Experiences in Industry (ABPL90308)

This subject examines the industrial behaviour of a variety of firms active in the construction market through exploring the experiences and reflections of key industry representatives. This will include examination of features related to the feasibility, design, construct, commissioning and operation phases of a construction project.

Organised as a series of structured discussions within a seminar format, the subject will expose students to a variety of industrial pathways, while positioning challenges and achievements of the sample of firms selected within their historical, economic and technological contexts.

Student's work will be to acquire industry information from class and formal research sources then organise, synthesise and determine possible futures of various sectors of the construction industry. This will assist the student in formulating how future trends, constraints and opportunities may impact the industry.

The subject is conceived as a platform to expose final-year students to the structural diversity that exists in the construction industry. Its aim is to examine how different types of firms behave in relation to a particular topic, which changes every year, according to the experiences and structured reflections of key industry representatives invited throughout the semester.

The idea behind this framework is that, by being exposed to and by understanding the cultural, strategic and operational differences that can exist between firms, students will be able to form an independent view of the industry, acquire critical skills that can be applied in the workplace, and become more proactive in relation to future employment strategies or choices.