Understanding the Construction Industry Assignment Sample

Introduction To Understanding the Construction Industry

The planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining of physical structures, such as buildings, infrastructure, and other facilities, is referred to as the construction industry. It includes a variety of tasks, including civil, industrial, commercial, and residential construction projects. By constructing and developing infrastructure, offering housing, and supporting commercial activity, the construction sector is essential to the growth and development of societies. To turn architectural plans into real constructions, a variety of experts, contractors, labourers, and organisations collaborate. A diversified workforce, including architects, engineers, project managers, construction workers, craftsmen, and skilled labourers, is employed by the building sector. Collaboration between many stakeholders, including customers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and regulatory agencies, is necessary.

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The term "management structure" describes how a company sets up its managerial positions and tasks in order to promote efficient decision-making, communication, and coordination inside the company. It describes the management team's organisational structure, reporting lines, and responsibility distribution. Top-level executives who supervise the organization's overall strategic direction, such as CEOs or presidents, are frequently included in a standard management structure. There may be numerous layers of management under them, including senior managers, middle managers, and frontline supervisors, who are each in charge of certain facets of the organization's operations(Robbins,2017).

So, it can be clear from the above discussion the overall concept of this essay is related to the notion of the management structure of the selected construction company namely J Murphy & Sons Ltd. The study has been divided into many segments which have been listed in detail below:

1. Providing company overview
2. Describing the management structure of the company
3. Discussing about the 4 P's
4. Providing an overview of the HR functions of the company
5. Lastly, provide one brief conclusion

Body

Background Of the Selected Organisation

Company Overview

A well-known international engineering and construction firm, J Murphy & Sons Ltd. offers a wide variety of services, including infrastructure, power, and utility projects. Although Murphy had a sizable presence as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, it's crucial to remember that exact details regarding the number of locations and current employment count may have altered since then. Murphy has operations in a number of nations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The business has a number of regional offices and operating hubs across the UK and Ireland. For instance, it maintains offices in places like Glasgow, Manchester, and London that act as focal points for project management and support activities. The Murphy Company's corporate headquarters are in London, England. Murphy has increased its footprint in North America by expanding its business into both Canada and the US. The organisation has worked on multiple projects in various Canadian provinces, including Ontario and Alberta. Murphy maintains a location in Jacksonville, Florida, and has worked on a number of projects involving water treatment, gas infrastructure, and electricity transmission and distribution (J Murphy & Sons Ltd,2022).

Despite the fact that Murphy has a number of locations, it's vital to keep in mind that the firm primarily concentrates on engineering and building projects rather than retail operations. As a result, it does not have a big brick-and-mortar retail presence. Instead, the company's operations are focused on its offices, operating facilities, and project sites. Murphy's website states that the firm has over 4,000 employees worldwide, demonstrating both the scale of its personnel and the scope of its operations. These workers are involved in a variety of industries and professions, such as engineering, project management, health and safety, and skilled crafts(J Murphy,2022).

The reason behind selecting this company

I decided on J Murphy & Sons Ltd as the company to talk about since it is a globally recognised, well-known engineering and construction firm. The business has a lengthy history that dates back to its founding in 1951, demonstrating its expertise and stability in the sector. The variety of services offered by Murphy is one justification for choosing it. The business provides a full range of engineering and construction solutions, including those for utility, power, and infrastructure projects. This wide range of services demonstrates Murphy's adaptability and capacity to take on challenging and significant projects across several industries. Murphy's dedication to sustainability and innovation is also remarkable. In order to improve productivity, reduce environmental impact, and provide sustainable infrastructure solutions, the organisation adopts innovative technology and practices.

