MA2400 – Management for Civil Engineers

 

Credits: 2

Pre-requisites: None

Core / Optional: Compulsory for Civil Engineering Undergraduates

Aim(s): To introduce managerial aspects needed to perform a multitasking role as a civil engineer.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

  1. appreciate the multitasking role of an engineering manager.
  2. formulate vision, mission, objectives, goals, and strategies for an organization.
  3. discuss the laws pertaining to business, occupational health and safety, and the environment.
  4. analyze financial statements for decision-making.
  5. apply principles of project management to plan and schedule a project.

Course Content (Only main topics & subtopics):

  1. Multitasking Role of an engineering manager: Basic managerial functions, multitasking skills, ethical aspects and professional responsibility in Civil Engineering practice.
  2. Management Approaches: Evolution of management theory, scientific management; behavioural management; contemporary approaches.
  3. Strategic Management: Environmental analysis; SWOT, PEST, Porter’s five force model; competitive strategies; customer focus; mission; vision and goals; organizational structure and culture.
  4. Legal Aspects of management and commercial law: Introduction to business law; environmental law; occupational health and safety.
  5. Financial Aspects of management: Principles of corporate finance, raising capital, financial statements, and accounting; cash management.
  6. Principles of Project Management: Project planning and scheduling; critical path analysis, network crashing, Gantt chart and resource allocation and cash flow analysis; monitoring and controlling project costs, quality, and time.

Time Allocation:

Learning component Hours
Theory 16
Small group activities 14
Assignments –
Practical –
Independent Learning 70

Marks Allocation:

Assessment Percentage Marks
Continuous Assessments
Small group Activities 30%, Quizzes 20%
50%
Final Assessment 50%

Recommended Reading:

  • Fred, R. D. (2011). Strategic Management Concepts and Cases (13th Edition). Prentice Hall, USA.
  • Raymond A. Noe, et al. (201). Fundamentals of Human Resource Management (8th Edition). McGraw Hill Education, USA.
  • Stephen, P. R., David, A. D. & Mary, C. (2013). Fundamentals of Management (6th Edition). Pearson, USA.
  • Stephen, A. R., Randolph, W. W. & Bradford, D. J. (2008). Fundamentals of Corporate Finance (6th Edition). McGraw-Hill Irwin.
  • Wickramarachchi, W. (2010). Commercial Law (1st Edition). Project Management Institute, Sri Lanka.