SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science in Construction Economics and Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
110791	Bachelor of Science in Construction Economics and Management
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Building Construction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-08	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Construction Economics and Management (BSc (Construction Economics and Management)) is to develop academically and professionally capable learners by providing a well-rounded, broad education to command fundamental knowledge, skills and competences that constitute and contribute to the quantification and management of construction processes, projects and businesses thereof. It will also expose learners to a multi-disciplinary array of subject matter around the main areas of construction economics, construction science and management in construction in order to develop critical, creative and dynamic intellectual ability and skills which can deal with, and adapt to changing circumstances and environments.

Construction Economics will enable learners to apply economic principles and analytical techniques to the study of the building industry, activities, or the exploitation of particular resources. It includes instruction in economic theory for the building industry; the modelling of the industry, the economic consequences of resource allocation decisions; regulatory factors; and the technical aspects of related subjects.

In the qualification, the Construction management is an area of study which prepares learners to manage, coordinate, and supervise the construction process from concept development through project completion on timely and economic bases. It includes instruction in commercial, residential, mechanical, highway/heavy civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, and specialty construction; facilities management; project planning; budgeting and cost control; logistics and materials management; personnel management and labour relations; site safety; construction contracting; construction processes and techniques; organisation and scheduling; and applicable codes and regulations.

Rationale:
The need for developing the BSc (Construction Economics and Management) was identified by the University's Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics (henceforth referred to as the Department) during its internal curriculum review process in 2014. The need for this qualification was further supported by a subsequent institutional review of the Department undertaken by external reviewers in 2014. One of its key recommendations was that a 3-year combined undergraduate degree be developed. Responding to this recommendation, this qualification will provide an undergraduate qualification for both quantity surveying (QS) and construction management (CM) from which learners may continue to honours Degree studies in either QS or CM. This qualification responds to the call for quality education and training by providing a qualification for professions in the built environment such as quantity surveying and construction management.

This qualification has been approved by three professional bodies: South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). These three respective professional bodies were consulted and have expressed their support for the development of this qualification.

Quantity surveying, included in construction economics, is acknowledged as an independent profession within the context of the built environment worldwide. Members of this profession enjoy due recognition and financial reward in terms of their specialised skills and competence, and are eligible for employment in numerous spheres of the economy which include private sector consultancies and professional firms, public sector employment (state, provincial and local authorities), tertiary/adult basic/further education and training, financial institutions, property development enterprises, research organisations, construction companies. While the demand for quantity surveying skills in the construction industry is influenced by economic factors, for example, capital investment in property development projects, the skills and knowledgebase acquired by holders of this qualification will be afforded opportunities for entry into many other sectors of the economy, for example, manufacturing industries, retailing, maintenance (structures of all types).

By and large, professions in the built environment (such as QS, CM, engineering), particularly in South Africa, have been identified as scarce skills by the Department of Higher Education and Training. The qualification will contribute to addressing the skills shortage identified in the construction sector relating mainly to quantity surveying and technical and operational management functions of construction processes. The SACQSP and SACPCMP regulate qualifications nationally in quantity surveying and construction management respectively. Cognisance has been taken to align the qualification with the requirements of these bodies. As from 1st January 2013, the minimum academic criteria for registration with the SACQSP is a minimum of a 360-Credit qualification such as this qualification. Graduates of the BSc Degree will also have to undertake some skills modules offered by the SACQSP. Learners of the BSc (Construction Economics and Management) will be eligible to register as a Learner Quantity Surveyor (in terms of the Quantity Surveyors Act, 2000 as amended). Thereafter, a minimum period of three years in-service training must be undertaken under the supervision of a registered Quantity Surveyor before being admitted to the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and to become registered with the Council as a Quantity Surveyor. Furthermore, the international Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have accredited the BSc (CM).

In line with the above, it was reasoned that having a BSc qualification whose curriculum and module contents and outcomes are better aligned against the demands of a changed learner body, national and international standards and requirements and latest trends in the construction or built environment field, would provide more value for money to the learners, institution and profession as a whole.

This qualification is an entry level undergraduate qualification and the range of typical learners will be Grade 12 learners from across the country and beyond, who meet the minimum entry requirements. Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to gain employment in private organisations engaged in various sectors of the construction industry, in financial institutions and in local, provincial and central governmental institutions concerned with construction. Typical occupations, jobs or areas of activity include the following: Quantity surveyor, Construction manager, Site manager, Contracts manager, Procurement consultant, Health and safety officer, Property commercial manager, Property consultant.