Management Structure of The Selected Organisation

Management structure of the company

The hierarchical management structure used by J Murphy & Sons Ltd promotes efficient decision-making, effective communication, and distinct lines of power within the company. The overall overview can still help to comprehend the company's management practises, even though specifics regarding the management structure may have changed after my knowledge cut-off in September 2021 (Chen,2017). The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who sits atop the organisational chart, is in charge of the company's overall performance and strategic direction. An executive team that includes the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and other senior leaders supports the CEO. They collaborate to manage the company's numerous departments and operations. Murphy's management structure is divided into many divisions or business units, each of which is led by a divisional manager or director, underneath the executive team(Chan,2019). These divisions frequently correspond to certain business segments or geographic areas where the organisation works, such as infrastructure, electricity, and utilities. Divisional managers are in charge of supervising the activities, initiatives, and teams within their own divisions. Project managers are in charge of the efficient completion of certain projects within each division. To make sure projects are carried out in accordance with the agreed-upon specifications, budgets, and timeframes, they coordinate with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, subcontractors, and internal teams. In addition, Murphy places a strong emphasis on health and safety as a core value. As a result, it has designated health and safety managers or officers who collaborate closely with project teams to guarantee adherence to pertinent laws and best practices. Overall, J Murphy & Sons Ltd.'s management hierarchy is well-structured, enabling efficient coordination and administration of its activities(Wu,2015).

How does this structure help the company achieve its goals?

By offering a framework for efficient decision-making, coordination, and communication, the management structure of J Murphy & Sons Ltd. plays a critical role in aiding the organisation in achieving its goals. Here are some ways the structure helps the business achieve its objectives:

Attributes	The way it helps
Clear Roles and Responsibilities	Because of the organization's hierarchical structure, each employee is given a clear function and set of duties. Accountability is encouraged and employees are able to comprehend how they contribute to the company's goals thanks to this clarity. Decisions may be taken at the right level without needless delays or misunderstanding when there are clear lines of responsibility and reporting (Kollmann,2017).
Strategic Alignment	The CEO and other senior executives make up the executive team, which determines the company's strategic direction. The management structure assists in coordinating the aims of several divisions with the overarching organisational objectives through routine communication and collaboration with divisional managers. By aligning interests, it is possible to guarantee that activities are coordinated and that resources are used wisely to meet strategic objectives (Oršoli?,2018).
Efficient Project Execution	Project managers are in charge of each division's particular projects. The management structure gives project managers a framework for coordinating with multiple stakeholders, allocating resources, and keeping track of development. By facilitating effective project execution, this coordination makes sure that projects are finished on schedule, within budget, and to the necessary quality standards.
Communication and Information Flow	Throughout the organisation, good communication and information flow are made possible by the management structure. Employees at all levels are able to keep informed about organisational objectives, plans, and project updates because of clear reporting lines that facilitate fast information sharing. Collaboration, improved problem-solving skills, and shared knowledge of the organization's aims are all promoted through effective communication(Uyar,2018).

Advantages and disadvantages of the organisation's structure

Advantages	Disadvantages
Clear roles and responsibilities	Potential for bureaucracy and slow decision-making
Strategic alignment of divisions and objectives	Lack of flexibility and adaptability
Efficient project execution and resource allocation	Potential for communication gaps and information bottlenecks
Effective communication and information flow	Hierarchical barriers to innovative ideas and employee input
Clear reporting lines for accountability and decision-making	Potential for siloed thinking and lack of cross-functional collaboration
Promotes organizational stability and control	Potential for limited employee empowerment and autonomy
Supports efficient coordination and resource management	Potential for overreliance on top-level decision-making

4Ps of the Marketing Mix in relation to the selected organisation

Definition of the marketing mix

A corporation employs a collection of manageable marketing variables or instruments known as the marketing mix to accomplish its marketing goals. It includes the strategic blending of the "4 Ps" (product, pricing, location, and promotion), which are four essential components (Kotler,2021).

Product: J Murphy & Sons Ltd. is an engineering and construction company that provides a wide range of goods and services. Infrastructure, electricity, and utility solutions may be roughly categorised as their product offerings.

Murphy offers services for the development and upkeep of several infrastructure projects, including those involving roads, trains, bridges, tunnels, and water and wastewater systems.

