ABH322 Cost Planning and Control


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:ABH322
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:(ABB222 or UXH315) and (ABB124 or UXB114)
Equivalent:UXH321
Coordinator:Diani Sirimewan | diani.sirimewan@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit applies the fundamental principles of cost management including design and construction cost planning (pre-construction) and project controls (during construction), including important techniques in managing project cost in the context of working closely in multidisciplinary teams. It covers cost management in different types of projects. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify and apply the core concepts and principles of construction project cost management.
  2. Apply key early estimating techniques in construction cost planning.
  3. Critically analyse the integrative nature of the management of project cost.
  4. Communicate cost planning and control analyses professionally to stakeholders.

Content

The key topics you will cover include: Nature and purpose of cost planning and post cost-contract cost reporting; Design economics, cost and value concepts: Early and elemental estimating including cost modelling, cost analyses, cost indices, cost data, cost implications of design variables; Cash flows; Life cycle costing; Depreciation; Value management; Risk analysis in estimating; Earned value analysis; Asset management and infrastructure maintenance; and Project controls.

Learning Approaches

This unit employs an approach that incorporates a blended learning approach (asynchronous and synchronous learning) and is designed to increase student engagement, ensure learning is active and provides opportunities for collaborative, inquiry-based learning. Learning experiences are designed to develop your understanding of theoretical concept, principles and skills required to cost management, including cost planning and project controls.

Your participation in the unit will include:
• Asynchronous activities in preparation for lectures and tutorials, such as completion of readings, flipped learning, inquiry-based learning experiences
• Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and tutorials which include collaborative learning, Q&A discussions and forums, peer instruction, application of theory and skills to real world contexts
• Use of digital tools to facilitate collaboration on the LMS
• Self reflective practice.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:

  • A range of formative exercises will be discussed in class;
  • Comments on summative assessment work in additions to criteria sheets;
  • Generic comments back to the cohort via QUT Canvas; and
  • Criteria sheet grading.

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Cost Plan

A real-life cost plan of a construction project incorporating core concepts and principles associated with construction project cost management during design of the project and applying key early estimating techniques. Interim submission in Week 6 for formative feedback. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Length: 8 weeks
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 8
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Exam

Invigilated exam. 

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During central examination period
Central exam duration: 2:10 - Including 10 minute perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

There is no set text. Items selected by the unit coordinator will be made available online to you for your use throughout the unit. Relevant readings and other resources will be uploaded onto the unit Canvas website either under the Course Materials Database (CMD) or under Learning Resources.
You are also required to use the following:

The unit website on QUT's Canvas
QUT Library Databases:
QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online.

Risk Assessment Statement

All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction

There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.

When working in laboratories and workshops, you will receive specific hazard and risk related instructions from your tutors and/or technical staff, which may include personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Participation in this local induction and correct use of PPE is compulsory.

Prior to any off campus class activities that you are required to undertake in this unit, a risk assessment will be prepared and made available to you at the MAPS (Management and Assessment of Project Safety) library or on the unit Canvas site. You will receive a briefing regarding any specific hazard and risk related instructions from your field leader before commencing the activity.

If you are undertaking work placement as a part of this unit, you are required to register via QUT InPlace, complete the necessary Health and Safety assessments, and obtain clearance to commence your placement. You may also be required to undertake a workplace based induction. For further information please refer to the Work Integrated Learning - QUT Students webpage and the WIL Community Canvas site

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)

  1. Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
    Relates to: Cost Plan, Exam
  2. Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
    Relates to: Cost Plan, Exam
  3. Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
    Relates to: Cost Plan
  4. Strategically collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities, including First Nations peoples.
    Relates to: Cost Plan
  5. Reflect on feedback and experience, and display professional and ethical judgment and initiative.
    Relates to: Cost Plan