, Dispute Resolution: a report which identifies the disputes that

arise in the construction industry, Construction Industry Council, 1994.

Mediation in the Construction Industry, An International Review. Routledge, 2010.

Murdoch, J.R., Construction Contracts: Law and Management, Taylor & Francis, 2008.

Hutchinson, G. Brian. Arbitration and ADR in Construction Disputes, Roundhall, 2010.

Stewart, E. Arbitration: Commentary and Sources, First Law, 2003.


American Society of Civil Engineers, Journal of legal affairs and dispute resolution in

engineering and construction, Reston, VA. 2009-

Consultation paper: Alternative dispute resolution: LRC CP50-2008, Law Reform

Commission, 2008.

Anderson, Richard N.M., A practical guide to adjudication in construction matters, Sweet &

Maxwell, 2000.

Web References:

www.scsi.ie

www.cif.ie

www.rics.org

www.ciarb.org.uk

www.irishstatutebook.ie


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://library.dit.ie/search~S0?/Xdispute+resolution&SORT=DZ/Xdispute+resolution&SORT=DZ&extended=0&SUBKEY=dispute+resolution/1%2C87%2C87%2CB/frameset&FF=Xdispute+resolution&SORT=DZ&9%2C9%2C

http://www.scsi.ie/

http://www.cif.ie/


http://www.ciarb.org.uk/

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/


September 2016

169

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

PRJM4000 5

Module

Title

Project Management


Module Overview:

Project management skills are now an integral element of a company’s management

competencies. In this era of constant change, project management techniques are seen as

being of critical importance in ensuring best practice by attaining results which address the

need for projects to be delivered to a high degree of quality, scope and moreover for projects

to be completed within budget and schedule.

This module initially provides the student with an understanding of the knowledge / assets

required to plan for change and continue to educate the student in the techniques and methods

of successful project planning, implementation, hand-over and evaluation. It is an

introductory module based around a combination of behavioural skills and specific technical

skill-sets that QS students will require to manage projects.



1 Develop a project plan.

2 Identify and define a project’s scope and develop a projects scoping document.

3 Outline the implementation of key performance indicators of the project plan.

4 Apply the various techniques for estimating project duration and schedules.

5 Develop the relevant techniques for monitoring and controlling project schedules.

6 Appraise the necessary communication and leadership skills required in the running

of a project.

7 Assess and develop appropriate risk management frameworks.

8 Evaluate appropriate quality assurance requirements for projects.


Introduction to Project Management

Essential Project Manager Requirements

Project Management from a client’s perspective

Project Planning

Project Costing

Leadership, communication, individual and team issues for projects

Project management organisational structures and standards

Project risk management.

Note: Due to the nature of this module (i.e. a Project based learning one), these area’s of

research maybe expanded upon by the lecturer or students or they may pick up on other

initiatives in the project management sector that might have a bearing on the task in hand.

Students may even bring other industry sector best practice to bear in solving the case studies


September 2016

170

/ assignments. It is only by allowing this self-discovery to happen that students will truly

learn.


The majority of the teaching will be undertaken through classroom based lecturers, talks;

individual or group project based learning discussions / meetings and presentations;

however there is a strong practical element to the module in the form of simulated case

studies / assignments. Students will also be expected to develop their own self-directed

learning techniques and bring these to bear in the project based learning aspect of the

programme. There will also be a strong emphasis on peer learning.

Total Teaching Contact


36




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Main task

Presentation and Q & A session

Note: Development of a project plan, scoping document,

project charter and network schedule.

(Individual or group, lecture to decide depending upon

class size

40%

10%

1,2,3,4 & 5

Individual task 1


Note: This task will look at appropriate communications

and leadership strategies within the management of

construction projects.

20%

5%

6

Individual task 2


Note: This task with look at risk management in

construction projects in addition to the relevant quality

assurance requirements necessary to management that

project.

20%

5%

7 & 8

Note: The tasks will involve students preparing formal individual or group (lecturer to

decide) reports on a continuous basis throughout the semester. These reports will address

the issues briefing issues outlined in the project briefs. The students will be required to

provide weekly updates based around the tasks. Presentations will be based around the

tasks and will include Q&A sessions.

Note: DIT policy for late submission of tasks /project work applies to this module.

Note: There is no end of session exam in this module. Due to the extent and nature of

continuous assessment task work and possible group work in this module, if a student fails

they must repeat the module.


(a) Derogations from General Assessment None


September 2016

171

Regulations



Essential Reading:

Meredith J. & Mantel S., (latest edition), Project Management, a managerial approach.

