january/february 2016 - ucem · january/february 2016 ... uk economy & property market chart...
TRANSCRIPT
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| BUILDING | CONSTRUCTION | DEVELOPMENT | SUPPORTED ONLINE LEARNING | EDUCATION | FINANCE
LAW | MANAGEMENT | PLANNING | PROPERTY | RESIDENTIAL | RURAL | SUSTAINABILITY | VALUATION |
January/February 2016
Welcome to UCEM’s monthly e-bulletin for professionals working and aspiring to work in the Property & Construction industries.
UCEM aims to disseminate information, promote current awareness and share good practice, to assist in the continual professional development of all those working and aspiring to work within the Property & Construction industries.
We welcome news and information from readers to include in future editions - please email us
As this is the first e-bulletin for 2016, may I take this opportunity to
wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Contents
Latest UCEM news
The College of Estate Management granted University College status
New office for UCEM
Next Undergraduate degree start date is 04 April 2016 – Find out more
Next Postgraduate degree start date is 29 February 2016 – Find out more
E-Learning Awards Success for University College of Estate Management (UCEM)
RICS President, Louise Brooke-Smith meets UCEM Alumni and Students in Hong Kong
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Other news
Five things you need to know this week – The biggest Placemaking Resource (incorporating Regeneration + Renewal) hitting the news are shared, including news on the first major site coming forward at Old Oak Common in west London where a Mayoral Development Corporation has been set up.
More youngsters choose apprenticeships as choices grow for school leavers
Q&A briefing: How will the new apprenticeship levy affect the construction industry?
UCEM Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme for the surveying sector
London Land Commission’s first register of public land shows 40,000 sites across the capital that could deliver 130,000 homes
Housing and Planning Bill will undermine Government’s housing ambitions
Housing & Planning Bill will place legal obligation on councils to deliver and market Starter Homes
Over 100,000 new jobs created by rise in housebuilding last year, claims Home Builders Federation (HBF) report entitled, ‘Building Communities, Boosting Employment’, and related links including:
The National Housing Federation’s (NHF) Home Truths report reveals growing economic burden of unaffordable housing,
Home Truths 2014/15 : Broken Market, Broken Dreams – access to the NHF report,
Home Truths Interactive Quiz – How much do you know about housing in your local area?
Revealed: the widening gulf between salaries and house prices, and
BBC News, Business – “Where can I afford to live?” calculator.
The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) - The latest CIS Briefing article takes a look at the Modern Slavery Act 2015, Operation Magnify, and the skills shortage that plagues the Construction industry. The Briefing also provides current awareness over a number of construction-related fields and subjects incl.
Architecture and building design,
Building Information Modelling (BIM),
Built Environment,
Housing,
Management and Practice,
Planning and Development, and
Skills and Employment,
as well as listing the latest documents added to The Construction Information Service for the past month.
Information on The Smith Institute, a leading independent ‘think tank’ which promotes progressive policies for a fairer society.
Access to The Smith Institute’s latest research reports incl.
Local housing, community living: prospects for scaling up and scaling out community-led housing
High aspirations, sound foundations : a discussion report on the center-ground case for building 100,000 new public homes
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Delivering growth: Where next for Local Enterprise Partnerships,
Full speed ahead: connecting our cities and regions.
The National Trust (NT) - Big Issues (incl. ‘Transport & Tourism’ and ‘Land-use & planning’) and our views
The NT Big issues - Transport & Tourism and how special places have been impacted by the High Speed Rail 2
High Speed Two (HS2) Independent Design Panel
The NT Big issues – Land & Landscape (incl. Land-use & planning), The NTs ‘Planning Principles’ and an article on ‘Planning at a national level’
Living with change – managing water and flooding
Why the National Trust cares about planning
Take a look at Taylor and Francis Online, FREE planning and urban design series ebooks and blog
UK Shopping Centre Vacancy Monitor: January 2016 - Latest research from the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) in partnership with The Local Data Company (LDC)
UK Shopping Centre Vacancy Monitor (2015)
Upcoming BCSC Research
Foster + Partners Projects including Foster + Partners’ Wuhan masterplan to go ahead - Further information available and access to the following:
Image gallery,
Sketches and drawings,
Construction,
Facts & Figures, and
Project downloads
NBS TV – the online video resource servicing built environment professionals
National BIM (Building Information Modelling) Library - Latest information freely available to access and download
The NBS BIM Toolkit Public BETA has been updated
Blogging about BIM, Construction and NBS
NBS National Building Information Modelling (BIM) Report 2015 and supporting information FREE to download
Back to Building Information Modelling (BIM) Basics
Building Research and Information Bibliographies
Read a free collection of research in Higher Education – from Wiley Education
Read the most talked about articles in Education!
Free Access to Key Content from Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance
RICS Library services and e-Resources
UCEM Library services and e-Resources incl. Emerald Insight – Access provided to the ‘Property Management and the Built Environment’ collection
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Property and Construction Statistics
UK Economy & Property Market Chart Book - RICS Economic Research, December 2015
Latest Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) incl. Office for National Statistics (ONS), Statistics Release calendar
Construction Output Price Indices (OPI), Interim solutions further information
Output in the Construction Industry, November 2015
Output in the Construction Industry, Construction Statistics Development Programme – Work plan
Construction Statistics, No. 16, 2015 Edition - Latest Construction Statistics release from ONS
Latest RICS Research / Market Surveys available incl. UK Residential Market Survey
Glenigan (provider of UK construction project sales leads, market analysis, forecasting, and company intelligence) - Construction Market Analysis
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Statistics – Construction industry
GOV.UK – Construction Statistics
…and finally
Eight smart ways to use social media in Universities
e-Journal review
RICS Modus Digital Magazine – December 2015 to January 2016 : The risk issue
Latest issue of Contractors World (Vol 5, No 2) incl. VIDEO – From Tunnelling to Tracks – Concreting Train Arrives at Plumstead
British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Digital Magazine – FM World January 2016: the latest issue
The Heritage Alliance's latest 'Heritage Update' e-Bulletin (January 2016)
Open Praxis (published by the International Council for Open and Distance Education – ICDE) is a peer-reviewed open access scholarly journal focusing on research and innovation in open, distance and flexible education. Click here to access the latest edition of Open Praxis.
Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Online Learning Journal – Latest issue published. NOTE: The MERLOT community has joined forces with the OLC (formerly Sloan-C) to expand scholarly research in the field of online education, with a merger of the Journal Online Learning (formerly JALN) and the Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT) that was previously reviewed within this eBulletin.
OER (Open Educational Resources) Research Hub incl. ‘Honest and reliable Open Access Journals in Open and Distance Education’
The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
UCEM Students and Staff have full access to the Current and Archive copies of the following key academic journals:
Construction Management and Economics, Taylor and Francis online
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Building Research and Information, Taylor and Francis online
Journal of Property Research, Taylor and Francis online
e-Journal review archive
e-Book review
(Note: Books are also reviewed within the e-Journals listed above, published by Taylor and Francis Online)
The Battle for Open: How openness won and why it doesn’t feel like victory
The new landscape of mobile learning: Redesigning education in an app-based world
Construction Law Review e-Book
Studying at a Distance
Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age, 2nd edition
ADDING SOME TEC-VARIETY: 100+ Activities for Motivating and Retaining Learners Online
The Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB)
Latest Published Books and Journal Titles
© Guidance
The Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd (CLA)
Copyright Licensing Agency - Title search tool
Further guidance on Copyright and Digital Copyright
5 Ways to find images for your website
Know your copyrights from wrongs (within Construction and Development Projects)
Useful online resources
Incl. Open Educational Resources (OERs)
1. Construction Information and Guidance available through the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
2. Newly updated British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) website and online resources
incl. ・ Sustainability Portal, and ・ Research and Education
3. The National BIM Library
4. Sustainability in Facilities Management (FM) – A useful online tool and resource pool
5. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – is an independent body committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity in land, property
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and construction.
Explore RICS is a ‘keyword’ section of the RICS website and provides direct links through to
information relating to the following topic areas/keywords incl. ・ Environment, ・
Geomatics, ・ Minerals & waste, ・ Planning & development, ・ Rural, ・ Arts & antiques,
・ Commercial property, ・ Dispute resolution, ・ Facilities management, ・ Machinery &
assets, ・ Management consultancy, ・ Residential property, ・ Valuation, ・ Building
control, ・ Quantity surveying & construction, ・ Project management, ・ Building
surveying, ・ BIM, ・ Infrastructure, ・ Measurements, and ・ Party walls.
RICS Library Online catalogue & Glossary of terms
6. Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Archive incl. research on Innovation in construction & Sustainability
7. Inclusive Design Hub for the Built Environment
8. Building Research Establishment (BRE)
9. Global Research Gateway: CBRE’s online resource for Real Estate Research
10. COPAC* - COPAC exposes rare and unique research material by bringing together the catalogues of c.90 major UK and Irish Libraries. In a single search you can discover the holdings of the UK’s national libraries (including the British Library), many University libraries, and specialist libraries. Latest News: COPAC has loaded the catalogue of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Library onto COPAC.
UCEM e-Library portrait incl. enquiry service
Student career service
GoConstruct.org – New careers website launched
Access to Surveying 2016 – RICS Career Guide: Your career in land, property and construction (incl. information on UCEM)
Useful web links (A-Z)
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Latest UCEM news
The College of Estate Management granted University College status
We are overjoyed to announce that we are now University College of Estate Management! This achievement acknowledges our excellent work within the Higher Education sector and our continued growth as an independent institution.
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“Reading, United Kingdom, 18 November 2015 - The College of Estate Management (CEM) - a leading provider of supported online learning for the Built Environment - today announced it has achieved university college title and has become University College of Estate Management (UCEM).” UCEM provides Real Estate, Property and Construction students and professionals with the highest quality supported online learning; enhancing their employability, academic standing and career development prospects. The achievement of university college title acknowledges the college's status in its provision of offering online vocational education for the Built Environment industry, and the upholding of the quality standard. The Privy Council (formal body of advisers to the Sovereign of the UK) approved the university college title and name change on the 11 November, following a period of scrutiny by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The award of this title is the next step in the development of the college - recognising its work within the Higher Education sector and its continued growth as an independent institution - following the achievement of Taught Degree Awarding Powers in October 2012. The college also had to demonstrate that its governance structures, both corporate and academic, are sound and that it's financially sustainable. UCEM, 18th November 2015, The College of Estate Management Granted University College status [online]. Further information is available at the new
UCEM website @
https://www.ucem.ac.uk/news-events/news/the-college-of-estate-management-granted-university-college-status/ [accessed 28 January 2016]
& why not follow us on our newly updated Social Media sites also incl.
https://twitter.com/StudyUCEM [accessed 28 January 2016],
https://www.facebook.com/StudyUCEM [accessed 28 January 2016],
https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-college-of-estate-management [accessed 28 January 2016]
https://www.youtube.com/user/cembuildingfutures/videos [accessed 28 January 2016], Back to top
New office for UCEM
After 42 years based at the University of Reading Whiteknights campus, University College of Estate Management (UCEM) is planning to move to a permanent new premises in July 2016. UCEM continues to grow rapidly and the new premises, with three floors of open plan office space, will provide the space and working environment needed for the continual growth of UCEM. “Reading University provided a perfect home for UCEM for a long time.” said Principal and CEO of CEM, Ashley Wheaton. “Our purchase of 60 Queens Road, in the heart of Reading town centre, will provide a much improved and fit-for-purpose new work environment for our staff as well as the opportunity to establish the identity of UCEM as it approaches its centenary”. As an independent higher Education Institution with taught degree awarding powers, and royal patronage, UCEM is a leading education provider for the built environment with students in more than a hundred countries. David Savage, Chief Operating Officer, University of Reading said “It was a pleasure to have the College of
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Estate Management based on the University Whiteknights Campus for many years, and we are delighted to see them grow and become more independent. The University wishes them all the best for the future in their new premises.” For further information please visit the UCEM website [online] and available at https://www.ucem.ac.uk/news-events/news/new-office-for-cem/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Next Undergraduate start date is 04 April 2016 – Find out more
- Our diplomas and degree programmes are designed to develop your academic skills, and build on your workplace experience. All of our programmes are fully online, meaning that you can study with us wherever you live. Our undergraduate programmes are suitable for those students who wish to work whilst studying; minimising debt and improving employment opportunities. Student Services at UCEM provides all the information, advice and guidance (IAG) that you'd expect from a campus university. For further information, please visit the UCEM website [online], and available at https://www.ucem.ac.uk/study-with-ucem/undergraduate/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Next Postgraduate start date is 29 February 2016 – Find out more
- Our supported online programmes are designed to develop practical skills which build on your workplace experience and have a direct benefit to your professional life. The degrees are particularly suitable for those who wish to qualify in the real estate and construction professions, and have a non-cognate bachelors degree. For further information, please visit the UCEM website [online], and available at https://www.ucem.ac.uk/study-with-ucem/postgraduate/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
E-Learning Awards Success for University College of Estate Management (UCEM)
University College of Estate Management (UCEM) - leading provider of supported online learning for the Built Environment – has been awarded bronze for ‘best online distance-learning programme’ in recognition of its long-standing commitment to the online learning sector. The award was presented during the E-Learning Awards gala evening held in London on 25 November. The E-Learning Awards showcase some of the most recognisable, memorable, and life-changing e-learning worldwide. With 400 entries across 19 categories, the entries were reduced to a shortlist of a strong 145. The ‘best online distance-learning programme’ award seeks to recognise distance-learning programmes, which have made excellent use of online tools to facilitate learning. The award is particularly focused on programmes that employ a range of methods and media over many weeks or months of part-time study, typically leading to a formal qualification. E-Learning Awards and Learning Technologies organiser Mark Penton from CloserStill, commented: "It was the toughest competition to date and congratulations are in order to all of the winners and everyone that was shortlisted. The awards programme has been a true recognition of the breadth of e-learning worldwide and we’d like to thank everyone who was involved, particularly our sponsors, partners and judges." Ashley Wheaton, Principal at UCEM, said: "I was delighted for UCEM to have been nominated for the prestigious E-Learning Awards in the categories of ‘e-Learning team of the year’ and ‘best online distance learning programme’. To have then won bronze for ‘best online distance learning-programme’ in our first ever year of entering is just tremendous. I’m extremely proud of the team and everyone who has contributed to this success. Winning this award is proof of UCEM’s commitment as a leading provider of online learning in the Built Environment industry. We look forward to continuing to provide accessible, flexible and cost-effective education for a better Built Environment.” UCEM, 26th November 2015, ‘E-Learning Awards Success for University College of Estate Management’ [online]. Further information is available at https://www.ucem.ac.uk/news-events/news/e-learning-
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awards-success-for-university-college-of-estate-management/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Related Link: The Complete University Guide (2015), ‘E-Learning Awards Success for University College of Estate Management’ [online]. Further information is available at http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/universities/university-press-releases/e-learning-awards-success-for-university-college-of-estate-management/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
RICS President, Louise Brooke-Smith meets UCEM Alumni and Students in Hong Kong
At the invitation of the RICS, UCEM alumni and students in Hong Kong met RICS President, Dr Louise Brooke-Smith, during her visit there in November 2015. Louise gave a brief, but comprehensive overview of how the RICS is working towards uplifting professional standards at a global level. These include International Property Measurement Standards (IPMS), International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS) and International Ethics Standards (IES). The event also gave Hong Kong UCEM alumni and students the opportunity to share their views and professional experiences with Louise and RICS colleagues. Thanks to the RICS, and UCEM Ambassador in Hong Kong, Mr Gabriel Lee, for organising this session for the local UCEM community. Further information is available via the UCEM website [online], and available at https://www.ucem.ac.uk/news-events/news/rics-president-louise-brooke-smith-meets-cem-alumni-and-students-in-hong-kong/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Other news
Five things you need to know this week
‘Five things you need to know this week’ is a weekly article produced by Placemaking Resource and incorporating Regeneration + Renewal magazine and highlights the biggest placemaking stories from the past seven days (see below mentioned publication date), including news on the first major site coming forward at Old Oak Common in west London where a Mayoral Development Corporation has been set up. This and other stories incl. Car retailer Cargiant and its development partner London & Regional Properties have unveiled a
masterplan for its 19-hectare Old Oak Common site. The plans propose up to 7,000 new homes and development that would support around 8,000 new jobs. The masterplan by architects PLP and planning consultancy Arup includes 14 bridges over the Grand Union canal, a new high street, and several public squares.
Phil Williams, director of planning and place at Belfast City Council, has become the new president of the Royal Town Planning Institute. He takes over from Janet Askew. Williams used his inauguration speech to back the role of planners in creating positive communities. He said: "The interface between planners in local government, and the private and voluntary sectors is critical to the delivery of solutions to key challenges that face society, and communities within society, at every level."
The unwillingness of British people to accept new housing development in their neighbourhoods has risen to a new high, according to survey findings. The results of a 2015 poll, commissioned by political strategy consultancy Development Intelligence, suggest that 90 per cent of respondents identified themselves as a nimby - or someone who takes a "not in my back yard" attitude to new development.
Housing and regeneration quango the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has published details of 600 acres of surplus public sector land where it plans to deliver new homes and boost local growth. The HCA has more than 80 sites in public ownership for sale and plans to bring an additional 40
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sites to the market over the next 18 months. The HCA estimates that these sites will accommodate more than 5,000 homes as well as land for industry and business. Over 20 per cent of the sites already have outline or detailed planning permission, it said.
Highways England, which is responsible for operating England's motorways and major roads, has announced that its favoured option for a new Thames crossing connecting Kent and Essex would cross under the river just east of Gravesend and Tilbury. It says that the new crossing is required to reduce congestion at the existing Dartford crossing and unlock economic growth, supporting the development of new homes and jobs in the region.
Source: Placemaking Resource (incorporating Regeneration + Renewal), Kochan, B., 27 January 2016, Five things you need to know this week [online]. Further information available at http://www.placemakingresource.com/article/1381164/five-things-need-know-week [accessed 28 January 2016] Related Link: Old Oak Park, London website [online]. Further information is available at http://www.oldoakpark.co.uk/ [accessed 28 January 2016] and the consultation document is available at http://www.oldoakpark.co.uk/consultation.aspx [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
More youngsters choose apprenticeships as choices grow for school leavers
More young people across England are on the fast-track to a great career with a top quality apprenticeship. Provisional figures released on 21 January 2016 indicate an increase in the number of young people, aged under 19, earning and learning on apprenticeships, and also growth in higher level apprenticeships. There have been over 150,000 starts across England, with every region seeing at least 11,000 apprenticeships started in the last quarter. In addition, more young people are benefitting from traineeships which provide the essential skills and experience needed to prepare for an apprenticeship or other job. Skills Minister Nick Boles said: "Young people today have more doors open to them than ever before. Today’s figures show that savvy young people see apprenticeships as a fast-track to a successful career. Apprenticeships are real jobs that combine studying with hands on experience in the workplace. "Apprenticeships and traineeships are creating the highly skilled and productive workforce that is supporting our country’s economic growth. We are on the right track to delivering 3 million apprenticeships by 2020. "School leavers now have more choice than ever before, as more and more top employers launch apprenticeship and traineeship programmes. "The positive figures follow the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new Apprenticeship Delivery Board which will bring together some of the country’s leading businesses." Apprenticeship Delivery Board members from top employers including Wates Construction will encourage more businesses to develop quality apprenticeships. Members will act as apprenticeship champions within their sector, working with employers of all sizes to increase both the number of apprenticeship places on offer and the supply of talented candidates. Builder&Engineer, 21 January 2016, More youngsters choose apprenticeships as choices grow for school leavers [online] and further information is available at http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/more-youngsters-choose-apprenticeships-choices-grow-school-leavers [accessed 28 January 2016] Note: Further information can also be accessed through the above provided web link on: Training Back to top Related Links:
Q&A briefing: How will the new apprenticeship levy affect the construction industry?
The chancellor’s announcement of the new apprenticeship levy – set at 0.5% of payroll turnover above a
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threshold of £3m – raises questions for the CITB and the industry. In this article, Construction Manager looks at what’s happening. Construction Manager, 26th November 2015, Q&A briefing: How will the new apprenticeship levy affect the industry? [online] and further information available at http://www.construction-manager.co.uk/news/ne1w-apprenti3ceship-lev2y-qa/ [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top
UCEM Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme for the surveying sector
UCEM is pleased to be working in partnership with the Chartered Surveyors’ Training Trust (CSTT) to deliver the new Trailblazer Apprenticeship programmes for the surveying sector. We are partnered with CSTT to deliver both the Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship (Surveying Technician) and also the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship (Chartered Surveyor). Qualifications are available in Real Estate, Building Surveying and Quantity Surveying (Consulting). Further information is available via the UCEM Website [online] and available @ https://www.ucem.ac.uk/develop-talent-for-your-business/apprenticeships/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
London Land Commission’s first register of public land shows 40,000 sites across the capital that could deliver 130,000 homes
- There are 40,000 publicly owned sites across the capital that could deliver a minimum of 130,000 new homes according to the London Land Commission’s first register of public land. The Commission, chaired by the London Mayor Boris Johnson and Housing Minister Brandon Lewis, appointed Savills in July last year to compile the preliminary stages of a so-called ‘Domesday Book’ of all brownfield land owned by public bodies in London. “There is an urgent need in London for more homes for our ever growing population and for far too long, land owned by public bodies has lain dormant or sold off with no benefit to the capital. That simply must not be allowed to happen and we must build on the work done at City Hall in releasing land for development,” said Johnson. “The Commission will be absolutely vital in co-ordinating all public bodies to ensure we squeeze every drop of developable land possible to build the homes we need for hard-working Londoners.” Brandon Lewis added: “We’ve got the capital building again with 158,000 new homes delivered since the end of 2009. This register will allow us go even further, providing a valuable tool for developers to get on and build the homes hard-working Londoners want and need.” The register is now available in the form of an interactive map on City Hall’s website, detailing the locations of land owned by the Mayor of London, Government departments, London boroughs, Transport for London and the NHS. There are sites across every London borough, ranging from tiny parcels of land to larger sites, which could accommodate hundreds of new homes. The register also includes details of the existing use of each site, including whether they are office, residential, transport or industrial. It is the first time such a wide-ranging set of data has been compiled for the capital and will now be analysed by City Hall to further unlock and accelerate the release of surplus land for much-needed housing. The Commission is working with the land owners on the register to determine availability and to encourage the marketing of public land to obtain the best possible housing development for Londoners, rather than selling with no obligations. It will also identify areas to group together potential plots of surplus land to yield a more significant number of homes and to create better regeneration sites across London. It builds upon work already started by the Mayor in disposing of his own land holdings for development. He has completed a manifesto pledge in releasing all developable land in his ownership and City Hall will look at opportunities to purchase land and regenerate further sites across the capital. Builder&Engineer, 28 January 2016, London Land Commission’s first register of public land shows 40,000 sites across the capital that could deliver 130,000 homes [online] and further information is available at http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/london-land-commission%E2%80%99s-first-register-public-
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land-shows-40000-sites-across-capital-could-deli [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Housing & Planning Bill will undermine Government’s housing ambitions
- You need us, if you want to build more homes and reduce the housing benefit bill, town hall chiefs have told the Government, but the Housing & Planning Bill is set to demolish those aims. Ahead of the Bill’s second reading in the House of Lords tomorrow, the chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA), Lord Porter, has warned that the unintended consequences of the Bill could reduce the availability of council housing and dampen their ability to build more. "The LGA and councils want to help the Government shift spending from benefits to bricks and support government ambitions to increase housing supply across the country. It is clear that tackling our housing crisis will require an increase of all types of housing, including those for affordable and social rent alongside those to support home ownership,” said Lord Porter. "The LGA and councils believe that some elements of the proposed Housing and Planning Bill will not help government achieve its ambitions, having the unintended consequence of reducing the availability of much-needed council housing, and hampering our ability to invest in new affordable council housing and to create the right mix of housing that local residents can afford to buy. We contend that this would actually drive up the housing benefit bill, which we all want to see reduced, as more people are forced to move into the more expensive private-rented sector. "The LGA has been working hard behind the scenes to try and influence the Bill and its regulations, and are pleased the Government is open to having individual discussions with councils about the cumulative impact of reforms in local areas and the flexibilities councils could gain to adapt policies and deliver homes. "It is now clear that some of our key concerns remain about the impact of elements of the Bill on local people and government achieving its ambitions. Our efforts in public and private will now be fully focused on improving it so that councils can play their lead role in helping Government and all of our partners to increase housebuilding, enable home ownership, and reduce homelessness and benefits. As the Bill reaches the Lords, we will continue to prioritise a range of amendments that will better allow councils and the Government to solve our housing crisis, opposing the forced sale of council homes to fund the extension of Right to Buy and seeking a range of local flexibilities in the delivery of starter homes. "Councils must be able to keep playing a lead role in housebuilding to ensure new affordable rented homes that are crucial for enabling people to save money towards a deposit, and the means to secure investment in vital infrastructure that new home buyers will expect and will rely on." Builder&Engineer, 26 January 2016, Housing and Planning Bill will undermine Government’s housing ambitions [online] and further information is available at http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/housing-planning-bill-will-undermine-government%E2%80%99s-housing-ambitions [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top Related Link:
Housing & Planning Bill will place legal obligation on councils to deliver and market Starter Homes
David Cameron has revealed councils will be legally obliged to guarantee delivery of Starter Homes – and actively promote them to first-time buyers – under provisions contained within the Housing & Planning Bill. As he flagged up some of the key proposals to achieve the Government’s housing ambitions, ahead of the Bill’s publication, the Prime Minister also warned councils that they must produce their own Local Plan by 2017 – or the Government will impose one on them. If that sounds contrary to the concept of localism, the Prime Minister said it would be produced in consultation with local people, but he wanted to make it “crystal clear” that he expects all councils to create and deliver these plans. It’s all part of making sure they play their part in delivering the Government’s target of one million new homes by 2020.
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According to the Government, 82% of councils have already published local plans, which set out home many homes they intend to deliver over set period, but only 65% have fully adopted them – and 20% do not have an up to date plan at all. “A Greater Britain must mean more families having the security and stability of owning a home of their own. My government will do everything it can to help people buy a place of their own – at the heart of this is our ambition to build one million new homes by 2020,” said Cameron. “Many areas are doing this already – and this is great – but we need a national crusade to get homes built and everyone must play their part. Councils have a key role to play in this by drawing up their own local plans for new homes by 2017. But if they fail to act, we’ll work with local people to produce a plan for them.” Furthermore, Cameron has also flagged up some key housing proposals that will be coming into effect, such as the extension of Right-to-Buy to housing associations, following the deal reached with the National Housing Federation, and some key elements of the forthcoming Housing & Planning Bill. One key aspect of the Bill will be a legal duty placed on councils to guarantee the delivery of Starter Homes on all “reasonably sized” new developments. They will also be required to promote the scheme to first-time buyers in their area. The Government has also announced that local authorities will be able to bid for a share of £10 million Starter Homes fund, part of a £36 million package to accelerate the delivery of Starter Homes, by helping councils prepare brownfield sites that would not otherwise be used for such homes. Builder&Engineer, 13 October, 2015, Housing & Planning Bill will place legal obligation on councils to deliver and market Starter Homes [online] and further information available at http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/housing-planning-bill-will-place-legal-obligation-councils-deliver-and-market-starter-homes [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Over 100,000 new jobs created by rise in housebuilding last year, claims Home Builders Federation (HBF) report
A new report from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) has provided weight to arguments for a massive boost in the construction of new homes to benefit both society and the economy. In its report, ‘Building Communities, Boosting Employment’, the organisation claims over 100,000 new jobs were created in England along last year thanks to an increase in housebuilding. All told, it says, the industry is now supporting around 667,000. Highlights of the report include: Housebuilding in London now employs over 100,000 people
Outside London, Greater Manchester saw the biggest increase in house building employment with an additional 5,418 people recruited last year
North Yorkshire experienced the biggest proportional growth with employment numbers doubling
Outside the capital, house building activity in the West Midlands supports most employment with 27,907 jobs supported by housebuilding
The most recent Government figures show that there were 170,690 net additions to the housing stock during 2014/15, an increase of almost 25% on the previous year. The main component of this new stock was from 155,080 new build completions.
“The house building industry has increased its output at the steepest rate for decades,” said Stewart Baseley, the HBF’s executive chairman. “Delivering the high quality homes we desperately need is also providing a huge boost to economies across the country. The industry is recruiting and training tens of thousands of new people to ensure it can continue to deliver significant sustainable increases in supply and provide the high quality homes the country needs.” Builder&Engineer, 25 January 2016, Over 100,000 new jobs created by rise in housebuilding last year, claims HBF report [online] and further information is available at http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/over-100000-new-jobs-created-rise-housebuilding-last-year-claims-hbf-report [accessed 28 January 2016] Related Link:
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Further information and access to the ‘Building Communities, Boosting Employment’ report, published by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) is available to view and download from the HBF website. Source: Home Builders Federation, 20 January 2016, ‘HBF Report: ‘Building Communities, Boosting Employment’ [online] and available at http://www.hbf.co.uk/policy-activities/news/view/hbf-report-building-communities-boosting-employment/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top Other Related Links incl.:
NHF’s Home Truths report reveals growing economic burden of unaffordable housing
The latest Home Truths report from the National Housing Federation (NHF) has revealed the mockery house prices are making of the Government’s talk of backing ‘hardworking people’ – by showing the staggering pay rises they’d need to have a hope of affording a home. In the West Midlands, only people earning upwards of £43,000 a year can afford a typical mortgage in the region. But with the average worker earning £24,000 that means they would need a 79% pay rise – an extra £19,000 a year – to be able to afford the mortgage. The East Midlands is little better. There, only people earning upwards of £40,000 a year can afford a typical mortgage. The average worker is earning much the same as their counterparts in the West Midlands, but they’d need an extra £16,000 a year – a 68% pay rise – to secure a mortgage for an average home in the region. But in the East of England region, a would-be homeowner would need a whopping 118% pay rise to afford an average home in the region. An average home here now costs around £261,086 according to the Home Truths 2015/16 report. That’s nearly 10 times the local average salary of £27,310. It's enough to make any employer wince. These levels of unaffordability are compounded by a “drastic shortfall” in supply in the region, with 62,950 fewer homes being built to meet demand in the last four years alone, the NHF said. There is no single area in the region that is exempt from the “severe challenges” that the housing crisis creates. In Cambridge, for example, house prices have reached £416,588 or 15 times average salary. In Hertsmere prices have climbed higher still, and currently sit at £455,503 or 15.6 times local salaries. Builder&Engineer, 23 November, 2015, NHF’s Home Truths report reveals growing economic burden of unaffordable housing [online] and further information available at http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/nhf%E2%80%99s-home-truths-report-reveals-growing-economic-burden-unaffordable-housing [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Home Truths 2014/15 : Broken Market, Broken Dreams
- New report warns only well well-off will be able to afford to buy The National Housing Federation (NHF) report entitled, buyers today have to earn more, borrow more, stump up a larger deposit and rely more on family wealth than even a generation ago. Only the wealthiest of the next generation will be able to buy a home if current trends continue, warns the National Housing Federation, as a new report shows that first-time buyers now have to pay, in real terms, ten times the deposit needed in the early 1980s. For the first time this year the NHF have commissioned polling from YouGov to gauge public opinion of the housing crisis to sit alongside the research data. That showed almost 80% of people in England think it’s harder to own a home now than it was for their parents’ generation. Eight out of 10 people polled also didn’t believe any of the main political parties would effectively deal with housing. Regional reports have also been created, analysing the impact the housing crisis is having on each region of England. National Housing Federation website, Home Truths 2014/15: Broken Market, Broken Dreams [online]. Further information incl. Press Release, The Report and accompanying regional reports are available at https://www.housing.org.uk/topics/research/home-truths/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
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Home Truths Interactive Quiz
- How much do you know about housing in your local area? Do you know what the average house costs or how much rent has increased in the last two years? Test your knowledge with this interactive Quiz. National Housing Federation website, Home Truths Interactive Quiz [online] and available @ http://www.housing.org.uk/topics/research/home-truths/quiz/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Revealed: the widening gulf between salaries and house prices
- Buyers in England and Wales forced to spend up to 12 times their income as gap between earnings and house prices widens The gap between income and house prices has sky-rocketed so much in the last 20 years that even in the most affordable regions of England and Wales buyers are forced to spend six times their income, a new data analysis reveals. The situation is most dire in the capital, where the median house now costs 12 times the median London income. The Guardian analysed 19 million sales over 20 years from Land Registry and HMRC data. It shows how in every region in England and Wales there have been dramatic increases in house prices in proportion to incomes, fuelling concerns that millions will be locked out of the UK property market. A homebuyer earning the median salary for their region in 1995 would have had to spend between 3.2 times and 4.4 times their salary on a house, depending on where they lived. In 2012-13, the last year for which complete data is available, the median house price had risen to between 6.1 times and 12.2 times median regional incomes. In 1995, the median income in London was £19,000 and the median house price was £83,000, meaning that people were spending 4.4 times their income on buying a property. But by 2012-13, the median income in London had increased to £24,600 and the median house price in the capital had increased to £300,000, meaning people were forced to spend 12.2 times their income on a house. Bengtsson H and Lyons K (2015) ‘Revealed: the widening gulf between salaries and house price’, The Guardian [online], 2 September. Available at http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/sep/02/housing-market-gulf-salaries-house-prices [accessed 28 January 2016]. Also available via this webpage is access to an Interactive Map – ‘Unaffordable country: where can you afford to buy a house’? Back to top
BBC News, Business – “Where can I afford to live?” calculator
- Whether you are house-hunting or just daydreaming, try using this calculator to see where in the country you could afford to live – and would it be cheaper to rent or buy? The “Where can I afford to live?” calculator use pricing and rental data for 01 March to 31 August 2015 provided by residential property analysts Hometrack. The affordability of housing varies widely across the country and will depend on whether you want to rent or buy. House prices and rents can differ as a result of market factors, such as the state of the local economy, transport links and the supply of housing. Use the link provided below to try entering requirements, how much you’ld like to pay on rent or mortgage repayments each month and see the locations within your price range. BBC News, Business, 16th October 2015, Where can I afford to live? [online] and further information available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23234033 [accessed 28 January 2016] Related Internet Links: Hometrack [online] and available at https://www.hometrack.com/uk [accessed 28 January 2016] Registers of Scotland [online] and available at https://www.ros.gov.uk/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Land Registry [online] and available at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/land-registry
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[accessed 28 January 2016]. Further information is also available within this website incl. Search house prices,
Search property ownership information,
Boundary questions,
Title deeds,
Joint property ownership,
Searches, fees and forms,
Data,
Business and mortgage services,
Business e-services portal,
Practice guides,
and more. Back to top
The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK - December 2015)
In the December briefing article, they (CIS) take a look at the Modern Slavery Act 2015, Operation Magnify, and the skills shortage that plagues the Construction industry. In the news, the Infrastructure Commission has issued a call for evidence, Turley has published a report exploring local planning authority comprehension of business needs, and the Housing and Planning Bill 2015/16 impact assessment is now available for reading. Recent documents added to the Construction Information Service include Chapter 30 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, new legislation for Northern Ireland, the House and Planning Bill impact assessment, several new improved documents on toxic substances, ventilation, combustion appliances, and amendments to JCT contracts. Subjects covered include: Personnel management/employment
Legal issues and management
The current awareness Industry news round-up covers the following fields and subjects Architecture and building design
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Built Environment
Building regulations
Construction materials
Contracting and contracts
Educational buildings
Environment and conservation
Europe
Facilities Management (CPD)
Fire and Security
Health and safety
Housing
Infrastructure
Law and legislation
Management and practice
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Planning and development
Skills and employment
Waste and water management, and
Weather
and latest documents added to the CIS are from the following government departments and organisations incl. Architects’ Journal
British Board of Agrément
British Research Establishment (BRE)
BRE Global Ltd
British Standards Institution (BSI)
British Security Industry Association
Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA)
British Woodworking Federation
Chartered Institute Of Building (CIOB)
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
Concrete Piepline Systems Association
Concrete Society
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, Planning Service
Department of Finance and Personnel for Northern Ireland
Department of Health
Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland
European Union-Legislation
Government Office for Science
Highways Agency
HETAS Ltd
House of Commons
Health and Safety Executive
Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA)
Legislation - UK
Legislation – Northern Ireland
Legislation - Scotland
Legislation – Wales
Landscape Institute
NBS (the trading name of RIBA Enterprises Limited)
National Highways Sector Schemes
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency
Office for National Statistics
Planning Inspectorate
Planning Officers Society
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Steel Construction Institute
Scottish Government
Sweet and Maxwell, and
Welsh Government
Back to top The CIS Briefing provides a listing of the latest documents added to The Construction Information Service for the past month. Some of the current awareness topics covered within the Industry news round-up incl.
Architechture and building design -
Construction work sector guidance for designers (CDM 2015) (C755) CDM 2015 – construction work sector guidance for designers, fourth edition (CDM 2015) was made available in late November 2015. The new guidance works hand-in-hand with CDM 2015 – Workplace in-use guidance for designers, second edition (C756) to provide aid for designers regarding duties and obligations when it comes to construction risks and difficulties that could arise as work is being carried out. Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
Building Information Modelling -
2015 version of the BIMForum Level of Development Specification is now available On 3 November 2015, BIMForum announced that the 2015 version of the LOD specification for BIM was available for download. This standard provides a reference to aid in understanding BIM through the various stages of design and construction, helping AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) professionals specify and articulate content and reliability. To download the PDF and accompany Excel element attributes table, please visit the BIMForum website [online]. Further information is available at http://bimforum.org/ [accessed 06 January 2016] with further information on the Level of Development (LOD) specification available at http://bimforum.org/lod/ [accessed 06 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top BIM Toolbox for Specialist Contractors Founded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) have published a new BIM toolbox document to help educate specialist contractors on the processes needed to deliver work using BIM. As it is to be a living document (regularly updated to reflect new developments), FIS has advised that organisations should share the link below rather than the PDF. Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) [online]. Further information is available via the following hyper-Link: http://thefis.org/publications/bim-toolbox-for-specialist-contractors/ [accessed 06 January 2015] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS
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homepage. Back to top Up to £9 billion in economic growth potentially unlocked with digital technology A cross-industry report from Oxford Economics for Virgin Media Business reports that there is a potential for serious economic and personnel growth in the UK to be found by adopting the best digital technology available. The report also says that leading the pack in this potential is the construction industry, showing that firms that have already adopted digital technology (like BIM) have already seen their revenue grow by 5.9%, with the potential for more growth. As for potential job losses as a result of digital adoption, the report finds that any expected job losses will be outweighed by anticipated new highs. Finally, the report states that those companies set to gain the most are smaller SMEs; those with 250 or fewer employees. The Designing Building Wiki write-up can be found here: Source: Designing Buildings.co.uk Wiki, 29th October 2015, Digital technology boost to construction industry [online] and available at http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Digital_technology_boost_to_construction_industry [accessed 07 January 2016]
NOTE: Use of Wikipedia as a reference site: Wikipedia and use of other Wiki are increasingly being used by people in the academic community, as an easy source of information about anything and everything. However, citation of Wikipedia may not be considered acceptable, because Wikipedia is not a creditable source. It is important to note that whilst Wikipedia may be one of the Web’s most popular reference sites, it is not classed as a credible resource because anyone is allowed to be a contributor to the website. This can be avoided by following two simple rules:
Remember that any encyclopaedia (which includes Wikipedia and any other wiki) can be a good starting point for research, and not an ending point.
An encyclopaedia can be good for getting a general understanding of a subject before you extend your study of the subject further. But you then have to consider the subject in more depth using books, journal articles and other appropriate and credible resources. What you find in these other sources of information will be more detailed, more precise, and more carefully reasoned than the summary you found in an encyclopaedia. The sources you reference/cite in your work will therefore be these more detailed sources you have used.
Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
PAS 1192 – basic principles explained In an article for the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the NBS - National Building Specification’s Stefan Mordue starts off a series that will address PAS 1192, providing basic information to aid in BIM understanding and adoption. With the UK at the front of BIM adoption worldwide, PAS 1192 is quickly being adopted globally, and the standard is being championed as a future ISO standard. To read Stefan’s article, please visit the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB), BIMPLUS website. Reference - Mordue S., 29 October 2015, CIOB, BIM Plus, A bluffer’s guide to PAS 1192 [online] and available at http://www.bimplus.co.uk/management/bluff1ers-gui3de-pa2s-1192/ [accessed 07 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
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Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) survey finds SMEs, building services not ready for BIM According to a recent survey by the ECA, SMEs could potentially be “locked out” of government contracts when the BIM Level2 deadline arrives. According to the survey, 54% of SMEs (turnover of less than £1 million) said that they are not ready while for larger firms (£1 - £20 million) reported three in 10 firms not being ready. A further breakdown of the survey can be found here: Kortens, C., (2015), ‘Half of SMEs to be ‘frozen out’ of contracts’, Facilities Management Journal (FMJ) [online] and available at http://www.fmj.co.uk/half-of-smes-to-be-frozen-out-of-contracts/, 3rd November. The report also found that only 16% of companies in building services are ready for BIM. This is despite the fact that 65% of those surveyed said that BIM Level 2 is good for the industry. Source: Modern Building Services (MBS), 05 November 2015, Survey shows building services sector poorly prepared for BIM [online]. Further information is available at http://www.modbs.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/15206/Survey_shows_building-services_sector__poorly_prepared_for_BIM_Level_2.html [accessed 07 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top The Construction Industry Council (CIC) releases video on Ireland’s transition to BIM Entitled, “Transition to Digitisation in Irish Construction”, the CIC’s video focuses on BIM and what is needed in regards to vision, education and leadership. The video features several industry leaders, with an emphasis on what young people entering the industry can bring to the table in regards to knowledge and skills. Video Source: EnterpriseIrelandTV (2015) ‘BIM Vision’ YouTube [video]. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9MrkQsXrgw&feature=youtu.be [accessed 07 January 2016] Source: BIMIreland.ie, 29th October 2015, ‘The CIC’s BIM Vision: ‘Transition to Digitisation in Irish Construction’ [online] and available at http://www.bimireland.ie/2015/10/29/the-cics-bim-vision-transition-to-digitisation-in-irish-construction/ [accessed 07 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
Built Environment -
The House of Lords Select Committee on National Policy for the Built Environment held two sessions on 11 November. The first addressed the historic environment, while the second focused on community engagement and participation. To learn more, visit: www.parliament.uk, Parliamentary business, Committees, Lord Select Committee, 10 November 2015, ‘Are we doing enough to protect the historic built environment?’ [online]. Further information is available at http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/built-environment/news-parliament-2015/heritage-community-engagement-evidence/ [accessed 7 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
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Housing -
#Planning4People social housing manifesto The Town and Country Planning Association is leading a new coalition of individuals and organisations in a manifesto which urges the government to: 1) put permitted development power back into the hands of councils; 2) ensure that the National Planning Policy Framework holds the needs of the people equal to those of developers and land owners, and 3) restore a place-making framework that ensures mandatory minimum standards are met in regards to space and accessibility. The manifesto is supported by Friends of the Earth, the Landscape Institute, Wildlife Trust, LGIU, and Planning Officers Society. To read more, visit the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) Website and within ‘Projects & Publications’ visit Planning4People [online]. Further information is available at http://www.tcpa.org.uk/pages/planning4people.html [accessed 7 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
Commons Library briefing paper on Housing and Planning Bill 2015-16 Parliament.UK has made available a Commons Library briefing paper that provides comment and background on the Housing and Planning Bill that was presented mid-October 2015, with the second reading held on 2 November, 2015. Key issues covered included Right to Buy, starter homes and self-builds, and transforming “generation rent” into “generation buy”, which includes speeding up the planning system. The bill also provides provision for aiding local authorities in tackling ‘rogue’ landlords and addresses abandoned housing and compulsory purchases. To read a summary of the bill and access a link to the full document, please visit Source: www.parliament.uk, Parliamentary business, Publications and records, House of Commons Library, ‘Housing and Planning Bill 2015-16’, Published 22 October 2015 [online] and available at http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-7331 [accessed 19 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
Management and practice -
New research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) on the effects of primate management of public spaces New research from RICS examines how the openness, accessibility and accountability of public space management are affected when transferred to a private or user-based organisation like tenant organisations, business improvement districts, private trusts, volunteers, or private companies. The research is available for free to download from the RICS website [online] and available at http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/research/research-reports/private-management-of-the-urban-public-realm/ [accessed 19 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
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Planning and development –
Turley has published a report that explores local planning authorities’ comprehension of current business needs and whether their plans ensure adequate land to meet those needs and whether their plans ensure adequate land to meet those needs. Highlighted in the report is the fact that half of England’s local authorities have published evidence that pre-dates the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework and some areas where business growth is essential for economic recovery rely on some of the oldest evidence for employment land out there. The report is entitled ‘The land that time forgot: Planning for employment land’. Source: Turley website @ Turley.co.uk , ‘The land that time forgot: Planning for employment land’ [online]. Further information is available at http://www.turley.co.uk/intelligence/land-time-forgot-planning-employment-land [accessed 19 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
Impact assessment – Future cities UK Innovate UK issued a challenge to 30 cities, offering each one £50,000 to create a proposal showing how transportation, housing, energy, pollution, housing and other systems could be integrated to make the cities smarter, safer and more sustainable. Of the 30 cities, 29 were able to show substantial benefit, with the £1.5 million challenge investment attracting £100 million in private investment. To download the document entitled, ‘Future cities UK: creating better places to live, work and play’. Further information is available on the GOV.UK website [online] and via Innovate UK, 18th November 2015, GOV.UK, Impact assessment, ‘Future cities UK: Creating better places to live, work and play’ (part of: Innovate UK: Urban living, Localism, City Deals and Growth Deals, Local transport and High Streets and town centres [online] and available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/future-cities-uk-creating-better-places-to-live-work-and-play [accessed 19 January 2016] Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
Skills and employment -
Offsite construction, raising the bar on skills Construction industry leaders have been working with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) on five pilot projects exploring the various approaches to collaboration and training within the industry. On 22 October 2015, UKCES published their findings, which included a clear need for “raising the bar” on skills via collaboration across industry businesses, professional associations, and universities. To read more about the findings, please visit the press release at GOV.UK and entitled, ‘Industry leaders are working together to raise the bar on skills in the offsite construction sector’. Source: GOV.UK, UK Commission for Employment and Skills, 22nd October 2015, Part of: UKCES Futures Programme: Overview, Press Release: Industry leaders are working together to raise the bar on skills in the offsite construction sector’ [online] and available at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/industry-leaders-are-working-together-to-raise-the-bar-on-skills-in-the-offsite-construction-sector [accessed 19 January 2016]
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Source: Sharman, J., (2015), The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – December 2015) 12/2015 [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
CIS Library of sustainability content:
The Construction Information Service also provides access to a full Library of Sustainability Content - The sustainability topic area offers a set of resources to keep the fast changing world of green construction and sustainable development and planning at your fingertips. This area offers documents which, while they are part of the full Construction Information Service, are collected here as a one stop resource; enabling pre-refined subject searching and an enhanced browsing facility, as well as an independent and truly portable document reference tool. A bibliography of sustainability documents is also available to view and download. Athens gateway - http://www.openathens.net/ [accessed 19 January 2016] The Construction Information Service, IHS, http://www.ihs.com/index.aspx [accessed 19 January 2016] Any problems, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or via Student Central (within VLE Student Services) Back to top
The Smith Institute
The Smith Institute is a leading independent ‘think tank’ which promotes progressive policies for a fairer society. They provide a high-level forum for new thinking and debate on public policy and politics. Through research, reports, briefings, monographs, events, lectures, education, and our website, the Institute offers a platform for thought leadership on a wide range of topics incl. Economy and Finance - This policy theme includes work on macro-economics, trade, tax and finance.
The Smith Institute’s work in this area has looked at the relationship between fairness and a strong economy.
Government and Politics - The Institute is interested in constitutional reform, active citizenship and political participation. Future work will be exploring voting trends, the interplay between politics and policymaking and improving political engagement.
Sustainability and Environment – The Institute’s work in this field has looked at food supply, homeworking, eco-housing, and energy policy.
