The course explores the challenges and risks senior managers of construction, engineering and architecture companies face in entering global markets in general, and sponsoring concessions in particular. The course includes a discussion of innovative approaches to nation building, partnering, finance, utilization of specialized delivery systems, privatization, outsourcing and concessions; opportunities created by advanced information technology, and appropriate strategies for entering attractive and rapidly expanding international fields and markets.

The class will explore the implications and likely impact of growing globalization on current and future managers of construction, engineering and architectural enterprises. Thomas Friedman’s prizewinning book, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, will serve as a primary reading. Prepare to discuss Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of The Lexus and the Olive Tree during the first class session.

In addition, the course will draw from a number of outside readings and cases, including The Engineering News-Record’s “Greatest Construction Projects;” a case study of “Empresas ICA and the Mexican Road Privatization Program; “Underestimating Costs in Public Works Project – Error or Lie?”; and the articles, “ENRON’S Eight-Year Power Struggle in India” and “VMS Asset Management Contract for Virginia’s Interstate Highways.”

Classroom participation is organized to treat the students as recent appointees to the management committee of a large international construction, consulting or architectural firm and the students are encouraged to analyze a variety of challenges, issues and concerns from this perspective.

For the twelfth and final session, the students will be divided into teams and will prepare a business plan for establishing a foreign office, major investment or concession, in order to utilize and demonstrate the various tools and approaches explored in the course.