Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Economics

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Economics is to provide Postgraduate candidates with opportunities for supervision in advanced, original, highly-specialised, scientific study, thereby making a contribution to the international body of knowledge in construction economics and its related fields and demonstrating competence in documenting the research in accordance with pre-requisite, internationally accepted standards of excellence.

Rationale

The programme will contribute by creating capacity for further research. The research undertaken will be related to the Built Environment. Research within the sector will enable researchers to stay abreast of developments. The Doctoral Degree in Construction Economics will enable students to pursue learning opportunities and contribute to the Construction Industry and especially the Quantity Surveying Profession's efficiency and competiveness. At Postgraduate level, international standards are applied to the industry and profession and thus likewise inform the standards required.

Students who register for this qualification are assumed to have

• A sound knowledge of construction economics and related fields in the Built Environment.
• The ability to communicate, both orally and in writing.
• The capacity to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical functions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL in accordance with standard NMMU policies and procedures.

Access to the Qualification

Master of Science in Construction Economics or a relevant Master's Degree or the holders of other cognate qualifications approved by Senate, may be accepted as candidates for the Degree.

Module name; Module Code; Credits; NQF Level

• Core: Dissertation; Q605; 360 Credits; NQF Level 10.

Total Credits per year: 360.

1. Communicating creative, original thought.
2. Demonstrating insight and reasoning skills associated with philosophical debate.
3. Applying sound quantitative and qualitative research methodology.
4. Planning and conducting empirical research, accurate surveys, investigations and analyses using appropriate methods and resources.
5. Deriving, analysing and accurately interpreting information from data and other sources of information.
6. Recording information from documents or other sources.
7. Compiling an appropriate research thesis.

• The listed and cited literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research reflect familiarity with relevant and recent trends in the chosen field.
• The use of literature surveys is justified fully and correctly on oral presentations and written record of research.
• The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal. The hypotheses direct the investigation.
• Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
• Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and include a range of media. The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data. The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analysis are valid.
• Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.
• Refer to NMMU's Postgraduate Research Degrees Policy.

Integrated Assessment

• Research proposals for the thesis require approval by the Faculty Research, Technology and Innovation committee prior to finalisation of a candidate's registration procedures.
• Continuous supervision and evaluation by the supervisor/s of submissions leading to completion of a thesis and fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree.
• Assessment is 100% summative and will take the form of a thesis to be externally examined according to NMMU policy.