Business and Third Sector - This policy theme includes work on the business, corporate responsibility, access to finance, charitable giving and social enterprises. This year our work in this area will be focusing on corporate governance, business and rebalancing the economy, and the third sector and public services.
Local Government Cities and Regions - This policy theme includes work on the devolution and regional economic disparities and development. The economic downturn is exacerbating the gap between London (and the Greater Southeast) and other areas of the UK. Set against this backdrop the Institute is continuing work on city-regions, economic geography and localism.
Housing and Regeneration - This policy theme includes work on social housing, private rented sector, eco-towns, regeneration, suburbia, and urban renewal. The Institute’s work this year will be mainly focused on funding social housing, eco-homes, and place-making.
Work and Welfare - This policy theme includes work on wages, good work employment, welfare, worklessness, pay, outsourcing and skills. The Institute recently undertook a major inquiry into making undertaken by Ed Sweeney (former chair of ACAS) into Making Work Better. This report was widely welcomed including support from the Labour party, unions and the EEF. The Institute’s future work programme is going to focus on procurement, living wage, employment protection and will focus on some of the main themes from the Making Work Better report.
Education and Families – The Institute’s work in this policy area has looked at all levels of formal
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education and on early intervention policies. The Institute believe that it is far better and fairer for individuals and society, and makes clear economic sense, to intervene early before problems develop in later life.
Health and Wellbeing - This policy theme covers work on healthcare, healthy living and mental health. The Institute are interested in health and social care, the delivery of efficiencies and fairness in the NHS, and health prevention. Future work will be focusing on the impact of the health and social care act, the ageing society, integration and public health.
Security and Criminal Justice - This policy theme includes work on the criminal justice system, reducing re-offending and issues around combatting terrorism and national security. The Institute aim to undertake further research on offender management and security policy.
EU and International - This policy area includes work on the European Union, trade, and Britain’s relationship with the international community and role in the world. The Institute have published a collection of essays on social Europe which, it is hoped will be followed up this year. The Institute also aim to undertake further work on economic nationalism and globalisation.
The Institute’s activities are informed by a network of well-known experts, policy makers, research fellows and patrons. Based in London, it works in partnership with a range of public and private organisations, foundations and charities. As a charity, The Smith Institute had an excellent track record in influencing and shaping public policy, and extensive national and international contacts. Over the last decade it held over 500 events and published more than 150 reports – including ‘Working together – thinking alike: What do councils and local enterprise partnerships expect from housing associations’ (as mentioned earlier in this eBulletin), with contributions from Prime Ministers and MPs to archbishops and chief executives. The Smith Institute, recently reconstituted as a not-for-profit organisation, will sustain and develop this record of achievement, and maintain its reputation and influence in Westminster and Whitehall. The Smith Institute website [online]. Further information is available at http://www.smith-institute.org.uk/index.php [accessed 28 January 2016]
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Smith-Institute/251600568286?v=wall [accessed 28 January 2016]
https://twitter.com/smith_institute/ [accessed 28 January 2016]
on The Smith Institute’s website coming soon!
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Latest Research from The Smith Institute incl.
Local housing, community living: prospects for scaling up and scaling out community-led housing
This 62 page report (based on 45 interviews, surveys and in-depth research and discussions) highlights how community-led housing schemes have successfully met the needs and aspirations of local groups and communities. The research reveals that developments are innovative, have environmentally sustainable design, built to high standards, pay close attention to local housing need and most importantly, are affordable. And as new development starts and ends with local people, rather than profits and share prices, local concerns about building new homes can be allayed.
The report also outlines how the advantages and attractiveness of the sector go beyond bricks and mortar. Most developments make provision for local services such as shops and pubs, and create open spaces. Local groups also involve themselves in training and job creation, and some work to reduce crime and
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promote community cohesion.
Despite the advantages the sector has to offer, it remains small, with only limited government support - the decision not to renew the Empty Homes Community Grants Programme (EHCGP) was a significant setback. However, there is scope for the sector to expand steadily. Whilst growth is likely to be organic and shaped by local circumstances, the report concludes if community-led housing is to move from the margins to the mainstream (without comprising its core value) more needs to be done. Heywood, A., The Smith Institute, January 2016, Local housing, community living: prospects for scaling up and scaling out community-led housing [online]. Further information is available at http://www.smith-institute.org.uk/publications.html [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top
High aspirations, sound foundations: a discussion report on the centre-ground case for building 100,000 new public homes
In a new report, ‘High aspirations, sound foundations’ John Healey MP kicks off a debate about the urgent social housing crisis facing Britain. The analysis shows there are viable alternatives to the government’s expensive housing policies. The report sets out how Labour can revive social housing and reduce the needlessly costly housing benefit bill. Healey, J. MP, The Smith Institute, September 2015, High aspirations, sound foundations: a discussion report on the centre-ground case for building 100,000 new public homes [online]. Further information and access to the report is available at http://www.smith-institute.org.uk/publications.html?category_id=6 [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Delivering growth: Where next for Local Enterprise Partnerships?
Against the backdrop of political change and economic recovery, this Talking Points report puts the spotlight on “where next” for the 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in England. By capturing the views of LEP representatives and their partners the intention is to identify a common agenda and inform and stimulate the debate about the futures of the LEPs. Based on 22 interviews with LEP leaders it highlights the main priorities and obstacles facing the LEPs over the next five years, in particular around their capacity and capability to deliver on their ambitions. The Smith Institute and PwC, June 2015, Delivering growth: Where next for Local Enterprise Partnerships, The Smith Institute [online]. Further information and access to the report is available at http://www.smith-institute.org.uk/publications.html [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Full speed ahead: connecting our cities and regions
The ability to move efficiently, conveniently and reliably from place to place is something we all demand. We rely on our transport system to get us from A to B and to provide us with the goods and services we need. However, the transport system is under immense strain. Traffic congestion has increased and capacity on major rail routes is stretched. The problems are expected to get worse as demand increases, especially in our major cities and their surrounding hinterlands. The solutions are neither quick nor cheap, but as this Talking Points report makes clear, failure to invest in a more integrated and better connected transport network will leave UK plc at a distinct competitive disadvantage. To find out more about the scale of the issue, and explore what can be done to improve connectivity between our cities and regions, the Smith Institute and PwC ran a series of roundtables in five major cities to hear the views of transport practitioners, experts and decision makers from the cities and city-regions themselves. These views are captured in this Talking Points publication. It offers a snapshot of current opinion and, most importantly, makes suggestions as to what could be done to improve connectivity within and between the UK’s cities and regions.
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The Smith Institute and PwC, June 2015, Full speed ahead: connecting our cities and regions, The Smith Institute [online]. Further information and access to the report is available at http://www.smith-institute.org.uk/publications.html [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
The National Trust - Big Issues (incl. ‘Transport & Tourism’ and ‘Land-use & planning’) and our views
The National Trust is ‘a charity that works to preserve and protect historic places and spaces – for ever, for everyone’ (NT, 2015). The National trust protect historic houses, gardens, mills, coastlines, forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, nature reserves, villages and pubs. While they are very passionate about open spaces and historic places, they also work hard in other areas too, including the environment, food, farming, transport and heritage – to name but a few. Most of the work they do though is affected by much wider global issues, which is why their interests extend far beyond just bricks and mortar. The National Trust [online] and available @ http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Please refer to:
‘The National Trust’
‘Our cause’ and select either
Nature & Wildlife; Heritage (including information on Building Conservation); News; Land & Landscape (including information on Landscape, Coastline and Energy); &/or Food
The National Trusts work can be affected by wider national even global issues. Further information is available @ http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/our-views [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top
The NT, Big issues - Transport and tourism –
- The NT, Big issues - Transport and tourism and how special places have been impacted by the High Speed Rail 2 Within the Transport and Tourism section, a number of the current issues being addressed incl. Special places impacted by HS2 [online]. Further information is available at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355885932182/ [accessed 28 January 2016] High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) – phase 1 & 2 [online]. Further information is available at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355813240998/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Source: The National Trust (2016), What we do, Big Issues, Transport and tourism [online]. Further information is available @ http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/our-views [accessed 29 January 2016] Social Media Links to follow for National Trust:
https://twitter.com/nationaltrust/ [accessed 28 January 2016],
https://www.facebook.com/nationaltrust [accessed 28 January 2016],
https://www.youtube.com/user/nationaltrustcharity/ [accessed 28 January 2016]
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HS2 Independent Design Panel
- Appointment of a new independent design panel that will support the HS2 project
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An independent design panel has been launched to help steer plans for the High Speed Two rail project. On 10 November 2015, High Speed Two (HS2) took another step from drawing board to reality with the appointment of a new independent design panel that will support HS2 in realising its aim of applying the best design principles to all its work. The panel comprises urban and landscape designers, architects, sustainability experts and engineering specialists, including Tony Burton, the founder of Civic Voice, a charity for the civic movement. "Having such a highly-skilled group of experts on board will help make travelling on it easy and pleasurable and ensure we have impressive stations to act as a catalyst for significant regeneration and economic growth," said transport minister Robert Goodwill. The Panel, chaired by Sadie Morgan, will be the project’s independent advisor, helping it to deliver on its key design principles around People, Place and Time. Experts in design fields including: urban, landscape; EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion); digital; brand and product will work alongside internationally-renowned architects; sustainability, experts and engineering specialists to help guide HS2’s development. GOV.UK, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited and Robert Goodwill MP, 10th November 2015, Part of: Rail network and HS2: high speed rail, Press Release: HS2 Independent Design Panel announced [online]. Further information is accessible via the GOV.UK website [online] and available at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hs2-independent-design-panel-announced [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
The National Trust, Big issues – Land & Landscape (incl. Land-use & planning)
Please refer to
‘The National Trust’
‘Our cause’
‘Land & Landscape’
‘Landscape’ and select
‘Land-use & Planning’
Where you can access The National Trusts ‘Planning Principles’ and an article on ‘Planning at a national level’ Land-use and planning [online]. Further information is available at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/land-use-and-planning [accessed 29 January 2016] Reference: Land & Landscape (including information on Landscape, Coastline and Energy) [online]. Further information is available at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/land-and-landscape [accessed 28 January 2016] including articles on: Back to top
Living with change – managing water and flooding
- Climate change is causing extreme weather across the UK. In the winter of 2013-14, high tides and constant rainfall caused a huge amount of damage to homes and landscapes. We take a look at our pilot project in Exmoor that's helping to tackle the effects of climate change. Climate change is causing extreme weather across the UK. In the winter of 2013-14, high tides and constant rainfall caused a huge amount of damage to homes and landscapes. We take a look at our pilot project in Exmoor that's helping to tackle the effects of climate change. We have to come to terms with the challenges of living in the age of extreme weather. When it comes to reducing the risk of flooding, we have to think holistically. We need to look at how we slow the water down from source to sea. If we get the pieces of the jigsaw right by intervening and managing water, we can make a difference. The National Trust (2016), Living with change – managing water and flooding [online] and further information is available @ http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/living-with-change---managing-
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water-and-flooding [accessed 29 January 2016) Back to top
Why the National Trust cares about planning
Land-use planning is a key tool to help the National Trust look after the nation's special places. It can also help society to create great places for people to live, work and play, and deliver a healthier, more beautiful natural environment – two key parts of the new National Trust strategy. That’s why they regularly take part in the planning system and support a plan-led system to deliver good development which meets long term needs.
An effective planning system guides good, necessary development to the right places, making an important contribution to prosperity and growth. It ensures that poorly designed developments and those in the wrong place don’t get built. It delivers the new homes, shops and services that communities want, where they want them. And it protects the things that matter to us all; from much-loved open spaces, green fields and productive agricultural land to our historic city centres, towns and villages.
A planning system should: Be balanced - to integrate environmental, social and economic concerns
Safeguard the public's interest - protect countryside, heritage and nature
Start from what people value about their place
The National Trust (2016), Why the National Trust cares about planning [online] and further information is available at @ http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/land-use-and-planning [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top
Take a look at Taylor and Francis Online, FREE planning and urban design series ebooks
Have you ever wanted a quick snapshot of one of our series but didn’t know where to start? Taylor and Francis Online have compiled a selection of chapters from some of the new and key books in the Planning and Urban Design series, and created individual ebooks for each one. Further information is available at Taylor and Francis Online, via https://www.routledge.com/reference/posts/4970?utm_source=plan&utm_medium=cms&utm_campaign=sbu3_vej_3rf_8cm_3pla_rf2v15_bls15_x_plan [accessed 29 January 2016] & Taylor and Francis Online, Planning and Urban Design blog @ https://www.routledge.com/planning/posts?utm_source=banner_ad&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=sbu3_cth_4mx_4ad_3pla_cmg15_eupdatesblog_x [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top
BCSC / LDC Shopping Centre Vacancy Monitor: January 2016 - Latest research from the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) in partnership with The Local Data Company (LDC)
BCSC, in partnership with The Local Data Company, is pleased to provide you with the fourth issue of the BCSC / LDC Shopping Centre Vacancy Monitor Overview. This issue illustrates the year-on-year changes in vacancy rates, comparing Q4 2015 with Q4 2014. Highlights included: 0.8% Fall - year-on-year fall in vacancy rate recorded across Britain in the final and busiest trading
quarter of the year
Scotland saw a decline in vacancy on the year -1.1%
INDEPENDENTS: 1.5% DROP in the number of independents in shopping centres
MULTIPLES: 1.5% RISE in the number of multiples in shopping centres
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West Midlands vacancy saw a decline on the year -1.5%
Yorkshire & The Humber saw largest decline in vacancy across Britain -1.6%
Source: British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC), 27th January 2016, BCSC / LDC Shopping Centre Vacancy Monitor: January 2016 - Latest research from the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) in partnership with The Local Data Company (LDC) [online]. Further information available at https://www.bcsc.org.uk/news/view?id=133&x[0]=news/list [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top Related Link:
UK Shopping Centre Vacancy Monitor (2015)
The vacancy data for 2015 from the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) and The Local Data
Company (LDC) produced positive results for shopping centres across Britain with an overall fall in vacancy of 0.4% in Q2 of this year compared with the same period in 2014. The data also paints a positive picture amongst regional shopping centres with the North West in particular showing strong results as vacancy rates there fell by 1.7% on Q2 2014.
This latest data points to encouraging signs that the regions are catching up as the economic recovery continues to be felt. Other regions performing well according to the data are the East of England, West Midlands and South West also reporting falling vacancy, however the North West is still well ahead of the pack with a 0.4% lead over the second best performing region with the East of England reporting a 1.4% drop.
The BCSC/ LDC vacancy index also measures the level of leisure against retail occupancy in shopping centres. The data shows that in Q2 of this year, leisure occupancy increased marginally by 0.1% in larger shopping centres and is also up amongst smaller centres by 0.2%.
While an increase in space given over to leisure occupants in shopping centres comes as no surprise given the ongoing trend for increasingly experiential retail destinations, this rise is only marginal and could suggest landlords are reaching the ideal balance between retail and leisure in their centres. This latest data could indicate we are approaching saturation point in terms of rising leisure occupancy in shopping centres.
British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC), 24th July 2015, BCSC/LDC UK Shopping Centre Vacancy Monitor [online]. Further information available at https://www.bcsc.org.uk/news/view?id=75 [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top
Upcoming BCSC Research
BCSC continues to develop a research programme that reflects industry knowledge requirements. They continue to undertake challenging projects and are seeking to find a balance between in-depth research and other shorter forms of guidance. BCSC's committees continue to help shape and steer our research and it is through this process that topical and under-researched areas are explored. Some recently published research includes: Beyond Retail: Redefining the shape and purpose of town centres
CCTV in Shopping Centres and Associated Car Parks
Building Information Modelling (BIM) – Guide to Best Use
Protection of Vulnerable People
Servicing Areas for Shopping Centres
Further information and access to research and publications can be found at British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC), Research and Education [online] and available @ https://www.bcsc.org.uk/research_education/research_education_bcsc [accessed 28 January 2016] Further Research + Education information and access to documents can be found at British Council of
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Shopping Centres (BCSC), Research and Education, and Document listing [online] available @ https://www.bcsc.org.uk/documents/list [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Foster + Partners, Projects
Foster + Partners’ Wuhan masterplan to go ahead
CIOB, Global Construction Review (GCR), 11th June 2015, Foster + Partners’ Wuhun masterplan to go ahead [online]. Further information is available at http://www.globalconstructionreview.com/news/foster-partners-wu8ha8n0-m6a4s2ter0p6l4a2n-0g8o/ [accessed 24 November 2015] Further information an access to the following: Image gallery,
Sketches and drawings,
Construction,
Facts & Figures, and
Project downloads
are available via the Foster + Partners website [online] and @ http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/ [accessed 28 January 2016]
https://twitter.com/FosterPartners [accessed 28 January 2016],
https://www.facebook.com/fosterpartners [accessed 28 January 2016],
https://www.linkedin.com/company/foster-&-partners [accessed 28 January 2016]
https://www.youtube.com/user/FOSTERANDPARTNERS1 [accessed 28 January 2016],
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National Building Specification, NBS TV - the online video resource servicing built environment professionals.
Case Studies Technical Guidance Interviews Leading Industry Figures incl. Watch now on NBS TV Design and Specification, and Building Technologies – Source: The NBS (a trading name of RIBA Enterprises Ltd), National BIM Library website @theNBS [online]. Further information is available at https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/video [accessed 28 January 2016] The NBS, NBS TV – Design & Specification [online]. Further information and additional programmes are available at https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/design-specification [accessed 28 January 2016] The NBS, NBS TV – Building Technologies, Lighting Technology – Building in Efficiency [online]. Further information and additional programmes are available at https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/lighting-technology-building-in-efficiency [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
National Building Information Modelling (BIM) Library –
Latest information freely available to access and download incl. Introducing the BIM Toolkit [online]. Available at http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/articles/NBS-live-introducing-the-BIM-toolkit.asp [accessed 28 January 2016]
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The National BIM (Building Information Modelling) Library is the construction industry’s free-to-use resource of NBS standard BIM content.
A selection of key BIM documentation since 2007
Source: www.thenbs.com
NBS, http://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/ [accessed 28 January 2016]
BIM and Project Management - http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/articles/BIM-and-project-management.asp [accessed 28 January 2016] BIM in action presentation - http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/videos/BIM-in-action-presentation.asp [accessed 28 January 2016] As well as further information and guidance on What is BIM?
NBS BIM Toolkit is now live (SEE BELOW)
Are you BIM ready?
NBS Create & level 2 BIM
Video: How to conduct a Performance Management/Capability Hearing
NBS Live – The BIM Room
Collateral Warranties: are they Construction Contracts?
Source: NBS, www.nationalbimlibrary.com [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
NBS BIM Toolkit BETA update -
The NBS BIM Toolkit Public BETA is now live - The easy way to define who is doing what and when on your Level 2 BIM projects The free to use NBS BIM Toolkit will benefit both public and private sector construction projects. It provides step-by-step help to define, manage and validate responsibility for information development and delivery at each stage of the asset lifecycle. This toolkit is an indispensable way of delivering projects to meet the requirements of Level 2 BIM, in preparation for the Government mandated use of this on all public sector projects by 2016. Further information can be accessed at The National BIM Library [online] and available @ https://toolkit.thenbs.com/ [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Blogging about BIM, Construction and NBS
Source: The NBS (a trading name of RIBA Enterprises Ltd), National BIM Library website [online]. Further information and access to the BLOG are available at http://constructioncode.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/nbs-national-bim-report-2015.html [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
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NBS National Building Information Modelling (BIM) Report 2015 free to download -
Source: www.thenbs.com
The fifth NBS National BIM Report - the industry's most comprehensive report on BIM – looks at how UK building design professionals are adapting to the use of BIM. With just months to go until the mandated use of Level 2 BIM on public sector projects in 2016 this year's report acts as an essential barometer for the construction industry's readiness. What's in the report? Views about BIM and the Government's construction strategy
BIM adoption – current and future trends
Attitudes towards BIM
The difference BIM makes to a practice
Expert opinion pieces
Key findings incl. Encouragingly for the Government and its UK BIM Task Group, the majority of respondents believe that
it is "on the right track" and that BIM will help reduce both costs and time, whilst 41% see it as a tool to aid a reduction in carbon emissions.
Respondents believe BIM will become the 'de facto' standard for the design process within three years – 92% expect to be using BIM within that time span – and 95% within five years.
A third of BIM practitioners have reached Level 1 BIM. Practices reaching level 2 BIM requirements has grown to 59%, up from 51% the previous year.
While four fifths of respondents agree that BIM is the future of construction information, 67% still believe the industry is not clear enough on what BIM is yet and only a quarter of respondents trust what they hear about BIM.
48% of respondents are aware of BIM (up from 41% the previous year), 48% are aware and currently using BIM (down from 54% the previous year). Increased workloads limiting the time available to implement new working practices, reaching the midpoint of the BIM adoption curve, and a small statistical shift in those responding to the survey are possible reasons for these results.
Those who have adopted BIM are more likely to be positive about it than those who have yet to. Users and non-users both agree that adopting BIM requires changes in workflow, practices and procedures. Any business change can be difficult but only 4% wish they hadn't adopted BIM. Of those who have adopted BIM 59% see cost efficiencies, 56% improved client outcomes, 51% increased speed of delivery and 48% increased profitability.
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Infographic to support the BIM Report:
Source: www.thenbs.com
[accessed 28 January 2016]
Above figure (available to download for free) shows Infographics to support the BIM Report. Essential reading for those adopting – or considering adopting – BIM and available completely free to download from The NBS (a trading name of RIBA Enterprises Ltd), National BIM Library website, NBS National BIM Report 2015 @theNBS [online] and available at http://www.thenbs.com/topics/bim/articles/nbs-national-bim-report-2015.asp?utm_source=hello-bar&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=bim-report-2015 [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Back to BIM Basics
- In the rush towards a BIM-enabled construction, we should remember what lies at the core of BIM The majority of papers and articles on Building Information Modelling (BIM) tend to jump straight in from a contemporary construction industry focus and concentrate on the technology angle. However, the author of this article states that we risk missing the bigger picture and forgetting that the whole-life data that drives BIM, is ultimately about helping the construction sector to become a resource-efficient and sustainable industry for the good of the planet. What, then, has BIM got to do with the environment and how can data be used to drive up sustainability? This article is broken down into three sections covering BIM, data and the environment - Concepts initially restricted to environmental conservation of the 1960s and
1970s have long since been supplanted by more holistic understanding of sustainable development, with the term
‘environment’ being expanded to cover all that surrounds us.
Ubiquitous data and opportunities for construction - Sensors, applications, logs, and human interactions feed
the process, which in turn enables automation and human decision making.
A watershed moment - Harnessing IT and computing power in the name of the built environment will of course not
stop with the government’s 2016 deadline Level 2 BIM adoption on public projects.
Source: Snook, K., 18th May 2015, Building Research Establishment (BRE), Building4Change, Back to BIM Basics [online] and available at http://www.building4change.com/article.jsp?id=2644#.VqpB-
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fmLRaS [accessed 28 January 2016], ARTICLE #2644 (BRE). Building4Change @
https://twitter.com/Building4change [accessed 28 January 2016]
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Building Research and Information Bibliographies
The Editor-in-Chief of Building Research and Information has compiled bibliographies on for popular research topics incl.
Building Stocks,
Energy and Buildings,
Overheating and Climate Change, and
Retrofitting.
Featuring over 200 articles, the bibliographies are a valuable resource for CEM Tutors and Students. Further information is available from Taylor and Francis Online @ http://explore.tandfonline.com/page/est/bri-bibliographies [accessed 28 January 2016] Please see further details about the journal entitled, Building Research and Information, and published by Taylor and Francis within the Journal Review later in this e-Bulletin. Back to top
Read a free collection of research in Higher Education
- Higher Education is rapidly evolving. Questions on technology, open education, the sciences versus the humanities, and diversity abound. Wiley Education hope that the research included in this collection will shed light on these issues, and prompt you to ask new questions about the future and role of higher education around the world. The Higher Education collection includes sections on:
Diversity and inclusion in Higher Education,
Course of Study in Higher Education,
Higher Education Policy, and
Higher Education around the World.
