Pusat Pengajian Perumahan, Bangunan & Perancangan  |  School of Housing, Building and Planning    USM White

Construction Management2

The Construction Management programme is designed for students who are interested in the management part of the built environment, especially for those who have a liking for managing and overseeing property development and construction projects. This programme aims mainly to develop and hone managing skills of the students while at the same time preparing them to become future managers of construction projects and also as project team leaders.

This programme will be conducted over a period of three years. The Construction Management programme will initially expose and introduce students to the basics of project management, injecting both generic management principles as well as construction specific knowledge in the delivery of the course. As the students progress in their academic sessions, the course will impart the necessary pertinent knowledge within the range of the construction management realm. Among the key elements that are contained within this programme are: Principles of Project Management, Construction Legal Studies, Building Construction Aspects, Project Viability and Project Financing, Project Planning, Scheduling and Monitoring, Construction Law, Project Development Estimation, Market Survey and Fundamental Property Valuation.

Job prospects for graduates of this programme are centred on the three main components/players of the industry namely: property developers, consultants and contractors. Students from this programme have gone on to become project/property executives, construction site managers, project managers as well as being attached to government agencies that directly deal with construction project implementation.

List of Courses Construction Management Programme

A. Core Courses (75 Units)

Code and Title Unit Semester
RUS 101 - Integrated Studio I 5 1
RUS 102 - Non-Design Studio 5 2
RAG 121 - Environmental Science I 3 1
RPG 131 - Applied Quantitative Methods 3 2
RAG 132 - Introduction to Built Environment & Human Settlement 3 1
RMK 153 - Principles of Construction Economics 3 1
RAG 161 - Building Construction I 3 1
REG 162 - Introduction to Structures 3 2
RMB 213 - Management Studio I 5 1
RMB 214 - Management Studio 2 5 2
REG 231 - Basic Land Surveying 3 1
RMK 252 - Principles of Project Management 3 2
RMK 254 - Legal Studies 3 1
REG 264 - Introduction to Information Technology 3 2
RUL 274 - Compulsory Practical Training 6 2
RMB 317 - Management Studio 3 5 1
RMB 318 - Management Studio 4 5 2
RMG 336 - Quantity Surveying I 3 1
RMK 356 - Construction Management and Finance 3 1
RMK 359 - Construction Economics I 3 1

B. Elective Courses (20 units)

Code and Title Unit Semester
REG 261 - Building Services 3 2
RAG 265 - Building Construction 2 3 2
RMK 336 - Valuation 3 1
RQK 337 - Quantity Surveying II 3 2
RAK 345 - Housing Studies* 3 2
RMK 353 - Property Management 3 1
RMK 354 - Construction Law 3 2
RQK 355 - Professional Practice for Quantity Surveying 3 2
RMK 357 - Land Administration 3 2
RQK 359 - Construction Economics II 3 2
RMK 361 - Administrative Law 3 1

Courses in Construction Management

RMB 213 – Management Studio 1

This foundation course is a studio based environment where students will be first introduced to the mainstay of project management, which consist of the basic elements of project development. Students will be exposed to the different phases of the construction project as well as key elements of the process of managing projects.

The studio will enable students to work within groups and/or individually to get a feel of the actual project team environment. This core subject will also delve into the internal and external factors that weigh into project development and how these factors co-exist within the project environment.

Course Objectives

i.    To expose the students to the key elements of property development from the project management perspective.
ii.    To enable students to familiarize with the different phases of project development.
iii.    To expose students to the project team working environment.
iv.    To enable students to understand the factors that effect project development and management.

RMB 214 – Management Studio 2

This is the continuation of the foundation course where students will be introduced to the costing processes, which consist of the basic elements of costing and estimating. Students will be exposed to the different types of the costing of projects.  This course will be organized in two parts. Part 1 will expose students to the work of quantity surveyor in preparing taking off and Bill of quantities. Part two involves with pricing techniques used by contractors in pricing the tender documents. The studio will enable students to work within groups and/or individually to get a feel of the actual project team environment.

Course Objectives
i.    To expose students with Quantity Surveying practice in preparing taking off.
ii.    To expose students in preparing bill of quantities.
iii.    To expose  students with knowledge and practice on how to price preliminary, building items and external work in the Bills of Quantities for tender bidding

RMK 252  -  Principles of Project Management

In this course, various fundamentals and basics of organization and management are discussed through the perspective of the construction industry. The course will examine how management principles were theorized and formulated as well as an analysis on the different elements which are evident in the organisational context.

