Labour in Construction (ABPL90332)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
| Fees | Look up fees |
|---|
The construction industry is not only one of the largest employment sectors globally but also one of the most dynamic and complex industrial settings. The industry relies heavily on the skill set of a wide range of workers who are employed within diverse industry settings. This subject investigates the effective management of construction’s most important resource – its people. Overall it explores the importance of human resource management (HRM) in order to develop a high level of consistency between organisational and individual needs.
The subject begins by looking at contextual factors which influence the supply of workers and the management of this resource. A history of industrial relations, as it relates to construction, is provided along with an examination of industrial relations on construction projects today. Employment legislation as it applies in the Australian context is also presented. Individual and team based theories and models of organisational behaviour are then examined and human resource management theories and their key functions are presented providing students with current theoretical approaches to people management. Issues specific to the construction industry such as communication and teamwork; conflict management, negotiation and resolution; employee motivation and retention; organisational and project cultures; ethics and ethical behaviour; equal opportunity and diversity; work-life balance; career development and mentoring are also covered. This subject covers briefly some aspects of occupational health and safety (OHS) of workers (for instance psychological risks) but not issues such as legislation, statutory responsibilities of employers or current theories within OHS management.
Note: Students are expected to complete up to 100 pages of course readings and any other course preparation as outlined on the LMS. The LMS will become available earlier than the start date of the subject.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Understand the a range of human resource management concepts related to contemporary management practice within construction.
- Appreciate the different viewpoints of managers and construction workers on employment issues.
- Compare and contrast different approaches to the management of people in construction.
Generic skills
Upon successful completion of this subject students will have had the opportunity to develop the following generic skills:
- Advanced analytical skills
- Research skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working skills
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:
Option 1
Admission into one of the following:
- 200pt Program course entry point in the MC-CM Master of Construction Management
- MC-CONMG2Y Master of Construction Management
Option 2
Admission into one of the following:
- 300pt Program course entry point in the MC-CM Master of Construction Management
- MC-CONMG3Y Master of Construction Management
AND
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90313 | Management of Construction | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90292 | Construction of Buildings | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ABPL90324 | Materials and Structures | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Assignment involving individual component (due 7 days after first class , 10% ) and group presentation ( during main teaching period, 10% ). This involves a critique of readings relating to various labour topics. Each student will work on one topic only and timing of presentation will depend on student topic selection.
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Essay, focussing on a contemporary industrial relations issue within construction employment.
| 2 days after the last class | 40% |
Examination, focussing on a wide range of human resource management issues covered during the course relating the employment of construction workers and construction staff in the construction industry.
| 7 days after the final class | 40% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
Quota: 35
This subject is a quota subject and places are limited. Students may provisionally enrol via the Student Portal, but places are not guaranteed until selection is completed. You will be notified in writing by the Student Centre if you are selected.
Selection criteria: Students will be selected into the subject as they self-enrol during the timely re-enrolment period. If the enrolment quota is exceeded, MCCM- PROJ (Master of Construction-Project Management specialisation) students will be given preference. Any students enrolling after the quota has been reached will be withdrawn from the subject.
For detailed information on the quota subject application process and due dates, refer to the EDSC Quota Subjects webpage: http://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/quota-subjects
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025