Wiley Online Library, Education, Higher Education, Read a free collection of research on Higher Education [online]. Further information is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/subject/code/000048/homepage/higher_education.htm?dmmsmid=93591&dmmspid=22770103&dmmsuid=2438892 [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Read the most talked about articles in Education!
Altmetrics tracks and measure the impact of scholarly research. The 20 article title bellows are the most talked about education articles on Twitter, on Facebook and in the news –
The effect of Twitter on college student engagement and grades, Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning
Once Upon a Time: Parent-Child Dialogue and Storybook Reading in the Electronic Era, Mind, Brain & Education
The effects of musical training on the decoding skills of German-speaking primary school children, Journal of Research in Reading
Why What Works Wont Work: Evidence-based Practice And The Democratic Deficit in Educational Research, Educational Theory
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How and How Not to Prepare Students for the New Tests, The Reading Teacher
Sharing personalised stories on iPads: a close look at one parent-child interaction, Literacy
What is Education For? On Good Education, Teacher Judgement, and Educational Professionalism, European Journal of Education
Specific Reading Comprehension Disability: Major Problem, Myth, or Misnomer? Learning Disabilities: Research and Practice
Boredom in the lecture theatre: An investigation into the contributors, moderators and outcomes of boredom amongst university students, British Educational Research Journal
Parents’ experiences of applied behaviour analysis (ABA)-based interventions for children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, British Journal of Special Education
“Not Designed for Us”: How Science Museums and Science Centers Socially Exclude Low-Income, Minority Ethnic Groups, Science Education
Twitter for teaching: Can social media be used to enhance the process of learning? British Journal of Educational Technology
To know is not enough: research knowledge and its use, Review of Education
Adolescent Pregnancy’s Intergenerational Effects: Does an Adolescent Mother’s Education Have Consequences for Her Children’s Achievement? Journal of Research on Adolescence
How Ought War To Be Remembered in Schools? IMPACT: Philosophical Perspectives on Education Policy
Experimental evaluations of elementary science programs: A best-evidence synthesis, Journal of Research in Science Teaching
Is no praise good praise? Effects of positive feedback on children’s and university students’ responses to subsequent failures, British Journal of Educational Psychology
Second Language Comprehensibility Revisited: Investigating the Effects of Learner Background, TESOL Quarterly
The New Literacies of Online Research and Comprehension: Rethinking the Reading Achievement Gap, Reading Research Quarterly
Enhancing Young Hispanic Dual Language Learners’ Achievement: Exploring Strategies and Addressing Challenges, ETS Research Report Series
Source: Wiley Education, Wiley Online Library. Further information is available at http://dmmsclick.wiley.com/view.asp?m=819id1prqndh7ghnsqt6&u=22770103&f=h [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Free Access to Key Content from Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance
- Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership, & Governance Social workers and many other professions and disciplines are engaged in both practice and research on issues related to management, leadership, and governance activities in public, nonprofit, and for-profit human service organizations, well beyond the traditional reference to “social work” organizations. Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance captures the evolution that has been taking place in the field, with the result that this journal is the only journal in the field that features management, leadership, and governance of human services organizations, both nationally and internationally. This FREE ACCESS article collection features key content from Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance that readers can utilize in every day practice. Download these articles in PDF format or view in HTML format. FREE ACCESS through to June 2016. Source: Taylor and Francis Online, Free Access to Key Content from Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance [online]. Further information is available at http://explore.tandfonline.com/page/beh/wasw-best-articles [accessed 29 January 2016]. Back to top
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RICS Library services and e-Resources
Source: UCEM (2016)
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is an international professional body and represents everything professional an ethical in land, property and construction. RICS promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Their expertise covers property valuation and management; the costing and leadership of construction projects; the development of infrastructure; and the management of natural resources, such as mining, farms and woodland. RICS Library services and e-Resources [online]. Available at http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/library/ [accessed 28 January 2016]. RICS Library services and e-Resources – Similar to the UCEM e-Library, RICS uses Dawsonera as their eBook platform as well as subscribing to EBSCO and Emerald eJournals. However, whilst RICS only subscribes to 6 specialised Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management titles, Note:
UCEM Library services and e-Resources incl. Emerald Insight – Access provided to the ‘Property Management and the Built Environment’ collection
UCEM students and staff have access to over 115 Full-Text Journals within ‘Emerald Management eJournals’,
in addition to the entire ‘Property Management and the Built Environment’ collection including the following
titles:
Built Environment Project and Asset Management
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
Facilities
International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis
Journal of Corporate Real Estate
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
Journal of Facilities Management
Journal of Place Management and Development
Journal of Property Finance
Journal of Property Investment and Finance
Journal of Property Valuation and Investment
Property Management
Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
Structural Survey
NOTE: For the above link to work you must ensure that you are logged-in to Athens (Section 2 of the VLE
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e-Library) Please also refer to the UCEM e-Library portrait and Journal Review mentioned below that shows a wealth of additional and valuable resources that the UCEM Library offers. Please also note the RICS Library Online catalogue which is an excellent resource. Available at http://unicorn.rics.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/0/0/0/60/69/X [accessed 28 January 2016] Back to top
Property and Construction Statistics
UK Economy & Property Market Chart Book – RICS Economic Research, December 2015
Within this RICS UK Economy and Property Market Chart Book, Economic comment – Will the Chancellor’s housing policies increase supply? it states that – “Another housing policy measure was the announcement of direct grants to home builders to provide 200k homes that will be offered to first time buyers at discounts of 20% off the market price. To what extent this adds to house building rather than crowding out existing development in an industry that is already struggling with capacity constraints can only be seen in time. Indeed, the Q3 RICS Construction Market Survey reported record high levels of skills shortages with an average of 53% of respondents citing labour shortages across all of the main trades and professions. While the housing policy measures should result in an increase in supply they are also likely to fuel further price growth and, to this effect, they are arguably only one part of the solution to the current crisis. Despite the ongoing fiscal drag, the UK economy is expected to continue to expand relatively firmly through next year (2016) with most forecasters expecting growth in the 2% - 2.5% range. Recent data releases showed continued steady improvement in the labour market with 177k jobs added in the three months to September, 2015.” Source: Rubinsohn, S., Hanley, M., Economist, and Parsons, T., et al. Economist, RICS Corporate Affairs, RICS (December, 2015), RICS Economics Research: UK Economy & Property Market Chart Book, RICS, London [online]. Available at http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/research [accessed 22 January 2016]. Construction sector – Skill shortages driving earnings growth, December 2015 Growth in new work output has also slowed slightly, but is still rising by 7% thanks to firm growth in the infrastructure and private housing sectors.
P.T.O.
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Construction sector – Skill shortages driving earnings growth, December 2015 Growth in new work output has also slowed slightly, but is still rising by 7% thanks to firm growth in the infrastructure and private housing sectors.
Source: RICS Economics Research: UK Economy & Property Market Chart Book (December, 2015), page 7
Construction sector, December 2015 cont. Record high skills shortages are driving this growth in wages. These shortages are due to both the sharp reduction in the size of the construction workforce in recent years and the strong growth in demand for labour since 2013.
Source: RICS Economics Research: UK Economy & Property Market Chart Book (December, 2015), page 8
Topics covered within this report include Economic overview,
Financial market indicators,
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Economy,
Construction sector,
Housing market, and
Commercial property sector.
Please note: RICS Economics - RICS Economics’ market surveys and reports are freely available from the RICS web site – http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/ [accessed 22 January 2016] These include: The monthly UK Residential Market Survey
The quarterly UK Construction Market Survey
The bi-weekly Asia Economic and Real Estate Research
The quarterly UK Commercial Market Survey
The semi-annual UK Rural Market Survey
The quarterly Global Commercial Market Monitor
The monthly RICS/ Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey
Source: Rubinsohn, S., Hanley, M., Economist, and Parsons, T., et al. Economist, RICS Corporate Affairs, RICS (December, 2015), RICS Economics Research: UK Economy & Property Market Chart Book, RICS, London [online]. Available at http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/research [accessed 22 January 2016]. N.B. The RICS published report, entitled, ‘UK Economy & Property Market Chart Book’, can be accessed through ISURV [online], available via the VLE e-Library and section 5 – Industry Sources. Alternatively, please request a copy from the UCEM Library by emailing [email protected] . Back to top
Latest Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Office for National Statistics (ONS), Release calendar [online]
Office for National Statistics (ONS), Release calendar [online] and available @ http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/release-calendar/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016] The above mentioned link provides access to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) releases only. For official statistical releases across government visit the Publication Hub - GOV.UK, Statistics: release calendar [online] and available @ https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/announcements [accessed 26 January 2016]. Back to top
Construction Output Price Indices (OPI), Interim solution, further information
In this release: User Consultation Survey Response
Plans for Initial Development
Information on the methods used in the ONS interim solution for construction OPIs
The quarterly output price indices (OPIs) are used in the production of chained volume measures for Output in the Construction Industry, and estimating, cost checking and fee negotiation on construction works. Responsibility for these indices transferred to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on 1 April 2015. Data in this release are experimental statistics, produced using an interim solution whilst ONS continues to develop appropriate methodologies for the long term. Office for National Statistics (ONS), 1st September 2015, Release: Construction Output Price Indices (OPI), Interim solution, further information [online]. Available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/ppi2/construction-output-price-indices--opis-/interim-solution--further-
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information/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016] Back to top
Output in the Construction Industry, November 2015
In November 2015, output in the construction industry was estimated to have decreased by 0.5% compared with October 2015. All new work was the largest contributor to the fall, decreasing by 0.7%, with repair and maintenance (R&M) falling 0.2%.
Within new work, there were increases in public other (2.3%), private industrial (1.7%) and total housing (0.9%). However, these were offset by decreases in infrastructure and private commercial work of 4.3% and 1.5% respectively.
Repair and Maintenance (R&M) decreased by 0.2% with decreases in both components of housing repair and maintenance; private falling by 1.3% and public by 0.7%. Non-housing repair and maintenance increased by 0.8%.
Compared with November 2014, output in the construction industry decreased by 1.1%. All new work increased by 1.3% while there was a fall of 5.1% in repair and maintenance. The main upwards contribution to all new work came from infrastructure which increased by 11.7%.
Comparing the 3 months, September 2015 to November 2015, with the previous 3 months, June 2015 to August 2015, construction output fell by 1.4%. All new work and all repair and maintenance decreased by 1.4% and 1.2% respectively.
When comparing the 3 months, September 2015 to November 2015, with the same 3 months a year ago, construction output was estimated to have decreased by 0.1%. All new work increased by 2.4% while repair and maintenance decreased by 4.3%.
The only period open for revision is October 2015, this estimate is unchanged. More information on revisions can be found in the background notes.
Office for National Statistics (ONS), 15th January 2016, Release: Output in the Construction Industry, November 2015 [online]. Available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/construction/output-in-the-construction-industry/november-2015/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016] Back to top
Output in the Construction Industry, Construction Statistics Development Programme – Work plan
The Construction Statistics Development Work Plan (104.4 Kb Pdf) provides users with information on the work that will be completed over the next 12 months, including investigations into both the nominal data and options for measuring construction price statistics. Office for National Statistics (ONS), 11th December 2015, Release: Output in the Construction Industry, Construction Statistics Development Programme – Work Plan [online]. Available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/construction/output-in-the-construction-industry/construction-statistics-development-programme---work-plan/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016] Back to top
Construction Statistics, No. 16, 2015 - Latest Edition
This construction publication brings together a wider range of statistics currently available on the construction industry from a variety of sources. The figures for Tables 2.4, 2.8, 2.9, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 that were supplied in Construction Statistics Annual 2014 have been updated. We no longer collate or publish other tables that were previously contained in the annual Construction Statistics publication and have supplied a link to the relevant data for these discontinued tables. This is the seventh web based only edition and the tables we produced are available in Excel, allowing independent analyses of the published information. Get all the tables for this publication in the data section of this publication . These National Statistics are produced to high professional standards and released according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
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Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2 September 2014, Construction Statistics, No. 16, 2015 [online]. Available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/construction/construction-statistics/no--16--2015-edition/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016] Office for National Statistics (ONS), Construction Statistics [online]. Further information available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/construction/construction-statistics/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016] Note: As of 20th November 2015, there are 7460 reports on ‘Construction Industry’ statistics within the ONS website @ www.ons.gov.uk [accessed 26 January 2016]. Office for National Statistics (ONS) website [online]. Further information is available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016]
https://twitter.com/ONS [accessed 26 January 2016],
https://www.facebook.com/ONS [accessed 26 January 2016],
https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-for-national-statistics [accessed 26 January 2016]
https://www.youtube.com/user/onsstats [accessed 26 January 2016], ONS, Browse by Theme [online] and available @ http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/browse-by-theme/index.html [accessed
26 January 2016]. Please refer to
‘Business and Energy’
‘Production Industries’ and
‘Building and Construction’
Back to top
Latest RICS Research/Market Surveys available - UK Residential Market Survey
UK Residential Market Survey - A leading sentiment indicator of conditions in the UK residential sales and lettings markets, used by the Bank of England and covered across the media. By visiting the website of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors [online], you can access, read-online and download surveys from the last two years. For further information visit the RICS website, and select Knowledge, and Market Surveys from the toolbar and the top of the RICS website, UK Residential Market Survey, July 2015 (and published 13 August 2015) [online] and available @ http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/market-analysis/rics-residential-market-survey/ [accessed 26 January 2016] RICS.org.uk http://www.rics.org/uk/ [accessed 26 January 2016]
https://twitter.com/RICSNews [accessed 26 January 2016]
https://www.facebook.com/ricssurveyors [accessed 26 January 2016]
https://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=88902 [accessed 26 January 2016]
Back to top
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Glenigan, provider of UK construction project sales leads, market analysis, forecasting, and company intelligence
Construction Market Analysis - Grow your business and reduce risk by using in-depth construction market analysis and robust data-driven forecasts. You can examine performance and prospects nationally; by each of the 12 Government economic regions; and 11 market segments. You can explore the market at the right state of your business whether that is during planning; at the tendering and contract phase; or when projects have started on site. This information and more can be accessed, read-online and downloaded via the Glenigan website [online] and available at https://www.glenigan.com/construction-market-analysis/news/2015-construction-kpis [accessed 26 January 2016] Back to top
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Construction Statistics
The mission of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is to prevent death, injury and ill health in Great Britain’s workplaces. Areas covered within the HSE Website incl. Openness
Standards and performance
Framework management standards
Health and safety inspection visits
Real people vide
The HSE’s work covers a varied range of activities; from shaping and reviewing regulations, producing research and statistics and enforcing law. For further information on HSE’s Construction Statistics visit the following: Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website and select
‘Statistics’
‘Industries’ and
‘Construction’ ,
that will take you to ‘Construction Industry’. HSE [online] and further information available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/industry/construction/index.htm [accessed 26 January 2016] HSE, About us [online] and further information is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/insidehse.htm [accessed 26 January 2016] Back to top
GOV.UK – Construction Statistics
GOV.UK, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), 30th January 2013, Collection: Construction statistics [online] and further information incl. Monthly Statistics of Building Materials and Components;
BIS Construction Price and Cost Indices Online;
Construction Key Performance Indicators;
Output and New Orders in the Construction Industry; and
Consultative Committee on Construction Industry Statistics (CCIS)) are available at
GOV.UK, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Construction Statistics [online] with further information and web links provided @ https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/construction-statistics [accessed 26 January 2016] Back to top
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& finally ….
Eight smart ways to use social media in universities
- It’s easy to dismiss apps such as Snapchat and Instagram as mere distraction, but they can work wonders for learning and teaching, as this article from The Guardian, Higher Education Network explains It’s hard to imagine a world without social media, yet many academics still view Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as distractions rather than tools. But these resources can be harnessed to create more challenging and stimulating learning environments. So what apps could you be using to lighten your load and liven up your teaching? 1. Snapchat @ https://www.snapchat.com/ [accessed 29 January 2016]
The popular photo and video messaging app can engage students with learning materials in real time. Beryl Jones, a lecturer at the University of Kingston, started using Snapchat at the beginning of the academic year to encourage questions in large lecture theatres. “It’s meant the students are more actively engaged,” she explains. “What I hadn’t envisaged was them taking screenshots of my slides while in the lecture hall and annotating them before sending to me. They used this to address things they didn’t understand, as well as answering the questions I posed.”
2. Trello @ https://trello.com/ [accessed 29 January 2016]
Essentially an online sticky-note tool, Trello links pictures, videos, and documents in threads that can be shared between group members. The tool organises discussions into boards like Pinterest, so you can pin, share, and curate relevant information.
3. Vine @ https://vine.co/ [accessed 29 January 2016]
Six-second, looping videos are all over social media – and they can be a resource for higher education institutions too. They can be used to show off the university campus or promote events, but they’re also a great tool for wider engagement. If an interesting speaker comes to a university, Vines can be used to capture the highlights of the talk, and can be easily shared around the student community (perfect if an event is sold out). Vines also have the potential to go viral and can be shared between different institutions – if there’s a keynote in Melbourne, students in London can find clips almost immediately.
4. Pocket @ https://getpocket.com/ [accessed 29 January 2016]
This bookmarking service allows users to collect and download article links to curate their own online magazines. Users can follow the curated feeds of other “pocketers”, which means that students can link with professors who have publicly shared relevant links and articles. It saves the hassle of a group email and can be updated instantly.
5. Google Docs @ https://www.google.com/docs/about/ [accessed 29 January 2016]
Using collaborative documents isn’t a new thing, nor is giving peer feedback on assignments. Mixing them together, however, to enable students to give instant feedback on each other’s work, is immensely useful. Google Docs allows tracked editing and comments, which means that students can work in groups in their own time, without having to take part in structured seminars, and the document can be sent to the lecturer for feedback. Andrew Middleton, head of academic practice and learning innovation at Sheffield Hallam University, has drawn attention to the rise of collaborative working in Google Drive. He says: “The possibilities to support learning by organising collaborative research activity, underpinned by Google Drive, are endless. And such project-focused learning activities reflect what is happening in the world of employment.”
6. Italk @ https://griffintechnology.com/us/italk-premium [accessed 29 January 2016]
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Primarily used as a recording tool, this is one of the best ways to capture lectures and upload them online, or share via email. There’s an option to change the quality of sound recording, and transferring between devices is quick and simple.
7. Wunderlist @ https://www.wunderlist.com/ [accessed 29 January 2016]
Some students are more organised than others, and the disorganised ones can be the bane of their tutors’ lives. Organisational app Wunderlist allows students – and lecturers – to create folders for each module, with notes, due dates, comments, contact lists and, perhaps most crucially, reminders of upcoming deadlines.
8. Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/ [accessed 29 January 2016]
It’s not just for selfies; the image-sharing tool can be harnessed to collect real-time data for coursework. Rather than passively relying on data collected by others, students can engage in their own collection of all kinds of evidence. Instagram also provides an opportunity for collaboration – students can upload, tag, and comment on pictures on each others’ feeds, thus expanding the reach of discussion.
Ross E (2016) ‘Eight smart ways to use social media in Universities’, The Guardian, Higher Education Network [online], 20 January. Available at http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2016/jan/20/eight-smart-ways-to-use-social-media-in-universities [accessed 29 January 2016] Back to top
e-Journal Review
RICS Modus Digital Magazine – December/January 2015-2016: the risk issue
- Risk versus reward: it’s an age-old conflict ever-present in the worlds of economics and finance. Many factors can contribute to the success or failure of a real estate development or investment and, as more investors pile into the market in search of a safe haven for their money, how far up the risk curve should they be travelling to secure a decent return? In this month’s risk-themed issue, we examine how professionals working in the built environment sectors approach these risks, and learn from surveyors who have had to react to such situations.
Also in this month’s edition – Modus counts the cost of the built environment’s carbon footprint; ask whether the construction industry is doing enough to keep its workers safe; learn how calculating a city’s resilience can inform a company’s investment strategy; and ask some of the industry’s sharpest minds how we can clean up the sometimes murky world of labour supply chains. This digital magazine can be accessed by following the above mentioned web link.
Modus contains regular sections on Feedback – Readers views on Modus and the surveying profession
Intelligence – Global news, RICS President’s column, plus opinions, advice and information, reviews and reactions
Law advice – Legal 101 … Health and Safety legislation: know your personal duties.
Business advice – Help your staff to learn on the job.
This issues features include: Show me the way – Greater returns or stable income: Managing risk in real estate investment
Carbon captured – How polluting is the Built Environment?
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Danger Zones – Are we doing enough to make our construction sites safe places to work?
Come Hell or High Water – What constitutes a resilient city?
Source Code – Three experts discuss how the industry can clean up its Labour supply chains
A degree of success – Examining the UK’s student housing market
Room at the top – London’s South Bank Tower grows up
Thinking: Curt Garrigon – By harnessing our collective power, we can help governments build a sustainable future.
Mind Map – Quadrant Building Control’s Joe Campion on how to future-proof UK housebuilding.
Brain Gain – Learning from your successes and failures
Careers – Negotiating the right pay package; and Arcadis’ Phil Moss FRICS
Topics covered include ‘Environment’, ‘Residential property’, ‘Quantity Surveying and construction’, ‘Affordable housing’, and ‘Finance and taxation’ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Oliver Parsons, Editor of Modus, Modus, December/January 2015-2016 – The risk issue [online], RICS, Knowledge, Journals. Available at: http://www.rics.org/uk/news/journals/modus/the-risk-issue/ [accessed 21 January 2016] Please note: In addition to MODUS, RICS publishes other journals that are free to view online incl. Construction Journal,
Building Surveying Journal,
Building Conservation Journal,
Building Control Journal,
Land Journal, and
Property Journal.
Source: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Further information can be accessed via the RICS Website, News, Journals [online] and available at http://www.rics.org/uk/news/journals/ [accessed 21 January 2016] Back to top
Latest issue of Contractors World (Vol. 5, No 2) incl.
Cover story: Iconic Chimneys Return to London Skyline
- Battersea Power Station Development Company has announced that the first of the four chimneys has risen again in line with the rebuild programme. The first publicly visible sections of the South West chimney were unveiled recently (see below mentioned publication date). The Battersea Power Station chimneys have formed part of the London skyline since 1935 when the first chimney was completed, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Even from their early days these imposing chimneys embedded themselves into London's history. In 1940, RAF pilots used the plumes of the white vapour to guide them home during the Second World War and the Luftwaffe would also use the plumes for navigation which explains why the Power Station avoided extensive bombing in this period. By the seventies the chimneys had become more of a cultural icon across the world and were most famously featured on the front cover of Pink Floyd's 1977 album, Animals, where an inflatable pig was tethered to one of the southern chimneys but famously broke loose and landed on the coast of Kent. This first unveiling of the South West chimney marks a key step in the full rebuild programme which will be completed in the summer of 2016. The whole process has been undertaken by a group of specialist contractors including construction managers, Skanska, expert heritage building consultants, Beroa Bierrum and Buro Happold Engineering who have been working using the same methods to the original chimney build from back in the 1930s, to
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ensure the new chimneys are rebuilt to be visually identical to the originals. Contractors World, (2015), ‘Iconic Chimneys Return to London Skyline’, Contractors World UK & Ireland Volume 5, No 2, 2015, Pages 21 of 50 and including a VIDEO [online]. Further information available at http://cwmags.co.uk/cwuk-5-2/basic/page21.php [accessed 19 October 2015] Contractors World magazines (incl. Contractors World International and Contractors World UK & Ireland) are the leading international digital publications. Delivering site reports, equipment reviews and comments of interest on the construction, mining, quarrying and related industries [online]. Available at http://cwmags.co.uk/index.php [accessed 16 November 2015].
