BSU5PCC Project and Cost Control

Project and Cost Control
Module Descriptor
Module Code: BSU5PCC

Version: 4.00
Status: Final
Date: 14/04/2022
Summary Module Details

Module details
Module Title: Project and Cost Control
Module Leader: Lesley Callander
Module Mode: Supported online learning
Semester: Autumn (UK)
Level: 5
Credits: 20
Learning Hours: 200
Contact and Study Hours

Directed Study Time: 90hrs (45%)
Self-directed Study Time: 50hrs (25%)
Assessment Study Time: 60hrs (30%)
Assessment Type
Coursework: 100%
Computer Marked Assessment: 0%
Self-directed Research Project: 0%
Portfolio: 0%
Module Summary
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the activities relating to
project cost control, within the scope of the building surveyor. The approach is to move
chronologically through the pre-contract stage, involving the preparation of an outline cost
plan and approximate estimates, through to the contract and post contract stage of a project.
The importance of considering lifecycle costs and the maintenance management of a
building are covered, along with sustainability in relation to its impact on cost. Contract
documentation and contract administration are then considered, together with post-contract
cost control issues.
Taken on which Programmes

BSc (Hons) Building Surveying (C)
Core (C) or Elective (E)
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Module Aims
This module aims to:
• Establish a theoretical and practical understanding of how the costs of construction
can be controlled, both at the pre-contract and post-contract stages;
• Provide an understanding of how alternative design solutions impact on lifecycle
costs, and the methods used to establish such costs;
• Provide an overview of contractual issues, including procurement strategy, forms of
contract, contract documentation, contractor selection and key issues relating to
contractual administration.
Module Learning Outcomes

LO1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of project and cost
control in the context of the building surveyor’s role and support the ability to
investigate, analyse and apply judgements in advising relevant stakeholders.
LO2. Identify the factors that can affect the cost of a building at both the pre-contract and
post-contract stages and how to control costs by assessing design solutions and
lifecycle costs.
LO3. Discuss procurement strategies and the processes used in contractor selection and
understand their role in financial control.
LO4. Demonstrate an appreciation of standard forms of contract, contract documentation
and contract administration processes.
Indicative Module Content

Module topics
• Impact of design and maintenance of buildings on life cycle costs
Considers how decisions made during the design of a building and also during its
subsequent use can impact on the cost of owning and using a building and therefore
the impact on its life cycle costs. Explores topics such as Building Information
Modelling (BIM) and “soft landings”.
• Cost considerations
Identifies design factors which affect the cost of buildings by considering factors such
as the shape of a building, circulation space and height. Also examines the factors
affecting the cost of key elements of a building.
• Pre-contract cost control principles

Provides an insight into the need for pre-contract cost control and an overview of the
techniques used at the various stages of the design process including value
engineering.
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• Life cycle costing and sustainability

Examines the importance of considering not only initial costs of construction but also
the future costs associated with owning and running a property after construction.
Identifying issues relating to sustainability as appropriate. Explains the calculations
used to compare life cycle costs of alternative design options allowing
recommendations to be made to a client as part of the value engineering process.
The impact of sustainability factors is considered within the above as applicable.
• Contract procurement strategy

Explains the methods available for contract procurement and the selection of
appropriate forms of contract.
• Standard forms of contract

Introduces the wide range of contract documentation that is used with construction
contracts and identifies the purpose of the specification and bills of quantities.
Provides an overview of the main standard forms of contract in use in the UK and
internationally.
• Estimating principles
Explains the principles of the estimating process undertaken by the contractor in
order to price tender documents.
• Contractor and sub-contractor selection

Explains the procedure for selecting a contractor or sub-contractor for a construction
project and how tenders are evaluated.
• Contract administration and post-contract cost control procedures

Provides an overview of the provisions of standard forms of contract with regard to
the contract administration and financial management of the works, payment thereof
and gives an introduction to dispute resolution.
This content will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the legal, moral and financial
changes in professional standards and practice.
Overview of Summative Assessment

Module learning Assessment Word count or Weighting
outcomes equivalent
LO1, LO2 Assessment 1 1,600 40%
Coursework
LO1, LO2, LO3, Assessment 2 2,400 60%
LO4
Coursework
Module Pass Mark (as a weighted average of all assessments): 40%
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Key Module Learning Resources

Core Sources and Texts
The core reading resources within each module will be provided via the specific Virtual
Learning Environment (VLE) module pages and within the e-Library. Additional reference
material and supplementary resources to support your studies are available through the
UCEM e-Library.
Module tools
Students will have access to study materials, dedicated academic support, student forums,
and learning activities via an online learning platform (VLE).
The module page on the VLE is broken down into structured study weeks to help students
plan their time, with each week containing a mixture of reading, case studies,
videos/recordings and interactive activities to go through. Online webinars/seminars led by
the Module Leader can be attended in real time and provide opportunities to consolidate
knowledge, ask questions, discuss topics and work through learning activities together.
These sessions are recorded to support students who cannot attend and to enable students
to recap the session and work through it at their own pace. Module forums on the VLE
provide further opportunities to discuss topics with other students, complete collaborative
work and get extra help from the module team.
Professional online resources

The e-Library provides access to trusted, quality online resources, selected by subject
specialists, to support students’ study. This includes journals, industry publications,
magazines, academic books and a dissertation/work-based library. For a list of the key
industry specific and education resources available please visit the VLE e-Library.
Other relevant resources

Access is also provided to further information sources that include the British Library and
Open University UK catalogues, as well as providing a monthly current awareness service
entitled, Knowledge Foundations - a compendium of news, research and resources
relating to the educational sector and the Built Environment.
The module resource list is available on the module website and is updated regularly to
ensure materials are relevant and current.
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Project and Cost Control

Module Code: BSU5PCC

Summary Module Details

Contact and Study Hours

Taken on which Programmes

© UCEM 14/04/2022 v4.00

Module Learning Outcomes

Indicative Module Content

• Pre-contract cost control principles

© UCEM 14/04/2022 v4.00 Page 2 of 4

• Life cycle costing and sustainability

• Contract procurement strategy

• Standard forms of contract

• Contractor and sub-contractor selection

• Contract administration and post-contract cost control procedures

Overview of Summative Assessment

© UCEM 14/04/2022 v4.00 Page 3 of 4

Key Module Learning Resources

Professional online resources

Other relevant resources

© UCEM 14/04/2022 v4.00 Page 4 of 4

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