CEM215-Infrastructure Development

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: t.ballal@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To meet the challenges of rapidly growing urban communities and cities, infrastructure development projects need to be responsive, inclusive and sustainable. It is therefore essential to understand the planning, finance and delivery of these projects and the challenges associated with meeting development goals in increasingly complex and uncertain contexts. Decision-making processes of infrastructure projects must respond to the specifics of the local context (including local knowledge, culture, legal and institutional frameworks, industry characteristics, funding models, procurement methods and so on).

Aims:

The main aim of this module is to explore the role of infrastructure in development and explain theoretical frameworks that underpin the processes of design, construction and implementation of infrastructure development projects. It primarily focuses on the challenges of delivering infrastructure projects and the impact of these on achieving developmental goals.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to understand the processes associated with planning, financing and delivering infrastructure projects and the societal impacts of such developmental projects. They will also be able to critically analyse issues relating to stakeholder participation and inclusive delivery of infrastructure development projects and the impact of these on sustainable development of communities.

Additional outcomes:

In addition to the above, students will develop an appreciation of specific contextual differences and understanding of the wider impact of sustainable infrastructure development. This will provide students with the necessary transferable skills to be able to evaluate contextual appropriateness and critically analyse development goals and infrastructure delivery in different regions.

Outline content:

The content of the module will build on the following main themes:

• Infrastructure development (theory and practice)


• Funding models and sources of finance • Role of stakeholders (decision-making approaches, collaboration and accountability) • Understanding local context (local knowledge, culture, legal and institutional frameworks, industry characteristics and procurement)


• Exemplifying applicat ions (examples of infrastructure development projects in different contexts)

Global context:

The topic of this module is relevant to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. As well as those from developed and emerging economies, those from more developed countries may apply this material through working with international companies, government aid agencies and NGOs internationally.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will utilise a blended approach through lectures, group-work tutorials involving specialist experts from academia and industry, and the virtual learning environment.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020