Wiley


C.I.O.B. (latest edition), Code of practice for project management for construction and

development, Longman.

Cooke, B. & Williams, P. (latest edition), Construction planning, programming and control,

McMillian Press.

Project Management Institute (latest edition), A guide to the Project Management Book of

knowledge (PMBOK), PMI Publications.

Hamilton A., (latest edition), Managing by projects, Achieving success in a changing world.

Oak tree press

Kerzner, Harold, (latest edition), Project Management: A systems approach to planning,

scheduling, and controlling, Wiley.

Levy S.M., (latest edition), Project management in construction, McGraw Hill.

Lockyer K.G. (latest edition), An introduction to Critical Path Analysis.

O’Brien J. & Plotnick F., (latest edition), CPM in Construction Management, McGraw Hill.

Verma Vijay K., (latest edition), Managing the Project Team: The human aspects of project

management, PMI.

Web references, journals and other

International Journal of Project Management

Project Management Journal

PM Network

Project Manager Today

http://www.pmi.org/

http://www.ipma.ch/

http://www.apm.org.uk/

Version No: Amended By Nicholas Ingle

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.pmi.org/

http://www.ipma.ch/

http://www.apm.org.uk/


September 2016

172

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

MTAM4000 5

Module

Title

Corporate Property Asset Management


Module Overview:

Corporate property asset management deals with how property held as part of the assets of a

company organisation can be used to ensure maximum efficiency and value added to support

the core business of the organisation. This module concentrates on the place of real estate in

the corporate plan and the effective management of this important asset.



1 Analyse real estate corporate strategy in order to support the corporate objectives.

2 Identify and assess options in regard to corporate real estate requirements.

3 Assess the performance of real estate to an organisation.

4 Evaluate real estate options available to a corporation.

5 Recognise and assess the component elements concerned with corporate real estate

management.

6 Integrate concepts across the area of study.

7 Use the new skills and knowledge acquired to re-appraise their value judgements on

matters relating to the real estate industry.


Objectives and functions of corporate real estate strategy; Strategic and tactical real estate planning showing how real estate acts as an enabler to the corporate plan; Appraisal of buildings with regard to function, design and location. Examination of evolving attitudes to corporate property sustainability and productivity issues including: Impact of ‘x’ ‘y’ ‘z’ generation workers on property; Flexible work styles (‘Work is what you do, not a place you go’: Working without walls); Corporate social responsibility as a driver to sustainability; Built environment assessment tools: BER, BREEAM, LEED, SPeAR


This module will be delivered by project based learning. This will be supported by lectures,

tutorials, discussion, role-play, video, preparation of posters, preparation of professional

reports, self-directed learning and student presentations.


September 2016

173

A problem will be given to the students by the facilitator/tutor. The students will meet

together as small groups to discuss the problem. They will initially explore the problem using

their own experiences and knowledge. Then comes analysis, hypotheses testing and

information gathering which is required to solve the problem.

With this learning strategy students will:

Experience project based learning as a learner from within a problematic situation;

Appreciate the inter-connectedness of the issues within the problem and all its complexity;

Engage in cycles of inquiry, reflection and question generation;

Explore a number of information sources, opening up multiple ways of knowing.




36



The module is delivered over one semester

Assessment

One project will be set in this module which is group based, but will incorporate a peer review

element.


Assessment

(No.)

Poster 20% 1-7

Report to the board 40% 1-7

Presentation to the board 40% 1-7



Regulations

None



Essential Reading:

Haynes, B. And Nunnington, N. (2011). Corporate Real Estate Asset Management. EG

Books. Oxford.

Edwards, V and Ellison, L. (2004) Corporate Property Management. Blackwell Publishing.

Oxford.

Weatherhead, M. (1997). Real Estate in Corporate Strategy. Macmillan. London.

Deaken, M. (2002). The transition to Property Management. Estates Gazette. London.

Edington, G. (1997). Property Management, A Customer Focused Approach. Macmillan.

London.

Working beyond walls:

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/cp0039_working_without_walls.pdf

Oseland, N. (2008). The Evolving Workplace. Property and Facilities Management.

(October). 14-16

All material contained on the programmes Webcourses site.

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/cp0039_working_without_walls.pdf


September 2016

174


Various country and city reports by Chartered Surveying and estate agency firms.

Inward investment agency reports.

.

Web references, journals and other

Individual country-specific real estate sites.

http://www.cushwake.com/

http://www.cbre.com

http://www.joneslanglasalle.com/Pages/Home.aspx

http://www.lisney.com/

http://www.savills.ie/

www.scsi.ie S.C.S

www.rics.org RICS.

