COMMUNICATION and STUDY SKILLS All professionals in the construction industry need to be able to read, understand and interpret technical documents.
THE MODULE What do we mean by ‘communication’?
Communication is the process of sharing information, ideas, and knowledge between people. It includes different forms such as verbal communication (speaking), non-verbal communication (body language), written communication, visual communication (drawings, diagrams, and plans), and digital communication.
What does ‘communication’ mean in construction?
In construction, communication refers to the exchange of technical information, drawings, specifications, and instructions between architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and clients. Clear communication helps to:
Avoid misunderstandings Improve teamwork Ensure safety on site Deliver projects successfully Students will learn how to interpret technical information, present ideas clearly, and communicate professionally within a construction context.
Module Aims
This module aims to help students:
Develop effective academic and professional communication skills Understand how to read and interpret technical documents Improve research, writing, and presentation skills Build confidence in sharing ideas in academic and professional environments Academic year/semester
2025-26/Semester 1
Module code and title
3PY002 Foundation: Communication & Study Skills
Assignment name(s)
Summative Assessment 1 Summative Assessment 2
Assignment type(s)
1: Presentation with Online Submission
2: Report
Assignment weighting and size(s)
1: Presentation with Online Submission 30% 2: Report 70%
Formative draft submission date via lecturer email
27th April 2026- via lecturer email
Summative (i.e., final) submission date(s)
Submission: 12th May 26 on Canvas
Submission method
Online via Canvas.
Assignment requirements
1: 15-minute presentation with critical analysis and self-reflection shown.
2: Creation of a report displayed as a largely visual document demonstrating the ability to read, understand and interpret.
Learning outcomes As you work through this Module, check back here regularly to ensure you’re addressing these points and meeting the outcomes accordingly
LO1: Be able to demonstrate learning techniques, abilities, personal and social skills involving teamwork and personal initiative.
LO2: Demonstrate writing and presentation skills appropriate for reports and presentations in Science and Engineering.
Assessment criteria
(see rubric below for performance criteria)
See page 7 for 1: Presentation marking criteria rubric.
See page 11 for 2: Report marking criteria rubric
See Canvas for these same rubrics.
Characteristics of a good submission
Coherent, smart and logical presentation
High-quality reproduction of your own and group work
All aspects attempted
Additional instructions
Weekly sessions are key for unpacking, understanding and excelling in the assessments, and many sessions will use the time to work on the assignments.
Attendance at all sessions is compulsory
Support
Student Support and Wellbeing
Study Guides
Skills for Learning – Introduction to Academic Study Skills: Academic English Language Skills
Online Student Handbook
You should also refer to your Course (e: Vision) and Module Guide (Canvas)
Date by which feedback will be provided
Within 4 working-weeks of your submitting the work.
Feedback format
Verbal: You will receive verbal feedback throughout all taught contact time
Written/Video: Via your submission on the ‘Assignments’ tab on Canvas.
Resit details
See page 12 for dates
Re-attempt the work, improving that below standard and adding the missing parts where lacking:
– You must seek feedback and request a tutorial session.
– Your scheme must meet all marking criteria.
– Never treat a resit as a resubmission of the old materials with minor changes.
– Your new work must respond to the original feedback.
Retrieval of the Presentation will be as a 10-minute video by arrangement only.
