Management in Construction Company

Course guarantor:

Lecturer:

Tutor:

Supervisor:

Department of Construction Management and Economics

Synopsis:

Construction business and the best practice at the corporate level. Course is oriented toward the practical application of corporate construction management systems, combining theoretical frameworks with real-practice industry experience. Students engage in case studies and participate in the Building Industry Game, an online business simulation developed by California Polytechnic State University, where they act as contractors managing companies and competing for projects in a dynamic market. The course begins by examining the nature of the construction business, identifying internal and external factors that influence company success or failure. It then explores the primary causes of business failure and presents strategic approaches to minimize risks and enhance long-term resilience. Attention is given to business development, marketing, and bidding strategies that drive sustainable growth. Students learn to apply planning and control techniques and to evaluate different project delivery methods in terms of efficiency, cost, and risk. Core modules address financial management and budgeting, with a focus on profitability, liquidity, and investment decisions. Construction risk management principles are integrated throughout, encouraging proactive identification and mitigation of threats at both the project and corporate levels. The course also emphasizes leadership challenges, organizational behavior, and ethics, preparing students for responsible and effective management. In the final sessions, students assess company performance indicators and synthesize the knowledge gained to design and manage a profitable, ethical, and sustainable construction business.

Requirements:

The course credit is conditional upon 75% attendance at tutorials, active participation in the online Building Industry Game, and completion of a final written in-class test at the end of the course.

Syllabus of lectures:

1.Nature of Construction Business

2.Primary Causes of Business Failure, External and Internal lnfluences

3.Business Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Business Failure

4.Business Development, Marketing and Bidding

5.Planning & Control Strategies

6.Project Delivery Methods

7.Financial Management in Construction

8.Construction Risk Management

9.Leadership Challenges

10.Organizational Behavior

11.Corporate & Employee Ethics

12.Company Performance Checklist

13.Managing Profitable Construction Business - Summary of Acquired Knowledge

Syllabus of tutorials:

Tutorials correspond to the contents of lectures. They provide practical case studies and examples.

Participation in online computer construction business and entrepreneur game from CalPoly, CA, USA.

Study Objective:

Provide overview and detailed knowledge of contemporary practice in all main fields of corporate construction management.

Study materials:

!Harris, F.: Modern Construction Management (8.vyd.), Wiley-Blackwell, 2021, ISBN 978-1-119 48834-7

!Sherratt, F.: Introduction to Construction Management (2.vyd.). Routledge, 2022, ISBN 9781032007441

?Gallagher, B.: Building Success: Strategic Planning for Construction Industry Leaders: The Essential Guide for Developing, Implementing, and Managing a Strategic Plan, NAIOP, 2025, ISBN 979-8882684739

Note:

Further information:

No time-table has been prepared for this course

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Stavební inženýrství - řízení projektů (compulsory elective course)
• Stavební inženýrství - řízení projektů (compulsory elective course)