Impact of Stakeholder Management on Construction Industry

Impact of Stakeholder Management on Construction Industry 1.0 Introduction/Background Project management is an evolving discipline which is relatively new in both practice and academics hence knowledge is drawn from other disciplines to further advance both theory and practice in managing projects. Consequently this research will draw from different academic disciplines for its theory and the construction industry for its practice. To this end a project could be described as a strategy used by organisations to achieve its strategic goal, the strategy could be suggested to have a start and an end date (Turner 2009 p.20; Holton 2002 p.10-2). It could also be suggested that the word organisation in the above definition by Turner 2009 could be called the project stakeholder. Olanda and Landin (2005 p.321) defined project stakeholders as a  ¦group of people who have a vested interest in the success of a project and the environment within which the project operates. This research is focused on investigating the impact of stakeholder management and its contribution to project success in the construction industry. It could be suggested that the use of PMs life cycle phases be adopted for the entire project plan as seen in figure 1 below. Figure -Project Lifecycle The project initiation phase of this report will include proposing a project research topic, assigning a project supervisor or project sponsor and proposing a research plan. While the project planning phase will include reviewing of the available project materials and the execution phase will involve writing up the literature review and project methodology. Handover and closeout will involve submitting the final report to supervisor and award of Msc degree in Project Management. Lessons learnt could be suggested to be the feedback and experience gained in during the research. 1.2 Project Context Project Context could be suggested to be the setting in which a project is carried out (ApmBok 2009). In relation to the above description, the aim of this research is in agreement with the above suggestion (Achterkamp and Vis 2008 pg 749). 1.3 Project Rationale 1.3.1 Academic Rationale The academic research into project stakeholders has been attractive and extensive to researchers and professionals. Evidence shows that the construction industry accounts directly for 10% GDP growth in the UK (Cridland and Wates 2009 p.5),this goes to justify the need to investigate the impact of stakeholder management and its contribution to project success in the construction industry and also fulfil the academic requirement of the award of Masters Degree. 1.3.2 Business Rationale The economic implications for any organisation if projects fail will be devastating considering the above report by Wates and Cridland (2009 p5), this report shows that the construction industry account for 10% GDP growth. Project failure of any kind in the current economic climate will cost the organization its finance and jobs e.g. BP deep horizon in the US Gulf Coast where the collapse of a well led to fatalities which in-turn increased BPs financial burden. 1.3.3 Personal Rationale It could be suggested that as a project management professional, embarking on this research will help one better understand the principles of stakeholder management. The knowledge gained from this research will clarify any unanswered questions at the end of this research. 1.4 Aim and Objectives This research is aimed at: Investigating the impact of stakeholder management and its contribution to project success in the construction industry Objectives To explore the principles of stakeholder management and project success. To assess the benefits and challenges of stakeholder management. To correlate a relationship between stakeholder management and project success. To propose a strategy for measuring the impact of stakeholder management thereby assessing its impact on project success. To make recommendations for improved stakeholder management practices. 1.4.2 Project Scope According to Burke (2003 p. 104) project scope identifies when a project has been successfully completed within specified requirement. The scope for this project will involve activities such as writing the literature review, research methodology and drawing on the findings of the above mentioned activities to come up with a conclusion and recommendation. The scope of this research excludes the execution of the primary research. 1.4.3 Project Deliverables Project deliverables for this research is suggested to be the outcome of the report at every stage of the lifecycle (ApmBok 2009 p.135). The deliverables as shown in Table 1 are generalised and subject to being revised at the end of this report. Table Project deliverables Deliverables Description Project Research Plan Introduction/ Background Project Context and Project Rationale Project Definition Project Approach Research Project Schedule Resource Requirements Ethical Considerations Literature Review Research of theory and practice within the construction industry Project Approach or Methodology It involves the description of the process in the collection and evaluation of data that will be used to achieve the overall aim and objectives of this report. Project Proposal This involves outlining a research proposal from the finding and the analysis done in the project approach section. Conclusion and Recommendation This section involves the final summation of all the data used and presenting recommendation(s) where necessary. 1.4.4 Assumption, Constraints and Considerations Assumptions The project will be delivered on time, quality and within budget. The literature / materials needed to complete the project will be readily available. That the project aim and objectives will be met at the end of the project. Constraints The time required by the sponsor to complete the report. Combining three live projects at the same period. i.e. CPD, Group placement and dissertation. Considerations That the report will inspire its readers to proceed towards a primary research. That there will be more research into the impact of project stakeholders and its contribution to project success within the construction industry. 1.5 Initial Literature Review 1.5.1 Stakeholder Management Project stakeholders have been widely discussed in various project management literatures. Fewings (2005 p.34) described project stakeholders as people that their interest could affect the outcome of the project while Olanda and Landin (2005 p.321) agues that although project stakeholders are group of people with different interest in a particular project, they are also interested in a successful outcome no matter the level of interest. Since this research will be focusing on stakeholder management, McElroy and Mills (2007 p.270) suggested that stakeholder management deals with the relationships between stakeholders within projects. This relationship must be developed and structured so as to achieve a successful outcome. McElroy and Mills (2007 p.270) description of stakeholder management is convincing because different bodies of knowledge are yet to agree on a particular description for stakeholder management. Fewings (2005) and Olanda Landin (2005) perspectives on project stakeholders in relation to stakeholder management is valid in that all agreed that stakeholders are made up of more than one individual, so managing this relationship as described by McElroy and Mills (2007 p.270) will determine if a project is a success or a failure . 1.5.2 Project Success Yu et al. (2005) suggested that a: Project  is a success if its created product adds value to the client, considering the cost to the client at the point of acceptance While there is no definite definition to what project success is or what will be the best way to define success, this report would look into critical success criteria used in the construction industry to determine when a project is successful. The ApmBok (2009) defined project success as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the satisfaction of stakeholder needs measured by the success criteria as identified and agreed at the start of the projectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ 1.6 Project Research Approach In this section it could be suggested that a proposed research approach be developed, this approach would be aligned with the project aim and objectives. To achieve the above this report has identified two methods or type of research, this are the Primary and Secondary research. A primary research entails the collection of new data or expansion of existing theories in project management body of knowledge. This could be achieved by using the following methods: the use of questionnaires, sampling and survey. Data for this research would be collected though documentary research. This involves analysing various literatures relating to the research; given that this research is a secondary research, a qualitative method will be employed. 1.6.1 Ethical Consideration Sekaran (2000, p17) defined ethics as a code of conduct or expected societal norm of behaviour while conducting a research or project . Below in table 2 are the ethical considerations used to compile this research. Table -Ethical Consideration This research was carefully structured to avoid any misrepresentation or distortion of data collected. All information used for this research was adequately referenced to avoid plagiarism. This report was written with due respect for the subject and authors All information used for this report is in line with universities academic guidelines. Sekaran ( 2000, p.261) 1.7 Project Planning / Report Schedule Burke (2003, p.94) defined project schedule as  ¦a process required to ensure that various elements of the project are properly managed and controlledà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The project schedule will be used to assign expected start date and expected finish date. The schedule is in a Gantt chart, this could be suggested to be in agreement with (Burke 2003) definition. See Appendix 1 for more details. 1.8 Project Resource Requirements and Budget The resources required for a successful completion of this project is listed in Table 2 and the cost estimate that would apply to both primary and secondary research is in Table 3 Figure -Resources Requirement Human Resources Description Hours Researcher Researcher would carry out a secondary research and prepare a primary research plan to be used to further analyse the project aim 600 Academic supervisor The academic supervisor would give guidance, review and monitor project to ascertain if the project is within scope. 60 Project sponsor The project sponsor and management would be need during an actual primary research. 100 Table Project Budget Activity Budget Source Cost for Researcher and supervisor  £3000 RGU and Sponsor Printing of dissertation and buying of CD drives ( hard and soft copies)  £200 Researcher and Sponsor (in the case of a primary Research) Transport is Dependent on the location of the organisation and RGU library Not Determined at present Researcher and Sponsor 1.8.1 Risk Matrix Risk management is a key area in APM and PMI bodies of knowledge; projects are often associated with one form of risk or another (Raz Michael 2000), controlling this risk is an important task for any researcher. To this end, this report will take a proactive role in controlling risks associated to this project by developing a risk plan which can be seen in Table 4

