Melbourne School of Engineering Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

The engineering project management group is active in the development of research for the benefit of the engineering and construction industries and their clientele. It is currently pioneering fields of research in project and construction management with potential for national and international application. Such areas include:

• Project Initiation and Development
• Public Private Partnerships
• Risk Management
• Asset Management and Remediation
• Engineering Estimating and Cost Control Systems
• Contractual Relations
• Construction Technology

The group has existed since 1992 with the support of the Melbourne University Engineering Foundation and the Australian construction industry. Significant in-kind support from the construction industry and Government has been received for specific projects, grants and contracts. The group has developed an active program of industry sponsorship for research students. The groups performance is reflected by the consistent quality and number of research publications. The engineering project management group currently has 2 staff and 2 postgraduate students.

Project Initiation and Development

The development of techniques and procedures for appropriate decision making in the initial phase of a project with particular reference to privately funded infrastructure and local government projects. These involve such issues as planning, financing, delivery systems, political and economic and sociological aspects. It includes the study of appropriate project management practices and procedures.

Public Private Partnerships

Public policy, governmental strategies, financing, procurement, risk management and management of infrastructure is a key research theme of the engineering project management group.

Risk Management

The role of opportunity and risk assessment in project feasibility. The means of identification of opportunity and risk, their evaluation and the base of risk allocation and mitigation.

Asset Management and Remediation

Study of the most appropriate management functions and activities to the operation and maintenance of engineering infrastructure projects both existing, and proposed under Public Private Partnerships. Active asset management also involves the development of project management principles and practices for the remediation of aged and deteriorating structures and infrastructure systems.

Engineering Estimating and Cost Control Systems

The investigation and development of integrated estimating and cost control systems for engineering construction, derived from work breakdown structures, measurement, "first principles" method statements and productivity estimating.

Contractual Relations

Investigation of general conditions of contract both within Australia and internationally, the study of specific forms of contract such as Design and Construct, Novation, Relationship and Alliance contracts and the selection of appropriate documentation and engineer/superintendent qualifications to meet client needs.

Construction Technology

The interface between manufacture, design, supply and construction creates an opportunity for a large range of innovative projects. Current and recent projects include: harmonisation of international standards, the performance of steel framed houses, the control and manufacture of plasterboard and the design and construction of piles and pilecaps.