Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE CPM1111

 
TITLE Development Planning Processes

 
UM LEVEL 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Construction and Property Management

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit provides an in-depth exploration of the strategic, regulatory, and practical processes involved in planning for development within the construction industry. This unit covers a comprehensive range of topics, including urban planning, project feasibility, environmental and social impacts, zoning laws, and the policy frameworks that shape construction projects. Through case studies, guest lectures from industry professionals, and practical applications, students will gain a holistic understanding of how development projects progress from conception to completion, with an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices. By the end of the unit, students will be equipped to navigate the complexities of development planning, ensuring projects meet both regulatory requirements and the broader needs of the community.

Study-unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to introduce students to the foundational concepts and principles of development planning, with a focus on the construction industry.

It will provide an understanding of the regulatory, political, and economic factors that influence the development planning process. This will enable students to critically assess the feasibility, sustainability, and social impact of construction projects. Students' ability will be equipped to apply knowledge of zoning laws, environmental assessments, and stakeholder engagement in real-world planning scenarios. This will foster a deep understanding of the ethical considerations that must be taken into account in development planning process.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

• Explain and scrutinise the stages and processes involved in development planning in the construction industry, including the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders;
• Evaluate planning policy impact on the design and execution of construction projects through a project management perspective;
• Assess the feasibility of development projects, taking into account financial, environmental, and social factors;
• Illustrate principles of sustainable development within the context of construction and urban planning and apply them to development projects;
• Critique ethical decision-making in development planning, including interpreting the suitable considerations for public safety, equity, and environmental impact.
• Critically analyse planning documents, zoning laws, and policy guidelines;
• Assess the feasibility of construction projects from a planning and regulatory standpoint.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

• Apply legal, economic, and environmental frameworks to evaluate if government appraised development projects are conceivable to improve the participatory approach;
• Create and employ development planning principles to real-world case studies in Malta;
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including local authorities, community groups, and developers;
• Prepare potential risks and opportunities relevant to proposed development planning processes and present them to an audience.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Development Planning Act, Chapter 552 of the Laws of Malta.
- Environment and Planning Review Tribunal Act, Chapter 551 of the Laws of Malta.
- Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management - A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling, John Wiley & Sons [Available online: https://books.mec.biz/tmp/books/55F1OL4WQC7HL2OBCGHS.pdf].
- Martinelli, R. & Milosevic, D. (2016). Project Management, Toolbox - Tools and Techniques for the Practicing Project Manager. John Wiley & Sons [Available online: https://www.academia.edu/34359784/Project_Management_ToolBox_2nd_Edition_2016_by_Russ_Martinelli_Dragan_Milosevic].
- Turner, J.R. (1993). The Handbook of Project-Based Management. McGrew Hill.
- Walker, A. (1998). Project Management in Construction. Blackwell Science.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Long Essay SEM2 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit