CME103 Introduction to Management in Construction

Reflective Journal

CME103 Introduction to Management in Construction

Summary

The report provides an analysis of essential subjects within the construction sector such as project management practices alongside ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) as well as stakeholder management approaches. The report examines two articles: Francesco Di Maddaloni and Kate Davis investigate how megaprojects can enhance performance by rethinking the inclusiveness of local community stakeholders. These studies explore ethical challenges in construction through stakeholder inclusiveness in megaprojects and post bid negotiation ethics. These readings enable the report to explore the necessity of inclusive stakeholder management alongside ethical decision-making within construction projects. This report uses analysis of research methodologies and data sources to assess study credibility while determining future practice implications for project and site managers. The knowledge acquired through this study proves vital for resolving ethical issues and managing stakeholder connections which both play a fundamental role in successful construction projects.

Introduction

The report offers an analysis of essential construction industry elements that centres on managing stakeholders and ethical practices based on scholarly readings about stakeholder relationships and negotiations following bid submissions. Effective stakeholder management plays a crucial role in achieving successful project results especially for extensive megaprojects. Di Maddaloni and Davis propose the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to better understand stakeholder relationships and influence while emphasizing the need to include local community stakeholders to enhance project performance. The researchers call for inclusive management frameworks to enhance collaboration across different stakeholders.

The construction industry must pay special attention to ethical practices during post bid negotiations. Kelly analyses ethical concerns related to common post bid negotiation practices such as bid shopping and bid peddling. When there is pressure to decrease project expenses it results in unethical actions that destroy the fairness and integrity of construction contracts. Kelly provides a structured approach to examine how these practices affect project performance while emphasizing ethical decision-making as key to sustainable construction results.

The two articles present distinct, yet mutually supportive elements related to construction management. Successful project delivery depends on ethical behaviour together with stakeholder inclusiveness to achieve both social responsibility and fairness. The report provides a detailed examination of how these readings reveal methodologies which shape best practices for project managers.

Discussion

The studies by Di Maddaloni and Davis alongside Kelly provide essential insights into two closely linked construction industry topics: stakeholder management and ethical practices. The management of stakeholders constitutes an essential factor that leads to successful construction projects and becomes even more crucial during megaprojects because of their complex stakeholder interactions. According to Di Maddaloni and Davis traditional frameworks for stakeholder management do not adequately consider the complex relationships and influences between stakeholders. They recommend Social Network Analysis (SNA) as an established social science method that maps network structures and highlights essential stakeholders. Social Network Analysis enables project managers to understand stakeholder behaviour better which helps them develop more effective management strategies leading to improved project outcomes (Yang et al., 2017).

Social Network Analysis stands as an appropriate methodological tool for exploring stakeholder dynamics within the construction sector. Stakeholders' interactions become clearer through this approach which reveals both direct connections and indirect ties. The research methodology proves credible through its utilization of qualitative research methods including case studies, interviews and document analysis. The research findings cannot be widely applied because only one case study was examined. Future research needs to adopt multiple case studies to strengthen conclusion robustness according to the authors who recognize this limitation.

Kellys research article explores the moral difficulties that arise during post bid negotiations in the construction industry. Construction procurement suffers ethical degradation from widespread bid shopping and bid peddling practices. Kelly introduces a conceptual framework which analyses how these practices affect project performance and calls for improved transparency and ethics in post bid negotiations. Through a combination of case law analysis, legislative review, and academic research the article delivers a thorough perspective on construction contracting's legal and ethical environment. Qualitative research methods like case studies effectively demonstrate how these issues play out in actual settings.

The research presented in both articles emphasize the need for construction management to resolve ethical issues through inclusive and principled practices. The selected research methodsSNA for stakeholder analysis and qualitative case studies for ethical explorationadequately address the research questions posed in both studies. Further research should extend these studies' findings to improve their generalization and practical application across various project types.

Analysis

Di Maddaloni and Davis along with Kelly's writings have given me fresh perspectives about stakeholder management complexities and ethical concerns in construction projects. Di Maddaloni and Davis show that inclusive stakeholder management is essential for successful megaprojects. Local communities frequently experience exclusion from decision-making processes which results in resistance to projects and subsequent delays. The idea of implementing Social Network Analysis (SNA) to visualize stakeholder connections and influence patterns aligns well with my upcoming responsibilities as a project/site manager. I can improve relationship management and conflict prevention by identifying essential stakeholders and understanding their specific concerns and motivations.

Kellys article taught me about the ethical problems that occur in post bid negotiations and the specific unethical practices of bid shopping and bid peddling. Financial target pressures drive unethical behaviours which lead to project performance setbacks along with relationship damage and legal complications. I will face ethical challenges as a future project manager and must ensure procurement processes remain fair and transparent. Adopting these principles will enhance project performance while promoting ethical standards and sustainability in the construction sector.

