UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
1. The title of the module
UU554 – Tendering & Estimating
2. The Department which will be responsible for management of the module
Building & Civil Engineering
3. The Start Date of the Module
September 2005
4. The number of students expected to take the module 15
5. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
6. The level of the module: Intermediate [I]
7. The number of credits which the module represents 15
8. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Semester 1
9. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes: Foundation Degree in
Construction, Foundation Degree in Civil Engineering, HNC Construction/Civil
Engineering/Building Services Engineering
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
1). Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the tendering process
2). Analyse and apply methods of estimating for construction operations
3). Evaluate tendering procedures and contractual arrangements in common use.
This module is included in the programme to specifically focus upon the development of
intellectual and transferable skills. Therefore, these learning outcomes relate directly to the
programme’s intellectual skills (section 12 B) and transferable skills (section 12 D).
12. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes
1. Analyse, synthesise, evaluate and summarise information critically, including prior
research. Evaluate designs, processes and products and make improvements.
2. Communicate effectively with other people using visual, graphic, written and verbal
means. Present quantative and qualitative information, together with analysis, argument
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
and commentary in a form appropriate to the intended audience, including appropriate
acknowledgement and referencing of sources.
These learning outcomes directly relate to the listed programme learning outcomes B
Intellectual Skills and D Transferable Skills of the Foundation Degree in Construction &
HNC’s in Construction & Building Services Engineering
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
14).

Types of Tendering: clients objectives and constraints, types of project, scope and
significance of contract documentation; Bill of Quantities, drawings, specifications,
conditions of contract, tender preparation processes, collection of information, codes of
practice, stages of the tender process, roles and responsibilities

Methods of Estimating: processes and procedures used to build up an estimate,
collection of data; labour, materials, plant, site overheads, outputs and costs, sub
contractors, optional estimating, analytical estimating; unit rate build up

Evaluation: method statements, factors affecting costs, Health & Safety, commercial
factors; conversion of estimate into tender, methods of procurement, methods of
tendering, contractual arrangements.
Indicative Reading List
CIOB
Code of Estimating Practice – 6th Ed
(Longman)
RIBA
Code of Procedure for Selective Tendering – revised 1999
(RIBA, 1995)
ICE
Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement – 3rd Ed
(Thomas Telford,
1991)
Packer, A D
Building Measurement
(Longman, 1996)
RICS
Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works – 7 Ed
(Revised, 1998)
Seeley, I H
Building Quantities Explained – 5th Ed
(Macmillan, 1998)
th
Willis A and Elements of Quantity Surveying – 9 Ed
th
(Blackwell, 1998)
Trench W
Martin Brook Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work – 3rd Ed
(Elsevier, 2005)
15).
Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the
intended learning outcomes:
This module provides an understanding of tendering procedures and the principles and
methods of estimating.
Students will be expected to spend a minimum of 150 hours of study apportioned as
follows:
 40 hours – assessment and revision
 63 hours – private study
47 contact hours: involving a mix of taught lessons to explain the theoretical aspects of the
module
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
16).
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
Evidence for learning outcomes is achieved through course work assignments (60%). Assessment
will focus upon the individual achievement of each learner, however group work activities will also
be part of the assessment strategy. An end of module examination will assess the understanding of
the learning outcomes and authenticate the coursework (40%)
Subject Specific Learning Outcomes
1). Demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of the tendering
process
2). Analyse and apply methods of
estimating for construction
operations
Assessment criteria

Examine types of clients and the nature
of work for which tenders are required

Describe and evaluate the nature,
significance and inter-relationship of
tender documentation

Identify and examine the contractors’
and consultants’ activities associated
with the preparation of a tender.
 Analyse and collect information and data
required to produce an estimate
 Examine the factors affecting the cost of
labour, materials and plant
 Calculate unit rates for construction
operations
 Calculate the cost of preliminaries for a
typical construction project
3). Evaluate tendering procedures and
contractual arrangements in
common use.
 Describe and evaluate and compare
estimating methods in use in the
construction industry
 Investigate and analyse the process of
converting an estimate into a tender and
describe
 Identify and compare the stages of the
tendering process
 Evaluate methods of procurement and
contractual arrangements for
construction work.
Generic Learning outcomes
1) Analyse, synthesise, evaluate and
 Select key points and present
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
summarise information critically,
including prior research. Evaluate
designs, processes and products and
make improvements
2) Communicate effectively with other
people using visual, graphic, written
and verbal means. Present quantative
and qualitative information, together
with analysis, argument and
commentary, in a form appropriate to
the intended audience, including
appropriate acknowledgement and
referencing of sources.
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report/essay in a structured form
 Critically appraise methods and
documentation
 Produce recommendation for
improvements
 Compile and select information into an
appropriate structure for the intended
reader/audience
 Present findings in a suitable form, style
and language in order that the intended
information is communicated clearly and
effectively
 Produce and present information using
IT packages
Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
All the items stated in the Indicative Reading List are available at the Horsted Centre,
Learning Resource Centre IT suites which all allow Internet, On-line T.I. Onestop
Technical Index Facility are also available for students to book as required. In addition the
Department boasts its own IT/AutoCAD suite which is incorporated in the programme
operation.
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A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning
and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable
disadvantage to students with disabilities
The learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessments are accessible to
and achievable by all students. Any student with disabilities will not face any foreseen
disadvantage or difficulties that cannot be reasonably addressed.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the
above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of
module proposals"
................................................................
Director of Learning and Teaching
..............................................
Date
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
Head of Department
..............................................
Date