ABH324 Modern Construction Business
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ABH324 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Completion of 192cp in current course |
| Equivalent(s): | UXH314, UXB115 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,436 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABH324 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 192cp in current course |
| Equivalent: | UXB115 is equivalent to ABH324. UXB115/ ABH324 is not an honours unit for UD01 Construction Management Students. |
| Equivalent: | UXH314 |
| Coordinator: | Melissa Teo | melissa.teo@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit explores the role of construction firms as business entities in the construction industry. This unit introduces the business, social and economic environments in which construction firms operate, and the industry-specific challenges of growing and managing a socially responsible, forward thinking and profitable construction business. The ability to develop a business plan to competently guide business direction and growth is a core skill needed to navigate the dynamic and competitive nature of construction business. Key elements of the business plan include a competent analysis of the market, identifying and engaging key stakeholders, financial analysis, mitigating business risks and opportunities, and build a caring and inclusive corporate culture. The knowledge and skills acquired in this unit are relevant to construction management and related majors.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Understand key business fundamentals and operating principles of a construction-based business, including how to grow the business sustainably and to be an ethical and socially responsible business.
- Apply professional behaviours that recognise the important role and influence of both internal and external stakeholders to business continuity and success.
- Analyse and interpret small business data through the application of accounting principles to critically evaluate business information.
- Develop and present a business plan to guide business direction and growth.
Content
This unit covers topics relevant to modern construction businesses including but not limited to: company setup and corporate governance; business protocol and ethics; business environment analysis; business planning; innovation and entrepreneurship; corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices; financial analysis, assessing business risks and opportunities; community and stakeholder engagement; staff recruitment, retention and welfare; and corporate culture and leadership. Of particular interest is how modern technology, particularly the use of mobile devices, impacts upon business practices in construction management.
Learning Approaches
Unit content will be delivered through weekly lectures and tutorial classes. The purpose of the lecture (2 hours) is to present main theoretical concepts, identify areas of discussion and debate, and to develop critical inquiry and problem solving skills. You are encouraged to share your experiences of modern construction business within this context. Case studies, presentations and discussions are used in the tutorial classes (1 hour) to allow you to develop your ability to apply theory and practice to workplace situations, and consider the broader implications of construction business decisions.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Formative feedback, written and verbal, will be provided during the lecture/ tutorial claases. Other forms of feedback may include -
Self-Feedback:
• Informal self-reflection exercise as part of in-class activities
Peer feedback:
• Informal feedback by peers during in-class activities
• In-class case study based discussions as part of in-class activities
• Formal feedback by peers on assessment #2 and #3
Assessment
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
Lessons learnt case study.
Conduct a stakeholder, market and financial analysis of a nominated case study-based company using an identified target market.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Presentation
Working in groups, you will develop and present one part of the business plan for a new start-up business idea.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Professional Plans
Develop a detailed business plan taking into account feedback from the presentation, and submit an individual reflective journal.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no set text for this unit. Relevant reading materials will be provided during the semester.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Presentation, Professional Plans - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Presentation, Professional Plans - Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Presentation, Professional Plans - Strategically collaborate with diverse stakeholders and communities, including First Nations peoples.
Relates to: Problem Solving Task, Presentation, Professional Plans - Reflect on feedback and experience, and display professional and ethical judgment and initiative.
Relates to: Presentation, Professional Plans