Core theories and their implications for the art and practice of project management in organisations.

Observed behaviour of foundations during earthquakes. Site investigation and laboratory testing to estimate values for required soil parameters. Earthquake induced foundation actions. Shallow and deep foundations subject to earthquake excitation. Soil-foundation-structure-interaction. Force-based and displacement-based design. Earthquake induced earth pressures on stiff retaining structures. An independent foundation design project is required.

Design and detailing of prestressed and precast concrete components. Advanced mechanics of reinforced concrete members subject to axial, flexure, shear, and torsion actions. Design of state-of-art low-damage concrete structural systems. Includes an independent concrete design project and an independent research project on past failures of concrete structures.

Planning, organisation and control of projects in ordered environments. Application of project management principles, concepts, disciplines, tools, techniques and processes to the typical project lifecycle. Studies in the knowledge areas/domains defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Development of a range of skills, tools and techniques to become an effective project manager.

Advanced specialist topics in modelling of lakes and rivers. Specific topics covered include response to different loadings applied to surface water systems, and modelling of organic matter, dissolved oxygen consumption, eutrophication, and toxic substances. The core taught skills are extended by an individual project in which independent research is undertaken to solve a challenging surface water quality engineering problem.

The theory and practice of risk management, providing a comprehensive approach to identify, analyse, and treat risks inherent in engineering projects. Critical analysis and synthesis of risk management frameworks to deliver outcomes in scenarios of uncertainty and to communicate plans at a professional level. An independent project is undertaken in which students apply risk management theories to engineering projects. 

Key concepts, theories and principles used in cost engineering such as cost planning, cost estimating, cost control, cost analysis and engineering economics. Application of cost engineering in project management practice.

Application of inventive problem solving and creative thinking to formulate novel engineering solutions. Theories, tools and techniques to assist with generating innovative ideas are reviewed and evaluated. Techniques for improving the creativity of teams are critiqued. Develops skills in the facilitation and leadership of virtual and face-to-face workshops to help teams solve complex problems. Practical application of the concepts are synthesised to solve case study scenarios, live problems from industry, and students’ individual problem scenarios. 

Students are required to submit a report on a topic assigned by the appropriate Head of Department.