Course syllabus for Project management in construction

Course syllabus adopted 2025-02-17 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameProjektledning inom byggsektorn
  • CodeACE115
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPDCM
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyCivil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 88122
  • Maximum participants75
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0119 Project 4.5 c
Grading: TH		4.5 c
0219 Intermediate test 3 c
Grading: UG		3 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Only for students admitted to Chalmers Master's programme in Design and Construction Project Management.

Aim

Projects are the primary means of delivering value in the built environment, serving as the central unit for production and innovation within the construction sector. Their effective management is therefore a critical skill for design and construction project managers. Despite the availability of established standards, management approaches, tools, and techniques, construction projects often face delays, budget overruns, unmet quality expectations, or fail to meet societal needs. Construction projects are inherently complex, requiring project managers to navigate competing demands from internal and external stakeholders, institutional forces, and the impact of policymakers. This complexity is further heightened by increasing demands for sustainability, growing political and economica uncertainties, and continuous technological transformation.

This course introduces the diverse and complex nature of the construction sector, emphasizing the vital role of projects and project managers. The aim of this course is to equip students with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to understand construction projects in a dynamic and evolving industry. Students will become familiar with foundational project management concepts, tools, and techniques, drawing on insights from construction management research and real-world examples. It emphasizes a blend of theoretical and applied knowledge to ensure students can confidently apply what they learn.

In addition to core aspects of project management, the course addresses broader themes such as power dynamics, ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility. These topics are explored to help students understand the multifaceted role of a project manager and the impact of their decisions on stakeholders, institutions, and the built environment. Through this course, students will build the competence and confidence needed to shape the future of the built environment responsibly.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge
  • Describe basic project management (PM) concepts and tools
  • Have knowledge of different PM approaches
  • Understand specific characteristics of construction projects
  • Identify project management (PM) issues in cases from real life construction projects
Skills
  • Identify and synthesize relevant PM literature
  • Analyse and evaluate organizational aspects of PM practice
  • Analyse, evaluate and interpret PM practice
  • Evaluate the impact of PM practices on actors and stakeholders
Competencies
  • Define, formulate and solve PM related problems through process-based pedagogy
  • Critically evaluate project management approaches
  • Critically review and discuss peer students work
  • Reflect on power, politics and ethical issues in PM practice
  • Reflect on issues of uncertainty, complexity and bias for PM practice

Content

  • Introduction to project management: An overview of the historical development and current practices in the construction industry.
  • Key concepts in project management
  • Different approaches to project management and the evolving role of project managers
  • Characteristics of project-based organisations
  • Actors and stakeholders in contemporary construction projects
  • Planning, scheduling, and resource management
  • Project scope and quality
  • Managing risk and uncertainty
  • Power, authority, and politics in project management.
  • Addressing sustainability, ethics and and societal needs in construction projects
  • Technological transformation and project management
  • Practical applications and case studies: Real-world examples of successful and failed projects

Organisation

The course includes lectures, exercises, group work, supervision sessions, individual exams, student-led presentations and seminars with guest lecturers.

Literature

The course literature will primarily consist of scientific papers, with excerpts from selected construction and project management books. A detailed reading list for each session will be uploaded to the Canvas page four weeks prior to the course start. Lecture slides and handouts will also be made available for review ahead of each session.

Examination including compulsory elements

Course participation
Participation in mandatory course activities (or a relevant compensation assignment in agreement with the examiner) is a prerequisite for passing the course. Students must participate in at least 80% of the course sessions, attendance will be controlled during the class.

Assignments
Course examination includes:
  • Two interim assignments (including group work presentation and an individual exam) (3 hp) (TH)
  • A literature seminar (U/G)
  • Final assignment (Submission of a group project work and final presentation) (4,5 hp) (TH).
Assessment criteria (Point range)
  • Group work presentation (0-10): 10 points for presentation, 0 points for non-attendance
  • Individual examination (0-30): 30 points in total, 0 points for non-attendance
  • Group project assignment (0-60): 10 points for presentation, 50 points for the project work
Grade limits are as follows:
Grade (Point range)
5 (80-100)
4 (60-79)
3 (40-59)
Fail (< 40)

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.