School of Engineering and Technology, (SET)
 
CE70.44 : Communication and Negotiation Skills for Project Managers  3(3-0)
 
Course objectives:

The objective of this course is to explore how to effectively manage communication in a construction organization and project and how to manage project documentation (as a communication tool) in different project phases. Project manager must have the skills to communicate effectively and negotiate with the project team, project client, supplier and subcontractors.
 
Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, the students would be able to:

  • Communicate and negotiate effectively to complete a project successfully
  • Administer the document control.
  • Coordinate effectively among the major stakeholders of the project.
 
Pre-requisite(s):

None.
 
Course Outline:

I.      Managing Communication in Projects

  1.    Group Communication
  2.    Communication Networks
  3.    Organizational Communication
  4.    Managing Meeting
  5.    Communication in Managing Conflicts
  6.    Case study on Communication Management

 II.    Construction Project Documentation Management and Technology

  1.    Project Documentation Management
  2.    Documentation in project phases (initialing, planning, executing, controlling and closing out)
  3.    Project Communication Technology and Media
  4.    Case study on project documentation

III.    Negotiation in Construction Projects

  1.    Negotiation key concepts: BATNA, Reservation Price, ZOPA and Value exchange
  2.    Negotiation Preparation and Tactics
  3.    Structure and Sequence of a Negotiation
  4.    Barriers and Errors in Negotiation
  5.    Negotiation as an organizational competence
 
Laboratory Sessions:

None.
 
Learning Resources:

Textbook:

No designated text book, but class notes, and handouts will be provided.
 
Reference Books:
  1. Harvard Business Essentials (2003): Negotiation, Harvard Business School Press.  Ermitt, Stephen and Gorse, Christopher (2003)
  2. Construction Communication, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Marsh, PDV (1984)
  3. Contract Negotiation Handbook, Second Edition, Essex: Gower Publishing.
 
Journals and Magazines:
  1. Construction Management and Economics by Routledge, Taylor & Francis
  2. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management by Emerald
  3. International Journal of Project Management by Elsevier
  4. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management by ASCE

 

Others: None
 
Time Distribution and Study Load:

Lectures:                                                 45 hours

Self-study:                                             115 hours

Case Study and Home Assignments:     20 hours
 
Teaching and Learning Methods:

Mass Instruction: Lectures, Class room exercises and presentations

Individualized Learning: Individual home assignments at the end of each class.

Group Learning: Group home assignments at the end of each class to practice, Case Studies to enhance the practical problem-solving skills.
 
Evaluation Scheme:

Case study and Home Assignments:    10% 

Mid Semester Exam (Open Book):        30% 

Final Exam (Open Book):                      60%

 “A” will be awarded if a student can demonstrate clear understanding of the topics learned in class, has integrated knowledge of the course, can apply the knowledge appropriately in the project/case study, and actively contribute in class discussion.

“B” will be awarded if a student can demonstrate basic understanding of the topics learned in class, can apply the knowledge in the project/case study, and contribute in class discussion.

“C” will be given if a student can demonstrate partial understanding of the topics learned in class, can apply the knowledge in the project/case study, and quiet during class discussion.

“D” will be given if a student demonstrates lack of understanding of the topics learned in class, cannot apply the knowledge appropriately in the project/case study, and cannot contribute in class discussion.
 
Instructor(s):
SECTION NAME