Is Management an Art or a Science Essay

One of the enduring questions in the field of management is whether it is an art or a science. In order to be able discuss whether management is an art or a science we need to define what ‘management’, ‘art’ and ‘science’ are. Management is a set of activities (including planning and decision making, organizing, leading, and controlling) directed at an organization’s resources (human, financial, physical, and information) with the aim of achieving organizational goals in an efficient and effective manner. In general an art defines as â€Å"skill in conducting any human activity† and science as â€Å"any skill or technique that reflects a precise application of facts or a principle. † Management as a science would indicate that in practice, managers use a specific body of knowledge consisting of principles, generalizations, approaches and concepts to apply in certain situations. That is, when faced with a managerial problem, the manager who believes in the scientific foundation of his or her craft will expect that there is a rational and objective way to determine the correct course of action. The principles of management have been developed and formulated on the basis of observation, research, analysis and experimentation and also based on relationship of cause and effect like other sciences. Another proponent of the management as science, many early management researchers subscribed to the vision of managers as scientists. The scientific management movement was the primary driver of this perspective. Scientific management’s emphasis on both reducing inefficiencies and on understanding the psychology of workers changed manager and employee attitudes towards the practice of management. These are the basic characteristics that can be proved management is a science, but not exactly. Management as an art requires no specific body of knowledge, only skill. Conversely, those who believe management is an art are likely to believe that there is no specific way to teach or understand management, and that it is a skill borne of personality and ability. One more reason for considering management as an art is that in many situations, practicing managers are unlikely to believe that scientific principles and theories will be able to implement in actual managerial situations. Instead, these managers are likely to consider a broad range of social and political factors, and likely to take different actions depending on the context of the problem. And application of management knowledge calls for innovativeness and creativity. In this case managers go on discovering new ideas, relationships and more efficient ways of doing things. Both views of management, as a science or as an art, can provide ample evidence to support heir viewpoints, and they all seem correct and reasonable from their perspective. But an efficient manager has to acquire a theoretical knowledge of management and subsequently, use it to develop it and, gather experience. Robert Hilkert has beautifully explained that â€Å"In area of management , science and art are two sides of the same coin† Thus, in my opinion I think that management is a combination of both science and art, because managing as practice is an art and the organized knowledge underlying the practice is a science.