The course will delve on the basic planning, monitoring and control methods used in project management. Proper management and organisation of the key elements in project management, namely time, cost and quality will be the underlying tone throughout the course. Effective application and implementation of management techniques specifically on the construction industry will be the ultimate emphasis of the course.

Course Objectives
i.    To  expose the students to the general principles and concepts of management.
ii.    To enable students to understand the application of  management principles and concepts in the construction industry.

RMK 254 -  Legal Studies

Students are exposed to the Malaysian legal system,  laws that are relevant to construction projet, criminal law, law of contract, company law, partnership law and of torts .

Course Objectives
i.    Able to understand the role of law society.
ii.    Able to identify and explain the relevant law in construction project.
iii.    Able to apply relevant law in solving construction disputes.
iv.    Able to analyse legal cases involving construction disputes.
v.    Able to conform the legal provisions pertaining to construction projects.
vi.    Able to practice good ethics in the construction process.
vii.    Able to ensure conformity to the rule of law.
viii.    Able to safeguard the rights of  parties in the construction industry .
ix.    Able to ensure sustainable development in the construction process
x.    Able to ensure the preservation of the natural and build environment.

RMB 317 – Management Studio 3

An appreciation of the needs of preliminary studies in property developments and the integrations of multi disciplinary members in the process. Students are required to apply various principles and techniques of quantity surveying management, economics, facilities management, property valuation and project management in various projects, seminars and case studies. Projects given are based on pre-contract and post-occupation periods covering preparation of feasibility studies, market studies, and legal aspects of property developments and facilities managements. Students are introduced to the actual approach of conducting these studies on site.

Course Objectives
i.    Able to identify  of the legal factors affecting property developments
ii.    Enable to prepare, explain and discuss a feasibilty studies report
iii.    Enable to carry out a detail project financial cash flow analysis and assessments of recommendations.
iv.    Able to carry out facility managements auditing and reports.

RMB 318 – Management Studio 4

This studio based foundation course is tailored to enable students to apply their knowledge in a practical approach with focus on property development and management. Students will be required to use actual real life study cases as their references in applying management techniques and tools.

Students will also be exposed to the legal aspects of property development as well as financial costing and analysis. The course will also expose students to actual project site planning and organization with emphasis on management and problem solving. Students will also be introduced to project management planning and scheduling software.

Course Objectives

i.    To expose the students to the relevant and related aspects of construction project management.
ii.    To enable students to comprehend the necessary skills and knowledge required for a vocation in this field.

RMG 336 – Quantity Surveying I

Introduction to principles and method of taking-off quantities in accordance with SMM2. Taking off method for all building elements, including electrical installation and external work will be covered.

Course Objectives
Upon subject completion, students will:
i.    Understand the requirements and principles of measurement in accordance to the Standard Method of Measurement 2 (SMM2)
ii.    Understand and able to apply the principles of measurement in taking-off quantity for a simple building
iii.    Be able to measure a simple building with respect to the following elements:
-    Substructure
-    Superstructure
-    Finishes
-    Services
-    External works
iv.    Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, exercises, tutorials, discussions, presentations.
v.    Assessment
Examinations, course works, project submissions, formal presentations

RMK 336 – Valuation

An appreciation of the general basis of property valuation. Students are introduced to the concept of value, the economic basis of property values, valuation and investment principles and factors affecting property value. Emphasis is given on the five valuation methods and their application to the main types of property and also valuation for legal purposes

Course Objectives
i.    To identify factors affecting property values variation
ii.    To explain and discuss  various property valuation techniques
iii.    To differentiate applicability of valuation techniques to specialize properties
iv.    To enable to acknowledge and aware of the legal environment affecting property valuation
v.    Able to carry out actual property valuation exercise

RMK 353 – Property Management

In this course a diverse range of topics in the property management profession are introduced.  These include the functions of property management, property market and legislations that influence the profession.  Operational aspects like the elements of leasing; acquisition and disposal of properties; record keeping and office organization including the occupant’s liabilities and real estate marketing techniques.