Journal of Corporate Real Estate.

Journal of Property Valuation and Investment.

Estates Gazette, Weekly, Estates Gazette.

Version No: Amended By Declan McKeown

Commencement

Date


Programme Codes


http://www.cushwake.com/

http://www.cbre.com/

http://www.joneslanglasalle.com/Pages/Home.aspx

http://www.lisney.com/

http://www.savills.ie/

http://www.scsi.ie/



September 2016

175

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

DISS4007 20

Module

Title

Dissertation or Company Project


Module Overview:

The dissertation is the final component of the undergraduate degree programme. The final

year dissertation enables students to research and analyse a topic of their choice that relates

to modules presented in the programme.

A student may wish to research a topic in an applied setting and undertake a company

project. While there is no specific requirement for the student to be working within the

organisation, it is often the case that students have previously or are currently working

within the chosen company and thus aim to address something specific to that company for

their research.

Students will complete a literature review and undertake their own research from which

conclusions and recommendations will be made relating to the topic at hand.

Students will be required to prepare a research proposal prior to commencing the research

project. The proposal will be subject to approval following an informal interview following

which a supervisor will be assigned to each student.

The final dissertation document will be submitted before the end of the second semester

following which an oral examination of the work will be conducted.




1 Plan and carry out a research proposal relating to the programme being undertaken

2 Plan and carry out research project relating to the approved proposal

3 Systematically collect, analyse, evaluate and organise a body of information

pertaining to a specific topic relevant to the programme

4 Undertake a literature review, synthesis and critique related to the research being

undertaken

5 Compare varying research methodologies and support the rationale behind choosing

a particular method for the purposes of achieving research objectives

6 Present information in a logical and coherent format

7 Analyse primary and secondary sources of research data

8 Draw conclusions based on the research carried out

9 Present an acceptable defence of his/her dissertation and its conclusion at an oral

examination.


September 2016

176


Dissertation idea generation

Thesis proposal writing

Scheduling a research programme

Critical analysis skills

Writing a literature review

Academic referencing

Research design

Research methods: qualitative and quantitate techniques

Data collection and handling techniques

Research ethics

Analysing primary research: tools and techniques

Writing up a dissertation: process, structure, content, norms of academic writing

Preparing for a viva voce examination


Learning and teaching methods involve the instruction in research methods by lectures

given by staff members and visiting speakers. The lecture programme will introduce

students to the theories and principles of research methods to enable them to prepare their

dissertation proposal and final year dissertation documents. Supporting material will be

provided through the online learning platform, Blackboard.

A supervisor will be allocated to each student undertaking the dissertation module however

the student will to a large degree, work independently to research the research topic and

present the study for review and assessment. The student is required to maintain a log of all

meetings and agreed deadlines and work packages.

A dissertation handbook and a dissertation style guide containing information pertaining to

the module requirements will be provided to all students.


(Full-time Weekly contact hours: 1; Lecture 1)

(Part-time Weekly contact hours: 1; Lecture12)

24




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Dissertation Proposal 10% 1,3,6

Dissertation Document/Report 80% 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,

Oral Examination

10% 8,9


(a) Derogations from General Assessment None


September 2016

177

Regulations



Essential Reading:

Bryman, Alan (2016) Social Research Methods 5th Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Denscombe, Martyn (2014) The Good Research Guide 5th Ed. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill

Naoum, S.G (2012 ) Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students 3rd Ed.

London: Routledge

Supplemental Reading

Creswell, John W. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods

Approaches 4th Ed. California: Sage

Jensen, Eric Allen (2016) Doing Real Research London: Sage

Miles, Mathew B.; Huberman, A. Michael and Saldaňa, Johnny (2014) Qualitative Data

Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook 3rd Ed., California: Sage


Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

178

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

WKPL1001 10

Module

Title

Work Related Learning 1


Module Overview:

This module covers the work based learning element of the programme and is designed to


competence through work as a practitioner in the field of quantity surveying. The overall aim

of the module is to provide the student with industry experience and to consolidate the

theoretical content from the modules covered on the programme for students who wish to

develop the skills, knowledge and competence required to perform as professionals in

quantity surveying roles in the construction industry. Work Based Learning provides an

opportunity for students to further develop their academic learning which takes place in stage

one of the programme. Students are required to apply their learning on an on-going basis

throughout the year and they keep a diary of their workplace learning in the context of the

academic content delivered on the programme. The student will also link hours recorded in

the diary back to SCSI competencies outlined in their apc requirement via the quantity

surveying route.







presentations


Students will source employment in a suitable quantity surveying role prior to commencement

on the course. Once the course commences, the student will be monitored by a supervising

lecturer who will arrange one work based visit during the academic year, to review students

weekly work diary and meet the students line manager for an update on that students progress.

