Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Increasing financial pressures on capital works create the need for effective cost management of projects. In order for you to progress in this respect it is important that you understand the fundamentals of building economics and opportunities to add value throughout building design.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to examine principles and techniques that improve the value of building design and assist in the management of cost during design and construction.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the following discipline specific capabilities at sub-professional level:

1. Explain the importance of building design in the financial management of projects during the design and construction of buildings across alternative methods of procurement;

2. Critically identify, select and apply cost planning, value management, life cycle costing techniques and other asset management techniques in pursuance of improving value and managing costs more effectively; and

3. Compare the relative importance of sketch design in terms of capital cost and building design in terms of life cycle costs and building maintenance generally, as well as the relative importance of building elements in relation to capital versus life cycle costs.

Content

• Introduction to the fundamental principles of cost management (design and construction cost planning and cost control);


• Nature and purpose of cost planning and cost control systems;


• Various approaches and formats to cost reporting, including contract costing (historical accounting) and anticipatory (forecast final cost / value);


• Design economics, cost and value concepts, methods of building design and cost information systems, cost modelling, cost analyses, cost indices, cost data, cost implications of design variables;


• Life cycle costing and modelling including design knowledge in virtual environments;


• Value management, including energy efficiency in buildings, and value alignment process for project delivery;


• Asset management and building maintenance;


• Risk management in cost planning and cost control.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: 3 hours per week
Lecture: 3

This unit will involve lectures to establish general principles. You will also be given an opportunity to discuss issues with the lecturer at the end of teaching session. You will be expected to undertake directed private study.

Assessment

QUT's Assessment Policy is located at MOPP C/5.1.The assessment will comprise a formative assessment (to help you find out how your work is progressing) and summative assessment (to grade your work against expected outcomes).

You will be given an opportunity to discuss with the lecturer issues that relate to the assignment at specified weeks during the teaching program.

Assessment name: Report
Description: Preparation of detailed elemental cost plan of buildling at sketch design stage including measurement of elements and build-up of elemental rates and analysis of building morphology (including overall height; shape; and storey height); spaces and components to determine opportunites to increase functionality of buildling whilst reducing capital costs.
Relates to objectives: 2 & 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Closed book Exam
Respond to questions concerning theoretical aspects; key concepts and principles of unit in terms of short answers and essays.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

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

Required:

Type: Book
Author: Smith. J.
Title: Building cost planning for the design team
Year: Publisher: 1998: Deakin University Press

Recommended:

Type: Book
Author: Ferry, D.J., Brandon, P.S. and Ferry, J.
Title: Cost planning of buildings
Year: Publisher: 1999: Blackwell Science

Type: Book
Author: Norton, B. and McElligot, N.
Title: Value management in the construction industry: A practical guide
Year: Publisher: 1995: Macmillan.

Type: Book
Author: Raftery, J
Title: Risk analysis in project management
Year: Publisher: 1994: E&FN Spon

Type: Book
Author: Rawlinsons Group
Title: Rawlinsons Australian construction handbook
Year: Publisher: 2005: Rawlhouse Publishing

Type: Reference Manual
Author: AIQS
Title: ACMM Vols. 1,2,3
Year: Publisher: 2002: AIQS
On-Line: QUT Blackboard

Additional Costs:
You should allow for costs involved in downloading materials from Blackboard and copying (as required).

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Students in this unit will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the 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: 06-Feb-2013