SUBJECT OUTLINE

16468 Introduction to the Built Environment

Course area UTS: Design, Architecture and Building
Delivery Autumn 2024; City
Credit points 6cp
Result type Grade and marks

Attendance: 1hpw (lecture, online), 2hpw (tutorial, on campus)

Subject coordinator
Associate Professor Peter Smith

Email: peter.smith@uts.edu.au

Teaching staff
Associate Professor Peter Smith (contact details above)

Subject description
This is a core first-year subject in the Bachelor of Construction Project Management. The subject provides an
introduction to the construction and property markets and the property development process in the built environment.
The field of construction project management is explained and typical professional career paths and opportunities
within this field are examined. The role and regulation of the various property development professionals are explored
with a focus on the role of clients/developers, contractors, designers, engineers, project managers, construction
managers, quantity surveyors and other project consultants. Students are given an overview of the nature and
structure of the construction industry, procurement systems and the main issues and challenges facing the industry.
Students are introduced to the main forms of documentation used in the industry. The fundamentals of report writing,
academic writing and professional communication are also incorporated in the subject.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
1. outline the structure of the property and construction industries and identify the main issues and challenges facing
these industries

2. identify and describe the main stakeholders in the property and construction industry and define the respective
roles of property and construction professionals

3. identify and discuss the regulatory and governance frameworks of property and construction professionals and be
able to outline the remedies available to consumers who engage professionals in these disciplines

4. identify and provide examples of the various interests, titles and functions of property
5. outline the basic methods of assessing the value of property and fractional interests in property and be able to
assess and calculate these interests

6. read, interpret and discuss the main forms of documentation used in the property/construction industry including
leases, contracts and agency agreements

7. engage in the property development process and make basic decisions in the assessment and feasibility of
development projects.

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Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
Identify ethical issues and apply informed ethical judgements in professional Contexts. (A.1)
Critically analyse and reflect on communication and engagement practices to inform professional capabilities to
work effectively for and with Indigenous Australians across construction contexts. (A.3)
Apply a variety of communication skills and technologies in professional contexts. (C.1)
Work effectively in project teams in professional contexts. (C.2)
Operate effectively within the social, legal and technical framework of the design and construction process. (P.1)
Apply the body of knowledge underpinning construction project management practice. (P.2)
Analyse and advise on alternative design solutions to promote the achievement of value on projects. (P.7)
Advise on appropriate procurement options and effectively manage contracts. (P.8)
Source evaluate and use information to approach new projects/problems. (R.1)
Critically analyse, structure and report the results of a research project. (R.2)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

The learning activities in this subject involve a variety of online lectures & other online activities combined with on
campus discussions, tutorials & group work & independent research and examination. Lectures involve online content
delivery employing the use of media and electronic resources to enhance the theoretical delivery of the subject. Guest
presentations from industry practitioners will be utilised to demonstrate current practical applications of subject content.

Emphasis will be placed on independent student pre-reading of subject material to facilitate greater understanding of
each lecture topic area and fruitful class discussion on key issues. Significant time is devoted to pre-reading essays,
quizzes and tutorial exercises which form part of the formal assessment of this subject and provide an opportunity for
regular summative feedback to students on their understanding of the subject material. A final 'take-home' examination
will be utilised to assess student understanding of the subject content.

The tutorial program utilises case studies, student group work and experiential exercises to link theory and application.
Students are further supported through the use of 'UTS Canvas' offering subject material and information and
moderation with the subject coordinator. The tutorial program offers students an opportunity to receive regular
formative feedback on their understanding of the subject material.

The independent research component will involve students researching a topic and writing an academic report that will
include personal critique and evaluation.

Students will have several opportunities to receive feedback during the subject. The feedback provided will vary in
form, purpose and in its degree of formality.

Formative feedback will be provided during the learning process, typically provided verbally by the subject's teaching
staff. It will address the content of work and a student's approach to learning, both in general and more specific
‘assessment orientated’ terms. It is designed to help students improve their performance in time for the submission of
an assessment item. For this to occur students need to respond constructively to discussions, presentations and
industry interactions.

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Summative feedback is provided with all assessed work and focuses on assessment outcomes. It is used to indicate
how successfully a student has performed in terms of specific assessment criteria.

Essays, class work, report writing and examination assessments are utilised to assess a student’s understanding of
subject content. Grades are published online in UTS Canvas.

Content (topics)
Overview of the construction/property industry
The Global Construction Industry
The Australian Construction Industry
Construction Project Management
Industry stakeholders and the role of construction/property professionals
The property development process and regulatory frameworks
The design and construction process and regulatory frameworks
Industry documentation
Project procurement systems
Professional Career Paths & Opportunities
Professional/Industry associations
Academic Research and Report Writing

Program
Week/Session Dates Description

Week 1 19 Feb 2024 Topic

Introduction & Construction Industry Overview
Professional/Industry Associations

Week 2 26 Feb 2024 Topic

Global Construction Industry

Week 3 4 Mar 2024 Topic

Australian Construction Industry

Week 4 11 Mar 2024 Topic

Academic Research & Report Writing

Week 5 18 Mar 2024 Topic

The Property Development Process

Week 6 25 Mar 2024 Topic

Construction Project Management & Career Paths

Week 7 1 Apr 2024 Public Holiday - Easter Monday

No Class

Week 8 8 Apr 2024 Topic

Native Title & Aboriginal Land Rights

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 MS 15 Apr 2024 MId-Semester Stuvac Week

No Class

Week 9 22 Apr 2024 Professional Communication Skills

Week 10 29 Apr 2024 Property Valuation & Investment

Week 11 6 May 2024 Topic

Project Procurement Systems

Week 12 13 May 2024 Topic (Last Topic)

Industry Documentation
Subject Overview

FS 20 May 2024 Final StuVac Week

No Class

FA 25 May - 15 Jun 2024 Final Assessment Period

Formal Exam Period

Assessment
Referencing: In the Faculty of DAB, referencing is done using the APA 7th edition referencing style.
Referencing is a standardised method of acknowledging sources of information and ideas that you have used in your
assignments or research, in a way that uniquely identifies the source. It is not only necessary for avoiding plagiarism,
but also for supporting your ideas and arguments. The UTS Library has developed additional support materials to
guide students in the use of the APA referencing style. Further support may be accessed via visiting the following link:
https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/help/referencing/apa-referencing-guide

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Assessment task 1: Class Work (Individual) - Class Essays, Quizzes, Group Work & Tutorial
Exercises
Intent: The purpose of this assessment task is to ensure that students are learning on a weekly basis
through weekly pre-reading of subject material and a variety of weekly tutorial activities relating to the
subject topics.

Objective(s): This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 and 6

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code
to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1, C.1 and C.2

Type: Quiz/test

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 30%

Task: A range of weekly class work. This will comprise weekly pre-reading essays, quizzes and a variety of
weekly class group tutorial activities. Details will be provided progessively throughout the semester.

Due: Not applicable

Weekly submissions

Criteria Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

linkages:
Demonstrate understanding of the 25 1 C.1
structure of and main challenges the
property and construction industries

Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and 25 2 C.2

responsibilities of professions in the
property and construction industry and
their relationship with other key
stakeholders

Demonstrate understanding of the 25 3 C.2

regulatory and contractual frameworks
governing professional practice in
property and construction

Demonstrate understanding of the forms 25 6 A.1

of language and documentation used in
the property and construction industry

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

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Assessment task 2: Academic Report (Individual) - Academic Report on the Construction Industry
Intent: The purpose of this assessment task is to introduce the students to academic report writing and to
undertake research into the construction industry to gain a broad overview of the nature of the
construction industry, industry issues/problems and industry trends and future directions.

Objective(s): This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

4, 5, 6 and 7

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code
to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1, C.1, P.2, P.7, R.1 and R.2

Type: Report

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 40%

Task: Students are required to prepare an Academic Report on the construction industry.The report must
comply with the guidelines provided in the UTS Business School Writing Guide (2018) - this guide
can be dowloaded at:
https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/UTS-Business-School-Writing-Guide.pdf. It
should be written and presented in a professional report format. The APA 7 referencing system must
be used - details about this referencing system can be found at:
https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/help/referencing/apa-referencing-guide. A separate assignment
document will be provided with the detailed assignment requirements.

Length: 4500-5000 words.

Due: Week 11
Monday 6 May 2024 (11 pm)

Criteria Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

linkages:
Report structure and presentation as 20 4 C.1
detailed in the assignment brief

Report content and topics as defined in 15 5 A.1

the assignment brief

Report content and topics as defined in 15 6 P.2

the assignment brief

Report structure and presentation as 20 7 P.7

detailed in the assignment brief

Report content and topics as defined in 15 6 R.1

the assignment brief

Report content and topics as defined in 15 6 R.2

the assignment brief

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

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Assessment task 3: Take-Home Exam - Open Book
Intent: The purpose of this assessment task is to assess student understanding of the subject content. Exam
questions will focus on students being able to clearly explain key aspects of the subject content,
effectively evaluate industry case scenarios, identify and critically analyse key industry
issues/problems and to put forward recommendations and strategies to address these
issues/problems.

Objective(s): This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code
to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1, A.3, P.1, P.2, P.7, P.8 and R.1

Type: Examination

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 30%

Task: 'Take-Home' examination covering all subject content.

Due: UTS Exam period

Formal Assessment Period

Criteria Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

linkages:
Demonstrate understanding of the 15 1 A.1
structure of, and main challenges to, the
property and construction industries

Demonstrate knowledge of the roles and 15 2 A.3

responsibilities of professions in the
property and construction industry and
their relationship with other key
stakeholders

Demonstrate understanding of the 14 3 P.1

regulatory and contractual frameworks
governing professional practice in
property and construction

Demonstrate understanding of property 14 4 P.2

titles, functions and interests using
examples

Demonstrated ability to calculate a basic 14 5 P.7

property value assessment including
fractional interests

Demonstrate understanding of the forms 14 6 P.8

of language and documentation used in
the property and construction industry

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 Demonstrate an understanding of 14 7 R.1
feasibility assessment processes in
property development

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Use of plagiarism detection software

The Turnitin Software will be used for Assessment Item 2 (Academic Report)

Minimum requirements
The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and
tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.

Required texts
1. Netscher, P. (2014), "Successful Construction Project Management - The Practical Guide", Panet
Publications, Subiaco, Western Australia. Available for purchase online at:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Successful-Construction-Project-Management-Netscher/dp/1497344417 . Students can
purchase either the hard copy version or the electronic version.
2. UTS (2020), “The UTS Business School Writing Guide", UTS. Available on the UTS website at:
https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/UTS%20Business%20writing%20guide%202020_0.pdf
3. Selected Readings (To Be Provided)

Academic integrity
Academic integrity and student misconduct

Academic integrity is central to the work of the University and is an essential part of the professional identity of
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Plagiarism is defined in the UTS Student Rules as "taking and using someone else's ideas or manner of expressing
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gain an advantage by unfair means".

It is a serious form of student misconduct and can result in harsh penalties.

Academic integrity breaches

A breach of academic integrity is also known as 'academic misconduct' or 'academic dishonesty'. A breach occurs if
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The following documents will assist students in understanding their responsibilities for academic integrity and
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Student Misconduct Definition and Appeals (Rule 16.2)
Academic Integrity at UTS

Guide to practising academic integrity

As a UTS student, when you create something original, credit others and collaborate with care, you act with academic
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Create something original: this means doing all your own work from start to finish, submitting work that is original for
that assessment and being honest about any data or results.
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If you are feeling confused about academic integrity, it’s okay, just ask! We are here to help you understand academic
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Explore the guide to practising academic integrity, including dos and don’ts.

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 Complete the academic integrity self-paced tutorial and quiz.
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