& VIDEO: From Tunnelling to Tracks – Concreting Train Arrives at Plumstead
- Crossrail Marks the Arrival of 465 Metre Long Concreting Train As tunnelling work is completed, Crossrail, Europe’s largest infrastructure project, has welcomed a 465 metre long concreting train which will help fit-out the Crossrail tunnels with concrete to enable tracks to be laid. The train’s arrival at the Plumstead railhead in southeast London heralds the next major stage for the project following the end of tunnelling. The bright yellow train-which has refurbished and brought to the UK from France via the Channel Tunnel, is as long as four football pitches when fully assembled and is a self-contained concrete batching factory on wheels. Contractors World, (2015), ‘From Tunnelling to Tracks – Concreting Train Arrives at Plumstead’, Contractors World UK & Ireland Volume 5, No 2, 2015, Page 28 of 50 and including a VIDEO [online]. Further information available at http://cwmags.co.uk/cwuk-5-2/basic/page28.php [accessed 16 November 2015] Contractors World magazines (incl. Contractors World International and Contractors World UK & Ireland) are the leading international digital publications. Delivering site reports, equipment reviews and comments of interest on the construction, mining, quarrying and related industries [online]. Available at http://cwmags.co.uk/index.php [accessed 19 October 2015]. Back to top
BIFM Digital Magazine – FM World January2016: the latest issue
fm-world.co.uk is the online magazine of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and is freely available to access and view online. In this latest issue, Main features incl. Waging battle: Will the mandatory National Living Wage prove a force for good or ill in the FM
sector? FM World weigh up its likely impact
Easily LED?: LED Lighting is already changing the way we light out facilities, but some facts remain to be sorted from the technological fiction
BIFM Awards 2016: A continuing focus on evidencing the value of FM characterises the 2016 BIFM Awards programme
WIFM Conference: Speakers at this always energising event heard a range of stories of empowerment and triumph against the odds
News incl. Living wage boosts pay for a million workers
Government misses its own waste targets
Project of the fortnight: Lighting upgrade at 1 and 2 Minister Court, London
Think Tank: Do occupancy sensors work for you?
News analysis: Rules of engagement, and Budget cuts and the potential rise of ‘Super-Councils’
Business news – Graeme Davies: Panorama’s revelations put pressure on G4S
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Bilfinger considers FM sell-off
In Focus: Doreen Anne Irving, service delivery manager in the House of Commons’ department of facilities, on being awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours
Opinion – Richard Amos discusses why an organisation’s decision-makers should consider FM
Opinion – Julie Kortens gives the BIFM chairman’s update for Q1 2016
& Monitor – Insight: Market intelligence
Legal update: Noise at work – what you need to know
Technical: Dealing with corrosion
How to: Modernising properties with polyurethane foam
Legal update: Structural metal work – are you breaking the law?
Source: British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), FM World, 28th January 2016, fm-world.co.uk [online]. Further information available at http://www.fm-world.co.uk/ [accessed 29 January 2016] and http://www.fm-world.co.uk/digitaledition/ [accessed 29 January 2016], London : Redactive Publishing Ltd. Back to top
The Heritage Alliance’s latest ‘Heritage Update’ E-Bulletin – January 2016
Heritage Update is the Heritage Alliance’s voice to, and for, the sector. The popular fortnightly e-bulletin offers policy updates, news, a consultation round-up, events / course listings and job vacancies. The latest issue (January 2016) that can be accessed and downloaded (for personal use as reference) from the above mentioned web link and contains further information on the following: Heritage Update E-Bulletin News round-up: New Year Honours
Better recognition for heritage champions
Culture White Paper Submissions
Promoting volunteer awards locally
Guidance on dealing with the threat of an/or aftermath of flooding
Finding lost public art – Historic England on the hunt
Heritage Counts evaluation
Giving to Heritage – last workshops of 2016
EuropaNostra 7 Most Endangered programme 2016
Heritage sites receive £3 million coastal revival funding from DCLG
Out There: Our Post-War Public Art
Community Rights Map
Traditional Building Skills Training Toolkit
Provisional local government finance settlement 2016 to 2017
Members sought for Church Buildings Council
New Historic Commissioners
One Public Estate programme – Phase 3
SPAB’s John Betjeman Award 2016 – deadline approaching!
British Archaeological Awards 2016
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Heritage science lab on location
AIM Launches Free Guide on Interventive Conservation to Help Museums and Heritage Sites
Government response to consultation on further amendments to permitted development rights
Lord Cameron review on Rural Proofing
Planning applications in England: July to September 2015
Notes on Neighbourhood Planning
New Faculty Rules
Place Standard tool launched in Scotland
Effective strategy setting by charity trustees
Green infrastructure vision for London published
Responses to cultural heritage destruction overseas
Taking Part survey: Longitudinal dataset – Guide to use
House of Lords Library Briefing: National Lottery Contribution to Sport, Culture, Charities and National Heritage
House of Commons Library Briefing: High Speed 2 (HS2) Phases 2a, 2b and beyond
Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology – Trends in the Environment,
and more. Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Heritage Update: the online edition of the fortnightly e-bulletin [online] and available at http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/update/ [accessed 27 January 2016]
https://twitter.com/Heritage_NGOs [accessed 27 January 2016]
https://www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=4898001 [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
Community Rights Map
DCLG has published a Google map layer designed to show the huge number of communities across England who are making use of the community rights and neighbourhood planning powers to make a difference in their neighbourhoods. The rights, enshrined in the Localism Act of 2011 gave citizens new legal powers in their communities. This map series shows how communities are using different community rights across England (up to November 2015). There are: 2600 Assets of Community Value listed, over 500 of which were listed in 2015.
over 3500 uses of community rights (excl. neighbourhood planning).
over 5000 uses of community rights (incl. neighbourhood planning).
Over 1700 designated neighbourhood planning areas.
For more information, resources and case studies about the community rights, visit MyCommunity website [online] and further information available at http://www.mycommunity.org.uk [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016]. Back to top
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Traditional Building Skills Training Toolkit
The National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) in partnership with The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) have launched an online Traditional Building Skills Training Toolkit. The Toolkit is a free resource available to download and read that provides a step by step guide to putting traditional building skills and conservation training at the heart of built heritage projects. The simple approach will help organisations and community groups to consider all aspects of delivering training on a ‘live’ heritage conservation or restoration site. This project is part of a drive to provide a sustainable future for our built heritage. It is recognised that the training and education of a new generation of skilled workforce is vital to ensure that our heritage buildings are properly rehabilitated, repaired and maintained to secure their lasting legacy. The Toolkit draws on the experience and learning from the All Souls Bolton project, the NHTG, and expertise from historic building and traditional materials consultants. It is hoped that the Toolkit will become an essential part of project planning documentation, and will help to ensure that training is central to any heritage building project in future. Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Related Links: The National Heritage Training Group (2016), Traditional Building Skills Training Toolkit [online]. Further information is available at: http://www.the-nhtg.org.uk/resources/heritage-information/traditional-building-skills-training-toolkit/ [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
Heritage science lab on location
The Mobile Heritage Lab, a new infrastructure supporting heritage science, was presented in the National Heritage Science Forum “Members and Friends” event in University College London on the 16th December 2015. The Mobile Heritage Lab is a joint venture of UCL, the University of Oxford and the University of Brighton, and is funded by EPSRC – Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. It is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Science and Engineering in Arts, Science and Archaeology (SEAHA). The laboratory can be used as a research or a public engagement platform for projects related to Heritage Science. It has the mission of opening up heritage science: using an online application system, research and public engagement projects can be proposed by any individual or institution with an interest in heritage science. The Mobile Heritage Lab has participated in public engagement activities with the Wellcome Collection (The “On Light” festival) and Historic Royal Palaces, with great success. Several scientific projects and the participation in Science Festivals in the UK are now in preparation. The Mobile Heritage Lab can be equipped with the resources to address the most pressing issues to heritage. It has capability for environmental monitoring, material analysis, imaging and digitisation. A catalogue of over 60 different scientific instruments is available to users of the lab, including ground penetrating radar, hyperspectral imaging, 3D and SEM microscopes and several types of pollutant monitors. The main purpose of this novel infrastructure is to distribute heritage science resources, mitigating inequality of access. Applications for research projects and public engagement activities for the next academic year are now open. Further information and application guidelines can be found in the SEAHA website [online] and available at http://www.seaha-cdt.ac.uk/ [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
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Planning applications in England: July to September 2015
The Office for National Statistics has released data on authorities that undertake district and county level planning activities in England. It covers information on planning applications received and decided including decisions on applications for residential developments (dwellings) and enforcement activities. Further information is available @ GOV.UK, Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), 17 December 2015 (Part of: Planning application statistics and Live tables on planning application statistics), National Statistics: Planning applications in England: July to September 2015 [online] and available via https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/planning-applications-in-england-july-to-september-2015 [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
Notes on Neighbourhood Planning
A bulletin from the neighbourhood planning team in the Department for Communities and Local Government provides an update on the latest news and policy developments, how the neighbourhood planning team can help communities, and how communities’ varied work on the ground fits with the national picture. Further information is available @ GOV.UK, Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), 22nd December 2015 (Part of: Notes on neighbourhood planning), Correspondence: Notes on neighbourhood planning: edition 17. [online] and available via https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notes-on-neighbourhood-planning-edition-17 [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
Green infrastructure vision for London published
The London Assembly’s Green Infrastructure Task Force published its report on 9th December 2015. Recommendations include the need to appoint a Green Infrastructure Commissioner; further refinement of the All London Green Grid; new approaches to revealing the economic value of green infrastructure; and working with others, such as the National Park City initiative, for example, to find better ways of engaging the public. Some ambitious goals have been set in an effort for London to maintain its status as one of the world’s greenest capital cities. Including: 50% of the administrative area should be green infrastructure; maintaining its ‘urban forest’ by increasing tree cover from 20% to 30% of London’s area; 80% (9 million) of Londoners walking, jogging or cycling at least 2 miles per day; and at least 20% of London’s area to be designated of high wildlife value. The report, entitled ‘Green Infrastructure Task Force report’, published 9 December 2015 is available via the Mayor of London, LondonAssembley website [online] and @ http://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/environment-publications/green-infrastructure-task-force-report [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
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House of Lords Library Briefing: National Lottery Contribution to Sport, Culture, Charities and National Heritage
Since it launched in 1994, the National Lottery has raised around £34 billion for ‘good causes’ (as at October 2015). The money for good causes is distributed out of the National Lottery sales revenue by the operator, Camelot, to the National Lottery Distribution Fund. In the latest financial year, this money amounted to around 25 percent of sales revenue, totalling nearly £1.8 billion. Over time, these funds have been distributed in a number of different ways. The current funding model involves the National Lottery Distribution Fund allocating 40 ways. The current funding model involves the National Lottery Distribution Fund allocating 40 percent to the Big Lottery Fund for ‘charitable, health, education and environment’ grants, and 20 percent each for sports, arts and heritage grants (each being distributed by distribution bodies set out in the amended National Lottery etc. Act 1993). In total, excluding some monies allocated to the 2012 Olympics or towards the Millennium Fund, the Department for Culture, Media and Sports records that these areas have benefited from the following grants since the National Lottery began: Charitable (including health, education and environment): 255,706 grants, totalling £12 billion
Heritage: 29,380 grants, at a total value of £6.7 billion
Arts: 98,359 grants, totalling £4.7 billion
Sport: 78,200 grants, at a total value of £5.5 billion
This Library Note explains this funding model in further detail, and then briefly considers the distribution of grants by sector (including a breakdown by the current individual distributing bodies). Due to the difficult nature of assessing the ‘contribution’ of National Lottery support, the Note concentrates on the financial support provided, briefly highlighting the sorts of projects for which grants have been distributed. The Note also contains information on the geographical nature of the grants. For more information, visit the House of Lords Library website via www.parliament.uk, Parliamentary business, Publications & records, House of Lords Library, 11 December 2015, National Lottery Contribution to Sport, Culture, Charities and National Heritage [online]. Further information is available at http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/LLN-2015-0049 [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
House of Commons Library Briefing: High Speed 2 (HS2) Phases 2a, 2b and beyond
This paper deals with Phase 2 of the HS2 scheme and ideas that have been mooted for other HSR schemes such as HS3 across the Pennines and potentially HS4 to Scotland. HS2 is a proposed infrastructure project to build a high speed rail line from London to Manchester and Leeds, via Birmingham, to being operation in 2026 and be completed in 2033. It was supported by the Labour Government after 2009 and has had the support of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government since May 2010. HS2 will be delivered in three phases: Phase 1 from London to Birmingham Curzon Street and Lichfield with intermediate stations in West
London (at Old Oak Common) and at Birmingham Airport;
Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe; and
Phase 2b comprising an eastern leg from the West Midlands to Leeds New Lane with intermediate stations in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire; and a western leg from Crewe to Manchester with an intermediate station at Manchester Airport.
In total, the scheme is estimated to cost £55.7 billion in 2015 prices (including rolling stock).
For more information, visit the House of Lords Library website via www.parliament.uk, Parliamentary business, Publications & records, House of Commons Library, 16 December 2015, High Speed 2 (HS2)
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Phases 2a, 2b and beyond [online]. Further information is available at http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN07082 [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
Parliamentary Office of Science & technology – Trends in Environment
Human activities interact with natural systems in complex ways; they can cause long-term damage to systems humans are dependent on. This POSTnote summarises a range of such pressures on the environment. It also identifies a number of trends and their effects on the UK. Key points include Human activities have altered natural processes on a planetary scale, which may affect the wellbeing of
future generations.
The main pressures on the environment are activities that emit wastes or prioritise the short-term use of natural resources over the long-term consequences.
There have been some environmental improvements in developed countries, but negative global trends persist in the atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environments.
There are policy options that could protect the environment while meeting human needs. They require more efficient use of resources and mitigation of drivers of environmental change, such as pollution.
For more information, visit the House of Lords Library website via www.parliament.uk, Parliamentary business, Publications & records, POST – Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 5 January 2016, Trends in the Environment [online]. Further information is available at http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/POST-PN-0516 [accessed 27 January 2016] Source: Heritage Update e-Bulletin [online], Issue No 315, 15 January 2016, The Heritage Alliance. Available at: http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 27 January 2016] Back to top
Latest Edition of Open Praxis –
Open Praxis (published by the International Council for Open and Distance Education – ICDE) is a peer-reviewed open access scholarly journal focusing on research and innovation in open, distance and flexible education. Open Praxis [online]. Available at http://openpraxis.org/index.php/OpenPraxis [accessed 22 January 2016] and Open Praxis Archives [online]. Further information available at http://openpraxis.org/index.php/OpenPraxis/issue/archive [accessed 22 January 2016]
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Open Praxis
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. ISSN: 2304-070X Open Praxis, Volume 7, No. 4, October – December (2015) This issue of Open Praxis compiles awarded papers at the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) prizes for innovation and best practice in open, distance, flexible, online and e-learning (2nd edition), announced at the 26th ICDE World Conference in Sun City (South Africa) in October 2015. It includes three research papers submitted to the open section of the journal. Papers (available in full-text versions) include the following:
Editorial - Title: Innovation, research and best practice in open and distance education
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: This last 2015 issue of Open Praxis brings together eight articles. First five contributions were awarded ICDE prize for Innovation and Best Practice in the field of open and distance education (second edition). The three last papers were submitted to Open Praxis following the regular process. Reference: Gil-Jaurena, I., & Malik, B. (2015). Innovation, research and best practice in open and distance education. Open Praxis, 7(4), 283-285. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.268 2015 ICDE Prizes for innovation & best practice papers (2nd edition) -
Title: Challenges to the Doctoral Journey: a Case of Female Doctoral Students from Ethiopia
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: This study aimed to investigate some challenges female doctoral students experience in their doctoral journey. The study used a qualitative design and structured interviews. The theoretical framework that guided the study was that of Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecosystemic theory. A purposely selected sample of five female doctoral students from the University of South Africa Ethiopia campus participated in the study. The results identified three major areas of concern such as: academic, psychological and home/work related. Specifically, female doctoral students reported concerns surrounding quality of supervision support, inadequate academic skill, nature or system of education, stress, motivation, isolation, balancing personal and professional life, relationship problems, home and work related concerns. Hence, universities must provide opportunities and resourceful strategies to meet the challenges posed by women scholars in the doctoral journey. Keywords: Doctoral study; ODL – Open Distance Learning; Women; Challenges. Reference: Bireda, A. (2015). Challenges to the Doctoral Journey: a Case of Female Doctoral Students from
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Ethiopia. Open Praxis, 7(4), 287-297. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.243 Title: Recognising Informal ELearning with Digital Badging: Evidence for a Sustainable Business Model.
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: Digital badging as a trend in education is now recognised. It offers a way to reward and motivate, providing evidence of skills and achievements. Badged Open Courses (BOCs) were piloted by The Open University (OU) in 2013. The project built on research into the motivations and profiles of learners using free educational resources which the OU makes available through its OpenLearn platform (Law, Perryman & Law, 2013). This research found that an increasing proportion of learners are keen to have their information learning achievements recognised (Law & Law, 2014). Based on these data, a suite of free BOCs, assessed through the deployment of Moodle quizzes, was launched. This paper reports on evaluation of the BOCs and what we now know of the strategic importance of informal learning recognition. The initiative aligns with University strategies to provide accessible routes into formal learning for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Keywords: Open Educational Resources; OER; Digital Badging; eLearning; MOOCs. Reference: Law, P. (2015). Recognising Informal ELearning with Digital Badging: Evidence for a Sustainable Business Model. Open Praxis, 7(4), 299-310. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.247 Title: Growth and Development of Distance Education in India and China: A Study on Policy Perspectives
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: India and China are two fast growing economies of the world and need large skill based manpower to sustain the economic growth. The existing formal higher educational system in these countries will not be able to meet the demand of the economy. The paper will try (i) to compare the development of economy and distance education in India and China with reference to policy perspectives; (ii) to examine the course design, development delivery of distance education programmes in national open universities of India and Chian i.e. Indira Gandhi National Open University of China (IGNOU) and Open University of China (OUC); (iii) to analyse the trend of enrolment in IGNOU and OUC; and (iv) to compare the recognition/accreditation and quality control process of distance learning both these countries. The paper highlights the policy strategies of two countries towards quality control mechanism as par with conventional system. Keywords: Distance Education; Policy; Quality Control; India; China. Reference: Gaba, A., & Li, W. (2015). Growth and Development of Distance Education in India and China: A Study on Policy Perspectives. Open Praxis, 7(4), 311-323. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.248 Title: Validating Student Satisfaction Related to Persistence, Academic Performance, Retention and
Career Advancement within ODL Perspectives
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: Student satisfaction associated with persistence, academic performance, retention, and its relations to career advancement were examined. It was aimed at measuring service quality (Servqual) dimensions as a foundation of satisfaction and how, in what comportments, they were interrelated. The study was conducted under explanatory-design. Data was collected proportionally and purposeively followed by congregating them through unified interviews. Population was 1,814 Universities Terbuka students domiciled overseas; 350 questionnaires were dispersed, 169 completed. Satisfaction was assessed by examining Servqual dimensions. Importance-performance analysis (IPA) and customer-satisfaction index (CSI) were applied to measure satisfaction and the level of its importance. Structural equation model (SEM) was then employed to examine influence variables. Nine hypotheses developed were all validated by the analysis. Responsiveness, assurance, tangible, reliability, and empathy were in
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harmony to satisfaction, career advancement, retention, academic performance, and persistence were influenced by satisfaction. Qualitative inquiry implemented afterwards was basically coherent with the quantitative findings. Keywords: Servqual; satisfaction; retention; explanatory-design; IPA-CSI; SEM Reference: Sembiring, M. (2015). Validating Student Satisfaction Related to Persistence, Academic Performance, Retention and Career Advancement within ODL Perspectives. Open Praxis, 7(4), 325-337. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.249 Title: From OER to OEP: Shifting Practitioner Perspectives and Practices within Innovative Learning
Experience Design
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: Like any other educational resource, the integration of OER in teaching and learning requires careful thought and support for the teaching staff. The Faculty of Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka approached this challenge with the help of a professional development course on OER-based e-Learning. Modules in the course incorporates the use of authentic learning scenarios with learning tasks that facilitated capacity building in a collaborative manner. This paper reports the impact of this course in shifting their perspectives and practices in relation to open educational practices. In addition to a much richer grasp of conceptual knowledge and skills related to searching, identifying, evaluating and integrated OER, participants developed competencies in designing, developing and implementation of an OER-based e-Learning course. Keywords: Open Educational Resources; OER; Open Education Practices; OEP; Learning Experience Design; Professional Development. Reference: Karunanayaka, S., Naidu, S., Rajendra, J., & Ratnayake, H. (2015). From OER to OEP: Shifting Practitioner Perspectives and Practices with Innovative Learning Experience Design. Open Praxis, 7(4), 339-350. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.252 Research articles –
Title: The impact of OER on Teaching and Learning Practice
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: The OER Research Hub has been investigating the impact of OER, using eleven hypotheses, and a mixed methods approach to establish an evidence base. This paper explores the findings relating to teaching and learning. The findings reveal a set of direct impacts, including an increase in factors relating to student performance, increased reflection on the part of educators, and the use of OER to trial and supplement formal study. There are also indirect impacts, whose benefits will be seen after several interactions. These include the wide scale reporting of adaptation, and the increase in sharing and open practice results from OER usage. Keywords: Open Educational; OER; Open textbook; Impact. Reference: Weller, M., de los Arcos, B., Farrow, R., Pitt, B., & McAndrew, P. (2015). The Impact of OER on Teaching and Learning Practice. Open Praxis, 7(4), 351-361. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.227 Title: Teaching Strategies to Promote Immediacy in Online Graduate Courses
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: The present study is the result of the research question: How do teachers promote immediacy through interaction with their students in online graduate courses? Research was carried out at Technológico de Monterrey, a Mexican private university that offers online courses. The research methodology employed a qualitative approach of virtual ethnography, which entails non-participative observation and interviews with head professors and teaching assistants with the purpose of exploring the
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manner in which teachers foster immediacy in the discussion forums of online courses. The findings are organised into three main categories: instructional design, forms of communication and teaching strategies promoting immediacy when interacting with their students; immediacy that was also found in the administrative and academic forums of the online courses researched. Keywords: OImmediacy; Interaction; Instructional Communication; Online Teacher; Online Course; Social Presence. Reference: Flores Fahara, M., & Lozano Castro, A. (2015). Teaching Strategies to Promote Immediacy in Online Graduate Courses. Open Praxis, 7(4), 363-376. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.228 Title: Open Data as Open Educational Resources: Towards Transversal Skills and Global Citizenship
ISSN: 2304-070X Publisher: International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Abstract: Open Data is the name given to datasets which have been generated by international organisations, governments, NGOs and academic researchers, and made freely available online and openly licensed. These datasets can be used by educators as Open Educational Resources (OER) to support different teaching and learning activities, allowing students to gain experience working with the same raw data researchers and policy-makers generate and use. In this way, educators can facilitate students to understand how information is generated, processed, analysed and interpreted. This paper offers an initial exploration of ways in which the use of Open Data can be key in the development of transversal skills (including digital and data literacies, alongside skills for critical thinking, research, teamwork, and global citizenship), enhancing students’ abilities to understand and select information sources, to work with, curate, analyse and interpret data, and to conduct and evaluate research. This paper also presents results of an exploratory survey that can guide further research into Open Data-led learning activities. Our goal is to support educators in empowering students to engage, critically and collaboratively, as 21st century global citizens. Keywords: Open Data; Open Educational Resources; Research based learning; Critical Thinking; Global Citizenship; Higher Education Reference: Atenas, J., Havemann, L., & Priego, E. (2015). Open Data as Open Educational Resources: Towards Transversal Skills and Global Citizenship. Open Praxis, 7(4), 377-389. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.4.233 Back to top
OLC Online Learning Journal – Latest issue published LATEST NEWS: The MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT) was a peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication that promoted scholarship in the use of the Internet and web-based multimedia resource in higher education. The MERLOT community is now joining with the Online Learning Consortium (OLC – formerly Sloan-C) to expand scholarly research in the field of online education, with a merger of the Journal Online Learning (formerly JALN) and the Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT). Further information is available at Online Learning Consortium [online] and available at http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/read/online-learning-call-papers/ [accessed 26 January 2016]
Papers in this latest issue of Online Learning Journal incl.
Pourreau L (2015) ‘Interview with Joe Freidhoff: A Bird’s Eye View of K-12 Online Learning’, Online Learning Journal, 19(5)
- Online Learning Consortium (OLC) sat down with Dr. Joe Freidhoff, executive director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, and asked him to provide us with his perspective on this ever-changing field.
