KA6052 - Data Centric Construction and Digitalisation

What will I learn on this module?

Information and data have become critical and perpetual assets on construction projects. The increasing adoption of digital technologies in construction projects are also changing the way assets are designed, constructed and operated. This trend is changing the way existing processes/decisions are performed and is also enabling new decisions and capabilities that were not previously available to construction managers before now. In this module, you will be introduced to the latest trends in data-centric construction and digitalisation. You will understand how these support construction management decisions in projects and how they affect your role as a construction manager. You will appreciate the performance gains they bring, and you will understand their adoption with organisations and projects.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a combination of lectures and workshops with regular involvement from industry guest speakers who will explain and demonstrate their data-centric decisions and digital processes with authentic scenarios from their organisations and projects. You will engage in open discussions and debate with the industry expert during these sessions. You may be involved in the investigation of a series of authentic and practical construction management challenges/tasks that can be addressed using data-centric construction and digitalisation. You may complete a forensic examination of the selected challenges/tasks where you would demonstrate the use of data-centric and digital approaches, and you would evaluate their benefits and limitations. You will also explore your learning through reflection which will help to develop self-knowledge and achieve clarity and better understanding of what you are learning and its implications on your future. Your learning will also be facilitated through a combination of tutor guided independent learning (TGIL) activities (e.g., directed reading), and student identified independent learning activities. Learning may be delivered via a combination of ‘live’ sessions and digitally pre-recorded sessions/webcasts.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will be provided by academic staff during seminars and workshops where you will be provided with regular feedback for improvement, and you will have a more informal platform to ask the questions necessary to support your learning. There will be regular announcements issued on the University’s eLearning platform [blackboard] that will direct you to suitable learning opportunities and activities. A combination of authentic and research-rich learning will develop your understanding, knowledge, and intellectual skills expected from this module. The guest lectures will enhance your learning by providing a professional context linked to our industry.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

Identify existing and emerging digital and data-centric construction approaches and tools within the construction sector.

Evaluate how the application of a range of digital and data-centric tools supports decision-making in various construction management scenarios.

Critically analyse the advantages, limitations and implications of data centric approaches and digital innovations for the construction management profession and wider construction industry.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

You will develop key professional skills valued by employers by:



Develop an appreciation of the role data and digital innovations play in the transformation of the construction sector and project management, decision-making practices by analysing, synthesising, and using information from a variety of credible sources.,



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Apply disciplinary knowledge to complex problems of practice and identify appropriate solutions.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed? (SRS 0006)

Please give details of all formative and summative assessment process indicating which MLOs will be addressed and how feedback will be provided.



Formative Assessment

Formative assessment designed using principles of authentic, and problem-based learning, will be used to allow you to build confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical concepts and professional practices presented in the module. Additional formative feedback shall be delivered to you verbally by academic staff during formally scheduled teaching and individual or group activity-based sessions to help you learn and prepare you for the submission of your summative assessment.



Summative Assessment

Summative assessment will consist of a group presentation and a coursework that complements each other to assess your ability to satisfy all the module learning outcomes.



The presentation addresses MLOs 1 and 4 and is to be based on your case study work showcasing and discussing the practical applications of selected digital and data-centric tools.



The coursework addresses MLOs 2, 3, and 5 and will focus on a critical discuss a thematic topic related to the module. The assessment employs the principles of authentic, and problem-based learning. You will use the University’s VLE to submit your coursework digitally and will receive your feedback using appropriate digital feedback tools.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module will focus on the emerging conceptual concepts and practical insights underpinning the growing importance of information management, data-centric construction, and digital innovation within the construction sector. The module identifies and presents these concepts from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The module illustrates how data centric construction and digital innovation enhance your decision making as a construction manager and help to make new decisions that would be otherwise impractical, The module also covers the adoption of these approaches and techniques within construction and projects. An indicative list topics that will covered include: Introduction to Construction 4.0; Introduction to data science (Artificial Intelligence, Learning Learning); Information Management in Construction (e.g. UK BIM Framework, ISO 19650, Golden Thread, Safety Bill); Building Information modelling including key uses such as clash detection; Common Data Environments; Digital Twin; Virtual and Augmented reality; Introduction to Distributed Ledger Technologies and blockchain; and Adoption of digital Innovation in organisations and projects.

Course info

UCAS Code K255

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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