SVY4309 Practice Management for Spatial Scientists

It is important for surveying, spatial science and planning graduates to realise that they are part of professions that have responsibilities to their clients, the community, and their peers. This course is designed to provide the necessary fundamental knowledge for students to understand their professional responsibilities as a member of a multi-disciplinary team or as a consultant. These concepts include financial management, project management, firm management, and systems management, as well as professional bodies and ethics. This course draws together many areas of surveying, spatial science and planning in order to simulate the operations of large projects within a business environment. A number of case studies are discussed in terms of both project planning and the technical operations of the projects. Practical advice is provided on the primary management functions of planning, leading, organising, and controlling operations on large projects and in a business. This course will also provide graduates with the knowledge necessary to recognise 'hidden' costs on projects, and to plan for a profitable and well-balanced business. It will also provide the ability to recognise possible difficulties that might arise, to analyse the relevant issues, and to take appropriate action where necessary.