The insights from both articles emphasize that future career success requires practitioners to make ethical decisions while actively engaging stakeholders. I will utilize the teachings from these readings to cultivate beneficial stakeholder relationships and maintain ethical conduct throughout the entire project management lifecycle from procurement to execution.

Peer Review

Week 10

Project Management in the Construction Industry delivers a systematic overview of essential roles and phases plus challenges found in construction project management. The presentation demonstrates how successful projects require careful planning alongside coordinated execution steps. The distinct breakdown of project managers, architects, engineers, and contractors roles delivers valuable insights into their individual contributions throughout the project lifecycle.

The explanation of construction project management phases demonstrates a clear sequence that progresses from the initiation stage through to the occupancy stage. The decision to establish monitoring and controlling as its own phase deserves recognition because poor communication often leads to project setbacks. Examples from real-world scenarios or case studies would add practical understanding to sections like execution and monitoring.

The problems identified in the text remain pertinent while exploring emerging solutions like digital project management tools or modular construction would provide additional depth. The AI-assisted content generation approach needs more credibility through citing additional industry sources that extend past McKinsey.

The presentation maintains a clear structure with valuable content but by incorporating case studies and extra references alongside solutions it would achieve better impact and audience involvement.

Week 11

Ethics and Practices in the Construction Industry delivers a complete analysis of ethical considerations and their significance together with the effects of unethical behaviour. The systematic framework which addresses definitions, perspectives and essential ethical principles delivers an effective outline of the subject matter. The integration of student perspectives into ethical discussions offers a distinctive viewpoint that validates the critical role early education plays in developing ethical behaviour.

The presentation excels in its precise explanation of ethical behaviour through elements of honesty, fairness, integrity, and accountability. These elements align well with industry expectations. The examination of unethical behaviours including bribery and legal violations successfully demonstrates their tangible consequences in the real world.

However, there are some areas for improvement. Several grammatical mistakes along with ambiguous phrasing on the slides make them difficult to read. Better language refinement will ensure clarity and professionalism throughout the content. The presentation needs to extend its ethical discussion beyond Zambian borders to achieve greater universal relevance through an international perspective. The argument would become stronger if additional case studies of construction ethics dilemmas were provided.

The presentation maintains strong structure and informative content yet requires enhancements through improved grammar and clearer explanations while adding real-world examples for better engagement and credibility.

Week 12

The presentation Corporate and Social Responsibility in the Construction Industry delivers a detailed explanation of CSR while illustrating its significance and practical use within the construction industry. A historical examination of CSR development adds depth to the conversation and the incorporation of industry frameworks like OECD and European Commission enhances its credibility. The presentation of environmental, social, philanthropic, and economic responsibility pillars demonstrates the extensive influence of CSR within the construction industry.

The presentation effectively uses real-life examples like Kier Constructions CSR strategies to anchor its discussion in practical applications. The analysis gains rigor through its technical approach to CSR performance benchmarking which utilizes multiple models including OECD indicators, DEA, and DDF. The segment which covers ESG reporting strengthens the presentation by demonstrating how CSR connects with business practices that can be measured.

However, some areas could be improved. The presentation needs additional case studies or business comparisons to better demonstrate effective practices. The presentation acknowledges challenges like high costs and greenwashing risks but would be enhanced by investigating potential solutions and strategies to address these problems.

This presentation demonstrates solid research and insightfulness that requires only minor modifications to achieve a complete analysis.

Week 13

The presentation Stakeholder Management in Construction delivers a structured and comprehensive examination of stakeholder engagement methods together with its theoretical background and modern technological developments in construction management. The discussion gains academic strength through the integration of essential theories like Stakeholder Theory by Freeman and the Stakeholder Salience Model. The evolution of the industry becomes evident through the differences between traditional and modern stakeholder management approaches which ensures content relevance in today's practices.

The presentation delivers a strong analysis of how technology influences stakeholder management. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin Technology demonstrate how digital tools enhance collaboration and decision-making today. Examining important challenges including conflicting interests alongside regulatory limitations and change resistance brings practical relevance to the theoretical discussion.

However, some areas could be improved. The presentation recognizes existing challenges but requires additional specific strategies for overcoming them. The practical application of concepts would benefit from the addition of a case study or real-world example. The discussion could benefit from a deeper examination of agile methodologies' impact on stakeholder engagement.

The presentation effectively delivers researched information and pertinent content but requires further development in its practical applications and solution-based perspectives.

Conclusion

This report examined core topics on stakeholder management and ethical practices within construction through the works of Di Maddaloni and Davis alongside Kelly. Effective stakeholder management through Social Network Analysis ensures project success in megaprojects. The importance of ethical considerations during post bid negotiations lies in their ability to uphold fairness and integrity throughout construction contracts. The insights from these articles have shown the complexities in managing stakeholder relationships and making ethical decisions which I intend to apply in my future role as a project/site manager. Through the implementation of inclusive stakeholder engagement methods and ethical conduct principles I can help ensure construction projects achieve greater success and sustainability.