Septimius Severus Essay - 1596 Words

There are many Roman emperors and there are a few that people see as experiencing success. In a recent survey by worldaffairsboard.com Augustus, Marcus Aurelius and Trajan were voted as the best. Septimius Severus who was also a great emperor was not even on the list. There are many things that go into making a good emperor such as military strength, taxes and life of the people in Rome. Septimius Severus was a great emperor because he had many of these needed qualities. He had some admirable wins in war and also helped the Roman Empire to grow. Septimius Severus greatly improved life for soldiers in the army and also did great things for people in Rome. During his tenure as emperor of Rome he made many improvements that greatly helped†¦show more content†¦The army sent three people from three different divisions to try and become emperor. Septimius Severus’ was one of the three and his region along the Danube was able to expand his control which helped him in his que st to be emperor (Boatwright, Gargola, Talbert 406). When Septimius went to Rome with his army from the Danube he was given imperial powers by the senate (Matyszak 131).When Augustus became emperor however he was mean and sneaky. He made the Romans turn against the current ruler Antony so that they would throw him out. For example, he illegally obtained Antony’s will and read it to the Roman people. Antony’s will had information like the fact that he would give all his money to his children by Cleopatra of Egypt and that he would like his body returned to her. This event was the last straw for the Romans and the senate declared war on Antony. Augustus became emperor in a devious way whereas Septimius Severus was the best man for the position and truthfully received the position (roman-empire.net). Septimius Severus was very knowledgeable and also victorious in war. Shortly, after becoming emperor he created a smart plan. He wanted to avenge the death of Pertinax so he took the name Pertinax as part of his title. This was a strong act so the Praetorians paraded around leaving their weapons because it was a ceremony. Severus then had his own men kill the people responsible for Pertinax’s death, while they were parading. He then dismissedShow MoreRelatedSummary : Emperor Commodus 1581 Words   |  7 Pagesenough, Carefully a plot was crafted against the emperor. The court chamberlain Eclectus and the emperor s favourite concubine Marcia added their support to the undertaking. Quietly people who supported the plot were placed into key positions. Septimius Severus and Clodius Albinus, African allies of Laetus, were given the governorships of Upper Pannonia and Britain. Pescennius Niger, another friend of Laetus, was put in charge of Syria. As the future emperor the conspirators agreed on Publius HevliusRead MoreWhat Are The Similarities Between Perikles And Caracalla1348 Words   |  6 Pagesconfidence with the augmented memory of their magn ificent leader. Caracalla, on the other hand, was a Severan emperor who was regarded as one of the most brutal tyrants in ancient Roman history. Inheriting the kingdom of his father, Emperor Septimius Severus, he ruled jointly with his younger brother before having him murdered and then claiming the throne to himself. Marked by his obsession to surpass Alexander the Great’s reputation, it was as if Caracalla spent most of his lifetime trying to proveRead MoreThe Purposeful Destruction Of Images1783 Words   |  8 PagesIconoclasm has been used as a means of not only purposeful forgetting, but, also the preservation of memory as a warning to others motivated diversely by ideology, religion, and politics. One artifact subject to iconoclasm is the painted portrait of Septimius Severus and his family in which one face was scraped out leaving the other three members untouched for political reasons and a demonstration of power. Another artifact affected by iconoclasm is a famous Byzantine icon, t he Virgin Hodegetria, which wasRead MoreEssay on Third Century Christian Persecution1244 Words   |  5 PagesChristianity† by Graeme Clarke, discusses the history of Christian persecution. Section two, â€Å"Persecution AD 193-249† and section three, â€Å"The Persecution of Decius†, provide an in depth review of Christian persecution under the Roman Emperors’ Septimius Severus, Caracalla and Decius. However, the exact number of Christians persecuted and martyred for their faith will never really be known. Very few written records exist that chronicle events throughout the entire Roman Empire. AtRead MoreArch of titus Essay1445 Words   |  6 Pageshellenistischer und kaiserzeitlicher Skulptur und Architektur, 2). Mainz am Rhein: Philipp von Zabern, 1983. 9. Lendering, Jona. http://www.livius.org/a/italy/rome/arch_severus/arch_severus1.html 10. Septimius Severus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septimius_Severus 11. Seindal, R. Arch of Septimius Severus. http://sights.seindal.dk/sight/161_Arch_of_Septimius_Severus.html 12. Various authors. Roman Triumph. http://www.unrv.com/culture/roman-triumph.php 13. Roman Triumph. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_triumph Read MoreEssay on The Fall of the Western Empire in the Fifth Century532 Words   |  3 Pagesa civil war by rivals to the throne. A series of rulers under what was known as `The Severan Dynasty ensued. Lucian Septimius Severus who became emperor in AD 193 severely weakened the imperial defenses when he disbanded the Praetorian Guard and replaced them with his own troops. While Rome remained a large empire there was a complete lack of constitution. After Septimus Severus all power derived from the army, which led to corruption in a quest for power. Between 235 and 284 there was a seriesRead MoreRoman Art Of Ancient Rome1707 Words   |  7 Pagesthe first period - the reign of the Julio - Claudian and Flavian, the second - the time of Trajan, later period - the time of the late Adrian and last Antonioni. The times of Septimius Severus, as previously Pompey and Caesar, then, obviously, should be regarded as transitional. Since the end of the reign of Septimius Severus, a crisis of Roman art. All artistic creation in Europe from the Middle Ages to the present day bears the traces of the strong influence of Roman art. Attention to it has alwaysRead MoreAnalysis Of Niccol Machiavellis The Prince931 Words   |  4 Pagesused by Cicero, an author Machiavelli was likely familiar with, in order to teach rhetoric – accordingly indicating Machiavelli’s classical influence. This is reinforced further from his example of Septimius Severus. While a number of Roman emperors were deposed because of their unnecessary brutality, Severus exercised a combination of cunning and force, allowing him to maintain his power. The extract expands upon what Machiavelli believes to be key elements that he puts forward in The Prince, reinforcingRead MoreEssay about What made the roman imperial army so strong2028 Words   |  9 Pagesthrough the creation or disbanding of units, clearly illustrate the strength in the military’s ability to adapt to necessity. How easily the military could mould itself to a specific situation is represented in the reforms introduced by Severus Septimius. The organisation of the Army is seen to respond to the challenges it was facing in the east through the creation of two new legions and the development of an emergency reserve. Furthermore, the increasing use of vexallations shows structuralRead MoreThe Myth Of Romulus And Remus Essay1515 Words   |  7 PagesTacitus, Annals 8.15). Nero’s murder of Britannicus reflects the theme of fratricide prevalent since Romulus and Remus, and it is not the only example in Roman history; following his father Septimius Severus’ death, rather than share the imperial title, Caracalla had his brother Geta assassinated within a year of Severus’ demise. Under the Republic, tenure of public office was limited typically to one year, with re-election to the same position restricted, due to these â€Å"intense competitive pressures†

Speaking upon the Demands of the People in Judith Butlers...

In Judith Butlers paper â€Å"so what are the demands?† she writes about the lack of foresight and goals set by the occupy movement. For this reason she provides her own set of demands. She divides her paper into two sections that take on two points made by the skeptics points for which she analyzes. She first brings up the skeptics position which states that: demands should take the form of a list and secondly that demands should be capable of being satisfied. Between these two statements she clears up why the movement exists, what its purpose is and the pitfalls of these two points. The paper begins to dissect the problems with the first statement being that of lists. Butler states that they merely sum up what the demands are about but over-simplify/over-look the finer details. These lists also do not explain how these demands relate to each other. Lists fall short because no one item on the list can explain what gathers them all together. A position that Butler holds is tha t it is the very historical character of the economic system itself that is the root cause of inequality. Butler points out that the key to understanding this economic framework is to understand why differentials in wealth are increasing more so than ever and by fewer people. Furthermore, small adjustments by lists cannot fix the problems with the economy, they cannot address the inequality of wealth because it is reproducing in ever more acute ways and lists would just get larger rather than ever seeking to