Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course prepares student for thinking about strategic choices and development in construction industry both at the company and business unit levels.

  • Identify main content and schools of strategic management
  • Understand the role of strategic management for business performance
  • Describe different strategic options related to production, finance, and resource management in construction
  • Be able to formulate business model and business plan for business unit in construction
  • Be able to analyze firms and their internal and external conditions for competition in construction business
  • Justify, report and present strategic proposals

Credits: 5

Schedule: 27.04.2023 - 01.06.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Antti Peltokorpi

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Strategic choices and managerial issues crucial in construction business

    Contact teaching:

    - Introduction to strategy in construction

    - Different business models in construction

    - Production strategies

    - Financing issues in construction

    - Resource management

    - Strategic management in practice (guest lectures)

    - Internationalization of construction business

    - Role of innovations and change management

    - Project work presentations and evaluation

  • applies in this implementation


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures, lecture assignments and project works.

    Assessment (scale 0-5) based on weekly assignments, and team project works

  • applies in this implementation

    Assignments:

    • Five weekly lecture topic assignments - individual (50 % of the grade)
    • Financial and strategy analysis of a public construction company – group assignment (3-4 in group) (25 % of the grade)
    • Start-up business plan for construction sector – group assignment (2-3 in group) (25 % of the grade)

    Attendance in the three company lectures is mandatory
    • Organized 4.5 at 10.45-11.45 (Boost Brothers), 16.5 at 9.00-10.00 (Pohjola Rakennus) and 25.5 at 9.15-10.15 (Skanska)
    • Can be replaced by an extra assignment

DETAILS

Study Material
  • applies in this implementation

    Lecture presentations, company reports and articles.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Spring V
    2023-2024 Spring V

    Enrollment :

    Registration for the course will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi).

Details on the schedule
  • applies in this implementation

    • Five theory lectures in classroom R2 (Rakentajanaukio 4) – supported by video podcasts from earlier years
    • Three mandatory company guest lectures (can be replaced by extra assignment)

    Sessions: (Remark that starting times vary a little, e.g., 9.00 or 9.15!)

    • 27.4.2023  10:15-10:35 AM: Introduction to the course

                          10:35-11:45 AM: Introduction to strategic management and strategy in construction

    • 4.5.2023     9:15-10:45 AM: Strategic management in practice, business models

                          10:45-11:45 AM: Guest lecture, COO Matti Sivunen, Boost Brothers

    • 11.5.2023  9:15-11:00 AM: Production strategies and concepts
    • 16.5.2023  9:00-10:00 AM: Guest lecture, CEO Juha Metsälä, Pohjola Rakennus

                         10:00-11:45 AM: Finance and financial analysis in construction

    • 25.5.2023  9:15-10:15 AM: Guest lecture, SVP Jan Elfving, Skanska

                         10:15-11:45 AM: International construction business

    • 1.6.2023    9:15-11:45 AM: Student group presentations on Financial and strategy analysis of a public company