The maintenance section offers on impact study of design on future building maintenance, the principle and techniques of its administration and management; the effects of maintenance on budgets; methods of systematic maintenance; maintenance process relating to the various building elements; and computerized maintenance management systems.

Course Objectives
i.    To  provide the student with the principles of  property management and maintenance.

RMK 354 – Construction Law

Students are exposed to building contracts (standards forms, defects liability, main-subcontractors relationship), the professionals (appointment, registrations, civil and criminal liabilities), payments (including advance payment, LAD, progress), security and guarantees, alternative disputes resolutions, other laws relating to property development, including planning.

Course Objectives

i.    Able to identify and define specific area of construction laws applicable in construction industry.
ii.    Enable to  describe and explain certain relevant specific laws in project development
iii.    Enable to  apply legal provisions of construction real problem (legal problem-solving)
iv.    Able to analyze specific real cases in construction projects that involves legal implications.
v.    Acknowledge and aware and acknowledge legal provisions relating to construction projects.
vi.    Able to conform legal principles of construction in project development.
vii.    Able to detect any legal defects or non-compliance in project.
viii.    Able to establish relevant legal principles relating to construction in real project development.
ix.    Able to practice relevant legal requirement in construction process
x.    Able to execute works based on legal principles relating to construction

RMK 356 – Construction Management and Finance

This course is the continuation subject in Construction Management. The objective of this subject is to expose the students to processes and practices in the construction management. This subject is divided into two parts. Part 1: This part discusses the issues related to Project Management, which consist of the aspects of organization, contractual administration, procurement, planning and controlling of projects, site management and communication.  Part 2: This part discusses the issues of finance in the construction management.

Course Objectives
i.    To learn the basic principles and concept of project management.
ii.    To identify and understand issues related to contract administration and project organization; procurement methods; project planning and control; site management; and communication.
iii.    To understand basic concepts of accounting and finance.
iv.    To acquire the skills of preparing financial statements and of analyzing and interpretation of financial information contained in these statements.
v.    To understand the basic principles of financial management i.e. Working Capital Management, Capital Budgeting and Sources of Capital, in the context of construction businesses.

RMK 357 – Land Administration

Land is at the basis of all societies. Sound land policy regulates the access to land and the management of land, and as such is considered an important factor in the realisation of government policy objectives. This course aims to introduce students to the current practice of land administration in Malaysia and develop their understanding of the various issues associated with land administration, in particular its implications on real estate market and development

Course Objectives
i.    Able to demonstrate an ability in understanding in-depth issues associated with the land administration system in  Malaysia.
ii.    Enable to explain and discuss the need for effective and efficient land administration systems.
iii.    Able understand and analyse a range of procedures, documentations and state role over land.
iv.    Acknowledge and aware of the legal environment affecting land administrations.

RMK 359 – Construction Economics I

Building design cost management and the cost process. Development of cost estimates and cost plans. Building economics report and building morphology. Cost control and planning techniques. Cost indices and its application. Gross Floor Area computation and use of the Elemental Cost Analysis (ECA)

Course Objectives
At the end of the subject/course, students will be able to understand:
i.    The concept of construction economics and its relevance and importance to the industry
ii.    The concept of the cost and costing processes and building design cost management
iii.    The role of the quantity surveyor as the cost expert
iv.    Costing implications within the context of the RIBA Plan of Work
v.    Cost management principles and techniques
vi.    The impact of building morphology and factors affecting costs

RMK 361- Administrative Law

Powers and application of powers (including discretionary power), organization and control of local authorities, law relating to housing, planning control, laws relating to meetings (including all types of project meetings), and matters relating to administrative powers of land administrator in land acquisition processes.

Course Objectives
1.    To define administrative law in construction practices
2.    To identify areas in construction practices in which administrative law applies
3.    Enable to explain and discuss scope of administrative law in project development/ administration.
4.    Enable to apply administrative law principles and practices in project administration.
5.    Enable to differentiate applicability/non-applicability of administrative law principles and practice
6.    Acknowledge and aware of the involvement of administrative law in construction environment.
7.    Able to comply administrative law principles in construction management.
8.    Able to adopt administrative law approach in construction environment.
9.    Able to detect any inconsistencies between practice and administrative law principles in project.
10.    Able to abide administrative law approach in construction management
11.    Able to practice administrative law in actual project management environment.

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