CEM230-Design Management

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof John Connaughton
Email: j.connaughton@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to develop an understanding of current and developing approaches to design management in construction. Participants will gain an appreciation of the management of design processes and the essential conflict between creative design and the need for management and control. The module will introduce a range of practical measures for effective design management.

Aims:

The aims of this module are:

• To develop robust understanding of the organisation of construction design processes


• To appreciate differences between the management of design and the management of construction


• To gain important insights into the complex nature of project briefing


• To benefit from practical insights into briefing and design management processes as applied on projects

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module the participants will be able to:

• Make informed decisions concerning phased processes in project briefing and design


• Appreciate complexities in the design/business interface


• Understand different modes of analysis for design processes and planning techniques


• Apply these concepts and practices to their own Ìýwork circumstancesÌý

Additional outcomes:

On completion of this module participants will have gained theoretical and practical knowledge of:

• Assessing the needs and aspirations of different types of client


• The contribution of design management to project outcomes


• The UK legislative framework for design and on-site activities


• Modes of communication in construction design teamsÌý

Outline content:
Themes the module addresses include:

􀀕 Design activities and processes
􀀕 The design/business interface
􀀕 Clients and users as project stakeholders
􀀕 Project briefing processes
􀀕 Design team formation
􀀕 Design planning: data flows; mapping design processes; systems and communication in design
􀀕 Engineering design
􀀕 Quality management for design
􀀕 Building information modelling and its management

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Methods of delivery will be a balance between lectures, tutorials, case studies, individual and teamwork assignments and private study. To emphasise the current and practical relevance of this subject contributors will include academics and practitioners who specialise in briefing and design management in the construction sector.Ìý

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Part 1: Set exercise 20%


• Part 2: Written assignment including essay 80%

Preparatory work for the Part 1 Set Exercise will be undertaken on a group basis using a classroom exercise during timetabled module sessions. Work will be completed and submitted on an individual basis outside of class. ÌýThe Part 2 Written Assignment is an individual assignment completed during independent study after the timetabled sessions.

Formative assessment methods:

Case studies will be used to challenge and stretch students’ understanding. Group-based exercises will provide opportunities for regular review of, and feedback on, students’ development.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: