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This module enables students to start formulating their own understanding of the construction project management profession – and the role of other professionals in the industry more widely. This is explored in the context of the challenges that professionals face on a day-to-day basis on projects, drawing on examples from industry and professional codes of conduct.

This module introduces the student to the skills and behavioural standards expected in professional life and explores how these will evolve in the future. This broad overview gives students the fundamental background and context to appreciate what construction professionals do – and begins to build the interpersonal and communication skills they will need to be ethical, inclusive leaders in the construction firms that form the industry of tomorrow, with a strong appreciation of equality, diversity and inclusion as well as sustainability, for instance.

Class sessions incorporate essential themes within the construction profession through lectures, discussions, group activities, and presentations. The curriculum is structured by selecting content from academic books, publications, and industry reports as well as having guest lecturers bringing valuable insights from their professional experiences in the industry.

Students are required to submit a 20-page portfolio at the end of the module. The module leader provides formative feedback on a small group presentation on a key professional issue, and students have their first experience of giving and receiving informal peer feedback.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to equip students with a strong foundational understanding of theÌýconstruction professions and what it means to be a professional in the industry – now and in the
future. It provides them with subject knowledge that will be further explored in later modules, andÌýwhich will also underpin their academic and professional development as project managers,
It provides students with a broad-based and reflective understanding of:
1. the various professions and disciplines, as well as the emergence of professional bodies inÌýthe construction industry;
2. the role of the construction project manager and how this has developed over time;
3. the skills, behaviour and attitudes which underpin professional life; and,
4. the major issues industry professionals are facing now and in the future – notably aroundÌýethics, equity and inclusion.
NB: the development of the construction industry is covered elsewhere in the Year One syllabus,Ìýprincipally in the module: Industry 1.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Describe the history and development of the construction industry professions, roles andÌýbodies.
• Outline the principles of ethics and its role in professional codes of conduct, as well as theÌýwider context of CSR and ESG in major firms.
• Explain the concept of professionalism and how this applies to construction project managersÌýworking in firms and with others to deliver projects.
• Appreciate in broad terms the professional, academic and legislative body of knowledgeÌýwhich governs and criticises professional practice in construction.
• Discuss how professional standards are changing in response to current challenges includingÌýequity, inclusion and health, safety and wellbeing.
• Apply this knowledge to be able to create a basic critical commentary on current professionalÌýissues as well as proposals for improvement and change.

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