Overview
This unit comprises seven key topics covering the development of Australia's design and construction industry, Government and private sector roles in managing Australian construction industry and emerging trends applied to the construction industry.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Students noted that there is an opportunity to better align the unit content and assessments with current technological trends in the construction industry. To support students' learning and ensure relevance to their enrolled course, future offerings of the unit will consider incorporating more content and assessment tasks that reflect these industry developments.
Incorporate opportunities for students to explore research topics relevant to their specific fields and recent technological trends in the construction industry, highlighting how research can be a valuable tool in solving industry problems and advancing their careers.
Feedback from Student Feedback
While the unit provided valuable foundational knowledge, they found it challenging to directly relate some of the content to the specific responsibilities of a building surveyor. This highlights an opportunity to further contextualise content for different professional pathways.
It is recommended to provide specific real-world examples of how the content of this unit can be useful for the purposes of the student courses.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Students responded positively to the unit’s reading resources, lectures, and tutorials, noting that these elements supported their learning effectively. The unit coordinator was consistently praised for providing exceptional support, being responsive to student inquiries, and offering valuable feedback on draft assignments. This level of dedication was greatly appreciated and contributed significantly to students' overall satisfaction with the unit.
It is recommended that the same approach be used in the next offering of the unit to maintain and build on this positive learning experience.
- Evaluate the development of Australia's Design and Construction industry
- Review and analyze the importance of Australian government and private sector roles to manage Australian construction industry
- Analyze and discuss emerging trends in areas of best industry practices, including innovation/ cutting edge technology, information technology, business improvement, networks and alliances, procurement, asset management, the environment, regulatory reform and intellectual improvement
- Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Research Proposal - 5% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 45% | ||||
| 3 - Report - 35% | ||||
| 4 - Presentation - 15% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Construction Management
Edition: 5 (2017)
Authors: Daniel W. Halpin, Bolivar A. Senior, Gunnar Lucko
Wiley
ISBN: 978-1-119-25680-9
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Micorsoft Office or equivalent (wordprocessing) software for preparation of assessment items in the appropriate format
- Microphone and headset (and prefereably a camera) to participate in Zoom sessions
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.mirzaei@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
The development of Australia's design and construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Development of government science and technology policies and their impact on the construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
What you need to know about research.
Chapter
Topic 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
National and global initiatives for the construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Development and role of the industry bodies and associations.
Chapter
Topic 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 is due on Monday of Week 5.
Assessment 1 Due: Week 5 Monday (8 Dec 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Human resource management in the construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No teaching. Enjoy and utilize the break efficiently.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No teaching. Enjoy and utilize the break efficiently.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Industrial relations and conflict resolution.
Chapter
Topic 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Construction industry trends.
Chapter
Topic 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Important considerations when developing a research report.
Chapter
Topic 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 is due on Monday of Week 9.
Assessment 2 Due: Week 9 Monday (19 Jan 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Recommended structure of a research report.
Chapter
Topic 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Referencing.
Chapter
Topic 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 is due on Thursday of Week 12.
Assessment 3 Due: Week 12 Thursday (12 Feb 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
No exam for this unit.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 4 is due on Tuesday of Review/Exam week.
1 Research Proposal
In this assessment, students will develop an individual research proposal on a contemporary issue or innovation in building design or building surveying. The proposal will focus on one key theme such as building code compliance, fire safety design, accessibility standards, sustainability, digital technologies, or building performance evaluation.
Students will identify a relevant and feasible topic, demonstrate preliminary research into the chosen area, and outline the intended scope, objectives, and methodology of their study. The proposal should reflect critical engagement with current industry practices, regulatory frameworks, and emerging trends in the built environment.
This task encourages independent inquiry, critical thinking, and topic selection aligned with professional interests or workplace contexts. Successful completion and approval of this proposal are required before progressing to the subsequent research assessments in this unit.
Assessments A1, A3 and A4 are linked. The research proposal is the first component of your formal research report (Assessment 3) and presentation (Assessment 4).
AI Assessment Scale: AI Planning (You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas).
It is essential that your submission is entirely your own. If you use any sources, they must be appropriately cited in accordance with the CQU Harvard referencing style, as outlined in the CQU Harvard referencing guide.
Additional guidance and information about the assessment requirements can be found on the unit's Moodle site.
Week 5 Monday (8 Dec 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit via the assessment portal on the Moodle home page.
Week 7 Monday (5 Jan 2026)
Within two weeks of the submission due date.
| Assessment Criteria | Maximum Score |
| Background of the project and why it is important | 1 |
| The reason why this project is important | 1 |
| The purpose/objectives of the research project | 1 |
| The approach of the project / methodology | 1 |
| Actual or anticipated outcomes from the research | 1 |
| TOTAL | 5 |
Following ratings of score will be applied for assessment criteria:
| Ratings of score | Description |
| 1.00 | Very clear |
| 0.75 | Clear |
| 0.50 | Somewhat vague/ incomplete |
| 0.25 | Difficult to understand/ poorly written |
| 0.00 | Not provided |
For further information, please refer to the marking rubric provided in the assessment brief.
- Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
2 Written Assessment
In this assessment, students will analyse national construction and industry data to evaluate trends and productivity within the Australian construction sector. Using official Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publications, students will interpret historical and current data to identify key developments across the public and private sectors and within major construction sub-divisions.
This assessment develops students’ ability to source, interpret, and communicate statistical data, link industry performance to technological and regulatory factors, and present findings using clear visual and written analysis consistent with professional and academic standards.