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Frances M, and Carter R A (2015) “When we talk about compliance, it’s because we lived it” – Online Educators’ Roles in Supporting Students with Disabilities’. Online Learning Journal, 19(5)
- As participation in online learning grows, so do concerns around the ways in which students with disabilities are served in virtual school programs, both full and part-time.
Chappell S, Arnold P, Nunnery J, and Grant M (2015) ‘An examination of an Online Tutoring Program’s Impact on Low-Achieving Middle School Students’ Mathematics Achievement’, Online Learning Journal, 19(5)
- The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the impact of synchronous online tutoring services on struggling middle school students’ mathematics achievement.
Barbour M K (2015) ‘Real-Time Virtual Teaching: Lessons Learned from a Case Study in a Rural School’. Online Learning Journal, 19(5)
- Due to the challenges facing rural schools, many jurisdictions have resorted to the use of virtual school programs to provide curricular opportunities to their students.
Borup J, and Stevens M A (2015) ‘The Nature of Parental Engagement at an Online Charter High School’, Online Learning Journals, 19(5)
- As enrolments in cyber charter schools grow, it becomes increasingly important to understand how parents engage in their students’ learning.
Mayse D (2015), Book Review – ‘Handbook of Research on K-12 Online and Blended Learning’, and
Book Review – ‘Online, Blended, and Distance Education: Building Successful Programs in Schools’, Online Learning Journal, 19(5)
- Editors Tom Clark and Michael Barbour assemble an array of research and case studies from some of today’s leading scholars in digital learning in this user-friendly compilation.
Scott L, Templer P, and Marshall D (2015) ‘UDL in Online College Coursework: Insights of Infusion and Educator Preparedness’, Online Learning Journal, 19(5)
- Teacher education programs are increasing the use of online courses to train and prepare teachers. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework is one strategy used to effectively train and prepare special education teachers in the online learning environment.
Yu T (2015) ‘An Exploratory Factor Analysis and Reliability Analysis of the Student Online Learning Rediness (SOLR) instrument’, Online Learning Journal, 19(5)
- The purposes of this study was to develop an effective instrument to measure student readiness in online learning with reliable predictors of online learning success factors such as learning outcomes and learner satisfaction.
Picciano A G (2015), ‘Planning for Online Education: A Systems Model’, Online Learning Journal, 19(45
- The purpose of this article is to revisit the basic principles of technology planning as applied to online education initiatives.
Ruby A, Perna L, Boruch R, and Wang N, (2015) ‘Are there Metrics for MOOCS from Social Media?’, Online Learning Journal 19(5)
- The following paper describes the rationale for creating an online therapy program of cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, for students at the University of Florida who are struggling with stress and anxiety.
Source: Online Learning Journal [online], Volume 19, No. 5, December 2015. Available at http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/read/online-learning-journal/ [accessed 26 January 2016] Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Related Link: MERLOT – Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching [online] and further information available at: https://www.merlot.org/merlot/index.htm [accessed 26 January 2016]. JOLT, MERLOT’s Journal for Online Learning and Teaching [online] and available at: http://jolt.merlot.org/index.html [accessed 26 January 2016] and Back to top
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Open Educational Resources (OER) Research Hub
OER Research Hub gathers research on the impact of open educational resources (OER) on learning and teaching practices. The OER Research Hubs intention is to respond to a need from the OER world for more research on which they can base their decisions. The Research Hub shares evidence that is gathered through mixed methods research including interviews, surveys, focus groups, critical incidence analysis, activity theory and analysis of learning design. Findings are likely to be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders in the education sector. The project is based at The Open University’s (OU) Institute of Educational Technology and is the OU’s flagship project for research into open education and OER. Open Educational Resources (OER) Research Hub [online]. Further information is available at http://oerresearchhub.org/ [accessed 25 January 2016] Related links: Open University (OU) UK [online] and available at http://www.open.ac.uk/ [accessed 25 January 2016] Open University (OU) UK, Institute of Education Technology [online] and available at http://www.open.ac.uk/iet/main/ [accessed 25 January 2016] Back to top
The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) –
The Directory of Open Access Journals covers all open access scientific and scholarly journals using a quality control system to guarantee the content. The aim of the DOAJ is to increase the visibility and ease of open access scientific and scholarly journals, therefore promoting increased usage and impact.
Some key DOAJ facts (as of 22/01/2016):
11,063 journals
6,875 journals searchable at article level
136 countries
2,165,497 articles
The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) https://doaj.org/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
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e-Journal Review cont.
Source: office.microsoft.com
Every month I will be highlighting a few full-text e-Journals that are currently available through the UCEM e-Library. This month we focus on those Taylor & Francis Online / Routledge journals that we now have full subscription to and this includes access to the archive of back issues (from 1995 for those journals that have print that go back that far and to the current day) incl.
Construction Management and Economics
Building Research and Information, &
Journal of Property Research.
Please note: that these journals can be accessed (IN FULL) via the VLE e-Library, and by logging into Athens – Section 2, and by selecting Taylor and Francis Online via the Resources tab.
1. Construction Management and Economics (CME) is the leading international refereed journal that publishes original research concerning the management and economics of building and civil engineering, while also including the management of built facilities. Taylor and Francis, Construction Management and Economics [online]. Available at www.tandfonline.com/RCME [accessed 22 January 2016] Example articles/papers in the most recent issue include: - The effect of leader emotional intelligence on leader-follower chemistry: a study of construction project managers Pryke, S., Lunic, D., and Badi, S., (2015), The effect of leader emotional intelligence on leader–follower chemistry: a study of construction project managers, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 33, Iss. 8, 2015, Taylor and Francis, Pages 603-624 - Creating a baseline for labour productivity of reinforced concrete building construction in Kuwait Jarkas, A. M., Malcolm, R., and Horner, W., (2015), Creating a baseline for labour productivity of reinforced concrete building construction in Kuwait, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 33, Iss. 8, 2015, Taylor and Francis, Pages 625-639 - Social identity in the construction industry: implications for safety perception and behaviour
Andersen, L.P., Karlsen, I.L., Kines, P., Joensson, T., and Nielsen, K.J., (2015), Social identity in the
construction industry: implications for safety perception and behaviour, Construction Management and
Economics, Vol. 33, Iss. 8, 2015, Taylor and Francis, Pages 640-652 - Promoting cooperation in construction projects: an integrated approach of contractual incentive and trust
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Fu, Y., Chen, Y., Zhang, S., and Wang, W., (2015), Promoting cooperation in construction projects: an integrated approach of contractual incentive and trust, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 33, Iss. 8, 2015, Pages 653-670 - Significant cost-push factors in owner-built incremental housing construction in Tanzania Alananga, S., Lucian, C., and Kusiluka, M.M. (2015), Significant cost-push factors in owner-built incremental housing construction in Tanzania, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 33, Iss. 8, 2015, Pages 671-688 Please note: that this journal can be accessed (IN FULL) via the VLE e-Library, and by logging into Athens – Section 2, and by selecting Taylor and Francis Online via the Resources tab. Back to top 2. Building Research and Information (BRI) is a leading international refereed journal focused on buildings and their supporting systems. Unique to BRI is a focus on a holistic, trans-disciplinary approach to their life: planning, briefing, design, construction, occupation and use, property exchange and evaluation, maintenance, alteration and end of life. Published articles provide conceptual and evidence-based approaches which reflect the complexity and linkages between cultural, environmental, economic, social, organisational, quality of life, health, well-being, design and engineering of the built environment. BRI’s wide scope embraces: The linkages between the built, natural, social and economic environments, with an emphasis on the
interactions between theory, policy and practice: impacts on ecologies, resources (water, energy, air, materials, buildings stocks etc.), sustainable development (social, economic, environmental, and natural capitals) and climate change (mitigation and adaptation).
The (design, technical, social, organisational, economic) performance, impacts, assessment, contributions, improvement and value of buildings, building stocks and related systems.
The supply chain capabilities to innovate, design, create, maintain and improve the performance of both buildings and products
Changing demands and aspirations for architectural design, development and property
Formulation of public policy; research, academic and innovation capabilities; organisational structures and networks; engagement between research users, policy makers and practitioners to effectively support the above scope and objectives.
Taylor and Francis, Building Research and Information [online]. Available at www.tandfonline.com/RBRI [accessed 22 January 2016] Example information/ research articles/papers in the most recent issue include: - Distinguishing between green building occupants’ reasoned and unplanned behaviours Hewitt, E. L., Andrews, C. J., Senick, J. A., Wener, R. E., Krogmann, U., and Allacci, M. S., (2016), Distinguishing between green building occupants’ reasoned and unplanned behaviours, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, Pages 119-134 - Thermal comfort in care homes: vulnerability, responsibility and ‘thermal care’ Walker, G., Brown, S., and Neven, L. (2016), Thermal comfort in care homes: vulnerability, responsibility and ‘thermal care’, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, pages 135-146 - Bridging the domestic building fabric performance gap Johnston, D., Farmer, D., Brooke-Peat, M., and Miles-Shenton, D., (2016), Bridging the domestic building fabric performance gap, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, pages 147-159 - Successful greenhouse gas mitigation in existing Australian office buildings Gabe, J., (2016), Successful greenhouse gas mitigation in existing Australian office buildings, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, pages 160-174 - Trends in home computing and energy demand Terry, N., and Palmer, J., (2016), Trends in home computing and energy demand, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, pages 175-187 - Comparing cost-optimal and net-zero energy targets in building retrofit Ferreira, M., Almeida, M., Rodrigues, A., and Silva, S. M., (2016), Comparing cost-optimal and net-zero
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energy targets in building retrofit, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, pages 188-201 - Evaluation of building code compliance in Mexico City: mid-rise dwellings Reinoso, E., Jaimes, M. A., and Torres, M. A., (2016), Evaluation of building code compliance in Mexico City: mid-rise dwellings, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, pages 202-213 - BOSSA: a multidimensional post-occupancy evaluation tool Candido, C., Kim, J., de Dear, R., and Thomas, L., (2016), BOSSA: a multidimensional post-occupancy evaluation tool, Building Research & Information, Vol. 44, Iss. 2, 2016, Taylor and Francis, pages 214-228 Please note: that this journal can be accessed (IN FULL) via the VLE e-Library, and by logging into Athens – Section 2, and by selecting Taylor and Francis Online via the Resources tab. Back to top 3. Journal of Property Research welcomes original papers on any area of real estate investment and development. These may be theoretical, empirical, case studies or critical literature surveys. There are two major areas of focus:
Property investment and finance. This covers topics such as the characteristics of property as an investment class, forecasting of markets and property portfolio construction. Much of this research will be an application to property of techniques developed in other investment markets.
Land development. This covers a wide range of issues surrounding the development and redevelopment of property. The focus may be financial, economic or environmental; urban or rural; public or private sector.
Taylor and Francis, Journal of Property Research [online]. Available at www.tandfonline.com/RJPR [accessed 22 January 2016] Example articles/papers in the most recent include: - New Zealand regional house prices and macroeconomic shocks Fraser, P., and McAlevey, L., (2015), New Zealand regional house prices and macroeconomic shocks, Journal of Property Research, Vol. 32, Iss. 4, 2015, Taylor and Francis, Pages 279-300
- Long-run equilibrium for the Greater Paris office market and short-run adjustments
Bruneau, C., and Cherfouh, S., (2015), Long-run equilibrium for the Greater Paris office market and short-
run adjustments, Journal of Property Research, Vol. 32, Iss. 4, 2015, Taylor and Francis, Pages 301-323
- Retail rent dynamics in two Chinese cities
Ke, Q., and White, M., (2015), Retail rent dynamics in two Chinese cities, Journal of Property Research,
Vol. 32, Iss. 4, 2015, Taylor and Francis, Pages 324-340
- The non-linearity of hospitals’ proximity on property prices: experiences from Taipei, Taiwan
Peng, T.C., and Chiang, Y.H., (2015), The non-linearity of hospitals’ proximity on property prices:
experiences from Taipei, Taiwan, Journal of Property Research, Vol. 32, Iss. 4, 2015, Taylor and Francis,
Pages 341-361
- Liquidity and the drivers of search, due diligence and transaction times for UK commercial real estate
investments
Devaney, S., and Scofield, D., (2015), Liquidity and the drivers of search, due diligence and transaction
times for UK commercial real estate investments, Journal of Property Research, Vol. 32, Iss. 4, 2015, Taylor
and Francis, Pages 362-383
- CEO overconfidence and financial policies of real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Yung, K., Li, D.D., Qian Susan Sun, Q.S., (2015), CEO overconfidence and financial policies of real estate
investment trusts (REITs), Journal of Property Research, Vol. 32, Iss. 4, 2015, Taylor and Francis, Pages 384-
406 Please note: that this journal can be accessed (IN FULL) via the VLE e-Library, and by logging into Athens – Section 2, and by selecting Taylor and Francis Online via the Resources tab. Back to top
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e-Journal Review Archive
When I started my role as the UCEM Digital Resource Manager, I catalogued over 2000 e-Journal titles onto the A-Z Directory that can be accessed through the VLE e-Library. Whilst cataloguing I was wondering how many of these e-Journals are actually being used within ‘Recommended Reading’ or ‘Study Material’ development by Tutors? Therefore, in each monthly e-bulletin I will be highlighting a few e-Journals that are available and accessed through the UCEM Athens gateway as a current awareness service. Please Note: the below e-Journals are available in Full-Text copies The following journals have been reviewed thus far, i.e.
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management
Construction Law Journal and Construction Newsletter
Construction Management and Economics
Education + Training
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
Facilities
International Journal of Law in the Built Environment
Journal for Education in the Built Environment, The
Journal of Facilities Management
Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction
Journal of Planning and Environmental Law
Journal of Property Investment and Finance (Previously published as: Journal of Property Valuation and Investment)
Journal of Real Estate Portfolio Management
Property Management
Real Estate Economics
‘International’ Focus (July 2013):
International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis
International Journal of Law and Management
International Journal of Organisational Analysis
International Marketing Review
International Journal of Educational Management
‘Higher Education’ Focus (August 2013):
Engineering Education
Enhancing Learning in the Social Sciences (EliSS)
Journal for Education in the Built Environment (JEBE)
Practice-based Learning
Business and Management in Higher Education (BMHE)
‘Law’ Focus (September 2013):
Construction Newsletter
Journal of Planning and Environment Law
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Construction Law Journal
Landlord and Tenant Review
Property Law Bulletin
‘Research’ Focus (October 2013):
Internet Research
Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing
Journal of Construction Research
Journal of Real Estate Research
Management Research Review
‘Economics’ Focus (November 2013):
Business Economics
Journal of Economic Studies
Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics
Journal of Economic Education, and
Journal of Economic Literature
‘Sustainability’ Focus (December 2013):
Sustainability
Energy, Sustainability and Society
Journal of Management and Sustainability
Journal of Sustainable Development, and
Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
‘Online Learning’ Focus (January 2014):
Quality Assurance in Education
Interactive Technology and Smart Education
Reference Services Review
Campus-Wide Information Systems, and
Development and Learning in Organisations
Higher Education Academy (HEA) Online (February 2014)
‘Environmental’ and ‘Online’ Focus (March 2014)
Structural Survey including a
Special issue overseeing the Adaptation of the built environment towards achieving improved resilience to climate change
International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment
Disaster Prevention and Management, and
Foresight, an international bi-monthly journal concerned with the study of the future
‘Open Access’ and ‘Online Learning’ (April 2014)
Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT)
‘Business & Management Education in HE (Higher Education)’ (May 2014)
‘Finance, Financial Management and Accounting’ (June 2014)
Financial Accountability and Management
Financial Practice and Education
Accounting Education (JAI)
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Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction
Journal of Property Investment and Finance (previously published as: Journal of Property Valuation and Investment)
‘Research and innovation in open, distance and flexible education’ (July/August 2014)
Open Praxis, a peer-reviewed open access scholarly journal focusing on research and innovation in open, distance and flexible education.
September/October 2014 Open Praxis - Latest issue and additional e-resources available, and
JEBE – Journal for Education in the Built Environment - The Higher Education Academy (HEA) has an online platform hosting 11 discipline-specific learning and teaching journals including the Journal for Education in the Built Environment (JEBE). Moving these HEA journals online makes it easier for readers to access, share and save articles, receive alerts about new issues and articles elating to search terms; download citations into reference software such as End-Note and allow for instant reading in HTML or by downloading the pdf. Edited by leaders in their field, the journals are well respected and established in their discipline communities and, in most cases, are the only journals on learning and teaching specifically for their respective disciplines.
Higher Education Academy (HEA) [online]. Available at http://journals.heacademy.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Journal for Education in the Built Environment (JEBE) [online]. Available at http://journals.heacademy.ac.uk/journal/jebe [accessed 22 January 2016] Nov/Dec 2014 and Jan/Feb 2015, Taylor and Francis Online free trial of key Academic and Industry-specific journals incl.
Construction Management and Economics
Building Research and Information
Journal of Property Research
Journal of Architectural Conservation
International Journal of Heritage Studies
Distance Education
Journal of Library and Information Services in Distance Learning online
‘Research and innovation in open, distance and flexible education’ (March 2015)
Open Praxis – A peer-reviewed open access scholarly journal focusing on research and innovation in open, distance and flexible education. Latest issue and additional e-resources available. April 2015 – Present -
Construction Management and Economics
Building Research and Information
Journal of Property Research
Back to top Lucy’s searching top tips – The reason why I am listing the topics covered and some of the journals reviewed each month is to provide a quick reference list and tool. Should you wish to access journals relating to a specialist area, you i) access the latest issue of the e-Bulletin (available via the VLE e-Library and under section 6 – CEM Published Material), ii) Have a quick browse down the list and identify your specialist area, iii) note the month that covered that topic, iv) go back to the VLE e-Library page and v) download the appropriate monthly e-bulletin which specialises in that subject area.
Back to top
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e-Book Review
The UCEM VLE e-Library is currently building on its’ e-Book collection, available through Athens and by clicking on Dawson Books (listed within the Resources section). It is hoped that over time, UCEM will provide greater access to e-Books over hard-copy versions in order to provide the students with greater flexibility and access to a wide range of publications. Often books may have an excellent chapter covering a topic you wish to discuss, and this can prove expensive in purchasing and posting, when only a small section of the book is relevant. Therefore drawing their attention to the e-Book via the e-Library and recommending they read a particular chapter is much more efficient and effective and allows UCEM to build their library as well as providing a wider range of publications for students to access and Tutors to use in supplementing their Teaching and Learning Materials. Six books that are currently available are as follows: 1. The Battle for Open: How openness won and why it doesn’t feel like victory 2. The new landscape of mobile learning: Redesigning education in an app-based world 3. Construction Law Review 2015 e-Book 4. Studying at a Distance 5. Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age, 2nd edition 6. ADDING SOME TEC-VARIETY: 100+ Activities for Motivating and Retaining Learners Online Please note: The first book review and fifth book mentioned above are freely available online. However the other three have been purchased by UCEM and are available, as e-Books, within the VLE e-Library and via Athens and Dawson Books. Once you have accessed Dawson Books, if you click on ‘eBook Catalogue’ within the top toolbar, this contains UCEM purchased eBooks. Alternatively you can search for the title within the Advanced Search engine.
1. The Battle for Open: How openness won and why it doesn’t feel like victory. Weller, M. (2014). The Battle for Open: How openness won and why it doesn't feel like victory [e-book]. London: Ubiquity Press. Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.5334/bam [accessed 22 January 2016] Dominguez, D. (2015). Book review of The Battle for Open. Open Praxis, 7(2), 191-193. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.2.208 ISSN: 2304-070X, International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Has the openness movement won the battle to transform itself into a mainstream phenomenon in higher education? If the answer is yes, does this mean that the disputes with other educational technological solutions, in particular restricted, have definitely ended? Or rather is it only the beginning of a long confrontation to take center stage in a digital ecosystem that is increasingly more nuanced, where the number of actors keeps growing and the limits on what is open is ever more diffuse? In this new book, the author Martin Weller attempts to find answers to these questions. To do so, he introduces a group of quite varied subjects on evolution and the current state of higher education. As such, his contribution turns into an authentic manual for everyone who has an interest in the digitization of education. Keywords: Open access; open education; OER. Back to top 2. The new landscape of mobile learning: Redesigning education in an app-based world - Miller, C., & Doering, A., (Eds.). (2014). The new landscape of mobile learning: Redesigning education in an app-based world (1st ed.). New York, NY : Routledge Hetrick, T. (2015). Book review of The new landscape of mobile learning: Redesigning education in an app-based world. Open Praxis, 7(1), 113-115. doi:10.5944/openpraxis.7.1.178. ISSN: 2304-070X, International
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Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) This is a book review on The new landscape of mobile learning: Redesigning education in an app-based world, by editors Charles Miller and Aaron Doering. This is an edited book, but one for which the editors sought out specific authors to write about their experiences and expertise on mobile learning. One of Miller and Doering’s goals is to promote greater thinking about mobile learning through the understanding that learning is a complex process built from pedagogical foundations that integrate social interactions with technology. The editors argue that a fundamental aspect to mobile learning is mobility, which is the ability to freely move about and collaborate in an authentic environment in which learners gain insight and construct knowledge. The authors try to address problems in mobile learning and put forth solutions, but this also highlights the fragmented problems of mobile learning as the book in itself is fragmented. Instead of treating mobile learning as its own system or field, it becomes evident that one should be describing mobile learning as mobile integration and explores how to use mobility in the everyday learning context. From the perspective of mobile integration, this book is very practical as the authors did an outstanding job of providing information about the steps of integrating mobile devices into specific areas to assist or augment learning. Back to top 3. Construction Law Review 2015 e-Book - Please enjoy reading the complimentary link to the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) Construction Law Review digital e-Book 2015. The annual supplement to the Civil Engineering Surveyor Journal contains Legal & contractual articles from some of the most senior professionals in the field of construction law and contracts along with a directory of professionals Profiles. Some of the articles incl. Supporting construction law – Richard Bailey, Society of Construction Law,
Trends in global construction disputes – Gary Kitt and Mike Allen, ARCADIS,
Managing change on construction and engineering projects – Mark Castell, DIALES,
Employer’s claims and engineer’s determinations under FIDIC – Jonathan Hosie, Mayor Brown International, and more.
Gain access and further information on the 2015 issue of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) Construction Law Review, 2015 [online] and available @ http://mag.digitalpc.co.uk/fvx/ces/15clr/index.html [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top 4. Studying at a Distance - By Talbot, C., (01/08/2010), Publisher: Open University Press e-ISBN-13: 9780335238057 This essential guide provides practical help and support for those who have not previously studied at a distance and is ideal for students returning to study after a break. It covers fundamental issues such as motivation, goal setting, time management and coping strategies. Additional coverage in this third edition includes: specific information on the use of new technologies in distance learning; detailed coverage of referencing, citation and plagiarism; description of using mind maps and other techniques for planning and writing essays or reports; support for disabled students, particularly those with dyslexia; and, an expanded further resources section. Back to top 5. Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age – Edited by Beetham, H., & Sharpe, R., Publisher: Routledge e-ISBN-13: 9780203078952 Through a critical Discussion of the issues surrounding the design, sharing and reuse of learning activities, the second edition of ‘Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age’ examines a wide range of perspectives on effectively designing and delivering learning activities to ensure that future development is pedagogically
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sound, learner-focused, and accessible. Keywords: Education; Pedagogy; e-Learning Back to top 6. ADDING SOME TEC-VARIETY: 100+ Activities for Motivating and Retaining Learners Online Adding Some TEC-VARIETY by Curtis J. Bonk and Elaine Khoo As this book states, “Motivation is central to all things human” and Online teaching and learning are no different. The authors of this FREE ONLINE BOOK propose the TEC-VARIETY framework as a solution to the lack of meaningful engagement. It can shift learners from nearly comatose states to actively engaged ones. Adding Some TEC-VARIETY helps instructors focus on how to motivate online learners and increase learner retention. It also is a comprehensive, one-stop toolkit for online instructors to inspire learners and renew their own passion for teaching. Using 10 theoretically driven and proven motivational principles, TEC-VARIETY offers over 100 practical yet innovative ideas based on decades of author experience teaching in a variety of educational settings. Source: Adding Some TEC-VARIETY by Curtis J. Bonk and Elaine Khoo [online]. Available at http://tec-variety.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Please note: The authors have made an online version of this work available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial-Share Alike 3.0 License; for details, please see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ [accessed 22 January 2016]. The e-book PDF can be accessed through the book homepage [online]. Available at http://tec-variety.com and http://tec-variety.com/freestuff.php [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
The Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) –
The primary aim of DOAB is to increase discoverability of Open Access books. Academic publishers are invited to provide metadata of their Open Access books to DOAB. Metadata will be harvestable in order to maximize dissemination, visibility and impact. Aggregators can integrate the records in their commercial services and libraries can integrate the directory into their online catalogues, helping scholars and students to discover the books. The directory is open to all publishers who publish academic, peer reviewed books in Open Access and should contain as many books as possible, provided that these publications are in Open Access and meet academic standards.
