Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the necessary professional attributes, project management skills and Construction Management competencies. It is anticipated that this qualification will develop well-rounded, academically equipped, adept and mature managers with technical leadership skills and strong capabilities that are expediently responsive to modern societal needs of the industry.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management is within the construction sector and Construction Management is considered to be a scarce skill. Given this, the qualification has been designed such that it directly meets the needs of the sector, contributing ultimately towards the National Development Plan, benefiting not only the learner, but society at large. The qualification meets the specific needs of the sector by meeting and providing for the growing demand for registered Construction Managers.

As a result of the qualification's endorsement by the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), learners will be able to move from candidacy to full registration as a Professional Construction Manager upon completion of the qualification. On completion of the qualification, learners would be able register and practice as Professional Consultant Construction Managers and may find employment within the construction contracting fraternity. Construction Managers are also employed in the mining and petro-chemical sectors.

The main stakeholders of this qualification are the public and private sectors of the construction industry. Typically, these sectors require higher levels of advanced technical and analytical capabilities. This qualification has been carefully designed to develop specialists in the field. The qualification is also designed to target recently qualified learners who would be interested in academic advancement through postgraduate studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied in line with the institution policies and guidelines. The institution accepts RPL as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution will therefore endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

According to the institution policy

• Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.
• RPL is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
• RPL takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor of Science in Construction.

Or

• Relevant qualification at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 156 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 156 Credits

• Research Report, 36 Credits.
• Environment and Sustainable Construction, 12 Credits.
• Safety, Health and Construction Law, 12 Credits.
• Health and Safety Management, 24 Credits.
• Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
• Construction Management, 24 Credits.
• Risk Management, 12 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 12 Credits.
• Human Resource Management for Construction, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced construction methods and techniques.
2. Apply management principles to effectively solve managerial problems in the construction industry.
3. Critically evaluate the various roles and functions in the construction management process.
4. Critically evaluate legislative requirements in the construction industry.
5. Critically evaluate available resources during construction management processes.
6. Conduct research projects in the construction industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Correctly apply construction management principles to practical issues and problems in the construction industry.
• Comprehensively discuss the benefits and challenges of mechanisation techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically discuss the challenges and benefits of the role of Human Resource Management in the Construction Industry Demonstrate knowledge of Industrial Relations issues as they pertain to the Construction industry.
• Critically evaluate an organisation's competitive advantage or lack thereof.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Clearly illustrate the roles as a team member and team leader, in the construction management process.
• Critically evaluate the function of a facility manager.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Correctly apply the fundamental principles of commercial and mercantile law
• Demonstrate the correct understanding of contractual claims, administration of construction contracts and procurement processes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the SACPCMP Act.
• Critically evaluate the role of Ethics and professional practice in the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation
• Compare threats and opportunities in the industry
• Offer viable and innovative solutions for projects with constrained resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate the ability to independently investigate and conduct research within the discipline.
• Accurately analyse and interpret results to provide valid conclusions.

Integrated Assessment

There will be at least one assessment opportunity before the final summative assessment for each module.

Formative Assessment

The modules consist of different forms of formative assessments consisting of project reports, case studies, assignments etc., which will be implemented in each module, depending on the nature of the module. No experiential learning is involved in the qualification.

Summative Assessment

For the modules, each intermediate or progress assessment will be awarded a mark, which will be combined with the final examination mark based on pre-determined weightings for the module. For the Research Report component, two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor and the other, an external assessor.