There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

This module is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of the production management role in construction project management. The module addresses a number of topics that are vital to the production of buildings. You will find that the lectures presented during the module will have an overall focus on a the strategic issues that those concerned with construction production must concern themselves with. However as you progress your study through the course notes that are presented to accompany the module you will also find a wide range of important operational tools that are necessary to underpin strategic production decisions. The module encompasses a range of topics under 10 principal units of study. In Unit 1 you will learn about production management in general, different types of production system, and you will learn about why the construction industry differentiates itself from other sectors in terms of its production methods and evaluate whether or not this differentiation is justified or not. In Unit 2 you will study various ways in which the construction industry could improve its performance - this will include learning about productivity analysis, work study and lean production methods. In Unit 3 the module will start to examine the first of the main productive resources, specifically human resources; you will learn that based on the present production strategies, the construction industry is heavily reliant on human resources and you will learn about the human resource planning cycle which is needed to evaluate the future requirements for human resources. Unit 4 will investigate the various strategies available to acquire the plant and equipment that is necessary for construction production and you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages associated with each strategy. Unit 5 will examine conventional and future subcontracting trends within the construction industry. In Unit 6 we will complete our examination of resources for production by studying construction materials - you will learn about the main ways in which materials are procured, managed and specifically you will consider how materials waste can be prevented in future construction production. In Unit 7 the module will return to considering more strategic industry level production issues starting with an examination of the present performance of the industry at a macro level and considering various previous attempts that have been made to improve the situation together with their effectiveness. Unit 8 will consider construction as a manufacturing process and you will study to what extent the construction industry can learn from and implement production methods adopted in more productive manufacturing sectors. Unit 9 will examine the present methods used to schedule construction production and you will consider whether or not these present methods remain fit for purpose going forward. Finally, Unit 10 will examine Building Information Modelling (BIM) and consider its usefulness in improving construction industry production performance.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Discuss the nature of production in construction.

LO2: Compare and contrast various construction methods and strategies.

LO3: Evaluate Resource Management strategies and concepts in Construction.

LO4: Evaluate Resource Planning Requirements.

LO5: Discuss and evaluate the importance of modern methods of production and the implications of lean production upon construction activity.