QUSU08023 2019 Dissertation in Construction Project Management
This module will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete an element of undergraduate research and produce a dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Formulate a research problem and generate related research question(s).
Articulate the aims of the investigation.
Apply appropriate theoretical approaches and methodology.
Produce a well focused literature review.
Collect relevant data and analyse them in the light of the research questions.
Present findings in a coherent and logical manner.
Defend your argument, the work undertaken, the validity of the conclusion, alternative methods and the ramifications/impact of the project on the built environment and society at large.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered using blended learning techniques. This will include online lectures (via adobe connect or similar), workshops and work based learning where relevant and guest lectures augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used to upload educational material (i.e. presentations and recordings of online lectures plus supplementary reading material) and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). This blended approach (lectures and workshops) brings students together to facilitate group learning.
Module Assessment Strategies
Interim Presentation at Seminar - 5%
Verbal presentation skills
Knowledge of subject area
Ability to respond to queries
Continuous Assessment - 10% (5% = Semester 1; 5% = Semester 2)
Programming & Management (time, records, appointments,)
Adherence to specified submission dates
Communication with supervisor
Attendance at meetings
Regular submission of written work
Ability to discuss issues and act on constructive criticism
Submission and quality of first draft
Final Interview
Introduction & Literature Review - 35% (Marked end of Semester 1)
Abstract & Introduction to the problem
Aims & Objectives
Relevance, scope and currency of topic
Technical content
Analysis, interpretation and discussion
Research - 30%
Methodology and its justification
Ethical considerations
Identification of limitations
Commitment to the problem raised
Relevance to aims and objectives
Discussion
Validity & reliability of findings
Conclusions and Recommendations
Overall argument - cogent, coherent, logical, well analysed and critical
Quality of Report Writing and Presentation - 20%
Layout & Format
Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation & Referencing
Methodical
Clarity, Quality & Flow of Academic Writing
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment.
Indicative Syllabus
Research design - selecting a suitable topic, review of existing knowledge, devise conceptual framework, decide the research question, list information needs, decide research strategy, conduct report findings.
Research method - appreciating the use and application of different techniques, literature review, document analysis, surveys, interviews, sampling and statistical methods.
Information - official publications, published works, library resources, archival resources, industrial and private resources.
Research evaluation - critical evaluation of research arising from the application of various research techniques.
Dissertation presentation - presentation, layout, printing and typing, pagination, title page, declaration, abstract, referencing, citation, visuals, bibliography, appendices.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Presentation Presenation to Supervisors and Class | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 5 % | Any | 2 |
2 | Continuous Assessment Management, Communication, Submissions and Final Interivew | Coursework Assessment | Performance Evaluation | 10 % | Any | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
3 | Written Report Written Report Introduction & Literature Review | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 35 % | Any | 1,2,4 |
4 | Written Report Research | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 30 % | Any | 2,3,5,6,7 |
5 | Written Report Written Report Quality of Report Writing and Presentation | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 20 % | Any | 6,7 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tutorial | Lecture Theatre | group exercises | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | self directed learning | 12 | Weekly | 12.00 |
Part Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tutorial | Distance Learning Suite | group exercises | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | self directed learning | 12 | Weekly | 12.00 |
Module Resources
Authors |
Title |
Publishers |
Year |
IT Sligo |
Construction Project Management Dissertation Handbook |
IT Sligo |
2019 |
Naoum |
Dissertation, Research and Writing for Construction Students. 2nd ed. |
Butterworth Heinemann |
2006 |
Rudestam & Newton |
Surviving Your Dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process. 3rd ed. |
Sage |
2007 |
Fellows & Lui |
Research Methods for Construction. 3rd ed |
Wiley Blackwell |
2008 |
Anderson & Poole |
Assignment and Thesis Writing. 4th ed |
Wiley Blackwell |
2001 |
Bell |
Doing Your Research Project, A Guide for First Time Researchers |
Open University Press |
2003 |
Robson |
Real World Research (2nd Edition) |
Blackwell Publishing |
2002 |
- Construction Management & Economics
- International Journal of Project Management
- Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
- Journal of Management in Engineering
- Building Research & Information
- Automation in Construction
https://scholar.google.com/
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