Bachelor of Science in Construction Economics and Management
Physical Planning and Construction - Building Construction
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Construction Economics and Management
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Construction Economics and Management (BSc (Construction Economics and Management)) is to develop academically and professionally capable learners. The program provides a well-rounded, broad education to command fundamental knowledge, skills, and competencies that contribute to the quantification and management of construction processes, projects, and businesses. It aims to expose learners to a multi-disciplinary array of subject matter around construction economics, construction science, and management in construction, with the goal of developing critical, creative, and dynamic intellectual abilities and skills.
In the realm of Construction Economics, learners will gain the ability to apply economic principles and analytical techniques to study the building industry, activities, or the exploitation of specific resources. This includes economic theory for the building industry, industry modeling, economic consequences of resource allocation decisions, regulatory factors, and technical aspects of related subjects.
The Construction Management aspect of the qualification prepares learners to manage, coordinate, and supervise the construction process from concept development through project completion on timely and economic bases. This includes various types of construction such as commercial, residential, mechanical, highway/heavy civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, and specialty construction. Learners will also be instructed in facilities management, project planning, budgeting and cost control, logistics and materials management, personnel management, site safety, construction contracting, organization and scheduling, and applicable codes and regulations.
Rationale:
The need for developing the BSc (Construction Economics and Management) was identified by the University's Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics. The qualification aims to provide an undergraduate qualification for both quantity surveying (QS) and construction management (CM) to address the shortage of skills in the construction sector. It has been approved by professional bodies such as the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be eligible for various roles in the construction industry such as Quantity surveyor, Construction manager, Site manager, Contracts manager, Procurement consultant, Health and safety officer, Property commercial manager, and Property consultant. Graduates may also choose to pursue further studies at the post-graduate level.
The curriculum and outcomes of the qualification are aligned with national and international standards and requirements to provide value to learners, institutions, and the profession. The program caters to Grade 12 learners and aims to produce professionals who can contribute to various sectors of the construction industry and governmental institutions concerned with construction.
In conclusion, the BSc (Construction Economics and Management) is designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the construction industry and further their careers through post-graduate studies or professional development opportunities.
Outcomes
- Conduct intermediary descriptive quantification and implement value management.
- Perform intermediary feasibility studies and whole life cycle appraisals of construction projects.
- Manage price determination processes, produce related documents and advice on procurement strategies.
- Manage, coordinate and supervise the construction processes.
- Conduct cost planning of a project and complete project close out and settlement of claims.
- Manage the business of construction as an enterprise.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Measure, abstract and schedule elements according to set standards.
- Price determination documents compiled in scheduled format showing abstracting of measurements into trade order.
- Compile Bills of Quantities to industry standards.
- Contract documents compiled to set standards.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply the principles of sound development theory by analysing the needs of a client.
- Feasibility and Viability reports compiled to set standards.
- Prepare estimates of construction costs.
- Predict life cycle performance of structures and buildings in respect of cost and quality.
- Compile cost analysis reports according to set standards.
- Interpret value, cost and scope of a structure or building in respect of predicted outcomes regarding structure, budget, procurement, and design.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Assist in formulating procurement strategies.
- Tender documents compiled according to industry norms.
- Prepare schedules of quantities for engineering works.
- Advise on payments and certification during construction.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Evaluate and select material and methods to meet set parameters.
- Manage assembly and production.
- Develop, implement and adhere to a health and safety plan.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Report on cost variations compiled.
- Prepare valuations for interim payment certificates and reconciliation statements.
- Compile final accounts to set standard.
- Break down projects into elemental and unit costs (build up rates for labour, material and equipment).
- Use schedules to establish daily, weekly and monthly cost.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Establish human resource requirements, site labour requirements, and technology requirements.
- Draw resource plans and schedules for labour, material and equipment.
- Manage human resources, recruitment processes, run payroll.
- Prepare schedules of predicted cash flow.
Integrated Assessment:
- The qualification will comply with the assessment policy of the university.
- Formative and summative assessments will be used in respective module study guides.
- Continuous assessment will be applied throughout modules.
- Practical assessments will be included in specific modules.
- Logbooks and portfolios of evidence will be maintained by learners.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.