ASSESSMENTS ASSESSMENT 1
Assignment Brief Presentation -Weighting (30%)
Programme: Construction Management (Level 3) Module/Unit: Communication and study skill Assessment Type: Individual Assessed PowerPoint Presentation
Assignment Title
Demonstrating Teamwork and Communication Skills in Construction Project Management
Assignment Context
This assessment focuses on the development and demonstration of professional skills alongside subject knowledge. Construction projects require not only technical understanding but also effective teamwork, personal initiative, and communication. You will produce and deliver a PowerPoint presentation that demonstrates both your understanding of construction management concepts and your personal and social skills in a professional context.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
LO1: Be able to demonstrate learning techniques, abilities, personal and social skills involving teamwork and personal initiative. LO2: Demonstrate writing and presentation skills appropriate for reports and presentations in Science and Engineering. Assessment Task You are required to produce and deliver a PowerPoint presentation (15 minutes) that demonstrates both technical knowledge and the professional skills outlined in the LOs. Your presentation should include:
Introduction – Briefly introduce the topic: Demonstrating Teamwork and Communication Skills in Construction Project Management and your approach to the presentation. Teamwork and Personal Initiative – Describe how you would approach working within a construction project team. Reflect on:
Roles you would take in a team How you would communicate and collaborate effectively Examples of initiative in a project context Construction Project Overview – Include a short overview of a real or hypothetical construction project to provide context for your teamwork and communication examples. Communication Skills – Use clear and structured slides with: Well-organised content Visual aids (diagrams, charts, images) Professional writing and referencing (Harvard style) Conclusion – Summarise your key points, highlighting learning outcomes demonstrated. Presentation Requirements:
15-minute oral delivery 20 PowerPoint slides Clear, professional visual presentation Appropriate use of academic and industry sources
Include visual materials such as diagrams, images or charts Submit slides via CANVAS before the presentation date -11.05.26 Include Harvard referencing
Assessment Rubric (Presentation)
Criteria
Fail (0–39%)
Pass/Sufficient (40–49%)
Good (50–59%)
Very Good (60–69%)
Excellent (70%+)
LO1: Teamwork & Personal Initiative
Little evidence of understanding or reflection on teamwork
Basic description of team roles or initiative
Clear reflection on teamwork and initiative with examples
Well-developed reflection with good evidence of skills application
Excellent, insightful reflection with clear examples demonstrating strong personal and social skills
LO2: Presentation & Communication Skills
Slides poorly structured; presentation unclear or unprofessional
Basic slide structure; limited communication clarity
Slides and oral delivery were clear and coherent; some visual support
Professional slides with good visuals; confident delivery; accurate referencing
Highly professional presentation; excellent structure, visuals, and confident, engaging delivery with precise referencing
Content Knowledge Context
Minimal understanding of a construction project or context
Basic explanation of a construction project
Relevant context with adequate explanation
Clear understanding with well-integrated examples
Excellent contextual understanding that enhances the demonstration of LOs
Submission Details:
Submission Format: PowerPoint file (.ppt / .pptx)
Submission Method: University Canvas
Presentation Date: 11.05.26 at 10.00am according to register order.
Submission date: Before the presentation date 11.05.26 via Canvas
Referencing Style: Harvard referencing
Academic Integrity
Students must ensure that:
All sources are appropriately referenced Work is their own Plagiarism is avoided in accordance with university regulations ASSESSMENT 2 Assignment Brief Report -Weighing 70%
Programme: Construction Management (Level 3) Module/Unit: Communication and study skill Assessment Type: Assessed Case Study Report
Assignment Title:
Roles, Responsibilities and Management in Construction Projects – Case Study Report
Assignment Overview
Construction projects require careful planning, coordination, and management to ensure they are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. Construction managers work with a variety of professionals, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.
This assignment will help you develop an understanding of the structure of construction project teams, the responsibilities of key roles, and the application of management processes in real construction projects.
You will research a construction project and produce a case study report detailing your findings.
Learning Outcomes Assessed
By completing this assignment, students will be able to:
Identify key roles within a construction project team. Explain the responsibilities of construction management professionals. Demonstrate understanding of how construction projects are planned and managed. Communicate research effectively in written report format. Assignment Task
You are required to produce a written case study report (1000 words) examining the management of a construction project. Your report should include the following sections:
- Introduction
Provide an overview of construction management. Explain the importance of effective management in construction projects. 2. Key Roles in a Construction Project
Identify at least four key roles within a construction project (e.g., Construction Manager, Site Manager, Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Structural Engineer). Explain the responsibilities and contributions of each role. 3. Construction Project Lifecycle
Describe the main stages of the construction project lifecycle, for example: Planning and design Procurement Construction phase Completion and handover 4. Communication and Coordination
Explain how effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork support successful project delivery. 5. Case Study Example
Select a real or hypothetical construction project. Discuss how management processes and team roles contributed to the project’s success. Include any challenges encountered and how they were managed. 6. Conclusion
Summarise the key points and insights from your case study. Report Requirements
Word count: 1000 words (excluding references) Use subheadings to structure the report clearly Include diagrams, images, or charts where appropriate Reference sources using Harvard referencing Submit as a Word document via the CANVAS Assessment Criteria – Case Study Report
Criteria
Weight
Fail (0–39%)
Pass/Sufficient (40–49%)
Good (50–59%)
Very Good (60–69%)
Excellent (70%+)
LO1: Teamwork, Roles & Personal Initiative
20%
Limited understanding of teamwork or construction roles.
