Research Principles and Practices

Unit code: NBC3010 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
Completion of 192 Credit Points.
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

Effective planning, implementation, and management of successful construction projects requires extensive evidence-based research. While evidence can be extracted from the disciplinary literature, existing databases, or previous project experience, original research may also be undertaken to meet the requirements of a specific project. Research is a process of inquiry and investigation that takes a systematic and methodical approach to creating knowledge as evidence. NBC3010 Research Principles and Practices provides an introduction to a methodical approach to reviewing, analysing and formulating a research proposal in the Built Environment context. The unit explores research approaches in the built environment by providing an overview of paradigms and interpretative frameworks, discussing their advantages and limitations, and integrating quantitative and qualitative data in Construction Management research projects.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate and elaborate the fundamentals involved in planning and executing a construction management research project;
  2. Critically and systematically review relevant literature, use appropriate research tools to interpret findings and articulate research gaps;
  3. Formulate a research question/(s) or a hypothesis in the context of construction management research;
  4. Develop appropriate research approaches, while focusing on methodologies, measurement tools and instruments for data collection and analysis used in construction management research; and
  5. Critically analyse sources of information and demonstrate sensitivity to research ethics and codes of conduct.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 10%
Research Brief (1 page) (Individual)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 70%
Part A – Preliminary Report (30%), Part B – Final Report (40%) (Individual)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Final Research Presentation (Individual)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 0%
Research Project Outline (400 words) (hurdle) (Individual)

The Research Project Outline is a non-assessed outline providing key information on the final-year project that each student will undertake in the subsequent year. The hurdle requirement is to effectively transition students to their final-year research project and set up initial communications with a prospective supervisor. A standard template is provided to complete this task.

Required reading

Reading material will be negotiated in consultation with the supervisor and will be appropriate to the topic under investigation.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
NHCM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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