There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

This module is designed to introduce you to the subject of management in a general context and to develop your understanding of management theory and its relevance and application in the construction workplace. The module addresses a number of topics that are vital to your understanding of management in the construction industry. When considering management in the construction workplace or in the construction industry it is perhaps natural to assume that the application is primarily focused on managing a construction site or a single construction project. It is certainly true that the material you will study in this module is appropriate and applicable in the construction site and construction project context, but it is important to clarify that the material you will learn about in this module has wider application than this. It is relevant to all of the workplace settings we can find in construction, ranging from the site, to design and surveying offices, to sub-contractor and main contractor offices and to materials and components suppliers offices. In other words, even though it may not seem immediately apparent, there will be much in the module that is of direct relevance to you in your chosen discipline within the Built Environment sector because it principally has to do with managing people within firms or companies. The module begins by examining the evolution of management theory and exploring the principle functions and duties of management. You will then learn about key skills that are required of managers in the construction industry and various organisational structures found in different kinds of company. Thereafter we will move on to consider the responsibilities associated with managing human resources and how people need to be motivated to be effective in the workplace. You will study 9 units in total in this module and these units will address a wide range of subjects as follows. In Unit 1 you will study how management theory evolved from the earliest documented theories up to contemporary ideas. In Unit 2 you will learn about the methods that can be used to assist managers to forecast and plan for future activities. Unit 3 will address the topic of Leadership, and you will learn that leadership is not the same as management and you will study the most significant theories on effective leadership. Unit 4 will examine the various sources of managerial power that can be used to command resources and you will learn about authority, responsibility, & delegation within organisation. In Unit 5 you will learn about organisational theory and study different types of organisational structures that can be used to organise staff and activities. Unit 6 will examine the topic of decision making which is vital for all managers and you will learn various methods and tools which can be used to aid managers as they try to make appropriate decisions. Unit 7 will address Communication, which is clearly another critical managerial discipline; you will learn about the main communication methods and you will study the barriers that exist which can prevent effective communication in the workplace. Unit 8 examines the topic of Human Resource Management within organisations and you will learn about the duties and functions of a human resource department. Finally Motivation theory is the last subject the module will address in Unit 9. You will learn about various content and process theories of motivation and will understand the challenge that motivating staff presents to all managers.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Appraise various management functions and appreciate their relevance and usefulness in managing construction

LO2: Compare and contrast various organisational and management theories and approaches and be able to discuss their application in construction.

LO3: Understand the importance of effective communication and decision making for those involved in management.

LO4: Describe and evaluate various different motivation theories and appreciate their relevance to someone working in a construction environment.

LO5: Understand the functions and role of Human Resource Management