MSc Construction Project Management

Course Learning Outcomes

Applied Research Project

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Create a considered, topical, applied research project.
• Evaluate complex ideas and analysis in their area of study.
• Formulate a complex argument within a theoretical and practical framework.
• Demonstrate self-direction, confidence, resilience, ambition, and creativity in carrying out independent and evidence informed study in an area of the built environment.
• Communicate research findings through writing clear, comprehensible narrative in accordance with academic conventions.

Procurement and Contract Practice

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• distinguish between procurement methods with consideration of client requirements and the project governance when selecting an appropriate approach to procuring a construction project.
• demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key stages and processes in procuring services and works for various types of construction projects or programmes.
• propose project supply chain strategies, supported by cogent arguments considering a client organisation’s requirements, ESG goals, the project approach to risk, and other influencing factors.
• examine and appraise the legal context of Construction and Real Estate.
• appraise, select, and manage construction contracts, and the application of dispute resolution techniques, within a complex Built-Environment context.

Project Management Practice

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Evaluate the processes, activities, and roles in construction projects.
• Identify and differentiate between competing internal and external constraints and formulate a project delivery plan including responding to unfamiliar contexts.
• Identify and appraise the challenges of leading a complex construction project.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of project management methods in their practical application including the management of change.
• Propose practical contributions the construction project manager can make towards a sustainable low/zero carbon built environment.

Project Management Principles

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• investigate and critically evaluate the theories and concepts behind the Project Management discipline
• examine the nature of the Built Environment sector and the contribution professional bodies and professional ethics and values make towards sustainable construction
• appraise a project by measuring its aims and objectives against an organisation’s strategic objectives and available finance mechanisms
• design and deliver appropriate strategies to control and monitor key elements within the project lifecycle and a client setting that is complex and unpredictable
• autonomously display a deep and systematic understanding of how high performing management teams within a dynamic project environment are developed
• adopt an inclusive approach to practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equity, diversity and inclusion

Project Planning and Delivery

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• synthesise information from a variety of sources to produce a work breakdown structure and project programme.
• interpret complex project requirements and information to develop a detailed project plan that evaluates and manages project risk and includes a programme identifying project milestones, resource requirements, critical path, and a site layout.
• propose feasible and achievable responses to project change events.
• propose critical responses to construction methodologies and measure the impacts to programme of alternative construction methodologies.
• use delay analysis techniques to assess and respond to changes to the project goals.

Sustainable Built Environments

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• articulate the key drivers behind the need to move towards a Sustainable Built Environment
• propose responses that can be made, at different scales, to move towards a sustainable Built Environment.
• evaluate the instruments through which Sustainable Built Environments are promoted and measured around the globe, including accreditation schemes and legislation.
• appraise the contributions the Built Environment professionals and Professional Bodies make towards Sustainable Built Environments.
• formulate responses based on evidence from research and practice.

Building a Successful Project Team

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Evidence a deep and meaningful knowledge and understanding of the role soft skills play in personal development and the role of the project manager.
• Identify and appraise the relationships of the stakeholders engaging in a project and their contributions towards the project’s success.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity, gender equality, and intercultural issues to support ethically aware, collaborative professional practice.
• Advance appropriate strategies to construct and maintain integrated project teams resilient to the internal and external constraints of a project.
• Evidence knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques for managing organisational change

Managing Risk and Uncertainty

On completion of the module, the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

• Utilise advanced techniques to identify and categorise risks considering their potential impact on project and organisational value. 
• Evaluate and monitor the selected risk response strategies and consider their implications for value delivery and optimisation.
• Apply advanced quantitative risk analysis techniques while recognising their role in value driven decision making.
• Distinguish between risk and uncertainty and understand their implications for value management.