CEM630: Construction Contract Law and Procurement

Module code: CEM630

Module provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Ronan Champion , email: r.champion@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Ariana Darvish, email: n.darvish@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: No placement specified

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students:

Talis reading list:

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module provides an advanced exploration of construction procurement and contract law, with a particular emphasis on the integration of professionalism and ethical practice within the construction industry. It aims to deepen students' understanding of the procurement process, from the strategic planning phase through to execution and exit, with a comprehensive analysis of the legal frameworks that govern contracts in the construction sector. 

Procurement is central to the delivery of construction projects, ensuring the realization of outcomes through structured processes that span the entire lifecycle of a built asset. In this module, students will examine advanced procurement strategies, with a focus on international procurement, financial risk management, and the role of procurement in fostering social value. Key attention will be given to procurement policies that not only meet technical and economic needs but also align with the principles of professionalism, sustainability, and ethical responsibility. 

In parallel, the contract law component explores the intricacies of construction contracts and the broader legal frameworks shaping these contracts. A focus on dispute resolution, risk management, and the responsibilities of professionals in the field will be introduced, alongside a critical appraisal of collaborative contracting models that promote long-term partnerships and innovation. 

Additionally, the module emphasizes the importance of professionalism, ethical practice, and leadership within the procurement and contract management processes. This includes fostering a deeper understanding of the role of construction professionals in upholding industry standards, addressing conflicts of interest, promoting fair practices, and managing stakeholder relationships in a global context. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to:Ìý

• Critically evaluate the advanced legal, economic, and organisational aspects governing procurement and tendering strategies for construction projects in both local and international contexts. 
• Develop and justify appropriate procurement strategies for complex, large-scale, or international projects, considering risk, sustainability, and social value. 
• Analyse and interpret complex construction contracts and tendering frameworks, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of contractual roles, risk allocation, and negotiation processes. 
• Critically appraise the mechanisms for contract management, including the identification of risk, dispute resolution methods, and the impact of contract choice on the execution of projects. 
• Apply ethical principles and demonstrate professional judgment in procurement and contract management decisions, considering the broader implications of legal and financial risks, professional responsibility, and sustainable practices. 
• Synthesize and recommend strategies for conflict resolution and contract negotiation that reflect the principles of collaborative contracting and professionalism in construction. 

Module content

1. Advanced Procurement Strategies:Ìý

• In-depth examination of procurement models such as Design-Build, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Construction Management, and international procurement frameworks. 
• Integration of financial management, risk management, and sustainability within procurement. 
• Procurement's role in promoting social value and ethical business practices.

2. Construction Contract Law:Ìý

• Detailed analysis of contract forms and their impact on risk allocation and project outcomes. 
• Tendering processes and the legal implications of contract formation, management of works, payment schedules, and liability distribution. 
• Insurance, bonds, guarantees, and their role in mitigating financial risks. 
• Advanced dispute resolution methods, including mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). 

3. Professionalism in Construction:Ìý

• The role of ethics and professionalism in the construction industry. 
• Ethical decision-making, conflicts of interest, and professional accountability. 
• Leadership and stakeholder management in construction procurement and contract law. 
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its integration in procurement strategies. 

4. Collaborative Contracting:Ìý

• Exploration of collaborative contracting models (e.g., partnering, integrated project delivery). 
• Impact of collaborative approaches on contract outcomes, risk-sharing, and innovation. 
• Strategies for promoting long-term partnerships and fostering innovation in contract management. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered primarily through a series of lectures, providing in-depth coverage of advanced procurement strategies, contract law, and professionalism. These will be supplemented by interactive seminars where students will engage in discussions and case study analyses to deepen their understanding of key concepts. Revision sessions will be incorporated towards the end of the module, focusing on problem-solving and real-world contract scenarios, ensuring students consolidate their learning and are well-prepared for assessments. Group work and individual tasks will support the practical application of theory, enhancing professional skills. 

Study hours

At least 36 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module. 

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The below information applies total full time and flexible modular students on taught PGT programmes in SBE 

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

There will be a range of formative assessment methods embedded within the module delivery. Principally, the formative assessment feedback will take place during lecture and tutorial interaction. 

Reassessment

Additional costs