Once a learner completes the qualification, they may enter post-graduate studies, such as either the BSc Honours (Hons) (Quantity Surveying) or BSc Hons (Construction Management), and/or then enter the work place. Depending on the Bachelor Honours Degree qualification chosen, there are many career professional development opportunities that one could follow including becoming a Learner Quantity Surveyor or Learner Construction Manager or Learner Construction Project Manager working under a registered professional mentor, with a view to gaining and consolidating practical competences to attain full professional registration in the area registered.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of prior learning, Credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The process for access to the qualification will be managed by the central RPL Office in collaboration with the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Through its RPL policy and RPL Office, and in collaboration with the Faculty, will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Applicants will be assessed against National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

A National Senior Certificate, granting access to Bachelor's studies and with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement, or

A National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies and with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement, or

A Higher Certificate, NQF Level 5 or

An Advanced Certificate, NQF Level 6, or

Diploma in a cognate field, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 392 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 112 Credits:

Building Economics 1, 16 Credits.

Building Science 1, 16 Credits.

Descriptive Quantification 1, 16 Credits.

Property Development 1, 8 Credits.

Architecture, 8 Credits.

Business functions, 16 Credits.

Physics for Building Science learners, 8 Credits.

Introductory Calculus and Statics, 8 Credits.

Business calculations, 16 Credits.

Integrated Practical Exposure 1, 0 Credit.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 6, 128 Credits:

Building Economics 2a, 8 Credits.

Building Economics 2b, 8 Credits.

Building Science 2, 16 Credits.

Construction Science 1a, 8 Credits.

Construction Science 2b, 8 Credits.

Descriptive Quantification 2, 16 Credits.

Property Development 2a, 16 Credits.

Property Development 2b, 16 Credits.

Commercial Law, 16 Credits.

Labour Law, 16 Credits.

Integrated Practical Exposure 2, 0 Credit.

Elective Modules NQF Level 6, (Choose one) 32 Credits:

Economic Systems and Basic micro-economics, 16 Credits.

Introduction to macro-economics, 16 Credits.

And choose one of the following:

Accounting, 16 Credits.

(For learners who do not have Accounting at the National Senior Certificate (NSC) performance level).

Managerial Accounting, 16 Credits.

(For learners who passed Accounting at the NSC performance level).

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7,120 Credits:

Building Economics 3a, 8 Credits.

Building Economics 3b, 8 Credits.

Building Science 3a, 8 Credits.

Building Science 3b, 8 Credits.

Descriptive Quantification 3, 24 Credits.

Construction Contracts 1a, 8 Credits.

Construction Contracts 1b, 8 Credits.

Introduction to Research, 8 Credits.

Production and Operational Management, 24Credits.

Quantification project, 16 Credits.

Integrated Practical Exposure 3, 0 Credit.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conduct intermediary descriptive quantification and implement value management.
2. Perform intermediary feasibility studies and whole life cycle appraisals of construction projects.
3. Manage price determination processes, produce related documents and advice on procurement strategies.
4. Manage, coordinate and supervise the construction processes.
5. Conduct cost planning of a project and complete project close out and settlement of claims.
6. Manage the business of construction as an enterprise.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Measure, abstract and schedule elements according to set standards.

Price determination documents compiled in scheduled format showing abstracting of measurements into trade order.

Compile Bills of Quantities to industry standards.

Contract documents compiled to set standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply the principles of sound development theory by analysing the needs of a client.

Feasibility and Viability reports compiled to set standards.

Prepare estimates of construction costs.

Predict life cycle performance of structures and buildings in respect of cost and quality.

Compile cost analysis reports according to set standards.

Interpret value, cost and scope of a structure or building in respect of predicted outcomes regarding structure, budget, procurement, and design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Assist in formulating procurement strategies.

Tender documents compiled according to industry norms.

Prepare schedules of quantities for engineering works.

Advise on payments and certification during construction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Evaluate and select material and methods to meet set parameters.

Manage assembly and production.

Develop, implement and adhere to a health and safety plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Report on cost variations compiled.

Prepare valuations for interim payment certificates and reconciliation statements.

Compile final accounts to set standard.

Break down projects into elemental and unit costs (build up rates for labour, material and equipment).

Use schedules to establish daily, weekly and monthly cost.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Establish human resource requirements, site labour requirements, and technology requirements.

Draw resource plans and schedules for labour, material and equipment.

Manage human resources, recruitment processes, run payroll.

Prepare schedules of predicted cash flow.

Integrated Assessment:
The qualification will comply with the assessment policy of the university. The qualification will utilise formative, summative module as indicated in respective module study guides. Learners will be assessed continuously for the duration of a particular module. Generally, for most modules formative assessment will constitute 50% of the final mark and will consist of at least one test, one assignment (on-and offline) and one additional class assessment. Practicals are included in Business calculations, building economics 2b, Building Science, Descriptive Quantification, Property development, Production and Operational management and Construction science 1 modules.

For most modules summative assessment will constitute 50% of the final mark and an examination will be written. In the case of Architecture, the building science and the Descriptive quantification, Property development, Economic systems and Basic microeconomics, Introduction to macroeconomics, building economics, Construction contracts, summative assessment will constitute 40% of the final mark and will consist of one written examination.

