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 K240

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

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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