CEM660: Building Information Management and Socio-technical Change

Module code: CEM660

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 Laura Maftei , email: l.maftei@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Martin Green, email: m.s.green@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: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module introduces and explores approaches of implementing socio-technical systems in the built environment. In analysing and unpacking the emergence of digital technologies in the built environment, the module focuses on Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an important socio-technical system that helps to manage information throughout the delivery and operation of buildings and infrastructures. The module addresses how the potential for BIM to be a collaborative process rests on understanding how socio-technical systems are supported by a range of technologies, standards, and strategies of management.Ìý

Aims:Ìý

• To gain an understanding of major theoretical approaches to socio-technical systems and to their use in understanding and implementing socio-technical systems in the context of the built environment.Ìý
• To understand the rationale and role of BIM processes in professional work across design, construction and operation.Ìý
• To recognise the range of processes, standards and approaches which can constitute BIM.Ìý

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Apply theoretical approaches to realistic case studies in construction;Ìý
2. Understand and apply distinct analytical and theoretical approaches to understanding socio-technical systems - their research base, points of difference and where they complement each other;Ìý
3. Understand, articulate and demonstrate structured processes for sharing and interrogating design, construction and operation information in a collaborative project team;Ìý
4. Identify socio-technical systems including, software packages appropriate to professional work within a BIM environment dependant on type of project and task.Ìý

Module content

• The history of and rationale for using BIM in the UK and internationally;Ìý
• Benefits and challenges of using BIM across design, construction and operation;Ìý
• Using BIM processes, standards and tools in collaborative work for design, construction, operation and cost management;Ìý
• Socio-technical research in new technology and information systems in architecture, engineering and construction;Ìý
• Introduction to alternative approaches to understanding socio-technical systems, such as: technological determinism, innovation studies, multi-level perspective, institution theory, social constructivism, actor-network theory, critical/political perspectives;Ìý
• Discussion of case studies of new technology and information systems in construction teams, projects, firms and/or sectors to illustrate and apply theoretical content.Ìý

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The course will consist of a mixture of lecture based presentations, seminars and hands-on activity including group work. Practical work will involve learning about socio-technical systems through digitally-mediated, collaborative activities in small teams. Ìý
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Structured preparation will support your learning during the week, and Blackboard will provide details of additional resources, software tutorials and training that you can use to develop skills.Ìý