Civil Engineering Management System: Learning Outcomes, Requirements, and Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module you should be able to:

Identify and create the safety, quality and other essential components involved in the establishment of a civil engineering management system. Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate management structures, techniques and procedures to a range of engineering, construction and operational situations.

Work-based situation demonstrating the application of an appropriate civil engineering management system for a project or operation.

• An essential introductory feature is a reflective analysis of the context and need for the system emphasising the benefits and possible shortcomings of quality systems
• A portfolio is to be prepared which will have a section for each of the following aspects of civil engineering management:

Section 1 Health Safety and Environmental Management

Section 2 Quality Management System* (Technical Compliance)

Section 3 Financial and Commercial Systems

Section 4 Human Resources Management

• A Conclusion that will identify a proposed document control system, indicate the overall benefits of using the manual and include a minimum of 3 suggested improvement areas for the situation

* Note that the Quality section will include the essential and important technical, project planning or operational procedures that relate to the context of the report.

An individual portfolio with the name of the student and title clearly indicated. You are required to prepare a typed report not exceeding 3000 words addressing all the requirements in the brief above in a clear and concise manner.

Each section will be preceded by 1-2 explanatory pages which will identify the legal or essential systems needed and areas of best practice. 2-3 sample documents relevant to the section are to be included, preferably taken from the real world, eg. in the safety section a “company safety checklist” may be included that promotes compliance to PPE regulations. The submission of a full document may not be necessary; a screen shot of the title page will be sufficient.

The report should be well written and presented. The projects used as case studies should be clearly stated. The use of charts, tables and other illustrations to simplify and facilitate understanding of processes are strongly recommended.

It is important that you understand the University regulations regarding plagiarism and the sections to be assessed must be wholly your own work.

FIRST CLASS (70-100%)

You should have clearly demonstrated in-depth understanding of the activities involved in civil engineering construction management systems and critically reflected upon them. There is evidence of comprehension of the duties and responsibilities of the manager at various stages of the construction or operational process. There is also a reasoned judgement and critical evaluation in mapping the most appropriate management techniques and tools that will deliver continuous improvement at all stages and functions.

The report will have addressed all the requirements in the brief. It is clear, concise and presented in a well-structured layout to facilitate understanding by the intended readers. There will be evidence of substantial independent research incorporated within the report through appropriate citations and a list of references. Excellent examples of good practices are cited for each management function.

UPPER SECOND CLASS (60-69%)

You will have demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements of the brief. Hence, you will present a competent piece of work with evidence of having carried out some independent research and critical evaluation, but to a lesser degree as the case for a FIRST CLASS. However, your report should be clear, concise and presented in a well-structured layout to facilitate understanding by the intended readers. There will be evidence of relevant independent research incorporated within the report through appropriate citations and a list of references. Very good examples of good practices are cited for each management function.

LOWER SECOND CLASS (50-59%)

You will have exhibited understanding of all the issues in the brief and addressed them reasonably well. The presentation and layout of the report will be of a competent standard and comparable to an UPPER SECOND but fewer examples of good practices are cited in the report due to limited independent research. You will have attempted every section.

THIRD CLASS (40-49%)

l have exhibited a reasonable understanding of all the issues in the brief. The presentation and layout of the report will match the minimum standard indicated in the Guide to report writing. But due to limited independent research few examples of good practices are cited in the report and some activities of the project manager and the management techniques and tools required are not discussed. There could be some shortfalls but not in the basic areas needed in the Safety section.

For a Marginal Fail (35-39%)

You will have exhibited some understanding of all the issues in the brief. The presentation and layout of the report will marginally meet the standard expected as indicated in the Guide to report writing. There is evidence of some independent research, few examples of good practices are cited in the report and some activities of the project manager and the management techniques and tools required are not discussed. There could be many shortfalls but not in the basic areas needed in the Safety section.

For a Fail (1-34%), you will have exhibited little or no understanding of most of the issues in the brief. It is badly structured, difficult to read and understand. There is no evidence of an independent research, no examples of good practices are cited in the report and you will have not include the basic safety requirements.