AI Assessment Scale: AI Planning (You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas).
It is essential that your submission is entirely your own. If you use any sources, they must be appropriately cited in accordance with the CQU Harvard referencing style, as outlined in the CQU Harvard referencing guide.
Additional guidance and information about the assessment requirements can be found on the unit's Moodle site.
Week 9 Monday (19 Jan 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit via the assessment portal on the Moodle home page
Week 11 Monday (2 Feb 2026)
Within two weeks of the submission due date.
The assessment will address the following attributes:
- Clarity of expression and readability
- Relevance of content to address given Questions
- Use of appropriate seminal references to support your facts, arguments and justifications
- Original thoughts put up into justifying the answers
- Overall presentation and ability to adopt to correct referencing style (Harvard style in this case) along with proper communication using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Appropriate use of graphs, illustrations and other diagrams that visually support the context of your submission
- Demonstration of the core knowledge associated with this unit and its appropriate application
Your assessment should be produced in an electronic format.
Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.
Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.
You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.
For further information, please refer to the marking rubric provided in the assessment brief.
- Evaluate the development of Australia's Design and Construction industry
- Review and analyze the importance of Australian government and private sector roles to manage Australian construction industry
- Analyze and discuss emerging trends in areas of best industry practices, including innovation/ cutting edge technology, information technology, business improvement, networks and alliances, procurement, asset management, the environment, regulatory reform and intellectual improvement
3 Report
Instructions:
This assignment requires you to submit your written research report previously submitted and approved in Assessment 1.
In Assessment 1 you identified and selected a topic for a research project. Your topic should be clearly aligned with the course and industry.
Do not work with other students this is an individual assignment and presentation.
Prepare a written report (see style guide for details) on your topic of choice and submit your document before the due date.
Your report should include at least the following sections:
- BACKGROUND: A brief background of the study or the change in industry practice reported in this paper, including the context and motivation. Give some indication of what is already known about the topic.
- PURPOSE: Describe the research question (that is, what you wanted to find out), hypothesis or the reason for the change in industry practice. What were you trying to understand better by doing this study? Why does it benefit the other participants in this course?
- DESIGN/METHOD: Include a brief summary of what was done in the study or the change in industry practice, what data or evidence was collected and how it was analysed.
- RESULTS: Summarise the key results of the study or the outcomes of the change in industry practice based on the data analysis.
- CONCLUSIONS: What conclusions can you draw on the basis of the evidence presented and how do they compare to what is currently known about the topic? If the study is ongoing, what are the likely conclusions and impacts for the industry? Why would it benefit the industry to follow your suggestions and conclusions?
- REFERENCES: A full list of references (Harvard) must be included (not part of the 10 page limit)
General pointers:
- Ensure that the quality of your written English is good. Be concise in your writing.
- Ensure that it is obvious what the industry problem/issue is that the research work is trying to address.
- The methodology must focus on what sort of intervention is proposed to address the problem and how you are going to measure success (or otherwise) of the intervention.
- The Outcomes must focus on the results or anticipated results and how you are going to interpret them.
- The work must make reference to the literature on the built environment or related industry.
- Ensure that the report is supplemented with headings as required. Diagrams and tables should be used to further elaborate on your results and conclusions.
AI Assessment Scale: AI Planning (You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas).
Week 12 Thursday (12 Feb 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit via the assessment portal on the Moodle home page
Before the school's certification of grades meeting
| Assessment Criteria | Mark |
| Demonstration of an understanding of the relevance and context of the research topic | 7 (20%) |
| Evidence that the existing knowledge related to the topic has been identified and critically analysed | 7 (20%) |
| Evidence that the research methodology is justified and appropriate to the project and was organised and carried out within the given timeframe | 7 (20%) |
| Evidence that research outcomes are positioned relative to the existing knowledge | 7 (20%) |
| Level of professionalism in communication and presentation with regards to structure and layout, writing style (clarity, grammar), academic referencing (in compliance with Harvard style) | 7 (20%) |
| Total | 35 (100%) |
For further information, please refer to the marking rubric provided in the assessment brief.
- Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
4 Presentation
This assessment requires you to submit a presentation based on the Assessment 3 research report. Use no more than 15 slides for your presentation and submit a recorded video (narrated PowerPoint, mp4 or equivalent digital media) into the Moodle not exceeding 15 minutes. Submit visual and audio content in the same file and only submit file types that are accessible with commonly used media players. Ensure high sound and image quality before you submit.
When creating your presentation, you are supposed to present your findings of the research report assuming the lecturer and other students are in front of you (in a virtual classroom).
AI Assessment Scale: AI Planning (You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas).
Tuesday (17 Feb 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Slides and video are to submit as two separate files via Moodle assessment portal.
Before the school's certification of grades meeting
| Assessment Criteria | Mark |
| Compliance with the assessment instructions | 0.75 (5%) |
| Clarity of the report objectives | 2.25 (15%) |
| Selection and presentation of evidence | 2.25 (15%) |
| Clear explanation and justification of the methodology in research process | 1.5 (10%) |
| Demonstrated presentation skills and enthusiasm | 2.25 (15%) |
| Ability to use graphs and simplistic presentation tools | 1.5 (10%) |
| Demonstrated content discussion and opinion | 4.5 (30%) |
| Total | 15 (100%) |
For further information, please refer to the marking rubric provided in the assessment brief.
- Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