Basic identification of team roles with limited explanation of teamwork.
Good explanation of roles and teamwork with examples.
Strong understanding of teamwork and project collaboration.
Excellent critical understanding of team roles and professional collaboration in construction.
Construction Roles & Management Processes
30%
Minimal or inaccurate explanation of project roles and processes.
Basic explanation of construction roles and management processes.
Good explanation supported with examples.
Detailed and analytical explanation of project roles and processes.
Excellent analysis showing a deep understanding of construction management practices.
LO2: Written Communication & Report Structure
25%
Poor structure and unclear writing with major errors.
Basic structure with generally clear writing.
Logical structure with clear writing and appropriate headings.
Professionally written report with strong structure and clarity.
Highly professional report writing suitable for science and engineering contexts.
Use of Sources & Harvard Referencing
15%
Very limited sources or incorrect referencing.
Some sources were used but referencing errors are present.
Good use of sources with mostly correct referencing.
Strong use of credible sources with accurate Harvard referencing.
Extensive high-quality sources with excellent research and flawless referencing.
Conclusion & Communication of Findings
10%
Conclusion missing or unclear.
Basic summary of findings.
Clear summary of key findings.
Strong conclusion synthesising findings.
Insightful conclusion with strong synthesis and professional communication.
BOTH ASSESSMENTS Order
Assessment Type
Weighting
Hours
Words
Due Date
2nd Opp
1
Presentation with Online Submission
30%
0.15
11.05.26
06/07/2026
2
Report
70%
1000
12.05.26
06/07/2026
ASSESSMENT & MARKING CRITERIA Each Task will be marked with the weighting as shown
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Outcomes Assessed
Assessment 1: Presentation
30%
11.05.26
LO1 & LO2
Assessment 2: Report
70%
12.05.26
LO1 & LO2
Total
100 %
All
To pass the module, you must achieve a minimum grade of 40% for each piece of assessment within a module and a minimum grade of 40% overall.
You should make it very clear what sources of information have been used; where material/information from these sources is quoted, it must be clearly referenced using the Harvard Referencing System. (Details can be obtained from Learning Centres).
You are required to keep your own electronic & hard copies of any work submitted.
University Regulations:
University’s Academic Regulations: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/governance/legal-information/policies-and-regulations/academic-regulations/
Academic Integrity Policy: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/media/departments/office-of-the-vice-chancellor/documents/Academic-Integrity-Policy-from-2019-20.pdf
Performance descriptors are linked here: Level and Mark Descriptors
Support:
LCBS student support: farwa@londoncbs.ac.uk and mahwijat@lcbs.co.uk
UOW Student Support https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/student-support UOW SAMS (you use this to book tutorials https://sams.wlv.ac.uk UOW Study Skills https://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills-for-learning Student Handbook https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/handbooks-guides-and-policies Library Homepage https://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib Other Useful Links: wlv.ac.uk/welcomeLinks to an external site Links to event schedules, course induction information, course guides, advice for students. wlv.ac.uk/calendarLinks to an external site Links to the academic calendar. wlv.ac.uk/studenthandbookLinks to an external site. Links to the Student Handbook https://www.wolvesunion.org/ Links to an externalsite. Links to the Students’ Union Website where you can find details of all of our shared programme of events and activities… Study Guides: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills-for-learning/study-guides/ Online Student Handbook: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/current-students/student-handbook/ Assessment information: http://www.wlv.ac.uk/assessment
UNIVERSITY PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTORS The minimum pass mark at Level 3 = 40%
SUBMISSION OF WORK Your completed work for this assignment should be submitted on or before the due date through the Canvas Assignment portal. Any special instructions will be available on Canvas and within the assessment brief. The portal is linked to SITS/e: Vision, and this is how your marks will be identified and transferred. Please do not use any other methods to submit your work. You must keep a copy or backup of any assessed work that you submit. Failure to do so may result in your having to repeat that piece of work.