Some key DOAB facts (as of 22/01/2016):
4037 Academic peer-reviewed books from
135 publishers
The Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) http://www.doabooks.org/doab [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
Latest book and journal titles
Latest book titles from
Wiley is the international scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly publishing business of John Wiley & Sons, with strengths in every major academic and professional field and partnerships with many of the world's leading societies. For more information, please visit www.wiley.com [accessed 22 January 2016] .
‘Wiley’ Online Library hosts the world's broadest and deepest multidisciplinary collection of online resources covering life, health and physical sciences, social science, and the humanities. It delivers seamless integrated access to over 6 million articles from over 1500 journals, over 16,000 online books, and hundreds of reference works, laboratory protocols and databases. Further information is available online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
Wiley Open Access [online]. Further information is available at http://olabout.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-406071.html [accessed 22 January 2016]
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Business and Management [online]. Further information is available at - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/subject/code/000028 [accessed 22 January 2016] Economics [online]. Further information is available at - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/subject/code/000047 [accessed 22 January 2016] Law [online]. Further information is available at - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/subject/code/000076 [accessed 22 January 2016] Civil Engineering and Construction [online]. Further information is available at - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/subject/code/000034 [accessed 22 January 2016] LATEST info: Wiley Construction and Civil Engineering Update [online]. Further information is available at http://app.news.wiley.com/e/es?s=1133198723&e=236292&elq=0e75d940e56f44008e5a9c13214d087c [accessed 07 December 2015] Taylor & Francis/Routledge – T&F (an informa business) is a world famous name in academic and professional books, journals and online resources relating largely to the humanities, social sciences, the Built Environment and Sustainability.
Visit Taylor & Francis online @ www.tandfonline.com [accessed 22 January 2016] Taylor & Francis Open and Routledge Open - Taylor & Francis and Routledge currently publish a number of pure open access journals, with no subscription content. The articles in these journals receive both rigorous peer review and expedited online publication. www.tandfonline.com/page/openaccess [accessed 22 January 2016]
Latest info: Property and Real Estate catalogue [online] and available at https://www.routledge.com/collections/4812 [accessed 22 January 2016] Other subject categories incl. Architecture - http://www.routledge.com/architecture/ Building and Construction - http://www.routledge.com/buildingconstruction/ Built Environment - http://www.routledge.com/builtenvironment/ Civil Engineering - http://www.routledge.com/civilengineering/ Planning and Urban Design - http://www.routledge.com/planning/ [websites correct as at 22 January 2016] The Routledge Sustainability Hub - An innovative Knowledge Centre for the global sustainability community, this Hub offers a wide range of resources for everyone – whether you are a teacher, a student, a professional or a citizen of the earth curious to discover more about the many facets of sustainability. Further information available at www.routledgetextbooks.com/textbooks/sustainability [accessed 22 January 2016] ‘Elsevier’ is a world-leading provider of information solutions that help you make better decisions, deliver better care, and sometimes make ground-breaking discoveries in science, health, and technology.
Built Environment including Architecture, Building and Construction, and Property and Real Estate [online]. Further information is available at https://www.elsevier.com/books/subjects/built-environment [accessed 22 January 2016]
Palgrave Macmillan - From award-winning research which changes the world to textbooks and study guides which educate and inspire, Palgrave Macmillan publish across the humanities, social sciences and business for academics, students, professionals and librarians worldwide.
‘Palgrave Macmillan’ [online]. Further information is available at http://www.palgrave.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
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© Guidance:
“It is important to remember that Copyright material in digital form is protected in exactly the same way as Copyright material in any other format. For example, text and images on a website are protected by copyright in the same way as printed material. Please note: it there is something you really want to use for learning materials and someone else owns the copyright … permission must be sought! The copyright owner may wish to charge you, but often they just appreciate you asking them if they are happy for you to acknowledge their work and inform them of how the information will be used and who it will be circulated to”. Source: Salmon, Prof. G., (2013), E-tivities, London, Routledge.
The Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd (CLA)
The CLA are a licensing body as defined by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 c.48 (as amended) [“CDPA”]. The CLA licence organisations to copy and re-use extracts from print and digital publications on behalf of the copyright owners – authors, publishers and visual artists. By ‘copying’ the CLA means photocopying, scanning, and re-use of content from magazines, books, journals, electronic and online publications, as well as press cuttings or documents supplied by a licensed third party. Having a CLA licence helps to reduce the risk and potential cost of copyright infringement. This requirement applies to any organisation in the business, education, public or charitable sectors. The Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) - www.cla.co.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
CLA Title search tool
The CLA Title Search is an online search tool that lets you quickly find out what you can copy under your organisation’s CLA licence. Whether you’ld like to photocopy and distribute an article to colleagues or upload a report to an intranet or VLE, the CLA Title Search simplifies the steps required to ensure compliance. UCEM has a CLA ‘Independent Higher Education Photocopying and Scanning Licence’ www.cla.co.uk/titlesearch [accessed 22 January 2016] CLA Higher Education, Check Permissions @ http://he.cla.co.uk/check-permissions/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
Further guidance on Copyright and Digital Copyright incl.
What is copyright?
When does copyright arise?
What does copyright protect?
Who owns copyright?
Joint ownership of copyright
What rights does a copyright owner have?
How long does copyright last?
Copyright infringement
Remedies for copyright infringement
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Copyright exceptions
Obtaining clearance to use copyright material
CLA and copyright licences
Related organisations and links @ www.cla.co.uk/copyright_information/related_organisations/ and
www.cla.co.uk/copyright_information/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
5 Ways to find images for your website
The author of this article highlights the point that finding good images online is fairly easy but finding images that are licensed for reuse can be hard. It is often difficult to know when it’s ok to reuse an image that has been published online and when it’s not. The internet may be a global network but each country has different copyright laws and there are not simple best practice rules applicable to everyone. Within this blog, the author takes a look at a best practice example of online image attribution, some of the problems that face anyone trying to work out if they can reuse an image online and five ways to find images licensed for reuse, including:
The Creative Commons search tool
Museums, Libraries and Archives
Getty images
Gratisography
Taking your own photo!
Patrick, E., Online Information Manager at CILIP, the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals, 18th September, 2014, 5 ways to find images for your website [online]. Further information is available at http://www.cilip.org.uk/cilip/blog/5-ways-find-images-your-website?utm_source=Communicator_membership_list&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Untitled22&utm_campaign=Weekly+News+from+CILIP%2c+18+Sept+2014 [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
Legal 101 – Know your copyrights from wrongs
Copyright is an issue rarely discussed in construction and development projects, but one that can have far-reaching implications if the relevant permissions are not properly put in place. A Copyright Owner has the right to prevent others from carrying out numerous acts, including copying, adapting, or issuing copies to the public. What is a copyright work? Any project that involves the creation of new “works” such as research, plans, photographs, diagrams, models, plans or charts – as well as the building itself – will need to consider who owns the copyright in those works. Who owns the copyright? The first owner of copyright in any work is the author or, if any employee, his or her employer. More than one person can be an author, whether they have worked together or separately. It is also possible for more than one person to own the copyright. Assignment or Licence? Although it is possible to agree to transfer – or assign – the ownership of copyright, this is rare in the construction and development industry. Consequently, architects, planners and surveyors will each own copyright in the works they produce and have the power to prevent others from using their work at all, or for any purposes other than expressly permitted, as well as controlling permitted uses. What should a licence cover? Permission to use a copyright work is granted in a licence. This can either be a separate document or included as part of a more wide-ranging contract. The licence sets out exactly who can do what with the relevant copyright work, so it is important that the scope is wide enough to cover everything that may be needed for the project, and, subsequently, permission is given to all people or entities who will need it.
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Source: Wheeler, P., partner, Collyer Bristow, March 2015, RICS MODUS, Legal 101 – Know your copyrights from wrongs, p47. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Modus, March 2015 – The Africa issue [online], RICS, Knowledge, Journals. Available at: http://www.rics.org/uk/news/journals/modus/the-africa-issue1/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
Useful online resources
1. Construction Information and Guidance available through the HSE -
Within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website, there is a wealth of information surrounding Construction. Lucy’s Top Searching Tips - By typing in ‘Construction’ within the search engine at the top of the website @ www.hse.gov.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] a vast array of ‘subject fields’ are identified incl. Construction: Within the ‘Construction’ section of the HSE website, there is further information on – new to health and safety; safety topics; health topics; Construction Design and Management; Leadership and worker involvement toolkit; Migrant workers in construction; Worker engagement; current campaigns; Managing health risks (COHME); Construction FAQs; Construction news including news and updates about health and safety in the construction industry & Info net including RSS feeds and Construction e-bulletins to sign up to. Health and Safety in the Construction Industry - http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/ Health and Safety in Construction - http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg150.htm HSE Publications: Free Leaflets – Construction http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/conindex.htm Construction Design and Management (CDM) - http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm Statistics – Industries http://www.hse.gov.uk/STATISTICS/industry/index.htm Statistics - Construction Industry http://www.hse.gov.uk/STATISTICS/industry/construction/index.htm Fatal injury statistics, summary for 2012/13 http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm Latest quarterly fatal injury figures for 2014/15 http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatalquarterly.htm [N.B. Websites accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
2. British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) –
BCSC (British Council of Shopping Centres) is the professional body for retail property – an authoritative voice for UK retail-led regeneration and for the management of and investment in shopping places. Having a broad message membership means that the BCSC stay well informed about the large range of issues affecting property owners, developers, investors, asset managers, retailers, consultants, shopping centre managers and public sector employees and can utilize this network to develop solutions to many of the industry’s current challenges. BSCS Research [online] and available at https://www.bcsc.org.uk/research_education/research_education [accessed 22 January 2016] BCSC Education - https://www.bcsc.org.uk/research_education/education [accessed22 January 2016] Within the BCSC ‘Education section’ of their website there are a number of useful pieces of further information and UCEM promotion incl. BCSC/UCEM SCM Diploma – The ‘Must Have’ Qualification
Educational Articles incl. Modern Building Surveying Methods by Martin Penney, Technics Group [11/07/2011],
Educational Presentations, incl. Virtual Study Tours, Customer Trends, and further
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Learning Resources
Source: British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC), BCSC Education [online]. Available at: https://www.bcsc.org.uk/research_education/education [accessed 22 January 2016] Government Relations – The BCSC are committed to representing the industry to external stakeholders to ensure the right regulatory conditions for retail real estate investment and development and raise awareness of the importance of this vibrant and diverse sector. The BCSC have recently had policy wins on government’s high streets agenda (as a leading members of its Future High Streets Forum), planning policy, business rates, and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Within the BCSC ‘Government Relations’ part of their website there are a number of useful sections incl. Creating Sustainable Destinations
Managing Local Conditions
Ensuring Shopping Centres Remain Relevant
Unlocking Conditions for Development
Source: British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC), BCSC Government Relations [online]. Available at: https://www.bcsc.org.uk/government_relations/government_relations [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
3. The National BIM (Building Information Modelling) Library -
Source: NBS (2014), National BIM Library [online]. Available at: http://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/ & http://www.thenbs.com/topics/index.asp [accessed 22 January 2016] - Lucy’s Top Searching Tips - You will note within the toolbar at the top of the National BIM Library homepage a section entitled, ‘Construction knowledge’. Once you have clicked on this section, you will note further information on NBS Products; Solutions; Topic areas; Resources; Training and CPD; Support; & NBS TV. Topic areas include Design and specification,
Building Information Modelling,
Regulations and standards,
Building services,
Practice management,
Contracts and law,
Sustainability,
Building technologies, and
Health and Safety.
N.B. Within each topic area has further information incl. Articles, Reports, VIDEOS, Recommended reading and Bibliographies. Resources include Useful links – A comprehensive collection of websites on architecture, construction and engineering,
organised into categories, covering everything from architectural history to public health engineering.
Directory of useful organisations – contact details and a description of the work of hundreds of professional bodies and trade association relating to the UK construction industry.
Reading lists/Bibliographies – enabling you to investigate a range of topics in greater depth.
Glossaries: To help you through the jargon jungle, the National Building Specification (NBS), a trading name of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA Enterprises Ltd), are compiling a series of glossaries of useful words and phrases used in construction industry, starting with sustainable development.
NBS Publication Index – This invaluable resource gives you details and abstracts for thousands of the
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most important construction documents published in the UK, include ones that are no longer in print.
NBS Newsletters – to help you keep up-to-date with the latest developments, and
NBS Journals – containing specifically-written articles on specification, and is available twice a year. N.B. The current edition and all previous NBS Journals are available to download.
Source: NBS, The National BIM Library (2014). Available at: http://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/ & http://www.thenbs.com/topics/index.asp [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
4. Sustainability in Facilities Management – A useful online tool and resource pool
The Sustainability in Facilities Management (Sustainability in FM) web site provides a practical, easy to use first point of contact for Facilities Managers where best practice case studies on sustainability topics can be found. All case studies are vetted to provide relevance to Facilities Management, practically and absence of marketing spin. The web site also provides Facilities Managers with background information on the most common sustainability issues and links out to recommend centres of excellence. “Knowledge Transfer Partnerships” (KTP) are a Technology Strategy Board programme set up to improve competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. The Sustainability in FM research project is a partnership between the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and the University of Reading under this part government funded scheme. The aim of the project is to develop practical tools for the FM professional so that they can improve the implementation and management of sustainable practices in the working environment. Please note: To register on Sustainability in FM is free but to access the full content of the site registration is required. Sustainability in Facilities Management (FM) – A useful online tool and resource pool [online] and available at http://www.sustainabilityinfm.org.uk/home [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
5. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is an independent body committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity in land, property and construction -
Explore RICS @ http://www.rics.org/uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] is a ‘keyword’ section of the RICS website and provides direct links through to information relating to the following topic areas/keywords incl. Environment, Geomatics, Minerals & waste, Planning & development, Rural, Arts & antiques, Commercial property, Dispute resolution, Facilities management, Machinery & assets, Management consultancy, Residential property, Valuation, Building control, Quantity surveying & construction, Project management, Building surveying, BIM, Infrastructure, Measurements, and Party walls. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), 2014, Explore RICS and RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) [online]. Available at http://www.rics.org/uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] RICS Library Online catalogue – 2500 electronic documents selected and catalogued, plus books, magazine
articles, law reports and transcripts [online]. Available at http://unicorn.rics.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/0/0/0/60/69/X [accessed 22 January 2016]
RICS Property Glossary of terms and acronyms used across the wide range of specialisms covered by chartered surveyors [online]. Available at http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/glossary [accessed 22 January 2016]
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6. Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Archive –
This archive contains older research that CIOB has undertaken incl. The Changing Role of Women in Construction
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The Cowboy Builder: A Public Perspective
Innovation in Construction
Occupational Stress in Construction
UK Construction Report on Sustainability
Managing the Risk of Delayed Completion.
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), 2014, Archive [online]. Available at: http://www.ciob.org/content/archive [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
7. Inclusive Design Hub for the Built Environment -
This Inclusive Design Hub for the Built Environment is a project of The Design Council who champion great design that improves lives and makes things better. This Hub is a collection of the latest guidance and best practice on inclusive design in the Built Environment and has the following sections that can be searched upon incl. Sectors: Culture & Leisure; Transport; Education; Housing; Healthcare; Commercial; Heritage;
Government; and Retail
Scale & Setting: Urban; Public realm; Neighbourhood; Single Building; and Rural
User Journey: Circulation and navigation; Visitor facilities; Entry and Exit; Arrival; Pre-arrival and Information
Resource Type: Guidance and Interpretation; Technical resources; Case studies and good practice; and Regulation and legislation
Inclusion Type: Physical inclusion; Visual inclusion; Cognitive inclusion; Social inclusion; Auditory inclusion; Demographic inclusion
Development phase: Design; Management and Maintenance; Planning; Consultation and Engagement; Construction and Inception and definition.
Further information and to search upon the Inclusive Design Hub, please visit The Design Council [online]. Available at www.designcouncil.org.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] and select Projects and Inclusive Design Hub for the Built Environment [online]. Available at http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/projects/inclusive-design-hub-built-environment [accessed 22 January 2016] and click on ‘Search the hub’ Source: The Construction Information Service (CIS) - Briefing (UK – November 2014) [online] Please note: CIS can be accessed through the Athens gateway http://www.openathens.net/ and by selecting ‘IHS Technical Indexes Info4Education’. The Briefing can be downloaded from the CIS homepage. Back to top
8. Building Research Establishment (BRE)
BRE is a world leading, multi-disciplinary, building science centre with a mission to improve buildings through research and knowledge generation. Through the BRE Group companies BRE and BRE Global, they provide a complete range of consultancy, testing, certification, commissioned research and training services covering all aspects of the built environment and associated industries. Useful weblinks provide useful information resources incl. News and Information [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/media-centre.jsp [accessed 22
January 2016]
Case Studies [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/podpage.jsp?id=1744 [accessed 22 January 2016] incl. BREEAM case studies; Building Investigations case studies; Healthcare case studies; Innovation case studies; Membership and secretariat case studies; Sustainable, materials, buildings, communities and businesses case studies; Timber case studies; Toxicity; and Bioaccumulation, environmental risk case studies.
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Projects & Reports [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/podpage.jsp?id=1752 [accessed 22 January 2016] incl. Visual alarm devices – their effectiveness in warning of fire; The cost of poor housing to the NHS Briefing Paper; Characterising the smoke produced from modern materials and evaluating smoke detectors; Cause of false fire alarms in buildings; Providing better estimates of solid wall insulation savings; Domestic energy fact file; Energy use in homes; Fires in Enclosed Car Parks; Photovoltaics field trial; BeAware research project; A Review of Part B of the Building Regulations; Construction Resources and Waste Roadmap; Improving Sound Insulation in Homes; Sustainable Construction – Simple ways to make it happen; Internet enabled technologies in buildings; Summer Time adjustments on energy use; Carbon Detectives; Well-being and materials; IDEAL EPBD – Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; Project Aether: Innovating to reduce the carbon footprint of cement production; BRE and University of Bath; The National Refurbishment Centre; Fire at Rosepark Care Home; Controlling Water use of trees; Video – staff room fire reconstruction; Design for Future Climate; Sitting rooms to cities: refurbishing the existing stock; West London Property and Asset Management Programme; Aprés – Case Study; ECOHeat 4 Cities; Long term initiatives for flood risk environments; S-IMPLER; The SMARTeST FP7 Project; Carbon Reduction Measures in the Higher Education sector; Sustainable Estates Options Appraisal Methodology (SEOAM); Ma TriD projects; IEE Project EPISCOPE; and 1968 – Ronan Point gas explosion; 1979 – Woolworths Manchester fire; 1981 – Stardust disco; 1985 – Bradford City football ground; 1996 – Channel Tunnel; 2004 – Rose Park care home; 2004 – Bethnal Green Road; 2007 – Penhallow Hotel; and 2007 – Cutty Sark.
BRE: in print and on tv [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=3253 [accessed 22 January 2016]
Building4Change – The online magazine from the BRE Trust [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=3168 [accessed 22 January 2016]
Sustainability [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=1766 [accessed 22 January 2016]
Research and Innovation [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=1849 [accessed 22 January 2016]
BRE Services A–Z [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/atoz.jsp [accessed 22 January 2016]
Building Research Establishment (BRE) [online] and available @ https://www.bre.co.uk/index.jsp [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
9. Global Research Gateway: CBRE’s online resource for Real Estate Research -
- CBRE, the global leader in real estate services and investment. Every day, in markets around the globe, CBRE apply insight, experience and resources to help clients make informed real estate decisions. Every year, they complete thousands of successful assignments across a wide range of markets and real estate service lines. CBRE’s deep experience and expertise allows them to paint a precise picture of global commercial real estate conditions and trends. It allows them to recognize opportunities quickly and take advantage of them. CBRE’s mission is to deliver consistently superior results by: Always putting the client first
Bringing the best talent to every assignment
Collaborating across markets and service lines
Capitalizing on the depth of our market information and insight
CBRE has a Global Research Gateway: Your source for Real Estate Research [online]. Available at https://researchgateway.cbre.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
10. COPAC* –
COPAC exposes rare and unique research material by bringing together the catalogues of c.90 major UK and Irish Libraries. In a single search you can discover the holdings of the UK’s national libraries (including
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the British Library), many University libraries, and specialist libraries [online]. Further information is available at www.copac.ac.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Researchers and educators use COPAC to save time in their research, to quickly and easily discover and locate resources, to check documents details, review materials etc. Information professional trust COPAC to give them access to a unique pool of high-quality bibliographic information. COPAC is a Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) service, provided for the UK community on the basis of an agreement with Research Libraries UK (RLUK). The service uses records supplied by RLUK members, as well as an increasing range of specialist libraries with collections of national research interest. COPAC is a registered trademark of The University of Manchester. NOTE: Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Library catalogue added to COPAC COPAC has loaded the catalogue of the Institution of Civil Engineers Library onto COPAC. See the COPAC blog [online] and available @ http://blog.copac.ac.uk/2015/04/13/institution-of-civil-engineers-library-catalogue-loaded/ [accessed 22 January 2016] for full details. Back to top
UCEM e-Library portrait
UCEM e-Library portrait @ https://www.ucem.ac.uk/supported-online-learning/elibrary/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
As of January, 2016, a search of ‘construction’ on the internet produces over 130,000,000 items. How long will it take you to find exactly what you are looking for? The UCEM e-Library (accessed through the VLE) is a comprehensive and valuable online resource, enabling staff and students to access a wealth of up-to-date, credible and subject-specific information around the clock. The e-Library ensures that staff and students are kept informed of current and best practice from within construction and real estate, and kept abreast of the latest developments within the profession. The UCEM e-Library can: provide a first point of call for staff and students to access digital resources
add value and depth to work
contribute to personal and professional development
Resources available include up-to-date information and online searchable databases from key educational and industry-specific sources, including British Library, Open University (UK), Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), Estates Gazette (EGi), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Investment Property Databank (IPD) - a subsidiary of MSCI Inc., and isurv - Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) published material. Staff and students can also access useful web links to additional digital resources; e-books and e-journals to assist with research and underpin written work, while building current awareness of issues affecting construction and real estate.
