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

Infrastructure is central to the socio-economic development of a nation and is closely linked to the high quality of life that a nation enjoys. As expansion and development of infrastructure continues to support a nation's economy, prudent planning and management of infrastructure are critical for the long-term sustainability of socio-economic development. This unit provides you with a practical holistic framework of the processes involved in the planning and management of infrastructure.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to enable you to use the framework to plan and manage infrastructure assets systematically.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. apply knowledge of social, economic, environment factors to identify infrastructure needs
2. use practical methods and tools to evaluate and implement infrastructure options
3. formulate and justify strategies for the management of infrastructure assets

Content

The nature and diversity of infrastructure:

• The infrastructure planning and management framework


• Factors affecting infrastructure need


• Infrastructure project identification and evaluation


• Financing options for infrastructure projects


• Infrastructure project procurement mechanisms


• Developing asset portfolio, deterioration, model and asset management strategies


• Infrastructure performance measure

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The approach taken in this unit is one based on case studies of current projects. This involves you in:

• listening to guest presenters from industry and engaging in discussions


• exploring creative ways to solve problems


• devising plausible strategies to apply when planning and managing infrastructure


• working in teams to simulate infrastructure project delivery

Assessment

MOPP Statement:
The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in section 9.1.1 Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP).Overview of Assessment:
This unit incorporates combined formative/summative assessment. You will be assessed through submission of two assignments, which will be marked using criterion referenced assessment (CRA) and returned with feedback to enable you to understand how you are progressing and how your work can be improved. The third assessment takes the form of final closed-book exam.

Assessment name: Report
Description: Individual report on infrastructure needs assessment
Mode of feedback: Criterion referenced assessment.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 5

Assessment name: Report
Description: Group report on an evaluation and implementation of infrastructure project

Mode of feedback: Criterion referenced assessment.
Relates to objectives: 2 & 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Take Home Exam
Description: Individual take home examination
Relates to objectives: 1,2 & 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

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

• Goodman, A.S. and Hastak, M. (2006), Infrastructure planning handbook : planning, engineering, and economics, New York : ASCE Press ; McGraw-Hill


• Grimsey, D. & Lewis, M.K. (2004), PPP: The Worldwide Revolution in Infrastructure Provision and Project Finance


• Howes, R. and Robinson, H. (2005), Infrastructure for the Built Environment, Elsevier, Oxford


• Kirkpatrick, C. , Clarke, R. and Polidano, C. (2002), Handbook on development policy and management, Cheltenham, UK ; Northampton, MA : Edward Elgar


• OECD 2006, Infrastructure to 2030: Telecom, Land Transport, Water and Electricity


• International Journal of Critical Infrastructure


• Journal of Infrastructure Systems


• International Review of Administrative Sciences


• World Bank Reports on Infrastructure available at www.worldbank.org

Internet:
Unit's Blackboard site.

Risk assessment statement

The unit involves neither human nor animal experimentation. Lectures and/or tutuorials will take place in a traditional classroom setting and computer laboratiories. As such, there are no out-of-the-ordinary risks 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