This course provides the learner with an introduction to both the Irish legal system and administration of law. The learner will be introduced to the basic principles of both contract and tort law which underpin many aspects of the commercial/property/construction environment. It is intended that this module will provide the learner with basic legal to knowledge to identify legal problems and create an awareness of where legal expertise may need to be sought.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the Irish Legal System and explain the principal sources of Law.

2. Identify and explain the key fundamentals of both the law of contract anf the law of tort including remedies

3. Demonstrate an understanding of salient areas of law relevant to chosen profession

4. Formulate legal advice/opinion based on the thorough examination of the facts and the application of both legislation and case law

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the key provisions of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005 as amended

This module provides a clear understanding of the key role that Procurement plays within facilities management function and the tools to manage the procurement process. It provides an introduction to the theories, models and practice of Procurement Services within Facilities Management. The role of the purchasing and supply management function is therefore increasingly an important one although marketing efforts do increase gross revenues, they also increase the cost of goods sold, while purchasing management efforts go directly to the bottom line profit by increasing net revenue. This transition can be clearly seen in the evolution of purchasing and supply from its roots as a purely clerical function in the early part of this century, to its more traditional role of expense control through most of the century, and now to its additional role as manager of outside manufacturing (contract manufacturing). As the nature of the function has changed, so have the requirements for purchasing and materials management professionals.

Taking a word from the slogan of one eminently successful municipal purchasing department, good government purchasing means getting additional 'mileage' out of the tax Euro. Finally, organisations of all sizes need effective purchasing and materials management. There is a very strong correlation between purchasing management effectiveness financial performances within the Facilities function

The aims of this module are to: Introduce the student into the role Procurement pays within the organisation. Provide the student with a good understanding how the procurement cycle is conducted. Give the student a thorough understanding on the value of software information systems. Give an insight on the various levels Procurement operates within an organisation. Provide the student with a full understanding on why the Five Rights are so fundamental. Provide the student with a thorough understanding on the negotiation process. Give the student an understanding of why choosing the right specification is so important. Show the importance of Ethics and Corporate and Social Responsibility. Presents difficult topics and concepts in a clear, comprehensive and relevant way. Show the relevance of the module by incorporating real life examples.

1. Explain and appreciate the role that procurement plays within the organisation and understand the Procurement Cycle from origin to completion

2. Appreciate the value that SLA’s play in managing contracts successfully

3. Describe the supplier management process and examine how contractors price elements of construction work

4. Appreciate the tendering procedure and the value it can add

5. Outline the techniques used by organisations in capital buying decisions

The module provides an introduction to Facility Management and EHS, within the scope of FM, by examining the main trends currently emerging in the area.

The aim of the module is to provide the student with an understanding of the facility management and EHS professions.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of and appraise, the emergence and on-going development of the profession of property and facility management and further, classify, categorise and differentiate the main trends emerging in the profession.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the main theoretical concepts underpinning the profession.
3. Be able to compare and contrast the relationships between property asset management and the property development and investment industries. FM and EVM.
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of and explain the regulatory requirements and best practices relating to EHS management throughout a property’s life-cycle.
5. Identify and define the concepts of intelligent buildings (IBs), and the opportunities offered by the application of computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) systems.

The module provides the student with practical knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access together with an understanding of the role of Information Technology in the property market with particular emphasis on property and facilities management. The aim of the module is to ensure that students are proficient in the four main Microsoft packages which are relevant in the day to day practice of a property and facilities manager and also to appreciate the role that information technology can play in supporting and developing the duties of a property and facilities manager.

1. D emonstrate skills and knowledge in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

2. Develop and explain Excel based solutions for property and facilities management related problems.

3. C reate and query an Access based database suitable for the property and facilities management industry.

4. Describe the role of information technology in the property market and in supporting and developing the duties of a property and facilities manager

5. Identify and explain the added value that information technology in the property and facilities management industry can bring if utilised correctly

The work based learning (WBL) module is an integral component of the Higher Certificate in Property Services and Facilities Management. The module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to transfer and apply classroom learning to the work place. The integration of the academic theories with the professional work setting enables the student to gain a wider breadth of application for the academic theories and positions covered in the classroom setting.

Individual experiences in the workplace environment will vary from student to student. The workplace learning element of the programme is designed in a flexible manner to ensure that each student is given the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and competencies gained in the academic modules into a real life workplace context. Accordingly, if a student works in Facilities Management, then they may apply the learning to that area and similarly, learning can be applied in the context of Property Management.

The aims of this module are to: Allow students to reflect on the theoretical learning from each taught module Encourage students to critically analyse theory in a practical (work place) setting Advance the students written communication and critical analysis skills Provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their learning

1. Identify and describethe key issues associated with Facilities Management and / or Property Services

2. Apply theoretical knowledge gained from academic modules to the Facilities Management and / or Property Servicesindustries

3. Use problem solving techniques to address professional issues in the workplace

4. Demonstrate an ability to reflect on and analyse relevant themes throughout the academic session

5. Communicate complex and multi-faceted issues both in oral and written form

6. Reflect on their learning practice and process over the duration of the academic session

The module provides a detailed exploration into Construction Technology. It also provides an introduction to maintenance by examining the main trends currently emerging in the area.

The aim of the module is to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the need for the technologies and techniques required for upgrading and maintaining a range of buildings and their service, over their whole life.

1. Assess the technologies and techniques required for upgrading and maintaining a range of buildings and their services

2. Demonstrate a knowledge of and explain the regulatory requirements and best practices relating to a property’s life-cycle

3. Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the need for building modernisation

4. Identify and define the concepts of intelligent buildings (IBs) and the opportunities offered by the application of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)

5. Identify, then compare and contrast the functional requirements, installation methods and selection of Building Services

6. Recognise and demonstrate an appreciation of the need for systems and materials to reduce the environmental impact of construction work

7. Assess and provide and provide advice on the; refurbishment, upgrading and retrofitting of buildings

8. Undertake a building survey, form a comprehensive report, making recommendations relating to defects and potential improvements, state observations about and make recommendations in relation to TGD’s

This module explains the importance of financial management to facilities and property management students. It is designed to show the relevance of financial management and controls. The basic principles of financial management are covered as well as more complex financial management topics. The aims of this module are to: Introduce the student to the theory and practice of finance and how it relates to the facilities and property management sector. Provide the key elements needed by students who go into property and facilities management profession. Introduce and explain net present value (NPV) as an important concept in finance and valuation. Encourage students to appreciate that comprehension of the subject matter is more important than computation. This module can also be delivered as a full time option.

1. Describe the goals of a corporation or organisation, the form of the organisation, the agency problem and very briefly, financial markets.

2. Evaluate the distinction between cash flow and accounting profit.

3. Demonstrate that they fully understand financial planning and forecasting and realise the importance of forecasting and planning to company value.

4. Display competence in computerised accounting, including accounting systems and spreadsheets and awareness of structures of data based property management systems.

5. Provide accounting information for decision making, to prepare accounting statements for planning and control, to prepare periodic accounting reports.