Construction projects are complex systems that need to be managed effectively, from design and inception right through to handover and maintenance. Thus, the overall aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of facilities management (FM) in the construction industry, and how projects are operated throughout their entire lifecycle. Emerging challenges in the industry such as sustainability issues, climate change, and lagging productivity have resulted in the need for digital technologies to improve quality and efficiency. Therefore, the module also introduces digital construction technologies including building information modelling (BIM), virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR), smart buildings, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, 3D laser scanning, blockchain, internet of things (IoT) and generative artificial intelligence (AI).

The module covers all aspects of facilities management (FM) within a construction context. The students will gain an understanding of what FM is and some of its main core principles including building lifecycle management, space management techniques, life cycle costing, building performance and sustainability, and occupant comfort and wellbeing. Indicative topics on FM include:                                             • understanding the different stages of a building's life (design, construction, operation) and how FM integrates across all phases • maintenance strategies such as preventive, corrective, and condition-based practices for building systems and equipment • methods for optimising space allocation, including space needs analysis and space utilisation metrics • considering long-term operational costs during the design and construction phases to ensure cost-effectiveness • strategies to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and overall building performance through facilities management practices • exploring strategies for maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for building occupants • utilising BIM and its various dimensions (e.g. 3D design, 4D scheduling, 5D estimating, 6D sustainability and 7D facilities management application) for FM.                                                                                                                       For digital construction, indicative content would encompass:                                    • the use of digital technologies and information management incorporated within the industry, • how working in a collaborative environment is crucial for project success. • leading digital construction technologies including: o building information modelling (BIM), o virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR), o smart buildings, o robotics, o unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, o 3D laser scanning, o blockchain, o internet of things (IoT) a o generative artificial intelligence (AI).

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...                            • Examine the role and use of facilities management in the construction industry and how it contributes to the overall lifecycle of a project. • Identify how building information modelling and its various dimensions assist the effectiveness and efficiency of facilities management in construction. • Appraise and understand the use of digital construction tools and technologies that are utilised in the construction industry. • Explain the benefits and limitations of integrating digital construction tools and technologies into traditional facilities management practices.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...                            • Evaluate the importance and value of collaboration between facilities management and construction teams throughout a project's lifecycle. • Recognise the positive impact of integrating digital construction tools and technologies with facilities management practices.

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This module aims to develop a skillset in Facilities Management and Digital Construction techniques and concepts necessary for our graduates to take their place working in and influencing the construction sector, capable of undertaking facilities management responsibilities and to utilise digital construction technologies. Through the learning environment - using a focused teaching approach, resources and supports, we aim to develop expert learners and global citizens who are: Curious - through having a questioning mindset and a solution focused perspective. Courageous - understanding the importance of standing up for what is right and ethical. Responsible - for the correct usage of resources and their own impact on the world. Agile - utilising proactivity to adapt to and drive change in their community and career supported by a continuous learning approach. Articulate - in that they can express themselves with a confidence grounded in sound learning. To develop these attributes, this module will be taught using a series of in-person lectures, tutorials and a selection of self-directed and collaborative learning activities so it is student-centred and in line with UL's Integrated Curriculum Development Framework (ICDF). Module learning materials are developed from a research-led perspective regarding content and the principles of Universal Design for Learning are used to ensure accessibility for all students. The module Brightspace site is designed and organised in a user-friendly format to maximise functionality. To allow for the incorporation of new developments and research findings in the subject material, the flexibility of blended learning methodologies is utilised - such as Flipped Classroom in the Tutorials, on-line video resources and recorded tutorials delivered through the Brightspace module site. The learning experience of students is directly affected by the design of learning materials, delivery of such materials and assessment thereof. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) have been applied so that Multiple Means of Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression are built in. Attention is also paid to the principles of Laurillard's ABC Curriculum Design process with all 6 learning types (Acquisition, Collaboration, Discussion, Investigation, Practice and Production) utilised in terms of delivery, engagement and assessment for the module. With regard to assessment - care is taken in the design of assessment vehicles used in the module so that they are challenge driven, authentic and constructively aligned with the Learning Objectives for the Module. A crucial piece of the learning experience is communication between faculty and students which is crucial for the success of this module. Communication between lecturer and students, as well as peer-to peer interactions, will be proactively managed primarily through the channels available on Brightspace, plus direct contact between faculty and students before and after lectures and via e-mail. Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):                                                                                                                                                         Module content is continuously informed by both academic and industry research on the subject matter, pertinent to the discipline of Construction Management.