Students will be required to make a final presentation on the knowledge and skills gained

while engaging with the process and their general experience of work based learning to their

peers, lecturing staff and students who are involved with the programme, at the end of the


September 2016

179

academic year.







A separate student handbook will be created


(Part-time Weekly contact hours: 0.5hrs and attendance at final presentation)

20




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment 100% 1,2,3,4



Regulations


result only.



Essential Reading:




Procedures








Butterworth.


New York Spon





September 2016

180

Publishing.





England: Macmillan.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

181

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

WKPL2001 10

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This module covers the work based learning element of the programme and is designed to

ensure transfer of classroom learning to the work place while building on skills and

competencies acquired during year 1 through work as a practitioner in the field of quantity

surveying. The overall aim of the module is to provide the student with industry experience

and to consolidate the theoretical content from the modules covered on the programme for

students who wish to develop the skills, knowledge and competence required to perform as

professionals in quantity surveying roles in the construction industry. Work Based Learning

provides an opportunity for students to further develop their academic learning which takes

place in stage one of the programme. Students are required to apply their learning on an on-

going basis throughout the year and they keep a diary of their workplace learning in the

context of the academic content delivered on the programme. The student will also link hours

recorded in the diary back to SCSI competencies outlined in their apc requirement via the

quantity surveying route.







presentations


industry.








September 2016

182



academic year.









20




Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment 100% 1,2,3,4,5,



Regulations


result only.



Essential Reading:




Procedures








Butterworth.



September 2016

183

New York Spon




Publishing.





England: Macmillan.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

184

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

WKPL3007 10

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This module continues with the work based learning element of the programme and is

designed to ensure transfer of classroom learning to the work place while developing further

skills and competence through work as a practitioner in the field of quantity surveying. The

overall aim of the module is to provide the student with industry experience and to

consolidate the theoretical content from the modules covered on the programme for students

who wish to develop the skills, knowledge and competence required to perform as

professionals in quantity surveying roles in the construction industry. Work Based Learning

provides an opportunity for students to further develop their academic learning which takes

place in stage one of the programme. Students are required to apply their learning on an on-

going basis throughout the year and they keep a diary of their workplace learning in the

context of the academic content delivered on the programme. The student will also link hours

recorded in the diary back to SCSI competencies outlined in their apc requirement via the

quantity surveying route.







presentations


industry.


level.





September 2016

185






academic year.









20



This module will be delivered over one academic year.

Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment 100% 1,2,3,4,5,6,



Regulations


result only.



Essential Reading:




Procedures








Butterworth.


September 2016

186


New York Spon




Publishing.





England: Macmillan.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes



September 2016

187

Module

Code

Pre-requisite

Module

codes

Co-

Requisite

Modules

code(s)

ISCED

Code

Subject

Code

ECTS

Credits

NFQ Level

(CPD)#

WKPL4001 10

Module

Title



Module Overview:

This module continues with the work based learning element of the programme and is

designed to ensure transfer of classroom learning to the work place while developing further

skills and competence through work as a practitioner in the field of quantity surveying. The

student will now, using skills obtained during years: 1,2 and 3 to develop their competence in

the quantity surveying role. The overall aim of the module is to provide the student with

industry experience and to consolidate the theoretical content from the modules covered on

the programme for students who wish to develop the skills, knowledge and competence

required to perform as professionals in quantity surveying roles in the construction industry.

Work Based Learning provides an opportunity for students to further develop their academic

learning which takes place in stage one of the programme. Students are required to apply their

learning on an on-going basis throughout the year and they keep a diary of their workplace

learning in the context of the academic content delivered on the programme. The student will

also link hours recorded in the diary back to SCSI competencies outlined in their apc

requirement via the quantity surveying route.







presentations


industry.


level.

7 Show evidence of achieving level2 on certain competencies within the SCSI

framework for the apc.

8 Have recorded 4 months’ work experience out of the total of 24months required by

the SCSI necessary for graduate route 1 on the apc.


September 2016

188









academic year.









20



This module will delivered over one academic year.

Assessment


Assessment

(No.)

Continuous assessment 100% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8



Regulations


result only.



Essential Reading:




Procedures






September 2016

189




Butterworth.


New York Spon




Publishing.





England: Macmillan.



Commencement

Date


Programme Codes