In five modules continuous assessment will be applied: Introduction to Research and Quantification Project; and Integrated Practical Exposure 1-3. Introduction to research will be assessed through a number of activities such as quizzes, written tasks and a final proposal while Quantification Project will involve the completion of a project assessed by two semester submissions.

Site reports, lab reports and other practice activity reports will be compiled. Logbooks and portfolio of evidence will also be maintained by learners throughout the year and signed off by the respective lecturers within the period stipulated in the logbooks. The lecturers for the experiential learning will consolidate the final assessment and the normal department procedures for moderation will apply including external moderation involving registered professionals.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Construction Economics and Management qualification is comparable to similar international professional undergraduate degrees accredited by the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB), and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Therefore, the Construction Economics and Management qualification is compared against two selected qualifications offered by the University of Reading and University of the West England in the United Kingdom respectively. The selected qualifications are accredited by the RICS and the CIOB, and thus assured by the accreditation processes of the respective accrediting bodies. The qualification compares favourably with the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and Surveying at Reading and the Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management qualification of University of West England with similarities in terms of the aims, contents and outcomes of the qualifications as highlighted below.

Bachelor of Science Construction Management and Surveying (Reading, United Kingdom (UK)):
Like this qualification the BSc in Construction Economics and Management is a minimum 360-Credit qualification. It is aimed at those who will become senior managers of development projects, project managers and construction operation managers. The overall aim of the qualification is to give a broad education in the academic disciplines related to the management of property, construction procurement and construction operations and to prepare graduates for a career leading to a senior management position in related vocational disciplines. The aim and outcomes of the qualification are thus similar to those of the BSc in Construction Economics and Management in terms of seeking to develop academically and professionally capable graduates through providing a well-rounded, broad education to command fundamental knowledge, skills and competences to enable them ultimately to contribute to the quantification and management of construction processes, projects and businesses thereof in the property and construction sectors of the economy. The qualification provides a coherent academic course of study which is relevant to the needs of employers in these disciplines. A range of project-based teaching and tutorials allows individual and group work to develop.

Further similarities in the qualifications can also be seen in the teaching approaches where the programme in Construction Management and Surveying provides learners with the techniques of the site construction process and an understanding of how human and material resources can be effectively managed, which also applies to the BSc in Construction Economics and Management. The Construction Management and Surveying qualification is divided into three parts. In terms of curriculum and content, like the Construction Economics and Management, a wide range of subjects are covered in the first year. This includes the fundamental principles of economics, law and management and the scientific and technical principles of building design and construction. The second year builds on these modules with greater emphasis on their application to the construction industry. However, in the third year, learners take a combination of compulsory and optional subjects relevant to their chosen qualification (BSc Hons (Building Science); BSc Hons (Construction Management); BSc Honours (Hons) (Construction Management and Surveying); BSc Hons (Quantity Surveying). Whereas the qualification at Reading is a three-year programme which confers an Honours Degree providing entry to a Master's Degree, the Construction Economics and Management is a three BSc undergraduate qualification which gives entry to an Honours Degree.

Bachelor of Science BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (University of West England, UK ).
The Bachelor of Science BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management qualification is similar to the BSc in Construction Economics and Management in many respects. It is also a 360-Credit qualification which runs over 3-years of study but is underpinned by a foundational year. The Foundation Year is studied alongside learners from our other Surveying, Construction and Property qualification, and so that learners may be able to transfer to a qualification in one of these areas at the end of the Foundation Year. There is similarity between the two qualifications in terms of the curriculum and content. This is evident in that in the first year, the focus is on developing an understanding of relevant measurement, legal, economic, management and technology principles, which is in line with the BSc in Construction Economics and Management qualification. The second year focuses on enhancing the understanding of the commercial aspects of development and construction where the learners will learn how to measure and evaluate the costs associated with construction projects, similar to what obtains in the Construction Economics and Management qualification. Further, other areas covered include construction law and contract administration, development and design economics, construction procurement and business organisation. In year 3, skills and knowledge are applied through real projects and problem solving scenarios.

The outcome of the qualification is for learners to develop the wide range of skills and knowledge required for quantity surveying and commercial management. Through placing these in a wider business context, the learners will be equipped to take advantage of new opportunities in the construction, civil engineering and property industries upon graduation. There is similarity in the outcomes to the extent that the BSc in Construction Economics and Management qualification will develop the skills, knowledge and competences of learners required for quantity surveying and construction management. Likewise, the BSc in Construction Economics and Management learners will be equipped to exploit new opportunities and adapt to changing circumstances encompassing the property, civil and building industries in the built environment.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Architecture, Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Spatial Studies/Human Settlements, Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies, Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Economics, Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Property Development, Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Property Studies, Level 7.

Bachelor of Construction in Construction Management, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, Level 8.

Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management, Level 8.

Bachelor of Spatial Planning Honours in Human Settlements, Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Quantity Surveying, Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Urban Development, Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	University of the Free State