University of Technology Sydney

16091 Managing a Construction Business

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: School of the Built Environment
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10214 Bachelor of Construction Project Management OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10215 Bachelor of Construction Project Management Bachelor of International Studies OR 96 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10420 Bachelor of Construction Project Management Bachelor of Languages and Cultures

Description

This subject introduces students to the theory and practice of managing a construction business. It develops understanding, knowledge, and decision-making skills as applied to construction business management principles. This understanding of construction business management is essential for success in a highly competitive and increasingly globalized building and construction industry. Students gain business management knowledge and understanding through selected readings, lectures, and workshops.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Work effectively in project teams in professional contexts (relating to construction business management)
2. Engage in critical and independent thinking in the interpretation of theory and its practical application (relating to construction business management)
3. Apply research to facilitate critical thinking and problem solving processes (relating to construction business management)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

  • Work effectively in project teams in professional contexts. (C.2)
  • Apply the body of knowledge underpinning construction project management practice. (P.2)
  • Source evaluate and use information to approach new projects/problems. (R.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

You will be given a series of essential readings and other resources to support the learning objectives of this subject. In order to demonstrate your understanding of the subject content, reports, workshops, and a short presentation summarising your understanding of the reading will be required.

Content (topics)

Content concerning the way a construction business is managed including:

  • business strategy;
  • legal, governance & management structures;
  • financial & accounting structures;
  • business risk, tendering & market control.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Essay 1

Intent:

Reflective essay 1 individual assessment 30% covering several topics including the steps required to set up a construction business and challenges.
Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.2, P.2 and R.1

Type: Essay
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Effective team-work 34 1 C.2
Quality of critical and independent thinking linking theory with practice 33 2 P.2
Application of research to facilitate problem solving processes 33 3 R.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Essay 2

Intent:

Relective essay 2 individual assessemnt 40% covering lessons learnt about managing a construction business
Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.2, P.2 and R.1

Type: Essay
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Effective team-work 34 1 C.2
Quality of critical and independent thinking linking theory with practice 33 2 P.2
Application of research to facilitate problem solving processes 33 3 R.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Workshops

Intent:

Undertake a presentation of your proposed business plan summarising the reports. Students should reflect on the set-up procedures for a construction business, including the research done to explore the market and challenges.
Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.2, P.2 and R.1

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Criteria:

Workshops group assessment 30% including business proposal plan and presentation.
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Effective team-work 34 1 C.2
Quality of critical and independent thinking linking theory with practice 33 2 P.2
Application of research to facilitate problem solving processes 33 3 R.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.

Required texts

Building a Successful Construction Company – The Practical Guide” Paul Netscher 2014