Meaning and purpose of research: meaning, purpose, sources of knowledge and purpose-based classification of research; Research strategies: quantitative strategy and qualitative strategy; Research Designs: experimental design, survey design, case study design, comparative study design and longitudinal design; Research process - problem identification and setting, literature review, methodology devising, data collection, data analysis and report writing; Research planning –determinant factors, scheduling and budgeting; Research proposal and final report writing – introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis and results, conclusions and recommendations, references and appendix. Computer applications in research: internet, data analysis programs and processes, networking and dissemination of findings
Feasibility study: technical, environmental, economic, financial, administrative, social and political feasibility studies; Financial mathematics for property development and construction work: time value of money, interest rates, inflation & discounted cash flows; feasibility appraisal methods: Payback Method, Rate of Return, Net Present Value (NPV) method, Internal Rate of Return, Break – even analysis, Sensitivity Analysis, Risk Analysis, Monte Carlo Simulation & Cost - Benefit Analysis; Feasibility study and appraisal report writing.
Methods of valuation - comparative method, contractors test, profits or account method, residual and investment methods; construction of valuation tables including the theory of compounding and discounting etc. Introduction to feasibility and viability studies and methods of investment appraisal. The use of economic criteria in public investment; cost/benefit analysis. Methods and problems of investment appraisal techniques. Principle sources of income for funding a development. Public investment, mortgage financing. Development bonds, loans grants, subsidy and taxation
The course aims to provide the students with knowledge on Principles of generation, transmission and distribution of electrical energy; production of natural gas and principles of planning and design of gas services supply and installation in buildings, mechanical communication systems in buildings, data transmission systems, fire alarm detection systems and cold storage and refrigeration systems in buildings.
This module is a continuation of what was learnt in the last trimester. It is advised that you revise what was studied last trimester before proceeding with this module. Therefore, I welcome you to another enjoyable learning session on Construction Management. Like I told you, picture yourself as a construction manager and not quantity surveyor in this class. All the best!!!
The module aims to provide you with knowledge on construction project management procedures from inception to completion; systems approach to construction project management, activities involved in construction project management, organization structure of construction project management, role of participants on construction projects, coordination, control and supervision of construction projects, construction project scheduling, and network analysis. Finally, it covers the practical application of computer aided tools/software for programme of works.
THE LEARNING OUTCOMES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
1. Determine the enabling and facilitating procedures to be adopted on specific construction projects
2. Carry out the appraisal of the budgets of construction projects vis a vis its performance on the project
3. Demonstrate the various methods of project planning (time management and resource scheduling)
4. Adopt computer aided planning tools/software to manage construction projects.
The course covers application of the standard method of measurements (SMM) rules to measurement of more complex foundations, multi-storeyed framed concrete structures, basements, framed and unframed structural steelwork, flat roofs, floor slabs, staircases, balustrades, external and site works, sites service installations including storm water and foul drainage.
Major topics covered under this module include application of SMM rules to measurement of complex multi-storeyed framed buildings, basements, pile and raft foundations, concrete structures, framed and unframed structural steelwork structures, waterproofing flat roofs, composite floor slabs, staircases, and balustrades, external and site works, including storm water and foul drainage, car parks, estate roads, foot paths, gates and fencing, and landscaping. Studio exercises in measurement of work will be given.