MSc in PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Offered since 1990, the MSc Project Management programme is designed to develop and train students to become high calibre managers capable of facing the complex challenges of the construction industry. Ever larger projects are commissioned under increasingly tight time constraints and higher quality expectations. Construction specialisations proliferate concomitant with expanding technologies and skills. Effective interface, human and resource management takes on a higher order of significance under such circumstances. Hence the need for effective project management practices.

Originally conceived to meet local needs, the programme has since accepted students from Ghana, Pakistan, India, Indonesia and South Africa.

The details of the curriculum are as follows:

RMT 552  -   Economics & Financial Management

Introduction to the concept of economics and its relationship with the industry and firm.  Macro economics, national income and expenditure. Construction industry economics, background of industry, its role in the national economy. Political environment, influence and impact of government policies such as investment policies and taxation. Financial management of construction firm.

RMT 553  -   Management & Organizational Systems

Organization and management theories, evolution  of  organisation and management theories. Organisational structure, psychosocial-motivation systems, individuals and  groups, leadership, decision making, planning, control, corporate strategy, communication, marketing, organisational growth.

RMT 554  -   Development Management and Design Economics

Project cycle, identification of projects and resources, project selection planning and techniques, budget systems, tendering policies, project control and monitoring. Property development process, development evaluation, planning policies, financial evaluation. Design economics, cost control process, techniques and approaches, preliminary cost advice, cost-in-use analysis, life-cycle costing, cost and value management and cost-benefit analysis.

RMT 555  -   Legislative Environment

Discussion on the Malaysian Legal System, law of Contract with special empahsis on standard forms of contract:- types and use. Construction Industry Insurance, collateral warranties,  and Arbitration. Claims, delays, interim payments and  liquidated assercertained damages. Commercial law and taxation. Law of Tort with special emphasis to construction industry.

RMT 556  -   Organisation & Project Management

Consultant management, pre-design activities, data collection, market and location studies, consumer needs studies, project brief, social and political influences, administration of project brief. Role and functions of Project manager, responsibility and relationship of other consultants. Value concept of time and cost, quality cash flow techniques. Organisation structure and control. of organisational systems, effective operation systems; Tendering process and estimating, tendering strategy and analysis, project evaluation using computers. Financial reports, characteristics, format, usage in performance and control. Evaluation of project accounts and financial administration.

RMT 557  -  Construction Management and Facilities Management

Construction management, Site Management including productivity, bonus system, incentive schemes, health and accident at site. Facilties and occupancy Management, strategic premises management, tenant and building management. Industrial psychology.

RMB 511 & RMB 512 - Project Case Studies I & II

Focus is on contemporary affairs relevant to the construction industry as well as practical issues being confronted by the nation in  general. Analysis, criticism and comparative evaluation of prescribed reading material will also be required from candidates. Assignments are a combination of integrated group efforts as well as individual work. Development of high communicative skills both written and oral and to enhance leadership and motivational abilities.

RML 572 - Research Project

This course allows candidate to work closely on a research of common interest with faculty members who will be appointed as supervisors.

The full-time programme covers a minimum of one academic year (or equivalent to two semesters) during which time the students are also expected to submit their research project reports. The part-time programme covers a minimum of two academic years. Foreign students are only eligible to follow the MSc programme on a full-time basis.

Courses are conducted through lectures, tutorials, discussions, seminars, case studies and assignments. The language of instruction is English for intake with foreign students, replacing Bahasa Malaysia.

All courses are assessed by assignments and examination at the end of every semester. For research projects, students are expected to submit a  report and attend a viva session.

Candidates should hold a good first degree:

Either

a) BSc (Hons) Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Or

b) Honours degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia or other universities approved in related construction fields such as:-

                    -    Architecture
                    -    Building Engineering
                    -    Planning
                    -    Quantity Surveying
                    -    Valuation

Or

c) Other academic or professional qualifications acceptable by USM.

Preference will be given to those who have relevant working experience.

For application forms, contact:

The Dean

Institute of Postgraduate Studies

Universiti Sains Malaysia

11800 Pulau Pinang

  Telephone : 04-6533888 Ext. 2184/2120

Fax : 04-6576271

Homepage : http://www.ips.usm.my

For further information and enquiries, contact:

Chairman

Construction Management Programme

School of Housing, Building and Planning

Universiti Sains Malaysia

11800 Pulau Pinang

Telephone : 04-6533888 Ext. 3164/3177

Fax : 04-6576523

Homepage :http://www.hbp.usm.my

OTHER  MASTER   PROGRAMMES AND RESEARCH ACADEMIC

The School offers other Master programmes by coursework:

MSc Housing

MSc Building Technology

MSc Planning

MSc Landscape Architecture

MSc by research and PhD programmes are also available.