Outline

Overview

Investors associated with the property industry require at the outset Return On Investment (ROI) evaluations before committing capital. This unit of study examines the economic principles as they apply to buildings, from capital growth and life cycle management perspectives. The focus is on economic and financial practices required for high performing building assets, contract procurement strategies, cash flow analysis, return on investment for retro-fitting, and economic appraisals of existing or new building assets. This unit will develop an understanding of carbon accounting in relation to building management and its importance to sustainable built asset portfolios. The unit, taught by case studies, will equip students with an understanding of economic principles and professional tools necessary for the procurement and management of real estate property, facilities and buildings at optimum economic and environmental performance.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	DESC9195
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	Emma Heffernan, emma.heffernan@sydney.edu.au
Guest lecturer(s)	Sunil Dubey, sunil.dubey@sydney.edu.au
	Flavio Rossi, flavio.rossi@sydney.edu.au
	Paul Luciani, paul.luciani@sydney.edu.au
	Liz Partridge, liz.partridge@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Emma Heffernan, emma.heffernan@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Tatiana Schonhobel Sanchez, tatiana.schonhobel@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assignment 1: Economic analysis Life-cycle assessment (Econ-Matrix) of a pre-selected site/project.	30%	Week 05 Due date: 01 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Sep 2023	Report: max 1500 words excl data & refs.
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	In-class tasks Details provided in Canvas Wks 4, 6, 8	15%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Oct 2023	3 x in-class tasks (5% each)
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 2: Presentation Asset management analysis Financial analysis Life cycle costing method	15%	Week 10 Due date: 12 Oct 2023 at 10:00 Closing date: 22 Oct 2023	Group presentation: Economic feasibility
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2: Economic feasibility study Economic due diligence Asset analysis Life cycle costing method	40%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Nov 2023	Report (max. 5,000 words excl. appendix)
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: Students will be required to individually conduct an economic analysis for a case study project and develop an economic management critique in report format.
Assignment 2: Students will work in groups to develop an economic feasibility study for a case study project, with emphasis on the key principles of building economics. Groups will present their work in-class in Week 10 (presentation material to be submitted by 10am on the day of the presentation - 12th October) before finalising a report submission in Week 13 (5th November).
In Class / Live on-line assessments: Students will undertake critical discussions and short assessments in-class during tutorials, based on the lecture topics covered.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction an excellent 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 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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 02	Introduction, Principles, Economics & Decision making: Lecture 1: Principles of Building Economics; Economics & decision making. Lecture 2: University of Sydney Case Study. Site visit: University of Sydney Case Study.	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial activities on Building Economics & Decision making. Assignment Introduction and working on Assignment 1.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Asset life cycle & Building Economics Strategy: Lecture 1: Asset lifecycle & economic principles. Lecture 2: Asset lifecycle & performance criteria. Lecture 3: Strategy & assurance in building economics.	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial activities on asset lifecycle. Formative feedback Assignment 1.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Financial analysis, Development feasibility & Managing High Performing Built Assets: Lecture 1: Cost Planning & Principles. Lecture 2: Financial analysis. Lecture 3: Managing high performing building assets.	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial activities on financial analysis, development feasibility & managing built assets. Introduction to and working on Assignment 2.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Return on Investment & Strategic sourcing: Lecture 1: Return on investment. Lecture 2: Strategic sourcing. Lecture 3: New trends in strategic sourcing.	Lecture (5 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial activities on return on investment & strategic sourcing. Assignment 2 review and formative feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Guest lecture: Economic strategy for large property portfolios	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Presentations of Assignment 2 Economic feasibility study (group). Formative feedback provided to inform final report submission.	Tutorial (2.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022.

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.

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. Undertake a physical survey of a working facility or built asset to develop an economic understanding of infrastructure and operations;
LO2. Demonstrate economic due diligence of built assets and life cycle operations;
LO3. Conduct a simple economic appraisal of a built asset or facility;
LO4. Demonstrate an understanding of complex operational, contractual and procurement cost data and apply these in qualitative and quantitative evaluations and analysis;
LO5. Demonstrate understanding of key principles of life cycle cost planning and management;
LO6. Apply life cycle cost management skills for strategic building operations, including investment analysis and business/financial return propositions;
LO7. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of contract management and procurement for built assets and property infrastructure;
LO8. Plan, prepare and analyse economic reports and present (built assets) project outcomes to key stakeholders;
LO9. Work as a team (group work) to efficiently manage project objectives, resources and deliverable for built assets or portfolio of assets.

