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CNST-H423

Architecture, engineering and construction project management

academic year
2025-2026
2026-2027

Course teacher(s)

Fabian Robert Arnold Lucien Boucher (Coordinator)

ECTS credits

5

Language(s) of instruction

english

Course content

  1. Overview of the construction sector: actors, governance, project phases, contemporary challenges.
  2. Project lifecycle management and stakeholder coordination.
  3. Scope definition, procurement strategies, design coordination, BIM and technical requirements.
  4. Contract management: responsibilities, risks, variations, claims, formal communication.
  5. Planning, project controls, worksite organisation, logistics and coordination of trades.
  6. Cost estimation, budgeting, cost control, reporting, Earned Value Management.
  7. Risk management, uncertainty, performance indicators.
  8. Quality, health & safety, regulatory compliance, sustainability practices.
  9. Construction site visit to observe real‑world execution and coordination.
  10. Student case studies and project presentations.

    (Disclaimer: As this is the first edition of the course, the scope may be subject to slight adjustments.)

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

  • Understand the fundamental principles of construction project management.
  • Analyse a project through scope, cost, schedule, risk and performance dimensions.
  • Apply planning, coordination and project control tools.
  • Integrate sustainability, ethics and professional responsibility into engineering decisions.
  • Communicate effectively with project stakeholders and structure interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Identify common mistakes and develop critical thinking regarding industry practices.
  • Produce and present a structured analysis of a real project case.Non

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Required and Corequired knowledge and skills

None

Teaching methods and learning activities

  • Structured lectures supported by real project examples.
  • Practical exercises.
  • Progressive development of a student project throughout the course.
  • Case studies based on authentic project documents (planning, risks, contracts).
  • Interactive discussions and experience sharing.
  • Construction site visit.
  • Student project presentations followed by Q&A.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

None

Course notes

  • Université virtuelle

Contribution to the teaching profile

  • Strengthens professional competencies essential for civil engineers and architect‑engineers.
  • Builds the ability to connect academic concepts with industry practice.
  • Develops transversal skills: communication, collaboration, ethical reasoning.
  • Enhances understanding of contemporary challenges: sustainability, governance, digitalisation.
  • Prepares students for early‑career responsibilities through a holistic view of project delivery.

Other information

Additional information

The slides will be made available in Moodle (ULB UV).

Distinguished practitioners will be invited as guest lecturers.

Contacts

Fabian BOUCHER (fabian.boucher@ulb.be)

Campus

Solbosch

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

  • Group work
  • Other
  • Written report

Group work

Other

Written report

  • Participation and engagement during sessions and case discussions.
  • Mandatory participation in the construction site visit.
  • Preparation and presentation of a final project (with Q&A).
  • Evaluation based on analytical quality, methodological rigour, and integration of course concepts.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

  • 10% Site visit (attendance+ report)
  • 30% Project Report
  • 60% Project Presentation + Q&A

Language(s) of evaluation

  • english

Programmes