CQUniversity Unit Profile
BLCN14041 Project Planning
Project Planning
All details in this unit profile for BLCN14041 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 leads you to learn major areas of planning of a construction project including construction planning and scheduling; the role of the construction planning consultant; developing an initial job using labour, materials, plant and time units from design documentation; estimates and/or Bills of Quantities; using construction planning methodologies and tools such as bar charts, critical path methods, line of balance, cash flow projections; least cost optimization; flagging approval and detailed schedules of sub-contract activities. The choice of software for scheduling and network analysis will be examined as a further added learning experience.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 4
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites: BLAR11049: Built Environment Communications and Skills or COMM11003: Professional and Technical Communication or ENEG11005: Fundamentals of Professional Engineering

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 - 2021

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: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 35%
3. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 10%
4. Presentation and 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 Student feedback

Feedback

Slow feedback of assignment marking was deemed to be a problem.

Recommendation

The lecturer recognises the problem due to workload and will make use of supporting marking if required in the future.

Feedback from Student feedback and lecturer

Feedback

Some confusion is experienced in the navigation and use of Moodle.

Recommendation

MS Teams will be used for communication purposes only, and Moodle after its refresh will become the main location for resources.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Assignments were not completely clear to students.

Recommendation

The assignments will be rewritten in clear English and be supported by discussion in online tutorials that should be attended, or the recordings watched.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Outline the role of the construction planning consultant
  2. Develop an initial job using labour, materials, plant and time units based on design documentation, estimates and/or Bills of Quantities
  3. Explain construction planning methodologies and tools
  4. Prepare detailed schedules of sub-contract activities and perform cash flow projection
  5. Effectively choose and use scheduling and network analysis computer software.
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 - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 35%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
4 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 35%

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 - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 35%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
4 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 35%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Modern Construction Management

Edition: 7th 13
Authors: Harris / McCaffer
John Wiley and Sons
Hoboken Hoboken , NJ , USA
ISBN: 9780470672174
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

If you prefer to study with a paper copy, you can purchase one at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microphone and headset
  • MS Office or equivalent software
  • Webcam
  • Video and audio equipment to join online tutorials
  • 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
Kevin Stone Unit Coordinator
k.j.stone@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 12 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction to construction planning and history of PM

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 19 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Preliminary project appreciation

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 26 Jul 2021

Module/Topic

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 02 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Bar (Gantt) charts

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 Due: Week 4 Friday (6 Aug 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 09 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Project evaluation - PERT and project crashing

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 16 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

No class

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Repetitive works, flow and linear methods

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 30 Aug 2021

Module/Topic

Planning repetitive works and Line of Balance (LoB)

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Planning philosophies, methodologies and tools

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Due: Week 8 Friday (10 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Planning techniques in decision making

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 (Quiz) Due: Week 9 Friday (17 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Cash flow monitoring and working capital

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Sep 2021

Module/Topic

Construction contracts and development procedures

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 04 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

Refer to Moodle for additional information.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 4 (Written) Due: Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Review period

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 18 Oct 2021

Module/Topic

Relax - there is no examination.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

This unit will use Microsoft Teams to improve engagement and communications between all participants. Please use MS Teams in place of the Moodle forums.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 1

Task Description

Assessment 1 will require you to research and answer a number of questions that explore general project planning and network analysis.

As with all assessments, formatting and presentation is really important, technical accuracy and referencing where required is paramount with an overarching requirement for demonstrating your answer / submission / design with clarity.

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


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Friday (6 Aug 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Word report document


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (27 Aug 2021)

Within two weeks of submission.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following basis:
Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
Use of quality supporting documentation as appropriate
Use of original thought and content
Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other visual communication.
Demonstration of core knowledge and demonstration of appropriate application of knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit a single PDF file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Outline the role of the construction planning consultant
  • Develop an initial job using labour, materials, plant and time units based on design documentation, estimates and/or Bills of Quantities


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2

Task Description

Assessment 2 will require you to research and answer a number of questions that explore Program Evaluation and Review Techniques (PERT) analysis, critical path method, and Line of Balance (LoB) method.

As with all assessments, formatting and presentation is really important, technical accuracy and referencing where required is paramount with an overarching requirement for demonstrating your answer / submission / design with clarity.

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 Friday (10 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Word report document


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (24 Sept 2021)

Within two weeks of submission.


Weighting
35%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following basis:
Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
Use of quality supporting documentation as appropriate
Use of original thought and content
Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other visual communication.
Demonstration of core knowledge and demonstration of appropriate application of knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit a single PDF file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop an initial job using labour, materials, plant and time units based on design documentation, estimates and/or Bills of Quantities
  • Explain construction planning methodologies and tools


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Assessment 3 (Quiz)

Task Description

Assessment 3 is a quiz which will require you to answer 20 multiple choice questions based on the study content presented during the term.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (17 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

The Quiz remains open for 24 hrs.


Return Date to Students

After the quiz is closed


Weighting
10%

Minimum mark or grade
5/10

Assessment Criteria

Successful completion of the online quiz from two attempts.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Outline the role of the construction planning consultant
  • Develop an initial job using labour, materials, plant and time units based on design documentation, estimates and/or Bills of Quantities
  • Explain construction planning methodologies and tools
  • Prepare detailed schedules of sub-contract activities and perform cash flow projection
  • Effectively choose and use scheduling and network analysis computer software.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

4 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 4 (Written)

Task Description

Assessment 4 will require you to research and answer a number of questions that explore key project planning methods, monitoring financial resources and the use of budget to control a project, and develop a project feasibility study presentation.

As with all assessments, formatting and presentation is really important, technical accuracy and referencing where required is paramount with an overarching requirement for demonstrating your answer / submission / design with clarity.

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 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

Word report document


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (22 Oct 2021)

Friday 25/10/2019


Weighting
35%

Minimum mark or grade
17.5/35

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will be assessed on the following basis:
Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
Use of quality supporting documentation as appropriate
Use of original thought and content
Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other visual communication.
Demonstration of core knowledge and demonstration of appropriate application of knowledge.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit a single PDF file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain construction planning methodologies and tools
  • Prepare detailed schedules of sub-contract activities and perform cash flow projection
  • Effectively choose and use scheduling and network analysis computer software.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

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?