KA6041 - Contractual and Financial Management

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will learn a range of key issues related to the strategic management of both contracting and consultancy organisations. You will also explore the requirement for consultants and commercial quantity surveyors to comply with basic accountancy processes and understand key issues such as cash flow and sources of finance. You will develop an understanding of the Quantity Surveyor’s role in the administration of a construction business from the contractor’s or commercial manager’s perspective. You will develop the ability to formulate tender estimates as well as understanding the processes inherent in managing construction business operations.

You will study a range of topics in this module:
• Corporate Strategy
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Estimating for Tendering
• Accounts including sources of finance and cash flow
• Budgeting (Organisation wide)
• Enterprise Risk
• Benchmarking
• Cost Value Reconciliation
• Quality Planning and Management
• Earned Value Management
• Delays and Delay Analysis
• Construction Claims Management

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars, and independent learning. The lectures will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to tackle a series of guided exercises. You will work on these during seminars and interactive workshops. You will get verbal and written formative feedback in preparation for summative assessments.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for contractual and financial management. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment it is recognised that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies. Lecture capture will be used to elaborate on the content contained in any teaching material along with audio recording and notes to support presentations on key topics.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from tutors during small-group seminars and tutorials. In addition tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP, telephone and email will be used as a means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place and work-based visits will be made by tutors if appropriate.

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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
You will be expected to be able to:

• MLO1: Recognise the organisations’ corporate strategy, corporate social responsibility and assess enterprise risk
• MLO2: Appraise the financial standing of companies and to assess possible sources of finance and the strategies adopted to manage cash flow and claims
• MLO3: Demonstrate in depth understands of benchmarking and earn value management to achieve the project success.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
You will develop your skills, which you will be able to:

• MLO4: Apply contractor’s estimating and tendering skills to simulated professional practice examples.

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

You will develop and reinforce to:
• MLO5: Critically analyse the strategic actions taken to manage construction business operations

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment: Tutors will give feedback on the exercises relevant to different sections discussed in the seminars and you will record and track your progress throughout the module.

Summative assessment: This module is assessed by a coursework (100%), testing all MLOs. The coursework consists of a written report (max 3000 words) designed to help students explore and discuss the module learning outcomes.

Coursework will be submitted, assessed and feedback provided to you in class and online.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge in relation to key professional body competencies relating to the strategic management of organisations in construction industry. The module will introduce and develop knowledge of financial accounting processes in organisations including application of accounting conventions. Further, this module develops and enhances knowledge of the Quantity Surveyor’s role in the administration of construction projects and commercial management of projects and the construction enterprise (business). Students will be able to apply and develop skills in a range of seminar activities which will provide verbal and written formative feedback in preparation for summative assessments. The summative assessment will comprise a coursework towards the end of Semester one and an examination at the end of the module. Your engagement with the module and its assessment will assist in the development of the knowledge, skills and attributes that are valued by employers.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for contractual and financial management to develop your skills and knowledge.

Course info

UCAS Code Z058

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

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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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

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.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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