Outline

Overview

Property and physical infrastructure are essential elements of business operations and organisational functions. This unit of study will examine the key issues in built assets and facilities management (FM), and how they relate to strategic management within the context of high performance buildings. The unit will enable students to develop an understanding of strategic asset management, portfolio planning, benchmarking of operational services, mandatory code compliances, and business needs for high performing facilities. The functions of facilities management within built assets have a direct relationship with the organisation's performance within a constantly changing business environment. A technical understanding of built assets is a prerequisite to optimising business efficiency and future-proofing against market changes. The unit is taught using a case-study methodology with students working through actual industry projects, thus stimulating a broader appreciation of the FM work involved and encouraging students to work collaboratively and creatively towards practical solutions.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	DESC9194
Academic unit	Architectural and Design Science
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Richard de Dear, richard.dedear@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Paul Luciani, paul.luciani@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sunil Dubey, sunil.dubey@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Flavio Rossi, flavio.rossi@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Class activities and engagements Written task, debates, site visits and group participation	30%	-	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Business report format Written report, analysis and presentation	30%	Week 05	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay/report type Data collection,Analysis, Interviews, Asset report and Class presentation	40%	Week 09	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Essay/report type: Students would be required to select a specific area and part of a library to critically evaluate the asset management principles or overall delivery strategy of the facility and operational management. This assignment focuses on developing academic writing, developing content referencing from professional research and industry data, content researching techniques and pursuing management arguments in professional and technical languages. It further develops a professional understanding about principles of asset and operational management and factors influencing efficient and safe facilities.
Business report format: Students will be required to work on a preselected case study to develop an Asset Management Plan (AMP) with emphasis on some of the key principles of building asset management, life cycle management, operational efficiencies, procurement systems and service benchmarking.
Class activities and engagements: One of the essential criteria in “Engaged Teaching and Learning” is about facilitating advance levels of communications between students in addressing, analysing and solving professional and practical challenges in the built environment. Our current challenges of Built Environment can’t be solved in isolation and rapidly requires collective thinking, planning and action. This unit prepares students to work in group(s), engage in discussions and debate about the future of building assets and sustainable operations based on ‘whole of life’ management concepts. These exercises prepare students for rigorous and demanding professional work engagements and communications.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Building asset management - principles: 1. Introduction; 2. Asset management for real estate facilities; 3. Property asset management - principles; 4. Case study and class exercise	Lecture (8 hr)
Week 03	Building asset management - planning: 1. Role of buildings in asset portfolios; 2. Planning principles of asset management plans; 3. Planning principles of operational management	Lecture (8 hr)
Week 05	Life cycle management and facilities: 1. Building assets and strategic FM; 2. Facilities planning and reporting; 3. Facilities planning and compliance - case study; 4. FM for large RE portfolios - expert lecture	Lecture (8 hr)
Week 07	Operational asset strategies for HPB: 1. Business needs for high-performance facilities; 2. FM and business continuity planning; 3. Risk management and business compliance	Lecture (8 hr)
Week 11	Asset management and FM - best practices: 1. New management practices in property asset; 2. Management and operations; 3. Reporting and benchmarking - performance; 4. Asset appraisals (AMP) and student presentations (peer review)	Lecture (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The School’s requirement of 90% attendance is waived. Participation in this unit is required via online components.

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

No prescribed reading. Case studies and property asset data will be provided by UoS coordinator, Dr Sunil Dubey during first lecture.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand key operational and management principles which drive asset utilisation for physical infrastructure as business enablers;
LO2. Develop appreciation of budgets, compliance, risk and business requirements in property, real estate asset and facilities portfolios;
LO3. Complete an asset and facility project to develop briefing, due diligence and asset utilisation studies;
LO4. Understand complex operational, compliance and budgetary data for qualitative and quantitative evaluations at internal (micro) and external (market) levels;
LO5. Apply business and commercial management skills for strategic asset and facilities operations, including risk analysis at property portfolio levels;
LO6. Understand the principles of asset and facilities life cycle analysis and management;
LO7. Provide professional and academic critique during site visits, class presentations and case studies;
LO8. Work as a team (group assignment) to efficiently manage property asset project objectives and deliverable at portfolio levels.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose. 6.5. Nomination of quality and performance standards with regard to selected materials, finishes, fittings components and systems.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 5.7. Resolution of project design to address budget and time constraints. 6.8. Project documentation is in accordance with, and appropriate to, the project contract and project procurement procedure. 7.6. Knowledge and application of all administration and principles for the selected procurement method and associated contracts.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives. 1.4. Identification of factors that may impact on client project requirements and objectives. 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.3. Assessment of project budget and timeframe against project requirements and objectives. 3.4. Design response incorporates assessment of relevant legislation, codes and industry standards. 5.3. Evaluation and integration of regulatory requirements.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose. 4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts. 5.3. Evaluation and integration of regulatory requirements.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.3. Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues. 3.4. Design response incorporates assessment of relevant legislation, codes and industry standards. 5.3. Evaluation and integration of regulatory requirements. 8.9. Undertake post occupancy evaluation if required under the scope of the project agreement.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 9.4. Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner. 9.7. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and obligations in regard to architectural practice, practice management and registration as an architect.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 9.4. Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner. 9.8. Clear and consistent communication with client and relevant stakeholders throughout project. 9.9. Provision of independent and objective advice through all phases of professional practice.

National Standard of Competency for Architects -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2		Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives.
1.3		Assessment of project budget and timeframe against project requirements and objectives.
1.4		Identification of factors that may impact on client project requirements and objectives.
2.1		Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project.
3.1		Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose.
3.3		Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues.
3.4		Design response incorporates assessment of relevant legislation, codes and industry standards.
4.2		Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts.
5.3		Evaluation and integration of regulatory requirements.
5.7		Resolution of project design to address budget and time constraints.
6.5		Nomination of quality and performance standards with regard to selected materials, finishes, fittings components and systems.
6.8		Project documentation is in accordance with, and appropriate to, the project contract and project procurement procedure.
7.6		Knowledge and application of all administration and principles for the selected procurement method and associated contracts.
8.9		Undertake post occupancy evaluation if required under the scope of the project agreement.
9.4		Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner.
9.7		Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and obligations in regard to architectural practice, practice management and registration as an architect.
9.8		Clear and consistent communication with client and relevant stakeholders throughout project.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Student feedback, research input from government property assets and latest property industry inputs are incorporated in this semester. The UoS follows 'Case Study' methodology for asset audit and utilisation studies.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Refer to instructions and details during lectures.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

DESC9194: Asset and Facility Management

Semester 1, 2020 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect