Overview
While construction procurement is essential in planning delivery methods and procurement tasks of a construction project, cost planning is critical to the financial management of the project throughout all phases of the building life cycle. Construction procurement is always associated with cost and cost planning is dependent on construction procurement. In this unit, therefore, you will study cost planning along with the knowledge of construction procurement. You will develop skills to critically examine the complexity of issues associated with strategic procurement and components of sustainable procurement processes. You will also analyse the impact of construction procurement decisions on economic, environmental, social, and cultural outcomes referring to a number of national and international case studies. This will enable you to reflect on the key themes in relation to procurement strategies, i.e. partnering culture as well as management of risks, stakeholder relationships, and supply chains. The knowledge gained here will eventually make you confident in practicing construction procurement within complex construction management environments in the public and private sectors. In the cost planning spectrum, the unit covers broader insights of design economics, cost estimating procedures, cost control mechanisms, and life cycle analysis for construction projects. The application of critical self-reflection skills and research principles and methods relevant to the construction industry will help you to prepare for dynamic construction industry environments and make sound professional decisions.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites:BLCN29001 Construction Technology and BLCN29003 Construction Measurement
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 - 2024
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).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate 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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 End of unit CQU survey feedback
Students commented that this unit provided a great learning process.
The unit will continue to make the scaffolded learning and student skills development across this unit explicit. This allows students to monitor and plan their learning journey each week and confidently complete all assessments.
Feedback from End of unit CQU survey feedback
Several units cover ethical and behavioural issues. This could be covered over several weeks in one unit.
Ethical behaviour is critical to a successful career in the highly legislated, high-risk construction industry. The potential situations and implications vary due to context and subject matters at hand. Therefore, it is referred to in several units and knowledge fields to highlight its integral linkage to industry practice through examples.
- Critically examine concepts and principles of construction procurement and cost planning across the building lifecycle
- Apply contemporary practice and research knowledge to project-specific contexts, managing project budget and feasibility
- Evaluate the impacts of construction procurement decisions on economic, environmental, social, and cultural outcomes
- Reflect on the key themes of procurement strategies and cost planning in contemporary management contexts.
This unit enhances your professional construction management knowledge and industry attributes in areas such as elemental cost planning, budget and cost control, procurement methods and contracting as well as sustainable procurement strategies and life cycle assessment.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Research Assignment - 50% | ||||
| 3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 30% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
b.zhao@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to procurement and cost planning
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Morledge and Smith, Chapter 2 and 3, and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 1 Unit introduction, learning and teaching activities and assessment for learning. The lecture and tutorial workshop provide an introduction to the key concepts and principles for this unit.
Module/Topic
Procurement and cost planning strategies
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Morledge and Smith, Chapter 4, 7 and 13, and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2 learning examines contemporary international case studies to explore the importance of procurement and cost planning strategies.
Introduction to Assessment 1 (20%) (ULO 1 and 2; GA 1,2,3,5 and 7). This written assignment engages students in learning topics Week 1 to 4 with focus on: Analysis of procurement strategy and pre-construction cost planning decision making towards tender selection.
Module/Topic
Pre-construction procurement and cost planning
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Morledge and Smith, Chapter 5 and 6, and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3 lecture and tutorial workshop expand practice knowledge and skills in managing construction procurement at the important project start-up, project team and design development stages.
Module/Topic
Construction procurement team and tender processes
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Morledge and Smith, Chapter 8 and 9 and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4 expands the insights into construction procurement for project team and tendering, including management of risk, relationships and supply chain issues.
Module/Topic
Collaborative construction procurement strategies
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Mosey, Chapter 1 and 2 as well as other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5 lecture and tutorial introduce collaborative construction procurement strategies and how the underlying values of collaboration can be established and implemented through procurement process activities.
Submission of Assignment 1 is due this week. Introduction to Assessment 2 (50%; ULO 2,3,4 ; GA 1to 7). This major research assignment focuses on the application of procurement and cost management analysis. Research and development of a construction procurement and cost plan with evaluation of project specific issues and recommendations. This includes reflections on ethical, social, economic, environmental considerations.
Assignment 1 Due: Week 5 Friday (9 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Lecture and Tutorial Free Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Construction procurement and cost control management
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Hackett and Stratham, Chapter 12 and 18 and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6 lecture and tutorial workshop cover procurement management activities for cost control during construction stages. Aspects related to contract, cost-planning, project budget management and lifecycle costing are explored.
