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 - 2026
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 Task | Part Weighting (% of assessment) |
Assessment Security Level | Gen AI Guidance Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assessment 1 (10% of unit ) | |||
| RESEARCH PROPOSAL (Research Proposal) | 100% of 10% | Low | AI Integration (Authentic Professional Use) |
| 2. Assessment 2 (20% of unit ) | |||
| CASE STUDY (Case Study) | 100% of 20% | Low | AI Integration (Authentic Professional Use) |
| 3. Assessment 3 (30% of unit ) | |||
| REPORT (Report) | 100% of 30% | Low | AI Integration (Authentic Professional Use) |
| 4. Assessment 4 (40% of unit ) | |||
| Interactive Oral Assessments (Interactive Oral Assessments) | 100% of 40% | High | No Gen AI Use |
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
- Academic Progression Policy and Procedure
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- 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 found the unit useful and informative; however, some indicated that the scope of the final research assignment was extensive relative to the specified word limit, leading to a greater focus on managing the process rather than fully developing the content.
Review the scope and expectations of the final assessment to ensure alignment with the word limit, or adjust the structure to allow students to better focus on the depth and quality of their research.
Feedback from Staff Feedback
The unit places significant emphasis on the research component, however, the time available for students to adequately develop their final research assessment is limited.
Reconsider the unit structure and timeline to allocate more time for the final research task, allowing students to engage more deeply with the research process and produce higher-quality outcomes.
Feedback from Staff Feedback
There is an opportunity to further enhance student learning through increased hands-on practice during tutorials, as additional opportunities to actively apply concepts could strengthen understanding and skill development.
Incorporate more structured, practical activities within tutorials, such as guided exercises, short applied tasks, and real-world problem-solving scenarios. This will provide students with regular opportunities to practice key concepts, receive immediate feedback, and build confidence in applying their knowledge in both assessment and professional contexts.
- 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.
Assessment 1
(10% of unit )
Research Proposal
|
||||
|
2.
Assessment 2
(20% of unit )
Case Study
|
||||
|
3.
Assessment 3
(30% of unit )
Report
|
||||
|
4.
Assessment 4
(40% of unit )
Interactive Oral Assessments
|
||||
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 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
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
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Nov 2026Module/Topic
The development of Australia's design and construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Development of government science and technology policies and their impact on the construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Nov 2026Module/Topic
What you need to know about research.
Chapter
Topic 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Nov 2026Module/Topic
National and global initiatives for the construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 07 Dec 2026Module/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.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL Due: Week 5 Monday (7 Dec 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 14 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Human resource management in the construction industry.
Chapter
Topic 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Mid-Term Break
Begin Date: 21 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 04 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Industrial relations and conflict resolution.
Chapter
Topic 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 11 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Construction industry trends.
Chapter
Topic 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 18 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Important considerations when developing a research report.
Chapter
Topic 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 is due on Monday of Week 9.
CASE STUDY Due: Week 9 Monday (18 Jan 2027) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 25 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Recommended structure of a research report.
Chapter
Topic 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 01 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Referencing.
Chapter
Topic 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 08 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 is due on Thursday of Week 12.
REPORT Due: Week 12 Thursday (11 Feb 2027) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 4 is due on Tuesday of Exam Week.
Interactive Oral Assessments Due: Exam Week Tuesday (16 Feb 2027) 11:59 pm AEST
1. Assessment 1 ( 10% of unit )
Research Proposal
Assessment 1 is a Research Proposal assessment requiring students to 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. Assessment 1 is aligned with Unit Learning Outcomes 3, and 4, which are as below:
- Unit Learning Outcomes 3: 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.
- Unit Learning Outcomes 4: Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
Assessment 1, Assessment 2, and Assessment 3 are linked. The research proposal is the first component of the formal Report (Assessment 3) and Interactive Oral Assessments (Assessment 4).
Gen AI Guidance Levels: AI Integration (Authentic Professional Use): Gen AI is integrated into this task as authentic professional use, and you remain responsible for your final work.
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 (7 Dec 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit via Moodle Learning Site
Week 7 Monday (4 Jan 2027)
Students will be advised if a delay emerges.
The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Background of the project and why it is important.
- Reason why the project is important.
- Purpose and objectives of the research project.
- Approach and methodology of the project.
- Actual or anticipated outcomes from the research.
For further information, please refer to the marking rubric provided in the assessment brief.
- 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.
