CQUniversity Unit Profile
BLCN13038 Cost Planning and Control
Cost Planning and Control
All details in this unit profile for BLCN13038 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 provides an understanding of cost planning and cost control procedures in the building and construction industry including: Cost effectiveness and cost control of construction projects; Cost management, cost monitoring, control systems, cost reporting and forecasting, variation control, cash flow co-ordination, work packaging, scoping, projections, and budgets throughout the design and construction phases of a project; Principles of construction cost control systems; budget maintenance; analysis of performance; cost reports; contract cost administration; Cost Planning: Objectives and parameters, Data gathering, data analysis, analysis of design, project implementation plans, procurement plans, financial analysis, scope audits. It will also provide you with an introduction to the project value management process and the establishment of client cost targets, time targets, risk allocation, cost breakdowns, end cost, and project alternatives for construction projects.

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 3 - 2024

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: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
4. Written Assessment
Weighting: 10%

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 Student Unit Teaching Evaluation (SUTE)

Feedback

The lecturer led the way for better conceptual understanding during the classes.

Recommendation

The same strategy is recommended to be adopted for next and future deliveries. Furthermore, learning and assessment materials will be designed giving more focus on cost planning applications in the context of construction management.

Feedback from Student Unit Teaching Evaluation (SUTE)

Feedback

The unit was very well run and was easy to digest the learning materials.

Recommendation

The same strategy is recommended to be adopted for next and future deliveries. Furthermore, learning and assessment materials will be designed giving more focus on cost planning applications in the context of construction management.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. understand how site, market, design and construction choices impact on the project cost
  2. apply cost planning and control techniques to all phases of the project procurement
  3. understand project cashflow and ways to correct variances
  4. understand trends in cost data analyses
  5. demonstrate communication skills
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
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%
4 - Written Assessment - 10%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
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 - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 30%
4 - Written Assessment - 10%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Head phones or integrated headset
  • Microphone
  • MS Office or similar
  • Webcam
Referencing Style

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

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Neda Abbasi Unit Coordinator
n.abbasi@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

The design and development process

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Project cost control

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Cost implications of design variables

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Cost implications of construction methods

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Influence of site, market conditions and prefabrication on cost

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment item 1 Due: Week 5 Monday (2 Dec 2024) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 09 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Cost elemental analysis

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 16 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Cost planning at the conceptual stage

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Break Begin Date: 23 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

No teaching. It's catch-up time. Enjoy and utilize the break efficiently.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Break Begin Date: 30 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

No teaching. It's catch-up time. Enjoy and utilize the break efficiently.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Cost planning at the design documentation stage

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment item 2 Due: Week 8 Monday (6 Jan 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Cost data

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Cost indices

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Cost modelling

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Feb 2025

Module/Topic

Cost modelling (continued)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment item 3 Due: Week 12 Friday (7 Feb 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Feb 2025

Module/Topic

No exam for this unit.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment item 4 Due: Exam Week Wednesday (12 Feb 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment item 1

Task Description

Questions cover Risk Management, Procurement and Costing. The full assessment details are available on the Moodle website.

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Monday (2 Dec 2024) 11:55 pm AEST

See Moodle instructions.


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Monday (16 Dec 2024)

Within two weeks of the submission due date.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Adequate coverage of topics discussed.
  • Use of supporting information where appropriate and associated references.
  • Original thought.
  • Overall presentation and the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly.
  • 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 unit and appropriate application of this knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submission via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • understand how site, market, design and construction choices impact on the project cost
  • understand project cashflow and ways to correct variances
  • demonstrate communication skills


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment item 2

Task Description

You will be assessed on your understanding of critical factors and processes in Cost Planning and Control as it relates to design choices including site factors. The full assessment details are available on the Moodle website.
 
 


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (6 Jan 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

See Moodle instructions.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (20 Jan 2025)

Within two weeks of the submission due date.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Adequate coverage of topics discussed.
  • Use of supporting information where appropriate and associated references.
  • Original thought.
  • Overall presentation and the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly.
  • 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 unit and appropriate application of this knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submission through Moodle only

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • understand how site, market, design and construction choices impact on the project cost
  • apply cost planning and control techniques to all phases of the project procurement
  • understand project cashflow and ways to correct variances
  • understand trends in cost data analyses
  • demonstrate communication skills


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

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment item 3

Task Description

This assessment item requires you to demonstrate a sound understanding of applied Cost Planning and Control principles. The full assessment details are available on the Moodle website.
 

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (7 Feb 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

See Moodle instructions.


Return Date to Students

Within two weeks of the due date of the submission and before the certification of grades


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
To pass this unit, you must submit this assessment and achieve a minimum of 40% of the mark (a minimum of 12 out of 30)

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Adequate coverage of topics discussed.
  • Use of supporting information where appropriate and associated references.
  • Original thought.
  • Overall presentation and the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly.
  • 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 unit and appropriate application of this knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit through Moodle only.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • understand how site, market, design and construction choices impact on the project cost
  • apply cost planning and control techniques to all phases of the project procurement
  • understand project cashflow and ways to correct variances
  • understand trends in cost data analyses
  • demonstrate communication skills


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

4 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment item 4

Task Description

The full assessment details are available on the Moodle website.
This assessment relates to all learning outcomes.
This assessment will take the form of an online quiz in Moodle and will have 20 questions.

The quiz will be available from the beginning of Week 11 and closes Wednesday of Exam Week.


Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Wednesday (12 Feb 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

Refer to instructions on Moodle home page


Return Date to Students

Within 24 hours of due date or submission date (whichever is the latest).


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Selecting the correct answers from various options available.
  • Comprehension of all topics and resource materials covered in this unit.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit through Moodle only

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • understand how site, market, design and construction choices impact on the project cost
  • apply cost planning and control techniques to all phases of the project procurement
  • understand project cashflow and ways to correct variances
  • understand trends in cost data analyses
  • demonstrate communication skills


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology 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?