Master of Science in Construction Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Science in Construction Management is to develop a Postgraduate learner with advanced research abilities that will be applied to construction management, design and synthesis, in order to address and resolve some of the specific construction management systems of the industry. It promotes lifelong learning and an aptitude for training other learners in similar fields.

Rationale

This qualification has been designed to articulate from the Bachelor Science Honours in Construction Management and the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Following support from Professional Bodies and in accordance with the standardisation of the qualification naming convention across the country, a name change from the Bachelor of Construction to the Bachelor of Science in Construction was initiated and approved by Department of Higher Education and Training. The Master of Science in Construction Management therefore articulates in this specific pathway.

Construction management is a holistic built environment discipline in that the related tertiary education addresses three main streams, namely management, economics, and science and technology. This empowers qualifying learners to manage the business of construction and projects (the physical process) as construction managers. Furthermore, construction management is the gateway qualification for construction project management, which is the management of projects from conception to completion on behalf of a client, including design delivery, integration of design and construction, and the overseeing of construction. Construction management is a proactive and demanding discipline as it entails managing the resources of management, supervision, labour, competencies (knowledge and skills), information, finance, materials, plant and equipment, technology, and subcontractors, both on and off-site, within various built environment organisations. These resources, regardless of stakeholder constituency, need to be managed within defined parameters, namely cost, developmental objectives, the environment, construction and public health and safety, productivity, quality, schedule (time), and employee, client and customer satisfaction.

The increasing complexity of the construction process requires very high levels of engineering and management skills. The planning, designing, costing, managing, building, and maintenance of facilities today require a higher level of sophistication and expertise than ever before. Many capable professionals and academics are not filling high level managerial appointments in the construction industry because of a lack of management education and experience. It is for this reason that the qualification has been initiated. The qualification is designed to fulfil the needs of the built environment (construction industry) and for engineers to advance their body of knowledge; likewise the qualification will allow professionals to develop their knowledge of specific construction engineering and technical topics at Master's level.

Since construction management is an organised and developed academic discipline, it will be customary to have an academic qualification that includes studies at this level to facilitate articulation between the Honours and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualifications It is intended that a qualification of this nature will assist in fulfilling the National Development Plan, whilst simultaneously enhancing the academic research profile.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied in line with institutional policies and guidelines and is recognised as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and prior learning is assessed and credits awarded where relevant.

The learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status through RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements is conducted based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience and is considered where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Development: Construction Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises of a compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Dissertation; 180 Credits.

1. Analyse problems within the Construction Management environment by researching problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Organise and manage activities responsibly, effectively and ethically, accept take responsibility within limits of competence, and exercise judgment based on knowledge and expertise, pertaining to the field of research.
3. Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, research and/or experiments by applying appropriate theories and methodologies, and perform appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specifically research audiences and the community at large, in so far as they are affected by the research, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
5. Demonstrate, where applicable, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social and environmental contexts in the execution of construction management research/development activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Assess and identify a research problem correctly.
• Demonstrate the effective application and integration of knowledge within the study.
• Link findings to applicable theoretical underpinnings cohesively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Complete the dissertation timeously, ethically and responsibly.
• Demonstrate sound judgement and be cognisant of the time and cost implications of the research study.
• Work with minimal supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the appropriate methodologies for the study.
• Offer relevant theoretical underpinnings for their arguments.
• Interpret and analyse the data gathered.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Articulate the findings of the study.
• Communicate with various stakeholders during all phases of the study.
• Integrate the theoretical underpinnings with the data gathered, in a cohesive manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate an awareness of the social impact of their research, if relevant.
• Obtain the required ethical clearance.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the environmental impact of their research, if relevant.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation during their research activities.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of Higher Degrees is done in accordance with the Institution's Policy on Assessment.

Integrated assessment has application where a need exists to assure overall applied competence, to prevent disjointed learning experience and/or as a time effective assessment method. It has reference to formative, traditional summative and continuous assessment. General assessment principles and practices apply."

Formative assessment is conducted by utilising supervisor report and progress reports. The summative assessment is based on the completed dissertation submitted.

For the full dissertation, two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor (a full-time academic staff of the institution) and the other an external assessor. The assessors are appointed based on their scholarship and expertise. The recommendations of the external assessor are received and transmitted to the learner's supervisor for further consideration, comments, corrections or improvements. A pass is awarded for a weighted overall mark of no less than 50% and a distinction for a calculated mark of at least 75%.