SUBJECT OVERVIEW

This capstone subject brings together and builds on an understanding of construction technologies and introduces project management concepts.

Using an integrated project involving a series of studiobased exercises, students translate a design proposal into operational construction and project management plans. A project based learning environment is formulated for students to experience construction and project management decision making from concept through to completion.

Details of project environment, construction systems, resource constraints, production processes, and management tools and methods are explored and effective and efficient project plans are developed.

Students form teams and work on assigned projects appropriately selected from the industry. Different roles in the project are played by the teams. For example, the tenderers prepare a project development proposal based on the requirements of the client and then develop operational plans to implement the project. To accomplish this, the tenderers need to plan the construction project based on the development proposal, clients’ requirements and resources available. They estimate and evaluate activity durations, simulate and adjust construction sequences and balance resources involved. In developing the construction plan, alternative construction systems and methods are examined and compared. Essential elements of the plan include construction equipment, temporary works and site layout. Site safety is an integral part of the plan. The planning processes are assisted by introducing commercial computer applications.

OBJECTIVES

Students will be expected to work in groups and assignments are to be developed based on real case studies. The overall aim is to develop a complete project management plan for a given project considering all the fundamental aspects of project planning and development. Emphasis will be on the principles of scope identification, work breakdown, time estimation and scheduling, cost breakdown, quality assurance and quality control systems, risk management plan, procurement and contract administration including various managerial controlling and monitoring techniques.

On completion of the subject students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

• market analysis for selecting project development proposals Stakeholders and their requirements;
• procurement processes and underlying considerations;
• method statements and planning for construction;
• alternative construction techniques;
• cost estimating and planning;
• site team management and communication requirements;
• project management functions such as scope, cost, time, quality, risk, procurement and integration management;
• systematic approaches to develop project develop proposal in a competitive market environment.

GENERIC SKILLS

• An appreciation of the roles of client/engineer/architect/project manager.
• A commitment to and fundamental appreciation of, the concept of successful teamwork.
• An ability to communicate effectively, clearly and concisely ideas, concepts and solutions within the project team and between the project team and stakeholders.
• An ability to apply fundamentals along with the basics of science and mathematics to problem solving in specific scenarios.

STUDIO OUTLINE

With the intention of making the experience ‘as real and applicable as possible’, the studio coordinator, Eckhart Hertzsch, gave students the opportunity to work with existing project site: the demolished Dental Hospital site on the corner of Grattan and Elizabeth streets in the City of Melbourne.

He asked the students to take on the role of Project Manager and to be involved in the process at the schematic design stages. “The students looked alternative methods of construction technology, and its environmental impact. They also demonstrated and explored innovative design ideas for the development. These included some outstanding sustainable practices for the construction period, the operational energy use as well as life-cycle aspects. “ he explained.

“The most successful projects demonstrated clear links between structure and cost, understood all the regulations and bylaws, and explored sustainability issues in all parts.”