Murphy provides services for electricity distribution, transmission, and generating. They work on building and maintaining power plants, substations, and transmission lines.

Murphy also offers utility solutions, such as pipes for gas and water (Engineering,2021) They are experts in utility network installation, upkeep, and repairs, assuring prompt and dependable provision of vital services to the public. J Murphy & Sons Ltd.'s selection of goods and services demonstrates their dedication to providing complete engineering and building solutions. They can meet the various demands of their clients and help to construct vital infrastructure and sustainable energy systems thanks to their expertise in the infrastructure, power, and utility industries(Construction,2021).

Price: Companies take into account a number of elements when determining prices, such as the product's value to customers, manufacturing costs, market demand, competition, and overall corporate goals. Cost-based and value-based methods to pricing are both possible.

Value-based pricing might be advantageous for J Murphy & Sons Ltd, which engages in the engineering and construction sectors. With this strategy, prices are determined in accordance with the perceived value that customers receive from the company's goods and services (Nagle,2016). J Murphy & Sons Ltd might place more emphasis on their distinctive value proposition—such as their knowledge, quality, and capacity to complete complicated projects—rather than just their costs. J Murphy & Sons Ltd may set themselves apart from rivals and command a premium price for their specialised services by using a value-based pricing strategy. The company's goal of providing all-inclusive engineering and construction solutions is in line with this approach, which may assist in establishing it as a reliable and valuable partner in the sector(Anderson,2006).

Place: J Murphy & Sons Ltd works in the engineering and construction sector, where project-based work and on-site service delivery are usual. J Murphy & Sons Ltd may choose project-specific sites above conventional retail or internet channels when it comes to distribution methods. They frequently bring their goods and services right to infrastructure or building projects. Their supply chain may have weaknesses as a result of things like material delivery delays, coordination problems, or interruptions brought on by unanticipated events at project locations.

J Murphy & Sons Ltd might take into account the following tactics to strengthen their supply chain and improve their distribution channels:

Improved Supplier Relationships: Creating solid connections with trustworthy suppliers might assist in addressing supply chain problems. The timely delivery of supplies and the reduction of interruptions may both be achieved via close cooperation and excellent communication with suppliers.

Strong Project Management: Using effective project management techniques helps speed up the distribution procedure. The movement of supplies and resources to project sites may be optimised by effective planning, coordination, and scheduling, which reduces delays and boosts supply chain efficiency.

Promotion: J Murphy & Sons Ltd may concentrate mostly on focused promotional efforts that are pertinent to their market and clientele given the nature of their business. This could comprise:

Industry Events and Trade Fairs: J Murphy & Sons Ltd may demonstrate their knowledge, build relationships with potential clients, and create leads by taking part in industry-specific events and trade fairs.

Digital marketing: Making use of digital platforms like their website, social media accounts, and online advertising may assist build brand recognition, presenting their project portfolio, and engaging their target audience.

Material marketing: By creating educational and pertinent material, such as case studies, whitepapers, and blog posts, J Murphy & Sons Ltd may become recognised as a thought leader in the field, drawing in new customers and enhancing credibility.

An overview of HR functions

Definition of HR

A significant division of an organisation that focuses on managing and growing its people capital is human resources (HR). The role of HR includes a variety of tasks involving workers, making sure the company has the right people with the proper abilities, and fostering a productive workplace. The primary functions of HR are:

• Recruitment and Selection
• Employee Onboarding and Offboarding
• Employee Development and Training
• Performance Management.
• Employee Relations and Engagement
• Compensation and Benefits
• HR Policy and Compliance (Dessler,2019)

Strategies the company uses in recruiting and selection

J Murphy & Sons Ltd may employ various strategies in their recruitment and selection process to attract and hire qualified candidates. The steps involved in their recruitment and selection process could include:

