Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
AR50121 Management in construction |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Modular: no specific semester |
| Assessment: CW 60%, EX 40% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To introduce the discipline of management theory through a discussion of the wider (macro) view of management theory.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * explain the evolution of the discipline of management. * use the concept of systems to depict the nature of the interaction between organisations and their environment. * analyse the elements of a strategic system. * understand the functioning of people in an organisation in terms of motivation, teamwork, leadership styles and the nature of management. Skills: Written communication, problem solving, working independently. Content: The Evolution of Management Theories: Historical setting, key theories and critiques, the classical school, the human relations school, the systems school and the contingency school. The Environment of Organisations: Levels - macro environment, micro environment. Types - stable, complex, diverse, hostile. Effect of environment on the organisation and vice versa. The Strategic System: Main elements of strategic management: analysis, choise, implementation. Reactor and planner approaches. Decision making and management elements. The Organisational System: Inputs, conversion processes, differentiation, integration. Structures in organisations: authority, social, power. What Motivates People: Organisations and individuals, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, ERG theory, two factor theory. Job characteristics. Groups in Organisations: Purposes and types of groups, effectiveness, conflict. Leadership: Theories: trait, style, contingency, best fit. Characteristic and Content: Minzberg's six characteristics, Kotter's model. Nature, quantity and pace of work, agenda setting. Contrasts and Change: Job types and differences, Stewart's model, managing change. |