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 - 1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives. 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives. 1.7. Preparation of project brief for approval by client and relevant stakeholders. 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 3.6. Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1. Design: Project briefing 2.6. Preparation and analysis of project development options in response to project brief. 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 3.7. Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief. 4.5. Investigation and integration of appropriate structural, construction, service and transport systems in the project design. 5.3. Evaluation and integration of regulatory requirements.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 6.1. Identification and adoption of a strategy, program and process of documentation integrated through all project stages to enable project delivery. 6.3. Incorporation of the project requirements and objectives in accordance with Project Brief and approved Detailed Design. 6.7. Establishment of quality assurance systems to ensure consistency and completeness of project documentation in accordance with the requirement for the project brief, project timeframe and project budget. 7. Project Delivery: Procurement
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 7.3. Selection of procurement method incorporates assessment of the impact on contractual arrangements between all project stakeholders. 7.4. Selection of procurement method incorporates assessment of the impact on selection, contracting and scope of work of consultants and specialist service providers. 7.6. Knowledge and application of all administration and principles for the selected procurement method and associated contracts.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.4. Design response incorporates assessment of relevant legislation, codes and industry standards. 6.7. Establishment of quality assurance systems to ensure consistency and completeness of project documentation in accordance with the requirement for the project brief, project timeframe and project budget. 9.1. Knowledge and implementation of appropriate practice model to ensure efficient, effective and ethical professional service. 9.4. Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner. 9.5. Knowledge of the legal and ethical obligations relating to copyright and intellectual property requirements.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 2.6. Preparation and analysis of project development options in response to project brief. 6.8. Project documentation is in accordance with, and appropriate to, the project contract and project procurement procedure. 7. Project Delivery: Procurement 7.3. Selection of procurement method incorporates assessment of the impact on contractual arrangements between all project stakeholders.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 8.8. Ensure that warranties, schedules, as built documentation, certificates, approvals and other project information are completed and handed to the client and relevant authorities as required under the contract. 8.9. Undertake post occupancy evaluation if required under the scope of the project agreement. 9.1. Knowledge and implementation of appropriate practice model to ensure efficient, effective and ethical professional service. 9.3. Identification and application of practice systems and quality management systems to facilitate efficient and timely delivery of architectural services in accordance with project objectives. 9.4. Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 9.3. Identification and application of practice systems and quality management systems to facilitate efficient and timely delivery of architectural services in accordance with project objectives. 9.4. Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner. 9.6. Knowledge and application of professional ethics and ethical practices in respect to practice management and provision of professional service. 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.
1.4		Identification of factors that may impact on client project requirements and objectives.
1.5		Knowledge of different procurement processes available and evaluation of the impact these have on the project.
2.1		Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project.
2.2		Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site.
2.3		Evaluation of factors influencing and impacting on project cost.
2.6		Preparation and analysis of project development options in response to project brief.
3.6		Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options.
3.7		Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief.
8.7		Identification and application of appropriate and consistent systems for record keeping and maintenance of document revisions.
8.9		Undertake post occupancy evaluation if required under the scope of the project agreement.
9.1		Knowledge and implementation of appropriate practice model to ensure efficient, effective and ethical professional service.
9.2		Knowledge and application of practice resources required to ensure efficient and effective professional service.
9.4		Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner.
9.5		Knowledge of the legal and ethical obligations relating to copyright and intellectual property requirements.
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.
9.9		Provision of independent and objective advice through all phases of professional practice.

Responding to student feedback

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

In response to feedback from students last year, the following changes have been incorporated for this year: • Incorporation of relevant site visit/s; • Increased opportunities for formative feedback; • Rationalisation of assessments.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

For any building and site visits, refer to university guidelines and any specific instructions given relating to health and safety requirements for the visit.

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

DESC9195: Building Economics

Semester 2, 2023 [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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect