Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Construction Management

Purpose

The Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Construction Management is a postgraduate specialisation qualification designed to prepare learners for further Postgraduate study. This qualification is designed specifically to follow the Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction Studies.

The qualification consolidates and deepens the learners' expertise in a specialised area of Construction Management and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of this discipline while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Qualifications leading to this qualification allow learners to work independently and responsibly, applying original thought and judgment to technical and risk-based decisions in complex situations and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market, or to further their studies through Master and Doctoral qualifications.

Specifically, the purpose of this qualification is to further the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for towards becoming an ethical, competent practicing Construction Manager.

The Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Construction Management is a specialised Honours level qualification which will lead to competency and professionalism in the field of Construction Management.

Rationale

This qualification aims to further the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for towards becoming a competent practising Construction Manager. This qualification provides preparation for careers in Construction Management itself and areas that potentially benefit from construction management skills, for achieving professional proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.

The Bachelor of Technology in Construction Studies benefited both employers and graduates. However, for professional registration, an Honours level qualification is required. The Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Construction Studies is the most suitable course to follow.

There is a demand for graduates of the BTech qualifications in both the private and the public sectors. The department has replaced the BTech with a Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction Studies. An Honours qualification will provide the necessary route for Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction Studies learners to further their studies at Master's level as well as professional registration, as the qualification satisfies the 480 Credits qualification with a minimum of 120 Credits at Level 8. Also, a compulsory research treatise forms part of the qualification. The course is also more aligned with current industry requirements.

The qualification is the requirement from the SACPCMP for registration as a Professional Construction Manager with no additional requirements and entry to NQF Level 9 Master Qualifications and the ability to then proceed to Doctoral Qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes. Credits may also be achieved by RPL for this qualification.

The structure of this non-unit standard based qualification makes RPL possible if the learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this first stage qualification.

Learners who already work in the construction or allied industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through a formal institution's RPL process. Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the described format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction with Construction Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction or Construction Studies, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits

• Construction Management Dissertation 4A, 8 Credits.
• Construction Management Dissertation 4B, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Construction Law and Arbitration 4A, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Construction Law and Arbitration 4B, 8 Credits.
• Advances in Construction 4, 8 Credits.
• International Construction 4A, 8 Credits.
• International Construction 4B, 8 Credits.
• Construction Management 4, 12 Credits.
• Professional Practice 4, 8 Credits.
• Business Strategy for Construction Managers 4, 12 Credits.
• Construction Project Management 4, 12 Credits.
• Facilities Management 4, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 6, 7, 8, 16 Credits (Select two modules)

• Property Law and Economics 4A, 8 Credits.
• Property Law and Economics 4B, 8 Credits.
• French for Sciences and Technology 3, 8 Credits.
• Mandarin for Sciences and Technology 3, 8 Credits.
• French for Sciences and Technology 4, 8 Credits.
• Mandarin for Sciences and Technology 4, 8 Credits.

1. Manage complex building projects and related infrastructure.
2. Manage the human resources of a construction project.
3. Use computers and software packages relevant to the industry and profession for the undertaking of tasks.
4. Effectively communicate routes with construction professionals.
5. Analyse and ethically solve problems related to the Construction Management sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Organise a construction site and manage the development process of buildings and construction projects.
• Demonstrate how the client's requirements and preferences will be appreciated and understood as visible in documents preparation and negotiations to be conducted.
• Explain how the user needs and options will be assessed and documented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Perform, manage and administer the basic functions of the profession in the construction industry.
• Appoint necessary consultants in establishing the project brief, objectives, priorities, constraints, assumption and strategies in consultation with the client.
• Prepare the Construction Management Organogram and obtain a commitment from appropriate staff as required.
• Appoint subcontractors and suppliers including the finalisation of all agreements.
• Select, recommend and agree with the Principal Agent and consultants on the procurement strategy for subcontractors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply the computers and software packages relevant to the industry and profession for the undertaking of tasks.
• Analyse and recommend the computers and software packages used by Construction Managers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Perform written communication skills in report writing and correspondence.
• Acquire oral communication skills in dealing with enquiries from clients, consultants and colleagues.
• Articulate graphic presentations skills to assist and inform clients, consultants and colleagues in construction-related matters.
• Apply communicative skills in engaging with stakeholders and in retrieving and disseminating information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Acquire the ability and knowledge of research theory and techniques to analyse and address problems arising in construction projects.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
• Act ethically when solving problems related to the Construction Management sector.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification will combine formative, summative and diagnostic assessment methodologies. There will be multiple assessment opportunities for the learner to develop and demonstrate the various Exit Level Outcomes associated with this qualification. There will be constructive alignment between the development of the intended outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities. Some of the assessment methodologies will include tests, assignments, practicals, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations and a Research Project. In terms of the institutional policy, all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. Also, all NQF Level 8 modules will be subjected to external moderation.