The structures and management issues experienced in construction enterprises are the focus of this module. Management, organisational and project literature is drawn upon to illustrate the issues, supplemented by case study material. The issues addressed are to do with structure and process, are strategic as well as operational, rational as well as creative, and are about effectiveness and efficiency. Introducing you to key issues from the MBA curriculum, the module demonstrates that there are choices in the organisation and operation of the construction firm. These choices are suited to different aims and objectives. Strategic choice and operational decisions form part of the equation of effectiveness and hence competitive advantage in the marketplace.

The learning material therefore addresses both analytical experience of and in the firm and potential for the firm – a mix of theoretical and applied observation with normative input – that is, analysis about what ought to or could happen. Your learning occurs through lectures, group work, tutorials, private reading and sharing learning from private reading.

Aims of Module

To provide an overall understanding of landscape of enterprises, private and public
	To provide a specific understanding of landscape of construction enterprises or firms and how that relates to the working environment and construction projects
	To understand strategy, structure and structural change, and management processes in the construction enterprise or firm
	To understand capabilities and organisational behaviour in theory and as applied to the construction enterprise.
Learning outcomes:

The appreciation of the role of both relationships and the marketing function in firms’ success.
	Understanding of the principles and systems of the Service-Dominant Logic (S-DL)
	Recognition of the need to develop a set of core competences if the project-based business is to survive and thrive
	The appreciation of the role and importance of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in modern organisations