Penalties for late submission of coursework
Standard University arrangements and penalties for late submission of assessments apply.
10% reduction in mark for assessments submitted up to 48 hours after the deadline
20% reduction for assessments submitted 3 to 7 days late.
However, no assessment will be reduced from a pass to a failure through this process – all reductions will stop at the pass mark.
Procedure for requesting extensions / mitigating circumstances
The University`s fit to sit and extenuating circumstances policy aims to ensure that students only submit assessments when they are fit to do so and that no student is disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control. Students can self-certify their own sickness absence for up to seven days for a maximum of three times a year to cover any times when it might be difficult to obtain medical evidence of short-term illness. Through this self-certification process, students will get an extension of up to seven days on their assessment without penalty.
For other reasons than sickness or for longer-term absences, students should apply for mitigating circumstances, and evidence will need to be submitted in accordance with our normal regulations. Students can contact their Faculty Student Services via the e: Vision helpdesk for more information or to make a claim. If their claim is accepted, the student will generally be offered the opportunity to take the assessment, as if for the first time (with no grade penalty), within the current year.
Retrieval of Failure
Where a student fails a module (less than 40% for undergraduate modules, 50% for postgraduate modules), they have the right to attempt the failed assessment(s) at the next resit opportunity (normally April or July resit period). Only one resit attempt will be allowed. If a student fails the assessment for a second time, they have the right to repeat the module.
NOTE: Students who do not take their resit at the next available RESIT opportunity will be required to repeat the module.
Return of assignments
Assignment feedback and unconfirmed marks will normally be available on e: Vision within four working weeks. Feedback can be accessed alongside your original assignment for learning purposes. If you have any questions regarding your feedback or unconfirmed mark, you have two working weeks from the date you receive the returned assessment and/or written feedback or receive your exam results to contact and discuss the matter with your lecturer.
Cheating is any attempt to gain an unfair advantage by dishonest means and includes plagiarism and collusion. Cheating is a serious offence. You are advised to check the nature of each assessment. You must work individually unless it is a group assessment. Plagiarism is defined as incorporating a significant amount of unattributed direct quotation from, or unattributed substantial paraphrasing of, the work of another. Collusion occurs when two or more students collaborate to produce a piece of work to be submitted (in whole or part) for assessment, and the work is presented as the work of one student alone.
For further details, see: http://www.wolvesunion.org/advice/academic/
PLAGIARISM & COLLUSION It is not acceptable to copy published work (written or graphic) from any source and use it verbatim as if it were your own. You MUST NOT download material from the internet and use it directly in response to briefs.
If you incorporate material, either written or graphic, from any source without acknowledgement, this is called plagiarism, which the university regards as a serious offence. It is acceptable to include quotes from published material in response to coursework briefs if they are correctly referenced and acknowledged. Such quotes should be brief and be included only to support your own arguments. You should be aware that your submitted electronic written work can be easily checked for plagiarism using TURNITIN. Access to databases of published material, and the work of other students both at WLV and other institutions, means that words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs can be identified and traced.
Plagiarism also applies to IMAGES presented as part of your design presentation: unless the website, book, trade literature or similar source is specifically and clearly acknowledged immediately adjacent to the image, the manipulation via Photoshop etc of digital images of other designers’ architectural spaces or objects will be regarded as plagiarism in the same way as quoting sections of other writer’s texts without attribution. The use of precedents or case studies should be clearly stated in your design presentation or accompanying material and should be used to demonstrate the source of your inspiration. You MUST NOT use it as part of your own design work. The academic team will use the “search by image” feature of Google to identify the source of any suspected images. (http://www.google.com/insidesearch/features/images/searchbyimage.html)
If at any time you are working in groups, but submitting work individually, you MUST ensure that you do not copy anyone else’s work and use it as if it were your own. This is called collusion. You may work with other students collecting information, but you must ensure that any submitted work is clearly your own. Please be aware that you could fail the module if you are proven to have plagiarised (plagiarism) and/or colluded (collusion).