Emgineering And Project Management In Oil And Gas Industry - Book Report/Review Example

 What is the topic of the paper? The paper discusses the importance of strategic planning in the field of construction – from the point of view of construction companies. The discussion is set into speed, by the definition of planning, where it is explained as spanning the behavior of the company in the competitive environment and the ways in which the firm aligns its resources, to perform effectively using the relevant market strategy (Warszawski, 1996). The discussion goes ahead to explore the methodical nature of strategic planning for construction firms, noting that it starts with the examination of the firm’s mission, reviewing the business environment of the firm and reviewing the resources of the firm, which can be used in the pursuit of the firm’s mission. Lastly, the firm will develop a strategy, featuring the activity areas to be covered in the work of the firm. Is the scope of the paper well defined? The scope of the paper is defined clearly. This is evident from the fact that it talks about the topic of the article, in its entirety. The title talks of strategic planning in the field of engineering and construction (Cakmak & Tas, 2012). After going into the paper, the reader is taken through the definition of planning, which gives them the framework for comprehending what the strategies will be used for. After going into the exploration of the article, the paper explores the strategic planning of construction firms in its entirety, starting with the company as an entity, where the focus is on the mission of the firm. Next, the discussion reaches out to the environment, which is outside the company, noting that the mission needs to be aligned to the business environment (Warszawski, 1996). Further, the discussion returns to the company, to check the resources of the company, which will enable it to counter the business environment explored in the strategic planning process. After determining that the company’s resources can work well in the environment, then they discuss the integration of a strategy, which features the alignment of the business environment, the firm’s mission and the resources of the firm (Warszawski, 1996). Therefore, the scope of the paper is well defined, and well expressed through the title of the article, which is supported by the discussion of the different elements of the strategic planning process. Are the objectives of the paper stated clearly? The objective of a paper is the complete, practical and hands-on nature of the paper in the given topic of discussion. Through a review of the paper, the objectives of the paper are stated clearly, through the title of the paper, as well as throughout the span of the discussion (Cakmak & Tas, 2012). The objective of the paper, which is clear from the title and the span of the paper, is strategic planning among engineering and construction companies (Warszawski, 1996). The objective of the paper is fully explored through the paper, which demonstrates that the stated objective was covered like it is stated. What original contribution is the author(s) presenting in the paper? The authors present an original outlook of strategic planning, which has for long been used for business ventures, applying it to the case of construction firms in a clearly comprehensible manner. Applying the organizational process of aligning strategy, mission (direction), decision making and resource allocation in the pursuit of business goals, the authors explore the business environment and the nature of construction firms; they simplify the process of strategic thinking. For example, the authors present strategic thinking for construction firms in a methodological manner, which allows such firms to use the paper as a blueprint for their strategic forecasting and planning exercises (Warszawski, 1996). Through the discussion, the author combines different aspects of the strategic planning process for construction firms, giving examples of the activities and the areas to be covered under the different stages in the strategic planning process. For example, at the stage of reviewing the firm’s mission, the author talks of the exploration of the owner’s outlook regarding the objectives and the scope of the firm’s business. This shows that the paper presents the practical application of strategic planning to construction firms, unlike other literature that has not explored the subject in such a practical manner. Is the research methodology (if any) described clearly? The paper is not a research study, therefore, does not incorporate a research methodology into the discussion. However, in presenting the methodology of strategic planning, the authors incorporate a real-world outlook towards the exploration of the strategic planning process of a construction firm, to the extent that it appears like a real research study (Cakmak & Tas, 2012). For example, he notes the specific areas to be covered during the process, including the variables to be reviewed. For example, in discussing about the objectives of the construction firm, during the strategic planning process – the author talks of the growth of the firm, the profitability and the survival mechanisms that the firm can use to ensure its survival (Warszawski, 1996). Are the results or findings of the paper applicable in practice? Noting that the paper is not a research study, gives the impression that a discussion of findings would not be incorporated into the discussion and the scope of the paper. However, the real-world outlook of the span of the business of construction firms, the paper presents the discussion incorporating facts about such firms (Warszawski, 1996). The information and the exploration of strategic planning are highly applicable and useful in the practical world. This is the case, because the authors presented a highly methodological model of the different strategic operation areas of the construction firm, and the options to be taken. What key fundamental positions are taken by the author? Is the author consistent in supporting those positions? The key fundamental positions taken by the authors includes that strategic planning is a critical process in the progress and the success of any business, irrespective of its area of business. The authors also adopt the position that the planning process of a business is mainly channeled towards the management of the behavior and the activities of the firm within the competitive surroundings. Apart from the management of the firm’s activities and operations, the authors adopt the outlook that the planning process must incorporate the management of the resources of the business, towards the market strategy that they have adapted (Warszawski, 1996). Other positions taken by the authors include that the strategic planning process is highly methodological; therefore, one that works for one business can work for another, although it will need to be adjusted to its case (Cakmak & Tas, 2012). For example, by incorporating a detailed discussion of the internal and the external business environments, the authors model the discussion into a highly practical model, which can be used by construction firms in their day to day operations. The authors are very consistent in supporting the positions taken. For example, in reviewing the mission of the company, the authors demonstrate the methodological nature of strategic planning for construction companies, by exploring the owner’s views with regard to the company’s scope of objectives and activities. In discussing the survey of the company’s business, the authors talk of the different aspects of the general economic factors and other factors specific to the construction sector (Warszawski, 1996). What assumptions does the author make in developing his/ or her/ their cases? Are there any that you find questionable? If so, explain. From a detailed review of the paper, the discussion of strategic planning among construction firms is highly practical, to the level that it was impossible to find any major assumptions made by the authors. However, one assumption made throughout the paper is at the start, where the authors hold that strategic planning is a function of the senior management of any businesses (Warszawski, 1996). This assumption shows that the authors did not take into account that the junior staffs of different businesses, including construction companies can play an instrumental role in strategic planning. Are the conclusions supported by the research results? The conclusions made in the paper are fully supported by the discussion of the different aspects of strategic planning for construction firms. However, considering that the paper is not a research study, the connection between research results and the conclusions of the paper is not valid. Are there any errors in the paper, either factual or typographical? If so, list them. I did not find any errors in the paper, whether those of a typographical or a factual nature. Therefore, it is possible to argue that the paper was presented in a highly proficient and knowledgeable way. References Cakmak, P., & Tas, E. (2012). Strategic Planning Practices of Contractor Firms in Turkey. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 58, 40-46. Warszawski, A. (1996). Strategic Planning in Construction Companies. J. Constr. Eng. Manage, 122(2), 133–140. Read More