Reference no: EM133985952 , Length: Word Count:5000

Sustainable Construction and Innovation

Assessment Task 1: Literature Review

Learning Outcomes of the Assessment
Learning Outcome 1: Identify and critically assess the effects of construction on the natural environment.
Learning Outcome 2: Examine current research and knowledge to develop a critical understanding of sustainable construction and innovation.

Assessment guidelines

Produce a 2000-word +/- 10% (excluding references and appendices) literature review that explores the current environmental impact of the global construction industry on the natural environment and how innovation can contribute to sustainability. Specifically, the literature review should:

Define sustainable construction and the elements that constitute it, as well as determine which UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) you think that the Global Construction Industry should be focusing on. Get AI-free online assignment help by the best tutors.

Discuss and critically evaluate the current environmental impact of the construction industry on the natural environment.

Discuss and critically evaluate how innovative operational solutions in the Construction Industry can contribute to mitigating this environmental impact, and thus help meet the relevant SDGs.

Suggestions
The use of tables for summary or comparison purposes is encouraged. However, the tables should complement the discussion (main text), not replace it.
The use of data in an illustrative (figures, diagrams) or tabular (tables) format is encouraged. However, all figures, tables, etc. should be appropriately labelled, captioned and referenced, as well mentioned and described in the main text.

To achieve the pass mark, there must be evidence of the following assessment descriptors:
An ability to critically evaluate current research, methodologies, and scholarship and where appropriate propose new hypotheses;
An ability to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively;
Demonstration of a comprehensive understanding of relevant knowledge and applicable techniques which are at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or professional practice; and Originality, insight, depth, and creativity.

Assessment Point 2:

Learning Outcome 1: Identify and critically assess the effects of construction on the natural environment.
Learning Outcome 2: Examine current research and knowledge to develop a critical understanding of sustainable construction and innovation.
Learning Outcome 3: Evaluate the various sustainable and innovative construction technologies in the context of modern industrial practices.
Learning Outcome 4: Critically evaluate the application of innovative and pragmatic sustainable solutions within the construction industry context.
Learning Outcome 5: Communicate in an academically and professionally appropriate manner using various media.

Assessment guidelines
Produce a 3000-word +/- 10% (excluding references and appendices) report presenting a case study regarding a civil engineering project that has been designed and/or constructed using sustainability principles and innovative technologies. This project can be a building (residential or non-residential) or infrastructure, such as a road, highway or bridge. The aim is to demonstrate how innovative design and/or construction-related considerations have contributed to the sustainability of the building or infrastructure.
The report related to the selected building case study should include:
A description of the intended purpose and functionality of the building, and the
sustainability considerations made for its design, construction and use.
A discussion and critical evaluation of what innovative aspects were implemented as part of the project, and how these contributed to the sustainability of the building or infrastructure. The innovative aspects should include at least two of the following:
Innovative construction materials;
Innovative technologies or systems used in the design and/or construction phases, e.g. lean building and consideration for material banks, circular economy, reverse logistics;
Innovative aspects in the project's supply chain management;

Digital tools or technologies used in the design and/or construction phases, e.g. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modelling (BIM), or other technologies covered in the module.
Recommendations of additional innovative aspects that could have been considered that could further contribute to the sustainability of the building or infrastructure, based on the discussion and critical evaluation.

Suggestion: The use of figures tables to illustrate or summarise the main ideas of the discussion is encouraged. However, all figures, tables, etc. should be appropriately labelled, captioned and referenced, as well mentioned and described in the main text.

To achieve the pass mark, there must be evidence of the following assessment descriptors:
An ability to critically evaluate current research, methodologies, and scholarship and where appropriate propose new hypotheses;
An ability to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively;
Demonstration of a comprehensive understanding of relevant knowledge and applicable techniques which are at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or professional practice; and
Originality, insight, depth, and creativity.

A report is written for a clear purpose and to a particular audience. Specific information and evidence are presented, analysed and applied to a particular problem or issue. The information is presented in a clearly structured format by making use of sections and headings, so that the information is easy to locate and follow.
Two of the reasons why reports are used as forms of written assessment are:
to find out what you have learned from your reading, research or experience;
to give you experience of an important skill that is widely used in the workplace.

An effective report presents and analyses facts and evidence that are relevant to the specific problem or issue of the report brief. All sources used should be acknowledged and referenced throughout, in accordance with the prescribed referencing system.
The style of writing in a report is usually less discursive than in an essay, with a more direct and economic use of language. A well written report will demonstrate your ability to:
understand the purpose of the report brief and adhere to its specifications;
gather, evaluate and analyse relevant information;
structure material in a logical and coherent order;
present your report in a consistent manner according to the instructions of the report brief;
make appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence and analysis of the report;
make thoughtful and practical recommendations where required.

The Structure of a Report
The main features of a report are described below to provide a general guide. These should be used in conjunction with the instructions or guidelines provided by your department.
Title Page
This should briefly but explicitly describe the purpose of the report (if this is not obvious from the title of the work); remember to add your name and student number/assessment number, and which assessment it pertains to.

Summary (Abstract)
The summary should briefly describe the content of the report. It should cover the aims of the report, what was found and a brief review of the conclusions. Aim for about 1/2 a page in length and avoid detail or discussion; just outline the main points. Remember that the summary is the first thing that is read. It should provide the reader with a clear, helpful overview of the content of the report.

Contents (Table of Contents)
The contents page should list the different chapters and/or headings together with the page numbers. Your contents page should be presented in such a way that the reader can quickly scan the list of headings and locate a particular part of the report. You may want to number chapter headings and subheadings in addition to providing page references. Whatever numbering system you use, be sure that it is clear and consistent throughout.

Introduction
The introduction sets the scene for the main body of the report. The aims and objectives of the report should be explained in detail. Any problems or limitations in the scope of the report should be identified, and a description of research methods, the parameters of the research and any necessary background history should be included.

Methods
Information under this heading may include: a list of research methods used (e.g. literature review using ProQuest resources and the filter criteria applied for each search) and other sources of information and details of selection/rejection; reference to any problems encountered and subsequent changes in procedure.

Discussion
The main body of the report is where you discuss your material. The literature and evidence you have gathered should be summarised, analysed and discussed with specific reference to the problem or issue. If your discussion section is lengthy you might divide it into section headings. Your points should be grouped and arranged in an order that is logical and easy to follow. Use headings and subheadings to create a clear structure for your material. Use bullet points to present a series of points in an easy-to-follow list. As with the whole report, all sources used should be acknowledged and correctly referenced (remember to use the most credible resources available).

Conclusion
In the conclusion you should show the overall significance of what has been covered. You may want to remind the reader of the most important points that have been made in the report or highlight what you consider to be the most central issues or findings. However, no new material should be introduced in the conclusion. Remember to specifically answer the initial questions posed.
Appendices
Under this heading you should include all the supporting information you have used that is not published. This might include tables, graphs, questionnaires, surveys or transcripts. Refer to the appendices in the body of your report.
List of References
A key feature of academic writing, the list of references should list - in alphabetical order by author - all published sources referred to in your report. There are different styles of using references so be sure to refer to the study guide and check your departmental handbook for guidelines.