Skip to main content
Unit outline_

DESC9195: Building Economics

Semester 2, 2023 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Academic unit Architectural and Design Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
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) Liz Partridge, liz.partridge@sydney.edu.au
Paul Luciani, paul.luciani@sydney.edu.au
Flavio Rossi, flavio.rossi@sydney.edu.au
Sunil Dubey, sunil.dubey@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: LO2 LO5 LO6
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: LO5 LO6 LO3 LO1 LO7
Presentation group assignment 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: LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment group 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: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2 LO7
group assignment = 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 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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
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) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial activities on Building Economics & Decision making. Assignment Introduction and working on Assignment 1. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
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) LO2 LO3 LO6
Tutorial activities on asset lifecycle. Formative feedback Assignment 1. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
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) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Tutorial activities on financial analysis, development feasibility & managing built assets. Introduction to and working on Assignment 2. Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
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) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Tutorial activities on return on investment & strategic sourcing. Assignment 2 review and formative feedback Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 10 Guest lecture: Economic strategy for large property portfolios Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Presentations of Assignment 2 Economic feasibility study (group). Formative feedback provided to inform final report submission. Tutorial (2.5 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8 LO9

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 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         
LO8         
LO9         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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.
LO2
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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.
LO3
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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.
LO4
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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
LO5
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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.
LO6
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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.
LO7
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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.
LO8
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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.
LO9
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
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 A Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives.
1.4 A Identification of factors that may impact on client project requirements and objectives.
1.5 A Knowledge of different procurement processes available and evaluation of the impact these have on the project.
2.1 A Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project.
2.2 A Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site.
2.3 A Evaluation of factors influencing and impacting on project cost.
2.6 A Preparation and analysis of project development options in response to project brief.
3.6 A Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options.
3.7 A Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief.
8.7 A Identification and application of appropriate and consistent systems for record keeping and maintenance of document revisions.
8.9 A P Undertake post occupancy evaluation if required under the scope of the project agreement.
9.1 A P Knowledge and implementation of appropriate practice model to ensure efficient, effective and ethical professional service.
9.2 P A Knowledge and application of practice resources required to ensure efficient and effective professional service.
9.4 P A Establishment of project team and practice structures required to deliver the professional services in a timely manner.
9.5 A Knowledge of the legal and ethical obligations relating to copyright and intellectual property requirements.
9.7 P A Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and obligations in regard to architectural practice, practice management and registration as an architect.
9.8 P A Clear and consistent communication with client and relevant stakeholders throughout project.
9.9 A P Provision of independent and objective advice through all phases of professional practice.

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.

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.