Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management

The aim of this qualification is to equip learners with Postgraduate-Level knowledge, skills and competency appropriate to a professional career as a Construction Manager in the construction and property industries. Moreover, it aims to provide the construction professions in South Africa with learners who meet the academic requirements for professional registration. The qualification promotes adequate infrastructure and human capital to competitively position South Africa in the Building Sciences environment. It also addresses national and global challenges in the field of Building Sciences.

Rationale

The qualification aims to educate and train learners that have a theoretical and practical experience in Construction Management. These learners can apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to practical building sciences profession. They are equipped with the required skills and expertise to contribute to the expansion of the building sector responding to the needs of the society, developing the public infrastructure, and understanding the dynamics of trade unions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management or relevant qualification on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 132 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 16 Credits (Choose ONE)

• Property Valuation, 16 Credits.
• Practice, 16 Credits.
• Property Facilities Management, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 116 Credits

• Integrated Project IV, 12 Credits.
• Construction Science II, 12 Credits.
• Construction Finance IV, 16 Credits.
• Production and Operational Management III, 16 Credits.
• Management of Information and Communication Systems IV, 32 Credits.
• Professional Practice, 8 Credits.
• Property Development Economics IV, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Project Management IV, 12 Credits.

Learners should have attained the following competencies

1. Management and preparation of tender and contractual documents for construction projects and this includes interpreting value, cost and scope of a structure or building in respect of predicted outcomes regarding structure, budget, procurement, and design.
2. Undertake the contractual management of construction projects and this includes the predictions in relation to life cycle performance of structures and buildings in respect of cost and quality.
3. Undertake the financial management of construction projects and this includes interpreting the scope and cost of a structure or building in terms of manageability, income, quality and time of completion.
4. Evaluate economic issues concerning the construction and property sectors at both a micro and macro level.
5. Evaluate alternative property development investment options and this includes applying the principles of sound development theory by analysing the needs of a client.
6. Apply the principles of models and standards to advise on and perform various procurement methods by analysing a structure or building, and advice on payments and certification during construction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Articulate clearly the ability to engage with knowledge attained from the subject matter.
• Prepare case studies and write assignments on certain topics.
• Complete an integrated project under supervision contributing 32 Credits towards the qualification.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment strategy provides for both Formative and Summative Assessment opportunities as well as continuous assessment. The Building modules utilise continuous assessment. This combination of assessment opportunities affords learners with the opportunity to monitor their progress on a regular basis and address problems as they occur. Learners will have to prepare case studies, orals, Presentations, Research projects, Practical reports and write Tests, Assignments, and exams on certain topics. Integrated continuous and Formative Assessment allowing demonstration of achieved competences is required for the outcomes of the qualification. Learners will have to complete an integrated project under supervision contributing 32 Credits towards the qualification.