Module/Topic
Construction cost and value management
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Morledge and Smith, Chapter 10 and 11, and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7 lecture and tutorial workshop investigate construction procurement risk and value management across project stages and for lifecycle costing
Module/Topic
Sustainable construction procurement practices
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Hackett and Stratham, Chapter 33 and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8 lecture and tutorial workshop explore current sustainable procurement practices to enhance triple bottom line outcomes for construction projects.
Module/Topic
Procurement management of project variations and construction defects
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Hackett and Stratham, Chapter 31 as well as other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9 Lecture and Tutorial workshop focuses on procurement management of project variations and construction defects in complex construction team environments. Assessment 2 is due this week.
Introduction to Reflective Practice Assessment 3 (30%; ULO 1,3,4; GA 1 to 7).
Reflect and apply unit learning including ethical and professional dimensions, construction procurement models and propose cost planning strategies to support project outcomes and with lifecycle considerations.
Assignment 2 Due: Week 9 Friday (13 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Procurement Management: professional and ethical responsibilities
Chapter
Recommended reading textbook Morledge and Smith, Chapter 12 and 14, and other resources provided on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10 Lecture and tutorial workshop review and reflect on the important role of the construction procurement professional including ethical responsibilities.
Module/Topic
Construction procurement and cost management trends: local and global
Chapter
The relevant documents with additional reading and resources will be available on the weekly Moodle learning site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11 learning extends insights to construction procurement in international contexts, with local and global management considerations.
Module/Topic
Unit Learning Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12 Student-led presentation to review and reflect on the learning and skills development in this unit.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Assessment 1 (20%) (ULO 1 and 2; GA 1,2,3,5 and 7).This written assignment engages students in learning topics Week 1 to 4 with a focus on: Analysis of procurement strategy and pre-construction cost planning decision making towards tender selection.
Week 5 Friday (9 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Student to submit via Turnitin
Week 7 Friday (30 Aug 2024)
Student to access via Turnitin
The assignment will be assessed on quality of work submitted, relevance and coherence to the specific question and tasks. This includes clear argumentation and use of quality references (in-text and bibliography). The content prepared is to expand beyond the learning material provided and demonstrates the student's development of the unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes. Students will work with a marking rubric for self-review and receive formative and summative feedback.
- Critically examine concepts and principles of construction procurement and cost planning across the building lifecycle
- Apply contemporary practice and research knowledge to project-specific contexts, managing project budget and feasibility
2 Research Assignment
Assessment 2 (50%; ULO 2,3,4 ; GA 1 to 7). This major research assignment focuses on the application of procurement and cost management analysis. Research and development of a construction procurement and cost plan with evaluation of project specific issues and recommendations. This includes reflections on ethical, social, economic and environmental considerations.
Week 9 Friday (13 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Student to submit via Moodle unit site Turnitin
Week 11 Friday (27 Sept 2024)
Student to access via Moodle unit site Turnitin
The assignment will be assessed on quality of work submitted, relevance and coherence to the specific question and tasks. This includes clear argumentation and use of quality references (in-text and bibliography). The content prepared is to expand beyond the learning material provided and demonstrates the student's development of the unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes. Students will work with a marking rubric for self-review and receive formative and summative feedback.
- Apply contemporary practice and research knowledge to project-specific contexts, managing project budget and feasibility
- Evaluate the impacts of construction procurement decisions on economic, environmental, social, and cultural outcomes
- Reflect on the key themes of procurement strategies and cost planning in contemporary management contexts.
3 Reflective Practice Assignment
Reflective Practice Assessment 3 (30%; ULO 1,3,4; GA 1 to 7). Reflect and apply unit learning including ethical and professional dimensions, construction procurement models and propose cost planning strategies to support project outcomes and with lifecycle considerations.
Review/Exam Week Monday (7 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit by via Moodle unit site Turnitin
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
Within two weeks of the submission and before the certification of grades.
The assignment will be assessed on quality of work submitted, relevance and coherence to the specific question and tasks. This includes clear argumentation and use of quality references (in-text and bibliography). The content prepared is to expand beyond the learning material provided and demonstrates the student's development of the unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes. Students will work with a marking rubric for self-review and receive formative and summative feedback.
- Critically examine concepts and principles of construction procurement and cost planning across the building lifecycle
- Evaluate the impacts of construction procurement decisions on economic, environmental, social, and cultural outcomes
- Reflect on the key themes of procurement strategies and cost planning in contemporary management contexts.
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?
