Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Modular (no specific semester) |
| Assessment:
| CW 50%, EX 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| This module deals with strategic management. The theoretical and practical aspects of strategy formulation and decision-making as they affect both large and small firms in the construction industry are initially reviewed. The module then reviews with the relationship between business strategy and the international business environment. The focus is on the emergence of new and existing international construction markets as a policy issue for business. Possible ways of developing effective strategies for addressing the business threats and opportunities posed are outlined. Aims: * To introduce and evaluate the variety of approaches to strategy making and planning available to construction firms. * To demonstrate the effects of a firm's size and its ability to deal with complexity and chaos in its environment on its strategy making process. * To examine the nature and extent of the international challenge for construction firms. * Critically assess the effectiveness of strategic policies designed for entering and surviving in international markets. Learning Objectives: When students have completed this unit they should be able: * To appreciate and evaluate the variey of approaches to strategy making and planning available to construction firms. * To understand the effects of a firm's size and its ability to deal with complexity and chaos in its environment, on its strategy making process. * To appreciate and evaluate the nature and extent of the international challenge for construction firms. * To critically assess the effectiveness of strategic policies designed for entering and surviving in international markets. Content: Workbook 1: Strategic Processes, Problems and Players. SCHOOLS OF STRATEGIC THOUGHT: Review of the established theories of strategy formulation. STRATEGIC PROCESSES: Approaches to strategy making. STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING MODELS: Rational, political, institutional and anarchic models. ENTREPRENEURS: Profile of the entrepreneur. CHAOS AND COMPLEXITY: Introduction to these phenomena, influence on strategy. Workbook 2: Strategies for entering the International Construction Market. CONCEPTS AND THEORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRM: Globalisation, identity and brand, multi-nationals, the theories behind markets, portfolios. CORPORATE AND FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS: Context of risk and reward, pros and cons of international strategy models. OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS TO GLOBALISATION STRATEGY: Modes of development, market changes, the aid system. CULTURAL ASPECTS: The theory, the office, the site, leadership, teamworking, training. JOINT VENTURES: JV work, prequalification work, leading bids, leading projects. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: The increasing focus. |
| Programme availability: |
AR50126 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
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