• Job Analysis: Identifying the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the position through a comprehensive job analysis.
• Job Posting and Advertising: Posting job vacancies on the company's website, job portals, and industry-specific platforms to reach a wide pool of potential candidates.
• Resume Screening: Reviewing resumes and applications received to shortlist candidates who meet the job requirements(Boxall,2016).
• Interviews: Conducting interviews, either in-person or virtually, to assess candidates' suitability for the role. This may involve multiple rounds of interviews, including behavioural and technical assessments.
• Assessments and Tests: Administering assessments, such as aptitude tests or technical exams, to evaluate candidates' skills and competencies (Wright,2011)
• Reference and Background Checks: Conducting reference checks to verify candidates' qualifications, experience, and work history. This may include contacting previous employers or professional references provided by the candidates.
• Offer and Onboarding: Extending an offer to the selected candidate and facilitating the onboarding process, which includes completing the necessary paperwork, conducting orientation sessions, and providing an introduction to the company culture and policies(Armstrong&Taylor,2019).

Hiring of Workers

The recruiting strategy used by J Murphy & Sons Ltd is probably a blend of both qualified employees and a diversified talent pool. They may need qualified personnel with specialised knowledge in fields like civil engineering, project management, and technical trades because they are an engineering and construction firm. They could, however, also respect a diverse workforce and take into account those who have promise and are eager to learn and develop within the company. They may use performance management systems, career advancement tracks, training and development opportunities, and building an innovative and ever-improving culture as part of their personnel management strategy (Scullion,2011).

Career Paths

Various career options, including as apprenticeship programmes, graduate schemes, and engineering career routes, may be accessible at J Murphy & Sons Ltd. These routes offer chances for people at various career phases to join the organisation and enhance their expertise in particular fields (Mooney,2018).

Employee retention scheme

There may be employee relations plans in place at J Murphy & Sons Ltd that include promotion, performance, and recognition programmes. Employees are intended to be recognised and rewarded for their efforts and accomplishments through recognition programmes. A structured mechanism for assessing employee performance and delivering feedback is provided through performance appraisals. Promotional programmes help employees progress in their careers and provide them with chances to rise within the company. These programmes aid in creating good employee relations, inspiring workers, and coordinating their aims with those of the business (Armstrong,2019).

Conclusion

This article has examined a number of facets of J Murphy & Sons Ltd, a business engaged in the engineering and construction sectors. We started off by going through the company's history, including how many stores there were, how many people worked there, and where they were located. The number of stores and employees of the firm, however, was not made explicit. Next, we looked at J Murphy & Sons Ltd.'s management structure. We reviewed the typical hierarchical structure typically seen in organisations, with different levels of management managing different roles and departments, even if precise information about their management structure was not supplied. Within the organisation, this structure aids in establishing distinct lines of power, responsibility, and decision-making. The advantages of the management structure in aiding J Murphy & Sons Ltd in achieving its objectives were then covered. We demonstrated how a clearly defined organisational structure may improve coordination, communication, and effectiveness. It may also make roles and duties clear, make strategic decision-making easier, and assist efficient resource allocation.

Additionally, we looked at the benefits and drawbacks of the organisational structure of J Murphy & Sons Ltd. We organised these ideas into a table, emphasising both the positive aspects—such as clear hierarchy and responsibility, effective decision-making, and specialization—and the negative ones—such as a lack of flexibility and a delayed reaction to change. In addition, we focused on J Murphy & Sons Ltd's product offers as we investigated their marketing mix. We spoke about how the company's goods and services probably correlate with their knowledge in engineering and construction, despite the lack of specifics about their products. Moving on, we investigated J Murphy & Sons Ltd.'s pricing policy. We explored various tactics they may use, such as price penetration or competitive pricing, even if detailed information regarding their pricing strategy wasn't accessible. We also made a recommendation for the company's best pricing strategy based on the characteristics of their market and industry. This article offered a general review of J Murphy & Sons Ltd., addressing a number of topics including managerial structure, marketing mix, pricing tactics, distribution methods, and HR duties. To give depth and legitimacy to the material presented, the analysis was backed with citations to scholarly papers.

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