CEM620: Managing Construction Projects and the Offsite Interface

Module code: CEM620

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Shabnam Kabiri , email: s.kabiri@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Irem Dikmen, email: i.dikmen@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

To provide an explanation of project management techniques and an understanding of how offsite construction is applied through DfMA process and the challenges. At the work package level, the emphasis is on achieving delivery within specified targets relating to cost, time and quality. At the tactical level, the emphasis is on maintaining and developing the businesses whose income is derived from projects. The focus is on the application of ideas to real world situations.   

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:  

1. Relate project management tools and techniques to project delivery objectives.  
2. Understand offsite construction and the application of different theories in the dynamics involved in these modes of construction deliveries.   
3. Analysis of the process of design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA).  
4. Recognise the impact of the dynamics of project-based work and develop tactics for the management of team dynamics. 
5. Explain the scope and context of the construction sector and understand the position of construction organisations within the sector.  
6. Apply management and organisational theories to a range of practical and contemporary issues in the management of construction work on site. 

Module content

The course will consist of lectures and seminars with directed reading. The topics to be covered are:  

• Project management – introduction, definitions and challenges.  
• Selecting projects and bidding strategies: managing the flow of work through the organisation.  
• Project leadership, project managers and team dynamics.  
• Strategic issues: health and safety and logistics.  
• Tactical issues: programme and project control, cost planning and control, quality control, resource management, schedule compression and Earned Value Management (EVM).    
• Off-site construction techniques and the various interfaces.  
• The effects of offsite construction on role enactments in construction projects.    
• Design for Manufacture and Assembly with an application in a UK construction firm  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching is through lectures and seminars, augmented with guided independent study.   

Study hours

At least 34 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.