NOTE: For the above link to work you must ensure that you are logged-in to Athens - Section 2 of the VLE e-Library People have access to so much information these days and particularly through the Internet. “Demonstrating to both UCEM staff and students what their e-Library can do for them remains a key priority.” Lucy Roper, UCEM Digital Resource Manager
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Some key facts and figures about the UCEM e-Library Access to - over 2000 Full-Text Journal Titles
over 1000 useful web links to e-Resources
online searchable databases from 15 key industry specific & educational sources
A discovery service to allow students and staff to search all the UCEM Library services and e-Resources in one place
Athens gateway – access and identity management system
a direct link to UCEM’s entire library of study material
UCEM Published Research and back issues of this eBulletin
Abstracts and indexes of external databases
Reading lists, bibliographies and literature reviews
Guidance notes and fact sheets
Access to UCEM Research and Occasional Paper series, Reports and Publications, and Archive
UCEM e-Library enquiry service –
UCEM are constantly striving to improve the online resources available to support learning and development. Therefore, having listened and responded to requests, the e-Library has now set up an enquiry service so that library queries can be put direct to an information specialist. So why not email today at [email protected] ? Or access the e-library online. Available @ https://www.ucem.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] and click on ‘Access your VLE’ & visit the ‘e-Library’ Back to top
Student career service –
The UCEM Careers Service is part of Student Services and provides students with professional Information, Advice and Guidance on all career related matters. Reasons to use the UCEM Careers Service – 1. It’s industry specific and on trend. UCEM undertakes research and talks to employers all the time to keep up-to-date. 2. It’s tailor made; you may need a straight forward answer to a quick question or some in depth careers coaching. This is not “one size fits all”. 3. UCEM runs a great online Job Shop with a wide range of opportunities from two week placements to overseas roles. Employers really want to connect with you and often come to UCEM first with entry level jobs. UCEM has advertised over 60 jobs and placements since 1 April 2015. Why not click here and add us to your favourites? 4. UCEM offers a CV review service to help you produce this all important marketing tool. 5. This service is free, confidential and recognised by MATRIX, the industry Quality Standard. It can challenge the way you see yourself and maybe your perception of Career Advice too. On offer Advice by email, phone or Skype
Career planning tools
Interview practice
Labour Marketing Information
Job search skills
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Country specific advice for international students
Specialist resources on the VLE
Top topics in 2015 Job hunting, Graduate schemes and entry level jobs
Career planning – it’s essential these days
Getting industry experience whilst you are studying
CVs
Work Life Balance
Source: UCEM, 26 October 2015, CEM Careers Newsletter – CEM Student Career Service, Reading : UCEM Back to top
Related Links:
GoConstruct.org – New careers website launched In September 2015 the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) launched a response on behalf of many of the industry’s training and professional bodies to the persistent call over the last year or more for a single portal – namely GoConstruct.org to help schoolchildren and others to explore job and career options within the construction sector, ranging from professional and managerial to trade and supervisory occupations. Hopefully it will cover every role you can think of? The CITB and Construction Excellence website have recommended everyone/readers to take a look at https://www.goconstruct.org, pass on the link to those who can use it – and also provide feedback. Ward, D., 17 September 2015, Constructing Excellence website [online]. Further information is available at http://constructingexcellence.org.uk/new-careers-website-launched-goconstruct-org-2/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
Surveying 2016 – RICS Career Guide: Your career in land, property and construction
Surveying 2016 is the annual careers guide from RICS aimed at those interested in learning more about careers in land, property and construction. Highlights include case studies that reveal what it's like to work as a chartered surveyor, features on iconic built environment projects, essential information on the APC and profiles of newly qualified members. Inside you will also find showcases from Savills, Mace, Aecom, Jones Lang LaSalle to name a few, as well as many educational institutions such as UCEM, UCI and Oxford Brookes who offer a range of accredited courses. You can also browse the full list of graduate opportunities and courses provided + access and read this guide in full by downloading the PDF via web-link provided below: Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), 2016, Surveying 2016 – RICS Career Guide: You career in land, property and construction [online]. Available at: http://www.rics.org/uk/the-profession/surveying-2016-careers-guide/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Back to top
UCEM’s commitment to the sustainability agenda –
beesustainable BUILT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION
UCEM’s strategic ambition is to develop and implement genuine sustainability credentials as a socially responsible organisation by; Ensuring our students leave their study with UCEM conversant in best practice in nurturing a
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sustainable built environment
Making sustainability a central focus for UCEM at organisational, departmental and individual levels, and
Establishing UCEM as a leader in the sustainability agenda through actively influencing industry and conducting research in our sector
UCEM, February 2015, thirty seven twenty seven, Principal’s Update, Issue 13, Reading : UCEM Back to top
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Useful web links
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M
N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
A
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Civil Engineering database www.asce.org [accessed 22 January 2016] provides free access to over 80 thousand abstracts taken from ASCE publications since 1973. Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM) brings together all those interested in construction management research. It aims to further the advancement of knowledge in all aspects of management in construction by support education, dissemination and research [online]. Further information available at www.arcom.ac.uk/index.php [accessed 22 January 2016]
B [Back to A-Z]
BAILLI Case Law Search (British and Irish Legal Information Institute) [online]. Further information available at http://www.bailii.org/form/search_cases.html [accessed 22 January 2016] BBC Education [online]. Further information available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education/ [accessed 22 January 2016] BBC Search [online]. Further information available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/search/ [accessed 22 January 2016] BCSC (British Council of Shopping Centres) is the professional body and authoritative voice for retail-led regeneration and for the management of and investment in shopping places [online]. Further information available at https://www.bcsc.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] BCSC Education [online]. Further information available at https://www.bcsc.org.uk/research_education/education [accessed 22 January 2016] BCSC Research [online]. Further information available at
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https://www.bcsc.org.uk/research_education/research_education [accessed 22 January 2016] BCSC Research + Education Document listing [online] and available at https://www.bcsc.org.uk/documents/list [accessed 22 January 2016] BIFM (British Institute of Facilities Management) - BIFM is Europe's leading FM Institute. Founded in 1993, the Institute provides information, education, training and networking services for its members [online]. Further information available at http://www.bifm.org.uk/bifm/home [accessed 22 January 2016] BIFM, FM World (Digital Magazine of the BIFM) Resources [online]. Further information available at http://www.fm-world.co.uk/resources/ [accessed 22 January 2016] and http://www.bifm.org.uk/bifm/knowledge/resources/fmworld [accessed 22 January 2016] BIFM Library holds all documents produced by the British Institute of Facilities Management [online]. Further information available at www.bifm.org.uk/bifm/knowledge/resources/library [accessed 22 January 2016] BIM Task Group – The Building Information Modelling (BIM) Task Group support and develop the objectives of the Government Construction Strategy and the requirement to strengthen the public sector’s capability in BIM implementation [online]. Further information is available at http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/about/ [accessed 22 January 2016] BIMForum – The BIMForum’s mission is to facilitate and accelerate the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry. Further information is available via the BIMForum Website [online] and @ http://bimforum.org [accessed 22 January 2016] BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association International) – a federation of 91 BOMA U.S. associations and 17 international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA’s mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge. BOMA Research and Resources [online] and available at http://www.boma.org/research/Pages/find-a-resource.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] British Property Federation (BPF) – The British Property Federation is a membership organisation devoted to representing the interests of all those involved in real estate ownership and investment [online]. Further information available at http://www.bpf.org.uk/en/index.php [accessed 22 January 2016] BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent and impartial, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, offering expertise in every aspect of the built environment and associated industries [online]. Further information available at http://www.bre.co.uk/about-us.jsp [accessed 22 January 2016] BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) is a test, instrumentation, research and consultancy organisation, providing specialist services in construction and building services. https://www.bsria.co.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Builder and engineer [online]. Available at http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] – Free access to articles from Builder and Engineer magazine and locate information on current projects as well as company profiles, products and industry news. Building4Change - Launched by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Trust in 2009, Building4Change is an online knowledge hub, dedicated to sustainability, innovation and best practice in the built environment. It delivers a free-to-view daily digest of news and information from across the built environment, including greater detail on the news from the BRE Group. Available online at http://www.building4change.com/index.jsp [accessed 22 January 2016] Building Design Directory – provides construction and environmental products / services / information for Architects, Engineers and Facility Managers [online]. Available at http://www.buildingdesign.co.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Building talks [online]. Available at www.buildingtalk.com [accessed 22 January 20165]
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Building Talks is an email newsletter for Architects, Civil Engineers and Building Services Contractors.
C [Back to A-Z]
CBI (Confederation of British Industry) is the UK’s premier business lobbying organisation, providing a voice for employers at a national and international level [online]. Available at http://www.cbi.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] CBI Construction Section [online]. Available at http://www.cbi.org.uk/business-issues/construction/ [accessed 22 January 2016] CBRE (Commercial Real Estate Services) is the world’s largest real estate services provider, with a preeminent leadership position in virtually all key business centers globally [online]. Available at http://www.cbre.com/EN/Pages/Home.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] CEBE (The Centre for Education in the Built Environment) - As part of the Subject Network of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) [online] and available at https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] the Centre provides discipline based support to enhance the quality of learning and teaching in the UK Higher Education CEBE, Built Environment community. CEM (College of Estate Management) – See UCEM (University College of Estate Management) CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) The Chartered Institute of Building is the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process [online]. Available at http://www.ciob.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] CIOB Insight incl. Library and Information Services [online]. Available at http://www.ciob.org.uk/library [accessed 22 January 2016] CIOB – Global Construction Review [online]. Available at http://www.globalconreview.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016] CIRIA – The Construction Industry Research and Information Association and CIRIA Resources [online]. Further information is available at http://www.ciria.org/default.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] and CIRIA Resources [online]. Cities / buildings images database [online]. Available at www.washington.edu/ark2 [accessed 22 January 2016] is a collection of images of buildings and cities from around the world aimed at students, researchers and educators. Constructing Excellence is the single organisation charged with driving the change agenda in construction. Resources include publications, tools and newsletter [online]. Available at http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Construction News [online]. Available at www.cnplus.co.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and distributors of construction products and materials. Further information available at Construction Products Association [online]. Available at http://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Contractors World magazines (incl. Contractors World International and Contractors World UK & Ireland) are the leading international digital publications. Delivering site reports, equipment reviews and comments of interest on the construction, mining, quarrying and related industries [online]. Available at http://cwmags.co.uk/index.php [accessed 22 January 2016]. COPAC exposes rare and unique research material by bringing together the catalogues of c.90 major UK and Irish Libraries. In a single search you can discover the holdings of the UK’s national libraries (including the British Library), many University libraries, and specialist libraries [online]. Further information is available at http://copac.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
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COTAC (Conference on Training in Architectural Conservation) was formed in 1959 to improve the standard of education of everyone involved in building conservation, including craftsmen, professionals and home owners [online]. Available at http://www.cotac.org.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] COTAC Digital Bibliography [online]. Available at http://www.cotac.org.uk/bib.php [accessed 22 January 2016] CPIC (Construction Project Information Committee), responsible for providing best practice guidance on the content, form and preparation of construction production information, and making sure this best practice is disseminated throughout the UK construction industry [online]. Available at http://www.cpic.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] CPRC (Construction and Property Research Centre), University of the West of England (UWE) – the CPRC’s research activity is focused around the three inter-related stages of the built environment life-cycle, namely design, construction and maintenance [online]. Available at http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/et/research/cprc.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] CPRC, UWE Research Repository – Providing immediate world-wide open access to all of UWE’s research output [online]. Available at http://eprints.uwe.ac.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) – CPRE campaign for a beautiful and living countryside. They work to protect, promote and enhance our towns and countryside to make them better places to live, work and enjoy, and to ensure the countryside is protected for now and future generations [online] Available at http://www.cpre.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]. CPRE Resources provides the latest news articles, policy guidance notes, published reports and research surrounding the following - Countryside, Farming and food, Housing and planning, Energy and Waste, and Transport [online]. Available at http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources [accessed 22 January 2016]
D [Back to A-Z]
The Design Council champions great design that improves lives and makes things better [online] and available @ http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]. See also Inclusive Design Hub for the Built Environment (a project of The Design Council) listed below. Designing Buildings Wiki [online] and available at http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Home [accessed 22 January 2016] - an industry-wide, cross-discipline forum for finding and sharing information. DOAB (Directory of Open Access Books) is a service which harvests details of academic and mainly peer-reviewed books published on open access [online]. Available at http://www.doabooks.org/doab [accessed 22 January 2016] DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) covers all open access scientific and scholarly journals, using a quality control system to guarantee the content [online]. Available at https://doaj.org/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
E [Back to A-Z]
The Economics Network provides publications, events and other resources to support university teachers of economics throughout the UK and worldwide [online]. Available at www.economicsnetwork.ac.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences, investing more than £800 million a year in a broad range of subjects – from mathematics
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to materials science, and from information technology to structural engineering [online] and available at https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites – from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. Further information is available at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]. Note: English Heritage has now separated into two organisations. If you are looking for information on listing, planning, grants or heritage research and advice, please visit Historic England (listed below). Estates Gazette The UK's largest commercial property news team [online]. Available at http://www.egi.co.uk/Property/Home.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] European Real Estate Society (ERES) was established in 1994 to create an international real estate network between academics and professionals across Europe [online]. Further information is available at http://www.eres.org/ [accessed 22 January 2016]. ERES Digital Library [online] and available at http://eres.architexturez.net/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
G [Back to A-Z]
Great Buildings [Online]. Available at www.greatbuildings.com [accessed 22 January 2016] provides a database of buildings around the world and across all historic periods. You can search the database by building names, place or architect name. It provides access to 3D models, photographic images and architectural drawings. Glenigan [online]. Available at https://www.glenigan.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016] provides UK construction project sales leads, market analysis, forecasting, and company intelligence. The Guardian, Housing network – providing insight, advice and best practice from your community [online]. Available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/housing-network/ [accessed 22 January 2016] The Guardian, Higher Education network [online]. Available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network [accessed 22 January 2016]
H [Back to A-Z]
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – HSE is the national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness. HSE are an independent regulator and act in the public interest to reduce work-related death and serious injury across Great Britain’s workplaces [online]. Available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm [accessed 22 January 2016] HELM (Historic Environment Local Management) - provides accessible information, training and guidance to decision makers in local authorities, regional agencies and national organisations whose actions affect the historic environment. Note: You can now find all HELM web content on the Historic England website [online] and available @ http://www.historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/local-heritage/helm-redirect [accessed 22 January 2016]. Heritage Alliance - The largest coalition of heritage interests in England, the Heritage Alliance is the umbrella body for national and major regional Heritage NGOs [online]. Available at http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Heritage Alliance’s Heritage Update E-Bulletin [online]. Available at http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/heritage-update [accessed 22 January 2016] Heritage Update: the online edition of the fortnightly Heritage Alliance’s Heritage Update e-bulletin [online] and available at http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/update/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Heritage Help - Created by the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies, Heritage Help offers information and advice on matters related to the management and protection of local historic environments [online]. Available at
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http://heritagehelp.org.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Higher Education Academy (HEA) – The Higher Education Academy champions excellent learning and teaching in higher education. The HEA are a national and independent organisation, funded by the four UK HE funding bodies and by subscriptions and grants [online]. Available at https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] and HEA Knowledge HUB [online] and available at https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/hub [accessed 22 January 2016] Higher Education Empirical Research (HEER) Database comprises summaries of the latest published research on a range of topics related to higher education [online]. Available at http://heer.qaa.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Historic England is the public body that looks after England’s historic environment. Historic England champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them. Further information is available at http://www.historicengland.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Home Builders Federation (HBF) – HBF represents and serves its members in a range of ways including; Ensuring senior politicians and government officials are aware of housing issues and the challenges faced by our members; and working with Government officials to ensure housing policies are introduced that facilitate housing supply, in a way that is workable for the industry [online]. Available at http://www.hbf.co.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] House Building Careers (part of HBF) – Here you will be able to learn about the home building industry and how it benefits you, your community and the country as a whole [online]. Further information available at http://housebuildingcareers.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
I [Back to A-Z]
ICDE (International Council for Open and Distance Education) – ICDE is the leading global membership organisation for enhancing the quality of open, distance, flexible and online education, including e-Learning [online]. Available at http://www.icde.org/ [accessed 22 January 2016] ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) ICE is a registered charity that strives to promote and progress civil engineering [online]. Available at https://www.ice.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] ICE Virtual Library [online]. Available at www.icevirtuallibrary.com [accessed 22 January 2016] is a free database that indexes all ICE journals. IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) is the principal professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment specialists working in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with connections to the Republic of Ireland [online]. Available at http://www.ihbc.org.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Inclusive Design Hub for the Built Environment is a collection of the latest guidance and best practice on inclusive design in the built environment (and a project of The Design Council) [online]. Available at http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/projects/inclusive-design-hub-built-environment [accessed 22 January 2016] ITcon – The Journal of Information Technology in Construction is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal on the use of IT in architecture, civil engineering and facility management [online] and available at http://www.itcon.org/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
J [Back to A-Z]
JOLT (Journal of Online Learning and Teaching) - The MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching is a peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication that aims to promote scholarship in the use of the Internet and web-based multimedia resource in higher
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education [online]. Available at MERLOT Journal of Online Teaching and Learning (JOLT): http://jolt.merlot.org and http://jolt.merlot.org/currentissue.html [accessed 22 January 2016] JournalTOCs is the largest, free collection of scholarly journal Title of Contents (TOCs) [online]. Available at http://www.journaltocs.ac.uk/index.php [accessed 22 January 2016] JEBE (Journal for Education in the Built Environment) is the leading UK publication for pedagogy in the built environment disciplines [online]. Further information is available within the Higher Education Academy (HEA) Knowledge HUB [online] and available at https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/hub [accessed 22 January 2016] JEBE JISC Content – This website provides an introduction to digital collections designed for education. They are mainly aimed at university students, researchers and librarians but many of the online archives are open to anyone @ http://www.jisc-content.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] JORUM - the place where you will find free open educational sources produced by the UK Further and Higher Education community @ http://www.jorum.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
L [Back to A-Z]
Leeds Metropolitan University’s CeBE – Centre for the Built Environment – CeBE has researched ways to reduce domestic energy use for nearly 20 years [online]. Available at www.leedsmet.ac.uk/cebe [accessed 20 November 2015]. CeBE’s Virtual Site Gallery contains construction details, case studies, site photographs, and plant details @ www.leedsmet.ac.uk/teaching/vsite/gallery/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Local Government Association (LGA) - The LGA is the national voice of local government. They work with councils to support, promote and improve local government [online]. Available at http://www.local.gov.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] LGA Knowledge Hub - Knowledge Hub is the public sector's professional social network which helps people in local government connect and share online in a secure environment [online]. Available at https://khub.net/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
N [Back to A-Z]
National BIM (Building Information Modelling) Library, the construction industry’s free-to-use resource of the NBS (trading name of RIBA Enterprises Ltd) standard BIM content [online]. Available at http://www.nationalbimlibrary.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016] & http://www.thenbs.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016] National Skills Academy (NSA) for Construction – The NSA for Construction is a project-based training concept that is tailored to helping clients and contractors to get the right skills where they need them – on site [online]. Available at http://www.cskills.org/nsacademy/ [accessed 22 January 2016] The National Trust protect historic houses, gardens, mills, coastline, forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, nature reserves, villages and pubs [online]. Available at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] National Trust’s Land use & planning [online]. Available at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/what-we-do/big-issues/land-use-and-planning/ [accessed 22 January 2016] NCE [online]. Available at www.nce.co.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] is the official website of the New Civil Engineer, a weekly magazine published for the ICE.
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O [Back to A-Z]
OAJSE (Open Access Journals Search Engine) – An Open Access e-Journal portal. Search for articles in Open Access journals from around the World (excl. India) [online]. Available at http://www.oajse.com/index.html [accessed 22 January 2016] Specialist subject areas including-Business and Management; Construction; Economics; Education; Law; Library and Information Science; and Social Sciences to name but a few. OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) iLibrary is the online library of the OECD, featuring its books, papers and statistics and is the gateway to OECD’s analysis and data. It replaced SourceOECD in July 2010 [online]. Available at http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org [accessed 22 January 2016] OER (Open Educational Resources) Research Hub – OER Research Hub gathers research on the impact of open education resources (OER) on learning and teaching practices [online]. Further information is available at http://oerresearchhub.org/ [accessed 25 January 2016] Online Learning Consortium (OLC) – The OLC is devoted to advanced quality online learning by providing professional development, instruction, best practice publications and guidance to educators, online learning professionals and organisations around the world. Further information is available at Online Learning Consortium [online] and available at http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Open Praxis – Open Praxis (published by the International Council for Open and Distance Education – ICDE) is a peer-reviewed open access scholarly journal focusing on research and innovation in open, distance and flexible education [online]. Available at http://openpraxis.org/index.php/OpenPraxis/index [accessed 22 January 2016] Open University (OU) UK [online] and available at http://www.open.ac.uk/ [accessed 25 January 2016] Open University (OU) UK, Institute of Education Technology [online] and available at http://www.open.ac.uk/iet/main/ [accessed 25 January 2016] ORBEE (Open Resources in Built Environment Education) contains a collection of free, high quality teaching and learning materials for online learning or use in the classroom [online].
P [Back to A-Z]
The Planning Portal - the UK Government’s online planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales [online]. Available at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk [accessed 22 January 2016] Planning Advisory Service (PAS) – The Planning Advisory Service provide consultancy and peer support, training sessions and online resources to help local authorities understand and respond to planning reform [online]. Available at http://www.pas.gov.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Planning Officers Society (POS) – The Planning Officers Society is the voice for public sector planning practitioners, pursuing good and effective planning practice within local government [online]. Available at http://www.planningofficers.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] The Prince’s Regeneration Trust is a UK charity that helps redundant historic buildings perform a new function, unlocking a regeneration of the wider community [online]. Available at http://www.princes-regeneration.org/ [accessed 22 January 2016] PPN (Property People’s Network) is open to all interested in land and property and provides a forum to network through a range of social activities and visits [online]. Available at http://www.ppnonline.co.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] Property Week – Commercial property news [online]. Available at
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http://www.propertyweek.com/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
R [Back to A-Z]
Regeneration and Renewal – Planning magazine blog [online]. Available at http://regen.net/home/ [accessed 22 January 2016] RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is an independent body committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity in land, property and construction. See also Explore RICS [online]. Available at http://www.rics.org/uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] RICS Library Online catalogue – 2500 electronic documents selected and catalogued, plus books, magazine articles, law reports and transcripts [online]. Available at http://unicorn.rics.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi.exe/0/0/0/60/69/X [accessed 22 January 2016] RICS Glossary of terms and acronyms used across the wide range of specialisms covered by chartered surveyors [online]. Available at http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/glossary [accessed 22 January 2016] Royal Town and Planning Institute (RTPI) – RTPI is the UK's leading planning body for spatial, sustainable and inclusive planning and is the largest planning institute in Europe with over 23,000 members. In 2014 they celebrate their Centenary [online]. Available at http://www.rtpi.org.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
S [Back to A-Z]
Specification Online – the free to use news and online products resource for specifiers working across the architectural and building sector [online] and available at http://specificationonline.co.uk [accessed 22 January 2016]
T [Back to A-Z]
The Telegraph – Construction and Property: The latest news, analysis and share prices on Britain's biggest construction and property companies [online]. Available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/constructionandproperty/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
U [Back to A-Z]
UCEM (University College of Estate Management) is the leading provider of supported distance learning for real estate and construction professionals [online]. Available at https://www.ucem.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016] University of the West of England (UWE), Construction and Property Research Centre (CPRC) – The CPRC’s research activity is focused around the three inter-related stages of the of the built environment life-cycle, namely design, construction and maintenance [online]. Available at http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/et/research/cprc.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] UWE Educational Resources for the Built Environment (ERBE) – The ERBE produces unique and highly respected educational resources for academic and professional use, and incorporates the Video Project and the Construction Website. Further information can be found on the ERBE website [online] and available at http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/et/cp/erbe.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] UWE, ERBE, The Video Project produces films on building construction, history and conservation. Established in 1992 and has produced over 30 films which are widely sued nationally and internationally at all levels of academia, CPD and in professional practice
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[online]. Further information is available at http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/et/cp/erbe/constructionfilms.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] UWE, ERBE, The Construction Website is an interactive encyclopaedia covering construction, conservation and building history. It is expanded and revised on an annual basis [online]. Further information is available at http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/et/cp/erbe/constructionweb.aspx [accessed 22 January 2016] UWE, Research Repository (CPRC) – Providing immediate world-wide open access to all of UWE’s research output [online]. Available at http://eprints.uwe.ac.uk [accessed 22 January 2016].
V [Back to A-Z]
Virtual Training Suite - This website provides a set of free Internet tutorials to help students develop their Internet research skills for a particular university course [online]. Available at http://www.vtstutorials.ac.uk/ and http://www.vtstutorials.co.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
Z [Back to A-Z]
ZETOC: The monitoring and search service for global research publications, providing access to over 29,000 journals and more than 52 million article citations and conference papers through the British Library’s electronic table of contents [online]. Available at http://zetoc.mimas.ac.uk/ [accessed 22 January 2016]
The web links provided were correct at time of compilation.
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University College of Estate Management, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6AW, UK - +44 (0)118 921 4696
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Lucy Roper BSc (Hons) CertHE ACILIP AFHEA, UCEM Digital Resource Manager
+44 (0)118 921 4661 | http://www.ucem.ac.uk, University College of Estate Management (UCEM)