Business & Economics Collected Works - Theses
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 1 of 1
-
ItemManagement education for the architect(University of Melbourne, 1969)This Research Project has investigated the need for management education of practicing architects who are graduates of some years' standing. A survey of architects in Victoria through a Questionnaire on Management and discussions with architects and other professionals of the building team have clearly established the following: 1. The architectural profession is a heterogeneous one consisting of employers (proprietors, partners, some associates) and employed architects from many employment areas. Accordingly, different problems and needs are perceived by the various groups. 2. There is considerable concern among architects that the role of the profession in modern society is being ' threatened and that the architect is slow to adapt to changes in environmental conditions. 3. There is almost complete agreement within and outside the profession that the architect needs to improve his 'managerial' skills, although suggestions vary as to which areas are important or how to go about it. 4. Overall only a small percentage of architects has had formal education or training in management. Significantly, employed architects in the public sector are best served in this respect. S. Over 80 percent of respondents to the survey have expressed interest in management education and willingness to participate in a training program. 6. The profession expects, almost unanimously, an increased involvement in the education of practicing architects by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. 7. Support exists for both a full-time and a part-time program. A strong view has been expressed by a number of respondents that management education should not be conducted by architects on their own. An examination of all needs expressed has led to the recommendation that two management courses are desirable: a basic task-oriented course (part-time) and an advanced business-oriented course (full-time residential), with only limited joint teaching material. The basic course is aimed at all architects who direct projects and control staff but who are not involved in top-level management. The programme should assist in the development of a disciplined approach to project and contract administration. An eight to ten week afternoon or evening course is recommended which would take the place of the Advanced Study Course Fl 'The Architect and Management' which was introduced by the Victorian Chapter during 1969 and extends over three evening sessions. The advanced course is aimed specifically at the experienced architect who has organisational management responsibilities, and its content deals with business administration rather than task management. For this reason a residential course is recommended which would give senior architects from various activity areas the chance to live, work and relax together for a concentrated period, broaden their outlook and analytical capacities, assist in the interchange of ideas and development of positive means for improving architectural administrative competence. It is also suggested that other professions associated with the building industry should be included. Management ideas and principles assimilated in this way may then percolate from the top down in architectural organisations. A minimum residential period of one working week plus two weekends is considered necessary although a longer period would be desirable. Suggestions for course syllabuses for both courses have been detailed in Part Five. The material developed for the management courses outlined could well be made available in handbook form at a later stage, although perusal of a handbook is but a poor substitute for participation in a course as it lacks the interchange of ideas between people. Further, a fundamental reappraisal of content and emphasis in architectural undergraduate education relating to management is recommended. Most topics suggested for the basic course should ultimately be introduced in the undergraduate curriculum.