Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The ability to estimate the cost of construction prior to the physical execution of the work is of major significance to all areas of construction management and construction economics.

Aims

The unit aims to develop your skills to estimate the cost of construction work and to predict those costs not represented by the physical work so that comprehensive tender prices may be prepared.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following discipline specific capabilities:

1. Understand the basic concepts of estimating.
2. Ability to understand and apply estimating principles.

Content

This unit covers the following: Introduction to interrelationship of the professions in estimating and to the techniques available to quantify cost; Definition of the fundamental elements of cost and the methods of evaluating labour, materials and equipment to realistic levels of accuracy; Development of the unit rate approach to assessing the base estimate for major trades; Assessment of offers from sub-contractors and the implications for the tendering process with respect to risk, quality and ethical responsibilities; Introduction to the concept of first principle's estimating and the significance of method, time and the assembly of information to estimating; The review of an estimate, determination of profit and the compiling of the letter of offer; Subsequent negotiations prior to award of contract and the application of estimating to variations and to profit monitoring; Linking best value procurement assessment to outcome performance indicators (including tender evaluation criteria).

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: Hours per week: 3
Lecture: 2 hours
Tutorial: 1 hour

Learning Approaches
This unit will involve lectures (normally 2 hours/week) to establish general principles. You will also be given an opportunity to discuss issues with the lecturer at the end of teaching session. Whereas, tutorials (normally 2 hours/week) will be used to allow you to undertake estimating examples under the guidance of the tutor. The on-line teaching site will include the facility for you to undertake chat sessions and submit questions to the coordinator and lecturer. You will be expected to undertake directed private study. Key concepts will be discussed during lectures.

Assessment

The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in the Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP) section 5.1.1 .

Overview of Assessment:
The assessment will comprise formative assessment (to help you find out how your work is progressing) and summative assessment (to grade your work against expected outcomes).Continuous formative assessment in the form of assistance and feedback will be offered by teaching staff during the course of lectures and tutorials to answer your questions. Regular exercises will be undertaken in class to enable you to assess your progress in the unit through comparison with model answers.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: You will be required to undertake an examination at the end of the semester based primarily on applying estimating techniques studied throughout the semester. Other theoretical work will also be assessed with short answer type questions.
Relates to objectives: 1. Understand the basic concepts of estimating.
2. Ability to understand and apply estimating principles.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination period

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Preliminary Estimate

You are required to work in a group. Your project will involve a concept / preliminary unit rate estimate based on information provided.
Relates to objectives: 1. Understand the basic concepts of estimating.
2. Ability to understand and apply estimating principles.
Weight: 15%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 5

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: First Principles Estimate and Report

You are required to work in a group (4-5 members). You will be required to prepare a first principles estimate for a construction project.
Relates to objectives: 1. Understand the basic concepts of estimating.
2. Ability to understand and apply estimating principles.
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 11

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended text:
Please refer to the unit Blackboard site

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and/or tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there is no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues.

Additional Costs
There are no extraordinary costs associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012