CEMFIC-International construction
Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Professor
R
Flanagan
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9
Email: r.flanagan@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
To give information and to widen horizons about the global engineering and construction markets and how companies operate in the international market. The aim is to ensure students develop a wider perspective of design and construction around the world in developed and developing countries.
Understanding how global drivers impact construction sectors around the world in terms of social, technological, environmental, economic and political issues.
Understanding the way the major construction industries in the developed world operate, in particular, Europe, North America and Japan.
Develop an understanding of procurement in different countries and how the methods are different according to economic, political and client perspectives.
Developing a global understanding of construction, alongside an appreciation of the local issues such as climate, labour, and culture.
An appreciation of the effects of future trends on the engineering and construction markets around the world.
A perception of the need for engineering and construction organisations to create and maintain competitive advantage and the ways in which this might be achieved.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Understanding of the different aspects of design and production in the developed and developing worlds.
Additional outcomes:
Outline content:
The size of the global engineering and construction market. How many people work in it ? How is the work distributed? What are the key differences in approach to buying design and construction around the world?
Focusing on the facts and figures for the triad markets of North America, Europe and the Asia region. The types of projects and the output for the regions
An historical perspective of international contracting over the past 40 years.
Workload and the boom-bust cycles. What is the cyclical nature of the workload? Why is construction activity so cyclical? What causes the cycles of activity in international markets?
Looking in detail at the European construction industry, its structure and characteristics.
Looking at the US construction industry, how cost, speed of construction, quality and safety are managed.
Looking at the Asia region in detail. The nature of its construction industry. The prospects for the future. Consideration will be given to the People's Republic of China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.
The construction giants. Who are the world's major construction, design and equipment companies? How have they become so large? What are their strategies for entry into markets, growth, profitability and survival?
The Consultant giants - design, engineering and cost. How does buying consultancy services differ in the international market?
Maintaining competitive advantage for enterprises. What differentiates winners from losers?
Exploring USA, Japanese, Korean and European company strategy
The roles of finance, technology, specialisation and design.
The roles of government and regulatory bodies, World Bank, United Nations, Overseas Development Agencies, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asia Development Bank, Africa Development Bank, American Development Bank, International Labour Organisation.
Future trends in world markets
Making comparisons across nations and regions using input-output analysis.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, tutorials and private study
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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20 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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10 |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
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| Total hours |
|
30 |
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
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|
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework:
Nil
Relative percentage of coursework: Nil
Examinations
Part of three hour written examination paper in April/May
Requirements for a pass:
The students must obtain a mark of at least 40% in each written examination paper and an overall mark of 50% in the University examinations.
Reassessment arrangements:
Students who fail to obtain the minimum mark in any paper, or 50% overall are required to re-sit the failed paper in August/September. Such students are, however, permitted to proceed through the summer course phase and dissertation phase of the course.