CQUniversity Unit Profile
BLAR13035 Building Contract Administration
Building Contract Administration
All details in this unit profile for BLAR13035 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit covers the administration of construction contracts including: control of extensions of time, variation, site instructions; chain of responsibilities; reporting and quality assurance; management of sub contractors and suppliers; head contract management. It also develops an understanding of contract management including: specification and the preparation of building contracts; the assessment of tenderers and tender negotiation; project planning; worker induction; documentation control and records management; progress reporting; contract inspections; management of variations, extensions of time, breaches of contract; liquidation damages and reporting; project commissioning and defects liability period activities and responsibilities improvement mechanisms and processes.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2022

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 35%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 35%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have your say

Feedback

The assessments are very structured and connect to each consecutive topic throughout the unit.

Recommendation

Keep using the structured assessments with clear rubrics.

Feedback from Have your say

Feedback

More imagery and diagrams in the learning materials would definitely be really beneficial when applicable.

Recommendation

Add more images and diagrams in the lecture notes to enhance students' understanding of the knowledge.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the role as building professional for clients towards the successful completion of the project.
  2. Compare the different types of building contract arrangements.
  3. Apply systems and management procedures for the control of contract documentation and cost control.
  4. Formulate a tendering process for collecting and analysing tenders.
  5. Explain quality management and quality control with regard to contract administration.
  6. Explain variation administration, contract scope changes and contract review and evaluate their implications.
  7. Conduct a site meeting and site inspection.
  8. Explain the administration requirements and procedures of project completion and hand-over.
  9. Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 35%
3 - Written Assessment - 35%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 35%
3 - Written Assessment - 35%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

Additional Textbook Information

No

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • MS Teams
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Bill Zhao Unit Coordinator
b.zhao@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 1: Contractual background

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 2: Types of contract arrangements

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 3: Traditional lump sum contracts

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 3: Traditional lump sum contracts

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 4: The tender period and pre-contract administration

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 Due: Week 5 Tuesday (9 Aug 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

No scheduled study

Chapter

Enjoy a short break or use the time to catch-up or work on an assessment.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 4: The tender period and pre-contract administration

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 5: Post contract administration

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 5: Post contract administration

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Due: Week 8 Tuesday (6 Sept 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 5: Post contract administration

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 5: Post contract administration

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 6: Project completion

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Topic 6: Project completion

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 Due: Week 12 Tuesday (4 Oct 2022) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Review Period

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

There is no examination.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 1

Task Description

The assessment has 3 questions.

Q1 Requires students to reflect on the professional team composition.

Q2 Requires students to discuss contract selection.

Q3 Requires students to investigate an appropriate contract procurement strategy.

Your submission must be done via the assessment link in Moodle by uploading your file following the on-screen instructions.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Tuesday (9 Aug 2022) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Tuesday (23 Aug 2022)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Clarity and succinctness of expression.
  • Adequate coverage of topics discussed.
  • Use of supporting information where appropriate and associated references.
  • Original thought.
  • Overall presentation and the ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Where appropriate the use of graphs, illustrations and other diagrams that visually support the context of your submission.
  • Demonstration of the core knowledge associated with this course and appropriate application of this knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit a single PDF file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the role as building professional for clients towards the successful completion of the project.
  • Compare the different types of building contract arrangements.
  • Apply systems and management procedures for the control of contract documentation and cost control.
  • Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2

Task Description

This assessment has 3 questions.

Q1 Requires students to discuss building claims.

Q2 Requires students to investigate and report on tendering procedures.

Q3 Requires students to explain project contract administration processes.

Your submission must be done via the assessment link in Moodle by uploading your file following the on-screen instructions.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Tuesday (6 Sept 2022) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Tuesday (20 Sept 2022)


Weighting
35%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Clarity and succinctness of expression.
  • Adequate coverage of topics discussed.
  • Use of supporting information where appropriate and associated references.
  • Original thought.
  • Overall presentation and the ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Where appropriate the use of graphs, illustrations and other diagrams that visually support the context of your submission.
  • Demonstration of the core knowledge associated with this course and appropriate application of this knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit a single PDF file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain quality management and quality control with regard to contract administration.
  • Explain variation administration, contract scope changes and contract review and evaluate their implications.
  • Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3

Task Description

This assessment has 3 questions:

Q1 Requires students to discuss contract administration compliance.

Q2 Requires students to research aspects of project finalisation.

Q3 Requires students to investigate the importance of time on projects.

Your submission must be done via the assessment link in Moodle by uploading your file following the on-screen instructions.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Tuesday (4 Oct 2022) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Tuesday (18 Oct 2022)


Weighting
35%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Clarity and succinctness of expression.
  • Adequate coverage of topics discussed.
  • Use of supporting information where appropriate and associated references.
  • Original thought.
  • Overall presentation and the ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Where appropriate the use of graphs, illustrations and other diagrams that visually support the context of your submission.
  • Demonstration of the core knowledge associated with this course and appropriate application of this knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit a single PDF file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply systems and management procedures for the control of contract documentation and cost control.
  • Formulate a tendering process for collecting and analysing tenders.
  • Explain quality management and quality control with regard to contract administration.
  • Explain variation administration, contract scope changes and contract review and evaluate their implications.
  • Conduct a site meeting and site inspection.
  • Explain the administration requirements and procedures of project completion and hand-over.
  • Use effectively a range of appropriate communication modes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?