2. Assessment 2 ( 20% of unit )
Case Study
Assessment 2 is a Case Study-based assessment requiring students to 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. Assessment 2 is aligned with Unit Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3, which are as below:
- Unit Learning Outcomes 1: Evaluate the development of Australia's Design and Construction industry
- Unit Learning Outcomes 2: Review and analyze the importance of Australian government and private sector roles to manage Australian construction industry
- Unit Learning Outcomes 3: 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.
Gen AI Guidance Levels: AI Integration (Authentic Professional Use): Gen AI is integrated into this task as authentic professional use, and you remain responsible for your final work.
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 (18 Jan 2027) 11:59 pm AEST
Attempt via Moodle Learning Site.
Week 11 Monday (1 Feb 2027)
Students will be advised if a delay emerges.
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
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. Assessment 3 ( 30% of unit )
Report
Assessment 3 is a Report assessment requiring students to submit the written research report on the topic they selected and had approved in Assessment 1, which must be clearly aligned with the course and industry. Students must work individually, prepare the report according to the style guide and submit it before the due date. The report must include at least the following sections: Background, which gives the context, motivation and what is already known about the topic; Purpose, which states the research question, hypothesis or reason for the change in industry practice, what the student aimed to understand and why it benefits others in the course; Design/Method, which summarises what was done, what data or evidence was collected and how it was analysed; Results, which summarises the key results or outcomes; Conclusions, which explains what the evidence supports, how it compares with current knowledge, the likely conclusions and impacts if the study is ongoing, and why the industry would benefit from the student's suggestions; and References, which is a full Harvard reference list that does not count towards the 10-page limit. Assessment 3 is aligned with Unit Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4, which are as below:
- Unit Learning Outcomes 1: Evaluate the development of Australia's Design and Construction industry
- Unit Learning Outcomes 2: Review and analyze the importance of Australian government and private sector roles to manage Australian construction industry
- Unit Learning Outcomes 3: 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.
- Unit Learning Outcomes 4: Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
Gen AI Guidance Levels: AI Integration (Authentic Professional Use): Gen AI is integrated into this task as authentic professional use, and you remain responsible for your final work.
Additional guidance and information about the assessment requirements can be found on the unit's Moodle site.
Week 12 Thursday (11 Feb 2027) 11:59 pm AEST
Attempt via Moodle Learning Site.
Exam Week Thursday (18 Feb 2027)
The mark will be returned before the certification of grades.
The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Understanding of the relevance and context of the research topic.
- Identification and critical analysis of existing knowledge related to the topic.
- Justification and appropriateness of the research methodology, and its organisation and completion within the given timeframe.
- Positioning of research outcomes relative to existing knowledge.
- Professionalism in communication and presentation, including structure and layout, writing style (clarity and grammar), and academic referencing in the Harvard style.
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
- Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
4. Assessment 4 ( 40% of unit )
Interactive Oral Assessments
Assessment 4 is an Interactive Oral Assessment requiring students to present their Assessment 3 research report live to the examiner. After the presentation, students must answer the examiner's questions, explaining and justifying their research, methodology and conclusions in their own words. Students must ensure that their slides are clear and legible and that they can present and answer questions using commonly available technology. Students must complete the assessment individually, at the scheduled time confirmed on the unit Moodle site. Assessment 4 is aligned with Unit Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4, which are as below:
- Unit Learning Outcomes 1: Evaluate the development of Australia's Design and Construction industry
- Unit Learning Outcomes 3: 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.
- Unit Learning Outcomes 4: Research critical industry problems and find solutions to fix them.
This assessment is exempt from the 72-hour submission grace period.
Gen AI Guidance Levels: No Gen AI Use.
It is essential that your responses are entirely your own. If you use any sources while preparing, you should be able to name them and explain how you used them. Any sources referred to during the viva must be identified clearly.
Additional guidance and information about the assessment requirements, including oral assessment format, timing, scheduling and marking criteria, can be found on the unit's Moodle site.
Exam Week Tuesday (16 Feb 2027) 11:59 pm AEST
Oral assessment held in Exam Week, booked through Moodle.
Exam Week Friday (19 Feb 2027)
The mark will be returned before the certification of grades.
The assessment will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Compliance with the assessment instructions.
- Clarity of the report objectives.
- Selection and presentation of evidence.
- Clear explanation and justification of the methodology in the research process.
- Presentation skills and enthusiasm, including clear delivery.
- Effective use of graphs and simple presentation tools.
- Content discussion and opinion, including the ability to respond to the examiner's questions.
For further information, please refer to the marking rubric provided in the assessment brief.
- Evaluate the development of Australia's Design and 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.
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?
