Department of Engineering and the Built Environment Short accredited course Principles of Construction Planning and Programming (PCPP) Frequently Asked Questions
Contents 1 Introduction 2 Why was Construction Planning and Programing created? 3 Who is the course for? 4 Why Anglia Ruskin University? 5 ARU s expertise in Built Environment 6 What is work-based learning? 7 What are the entry requirements? 8 How will the course be taught? 9 How will progress be assessed? 10 What are the benefits of Principles of Construction Planning and Programming? 11 Is there a requirement to attend the University s campus? 12 How long will the course take? 13 How is the course structured? 14 What IT equipment and skills are needed? 15 What other skills are needed? 16 How will students support each other during the course 17 How does the University support its students on the course? 18 What books are required on the course? 19 What are the course fees? 20 How to apply? 21 What happens after the application has been made? 22 More Information?
1. Introduction Planning and scheduling of projects is one of the most fundamental undertakings in a construction business. Over the years there has been an increased emphasis on adopting an intelligent, informed and embedded approach to planning, which will lead not just to efficiencies in time and resources, but wider benefits such as optimisation of programme periods, increased productivity and dynamic teams who are able to better plan, drive, adapt and utilise their planning to deliver projects. Willmott Dixon and Anglia Ruskin University have collaborated in developing Principles of Planning and Programming. This is a 12 week, fully online course which carries 15 credits at QAA level 5*. The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the principles of planning and programming. It is designed to meet the specific demands of construction projects, and to develop the knowledge and abilities of Willmott Dixon people. This course will help you become proficient in Developing solid and robust project plans Converting these plans into effective project control tools to manage ongoing and future works Understanding which planning tools are most effective for managing each stage of the construction Monitoring and controlling works on site Predicting future positions based on past performance We know that it is difficult for busy working people to engage with traditional university courses, which require coming onto a campus on a regular basis. This course is fully online, and will enable learners to study at times that suit them, regardless of their working schedules or where in the world they are based.
This Handbook contains information, including course details, assessments, and the benefits to the learner and to the organisation. We hope you find it useful. Please do not hesitate to contact us however if you have any further questions. Suparna Ghose Degrees at Work Anglia Ruskin University Paul Hoskins, Stuart Gray, Sarah Packman Willmott Dixon Ltd QAA* : The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
2. Who is the course for? It is open to all Willmott Dixon people employed within the Construction, Housing and Interiors businesses. We encourage individuals who wish to develop their knowledge and practical skills of project planning and programming to apply. 3. Why Anglia Ruskin University? Anglia Ruskin University is one of the foremost work based learning universities in the Eastern Region, and indeed in the UK. Working with clients as diverse as Barclays Bank, Willmott Dixon, Harrods, the Armed Forces, Volvo. We have an established reputation for developing and delivering bespoke, accredited training at university level for employees of both individual organisations and entire work sectors. At Anglia Ruskin University, we believe that higher education should inspire people to develop the professional skills that will enable them and their organisations to stand out in today s increasingly competitive world. We are proud to have developed this unique provision for the construction industry. Anglia Ruskin University s innovative approach to education saw us win the prestigious Times Higher Education Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award. 4. ARU s expertise in Built Environment The Department of Engineering and the Built Environment (part of the university s Faculty of Science and Technology) is a large multidisciplinary department with the most comprehensive Engineering and Built Environment portfolio in the East of England. It is well-recognised as such by students, employers and professional bodies alike. Our research unit, Built Environment Research Group (BERG) has a research agenda focused on sustainability across building services, architecture, materials and communities, alongside work on infrastructure design and professional practice. Our courses are recognised by a wide number of professional bodies such as RTPI, CIOB, APM, IHBC, ICE and RICS to name a few. 5. What is work-based learning?
Work Based Learning is a process of applying knowledge that focuses on people s day-to-day work responsibilities. PCPP will be taught through Work Based Learning, which means that you will be learning about skills and processes which you can apply to your role within Willmott Dixon. 6. What are the entry requirements? There are no entry requirements as such although it is strongly recommended that you are working in a traditional construction function such as site management, surveying, design management, site engineering, planning, estimating or bid-management. As noted in Q2, the course is open to all Willmott Dixon staff employed within the Construction, Housing and Interiors businesses. We encourage individuals who wish to develop their knowledge and practical skills of project planning and programming to apply. Delegates need to have access to MS Project or Asta PowerProject and are also required to regularly access the ARU Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 7. How will the course be taught? The course will be delivered entirely via online distance learning using the university s VLE as mentioned above. Tutorial support is available on a one to one basis throughout the course via email, telephone and the VLE. This approach allows the individual to plan their study time flexibly and in accordance with work and other priorities. Course delivery will follow a sequence of discrete topics. The purpose, principles and underlying theories relating to a particular theme will be established and reinforced in each topic with examples, readings, video resources and assessments. Priority will be given on the implementation and usage of the learning gained to produce assessments. Learners will be taken through scenarios with an emphasis on skills and techniques required for Willmott Dixon projects and particularly Willmott Dixon s management of construction, its methods, processes and procedures. The entire course is made up of 10 topics. Learners will be taken through online interactive slide based learning package for each of these topics.
8. How will my progress be assessed? Assessments have been designed to directly showcase the skills applied at work. Students are able to contextualise their assignments to meet their specific professional and personal needs; this impacts positively on their practice and facilitates their personal development. The course entails two types of assessments - formative and summative. Formative assessment is an integral part of every topic and is arranged to support the three constituent parts of each topic: theory, applications and, it s use by company planning and management systems. Formative assessments comprise non-graded work, but aim to help students gain the confidence needed to complete their final assignment. The final graded assignment(s), or summative assessment(s) will comprise of one or more longer written pieces. There may also be the opportunity for peer discussions and improvements. As a student, you will have the opportunity to send draft course work to your module tutor for formative feedback to help develop your final submission. Please note that deadlines for submission of assignments are strictly enforced at the University. For this reason we emphasise the importance that our work based distance learning students manage their time carefully. 9. What are the benefits of Principles of Construction Planning and Programming? For the learner A university level, credit bearing course (15 credits) Fully online course, ideal for people based remotely on sites. Affords more flexibility and adaptability to work and other commitments Work based, with an emphasis on applying and transferring skills learnt into work Certificate on completion
Access to a number of progression routes to other Built Environment and Construction related courses at Anglia Ruskin University. For the organisation Relevant the course has been designed by Willmott Dixon, for Willmott Dixon Practical the key focus is on capability and so the training is designed to improve individual performance in the workplace Convenient - because the learning is on-the-job, there is no need to have time away from the workplace Inclusive distance learning means that you are not restricted by your geographical location Currency the academic credits can go on your CV or be used towards a higher qualification Prestige the learning is provided by Anglia Ruskin University who have an excellent reputation for education in the built environment 10. Will I have to attend the University s campus? There is no requirement to attend the campus because PCPP is taught fully via e-leaning and all course materials are available online. The development of an online community is a flexible and exciting way to learn, to share practice and enhance generic and transferable skills. 11. How long will the course take? The course will be completed in approximately 12 weeks. As a guideline, it is estimated that you will require approximately 10 hours per week. This time will for example be split with, one to two hours working through the topic on the VLE, four to five hours working on topic assignments (which will be based on what you are already doing within your normal work duties on your specific project) two to three hours of for example, individual thought, contribution to guided forum discussions within the VLE, review of real world examples or reading around the subject through recommended texts and AV resources that the topic will point you towards.
The time varies to some extent for certain topics and with the experience and engagement of the individual delegate undertaking the topic. The course has been made in an format such that it can also be accessed at home in the evening or at the weekend and will have much of the additional resources identified in a format that can be listened to in the car, read on the train or viewed in short snippets on a tablet. 12. How is the course structured? The module is made up of 10 units or topics. Each topic is designed to be studied in approximately one week, providing the delegate sufficient flexibility (given that the total duration of the course is 12 weeks) to complete the course. Introduction to Planning This Topic provides an introduction to the purpose and importance of planning, the role it plays in the management of projects and its contribution to the success of construction projects. Fundamentals of Planning Establishes the fundamental principles and concepts of planning and programming, the process of planning, together with an introduction to the methods of planning most commonly used for construction projects. Structured Approach to Planning Presents the importance of adopting a structured and systematic approach to planning and the requirements of the various plans and programmes that are used for different purposes and stages in construction projects. Planning using Precedence Networks Provides an explanation of the principles of precedence network planning, together with how to plan using it. The Topic also explores the potential of precedence in the management of construction projects. Activity Durations and Information Explains the alternative methods of calculating activity durations and evaluates the sources of information that are used to provide durations. Network Analysis and Float
Explains the concept of critical path, the principles of analysing and processing the network to identify the critical path(s) together with the different types of float, their implications and use. Planning and Scheduling using Bar Charts This Topic provides an explanation of how linked bar charts, in conjunction with computer software, can be used to plan, schedule and manage construction projects. Managing Repetitive Works There are specific techniques that can be used for planning, monitoring and controlling production of closely related and interdependent repetitive activities. Emphasis is given in this topic to exemplifying the role of Line of Balance in construction projects. Progress Management Shows how plans and programmes are used to monitor and control the progress of works and changes too projects. Topic work concentrates on demonstrating the mechanics and value of the different progressing techniques. Conclusions and Summary This topic will review the learning carried out, recapping topics covered and the knowledge gained. It will emphasise how this knowledge can assist in equipping people to have the skills required to deliver projects on time everytime. 13. How much work will I have to do? Your course will be based around your work and so some much of your learning will take place during your normal work duties. There are ten topics in the course and each topic has a core elearning section to work through on the VLE, (which will be released in blocks). These are brief and focused and should not take long to work through in themselves. Each topics formative assessment uses wherever possible what you are doing within your normal work duties as the basis for the topic work. Everyone approaches work differently and some people will take more time than others and there may be the need to commit private time for studying to get the most benefit for the time you invest in the course. For example, time spent for individual thought, contribution to guided forum discussions within
the VLE, review of real world examples or reading around the subject through recommended texts and AV resources that the topic content points you towards, will all aid understanding of the course and its topics. Anglia Ruskin University staff will offer guidance and support throughout your academic work. 14. What IT equipment and skills will I need? You will be required to access online learning materials during the course. For this you will need access to a standard PC or tablet device linked to the internet, preferably a Broadband connection and Microsoft Office software such as Word and Excel or similar Windows compatible applications. You will need to have a basic familiarity with using the internet, using email, word processing and spreadsheet applications. Anglia Ruskin University s Virtual Leaning Environment (VLE) can be accessed via PCs or Macs or smart devices. In practice we find most devices should be compatible with our systems. However technologies do vary, so some students find access easier at home, some easier at work, for some it makes little difference. We are happy to answer your questions about IT and certainly encourage you to raise questions you may have well in advance of commencing your studies. As mentioned before, access to Microsoft Project or Asta Powerproject is essential. 15. What other skills will I need? There are no other special skills needed other than a belief in what you can achieve and a willingness to learn. 16. How will the students support each other through the course? We believe success on the course will be enhanced through bringing the students together to create a supportive community of learners. The structure of the course has been designed to encourage active participation and mutual support in order to build a community of learners and enable students to maximise the learning opportunities across the group.
Anglia Ruskin University s Virtual Learning Environment provides an excellent platform for doing this through its discussion boards, wikis and other participative mechanisms. 17. What support will I get from the university? While you will need to take full responsibility for your own studies, you will have plenty of support. The course leader is a subject specialist with extensive experience in design and delivery of distance learning programmes in Construction, Project Management and other Built Environment subjects In addition a Distance Learning Facilitator team will provide a first point of contact and pastoral help. Facilitators will help orientate students around the VLE and will monitor student participation with learning and activities. They will also support the online induction. Facilitators will keep in regular touch with you via email, VLE or phone to provide help, support and encouragement. The university provides all distance learning students with access to an excellent and rapidly growing digital library which includes over 16000 journals, 73000 e-books and 200 databases. A virtual induction will be hosted at the start of every delivery. This will be an opportunity for learner to acquaint themselves with the tutors, the facilitation team, the VLE and other broad aspects of the course. As an Associate student on Anglia Ruskin University, you will also have access to a full range of university resources and facilities such as Student Advisers, the University IT helpdesk, Counselling Service etc. 18. What books are needed? Students will be expected to read extracts from a variety of sources such as books, journal articles, reports etc. Most of these will be freely available online through Anglia Ruskin University Library, although in some instances they may want to purchase a key course textbook. Many learning resources are available in electronic format. You will be advised of any recommended books well in
advance and tutors will point you towards relevant sources of information throughout the course. 19. What are the course fees? For further details on fees and funding, please contact Sarah Packman, Group Learning and Development Manager E: sarah.packman@willmottdixon.co.uk; M: 07976 894 137 20. How do I apply? Once you have gained authorisation from your line manager, you can apply online via https://evision.anglia.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&c ode1=ebuaac02pdlp&code2=0002 Please refer to the dedicated page www.anglia.ac.uk/willmottdixon for a How to Apply guide. You will need to collate the following supporting documents to upload to your application: - Photographic Identification (usually passport or driving license) You will also need to provide the names and contact details of two referees, either academic or professional (or both) in your online application. The moment that you submit your application, your referees will be automatically contacted to provide the reference, so you may wish to inform them of this. Finally, your personal statement is a key part of your application and is your opportunity to tell us things like: - Your reasons for taking the course - What you stand to gain from taking it - Your key strengths that you feel you can bring to this course - Where you would like this qualification to take you.
If you require any assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact us on degreesatwork@anglia.ac.uk or 01245 686 707. 21. What happens after I apply? Provided you meet the university s eligibility criteria and your application is complete and all the supporting documents and reference received, these are the first stages involved: Receipt of application form and all documents/ references Applicant receives a conditional letter of offer from the university University/admissions tutors will verify documents and references A final unconditional offer received by student along with registration guidelines and the What to Expect leaflet 22. How can I get more information? Please refer to our dedicated microsite www.anglia.ac.uk/willmottdixon or the course flyer. Call the Degrees at Work Team on 01245 686 707 or email degreesatwork@anglia.ac.uk.