COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Develop & Implement Business Plans for Construction Projects course. This program will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and strategic frameworks required to prepare and implement effective business plans specifically tailored to the demands of construction projects. A well-structured business plan supports better project performance, reduces risk exposure, and links daily operations to long-term business goals—making it an essential capability for project managers, construction executives, and business owners operating in the building and infrastructure sectors.

This course begins by defining the scope and purpose of business planning in construction. Participants will explore how comprehensive planning underpins the financial viability, resource coordination, and contractual success of building projects. The integration of business plans with operational strategies, budget forecasts, and performance objectives is discussed to reinforce how planning translates into measurable results.

Understanding the broader construction market context is critical to effective business planning. This section focuses on analysing economic conditions, demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructure works, and shifting regulatory or material cost pressures. Participants will examine different procurement models—such as design and construct, PPPs, and lump sum contracts—and how these affect planning strategies.

Setting clear project-specific business objectives is essential for aligning project delivery with strategic intent. Participants will learn to define performance indicators for time, cost, safety, quality, and profitability. These goals are then mapped to client expectations, contract deliverables, and internal benchmarks to ensure consistent direction throughout the project lifecycle.

Feasibility assessments form the basis of sound business decision-making. Participants will assess the practical, legal, and financial feasibility of proposed projects, evaluating scope viability, site constraints, and potential return on investment (ROI). This includes consideration of environmental approvals, resourcing limits, and timeline assumptions.

SWOT analysis is introduced as a planning tool for identifying internal strengths and external challenges. Participants will explore how to convert opportunities into strategic advantages while mitigating operational vulnerabilities and market threats. This approach supports competitive positioning and business model optimisation.

Stakeholder mapping and partnership development are essential elements of the planning process. This section explores the importance of identifying key players—clients, financiers, consultants, subcontractors—and establishing communication strategies that support transparency, engagement, and commercial alignment.

Developing a viable construction business model is also a focus. Participants will learn to structure delivery and revenue models that reflect the chosen procurement route, define value propositions for investors and clients, and establish commercial frameworks for successful delivery. Risk allocation, contingency planning, and risk registers are then addressed to support resilience and preparedness.

Resource planning and legal compliance play a critical role in aligning capability with scope. Participants will explore labour forecasts, subcontractor availability, licensing requirements, and regulatory conditions under the NCC, WHS Act, and environmental law. Budget forecasting, financial modelling, and cost control measures are introduced to support commercial accountability.

Documenting the business plan is addressed in detail. Participants will examine the core structure of professional business plans, including executive summaries, market positioning, financial schedules, and operational strategies. Plans are tailored for different audiences—such as clients, investors, or internal stakeholders—to suit various communication needs.

Performance monitoring is integrated into the planning process through measurable KPIs. Participants will set targets for project milestones, financial returns, safety outcomes, and client satisfaction. These indicators are used to inform decision-making, team performance management, and corrective actions as needed.

Human resources and organisational structure are also addressed. This includes team design, induction planning, recruitment strategies, and addressing skills shortages through subcontracting or training. Marketing, business development, and capability positioning are also explored to enhance market competitiveness.

Clear communication protocols and reporting frameworks are essential to maintaining project alignment. This section addresses meeting schedules, reporting responsibilities, and stakeholder transparency. Procurement planning, supply chain coordination, and materials scheduling are also incorporated to ensure seamless integration of construction and business activities.

The course concludes with the implementation and review phase. Participants will develop a business plan rollout strategy, monitor progress against established milestones, and apply adaptive review techniques to improve future planning outcomes.

By the end of this course, you will be capable of designing, implementing, and continuously improving robust business plans that enhance the performance, sustainability, and profitability of construction projects across residential, commercial, and infrastructure domains.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Business Planning in Construction Projects

• Purpose and scope of business plans in the construction industry
• Benefits of structured planning for project performance and profitability
• Linking business plans to strategic, operational, and financial outcomes

2. Understanding Construction Industry Context and Market Conditions

• Analysing economic cycles, housing and infrastructure demand
• Assessing regulatory trends, labour markets, and construction material costs
• Identifying client segments and procurement models

3. Setting Project-Specific Business Objectives

• Defining clear, measurable goals: time, cost, quality, safety, profitability
• Aligning project objectives with the organisation’s strategic direction
• Translating client expectations into business targets

4. Conducting Feasibility Assessments

• Evaluating site constraints, scope viability, and delivery risks
• Performing cost-benefit and return-on-investment (ROI) analysis
• Reviewing resource, environmental, legal, and timeline feasibility

5. Analysing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)

• Identifying internal operational strengths and vulnerabilities
• Mapping external threats: market forces, competition, regulation
• Turning opportunities into competitive advantages

6. Identifying Key Stakeholders and Business Partners

• Stakeholder mapping: clients, investors, consultants, subcontractors
• Establishing partnerships with suppliers, financiers, and regulators
• Planning engagement and communication strategies

7. Developing a Construction Project Business Model

• Selecting the right delivery model: EPC, design-bid-build, CM
• Structuring revenue models: progress claims, milestones, retention
• Defining value propositions for clients and investors

8. Strategic Risk Management and Contingency Planning

• Identifying and categorising commercial, legal, and operational risks
• Allocating risk ownership between parties
• Developing contingency budgets and risk response strategies

9. Resource Planning and Capability Assessment

• Reviewing labour availability, subcontractor networks, and in-house capacity
• Planning for plant, equipment, and materials availability
• Aligning resource forecasts with project timelines and staging

10. Legal and Regulatory Compliance Requirements

• Ensuring alignment with the NCC, WHS Act, and environmental law
• Understanding licensing, development consent, and construction approvals
• Complying with industrial relations and modern awards

11. Financial Forecasting and Budget Development

• Projecting income, cost centres, and profit margins
• Estimating capital expenditure and working capital needs
• Building cash flow models and funding schedules

12. Business Plan Structure and Documentation

• Essential components: executive summary, market analysis, operations, finance
• Writing clear, concise, and targeted business plan content
• Customising plans for internal, investor, or client-facing purposes

13. Performance Measurement and KPIs

• Establishing KPIs for financial, operational, safety, and client satisfaction
• Setting performance benchmarks against industry standards
• Using KPIs to guide decision-making and corrective action

14. Workforce Planning and Organisational Structure

• Defining project roles, reporting lines, and team structures
• Planning workforce mobilisation, induction, and training
• Addressing skill shortages through recruitment or subcontracting

15. Marketing, Branding, and Business Development

• Positioning the project for government, commercial, or residential sectors
• Developing capability statements and bid proposals
• Promoting sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation

16. Communication and Reporting Framework

• Defining internal and external communication protocols
• Establishing reporting lines and meeting schedules
• Ensuring transparency with stakeholders and financial backers

17. Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Developing procurement strategies for subcontractors and materials
• Ensuring supply chain continuity and quality assurance
• Integrating procurement timelines with construction programs

18. Implementation, Monitoring, and Review

• Launching the business plan through an implementation roadmap
• Monitoring performance against plan milestones
• Conducting formal reviews and updating the plan as required

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.