Business Management and Application for Architecture Ar. John Irish A.

Padilla, uap

LESSON
GOOD STRATEGY UNDERLYING STRUCTURE

1. Accurate diagnosis
A good diagnosis will classify things as they stand, align facts into patterns and
maybe even bring to the surface knowledge about how similar situations were handled in the past.
In practical terms, the diagnosis will be a judgement of the true facts of the situation which
replaces complexity with a simpler problem which can be solved.

2. Guiding Policy
It outlines the overall approach to be used to overcome the obstacles highlighted by the diagnosis.
● Good Guiding principle - anticipate what might arise, reduce complexities and
ambiguities, exploit the leverage which is available and create policies and actions which are
coherent in that they build on each other.

3. Coherent Actions to be undertaken

A good strategy always involves doing something to move forward. There must be clarity and
coordinated action - that is, the actions taken must be coherent and consistent with one objective.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO 1
An architectural firm has been struggling to win new projects and is losing market share to
competitors. They recognize the need to revamp their approach to stay competitive and grow their
business.

Accurate Diagnosis and Objective Setting:

The architectural firm conducts an extensive assessment of its current position and identifies
issues such as outdated design trends, limited sustainability efforts, and insufficient client
engagement. Their objective is to regain market leadership and secure new projects.

Definitive Guiding Policy:

To address these challenges, the firm formulates a guiding policy for their strategy. The policy is
to "Reestablish industry leadership through cutting - edge, sustainable design, and proactive
client collaboration." This policy provides a clear direction for their strategy.

Coherent Actions to be undertaken:

• Strategy Development: The architectural firm develops a strategy that aligns with their
guiding policy:
○ Sustainable Design Integration: They focus on incorporating sustainable design
principles into all projects, staying ahead of industry trends.
○ Client Engagement Initiatives: The firm initiates proactive communication with clients,
involving them more deeply in the design process.
○ Educational Outreach: They engage in educational programs and workshops to raise
awareness about sustainable architecture.
○ Design Awards: They target design awards to highlight their innovation and expertise
in sustainable design.

• Execution: The firm executes their strategy by incorporating sustainable design, enhancing
client engagement, hosting workshops, and participating in design competitions.
• Results: Over time, the architectural firm experiences a resurgence in project opportunities.
Their focus on sustainable design and proactive client engagement attracts new clients and
design awards, helping them regain their position as an industry leader and achieve their
growth objectives.
In this scenario, the guiding policy is centered on sustainable design and client collaboration,
providing a clear direction for the architectural firm's strategy. It shapes their actions and
decisions, allowing them to revamp their approach and regain market leadership.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO 2
An architectural firm specializing in residential projects has observed a decline in client
satisfaction and referrals. They aim to address this issue and improve their business prospects.

Accurate diagnosis and Objective Setting:

The architectural firm conducts an internal assessment and identifies problems, including
inconsistent project delivery, miscommunication with clients, and a lack of attention to post –
construction feedback. Their objective is to enhance client satisfaction and increase referrals.

Definitive Guiding Policy:

To address these challenges, the firm formulates a guiding policy for their strategy. The policy is
to "Prioritize a client-centric approach by ensuring clear communication, consistent project
delivery, and ongoing post-construction support." This policy provides a clear direction for their
strategy.

Coherent Actions to be undertaken:

• Strategy Development: The architectural firm develops a strategy that aligns with their
guiding policy:
○ Improved Communication: They establish a robust client communication system,
including regular updates and feedback sessions.
○ Streamlined Project Delivery: The firm standardizes project management processes
to ensure consistent project delivery and timeliness.
○ Post-Construction Support: They introduce post-construction support, assisting
clients with maintenance and addressing concerns even after project completion.
○ Client Testimonials and Referral Program: The firm encourages satisfied clients to
provide testimonials and participates in a referral program.

• Execution: The firm executes their strategy by implementing a structured communication

plan, optimizing project management, offering post-construction support, and promoting client
testimonials and referrals.
• Results: Over time, the architectural firm experiences a significant improvement in client
satisfaction, increased referrals, and a stronger reputation in the residential design sector.
Their client-centric approach leads to better project outcomes and sustainable business
growth.

In this scenario, the guiding policy emphasizes client-centricity, clear communication, and post-
construction support, offering a clear direction for the architectural firm's strategy. It shapes their
actions and decisions, helping them improve their client relationships and business prospects.
MIDTERMS 2
SCENARIO: A construction firm with a strong track record in residential and commercial
construction has recognized a growing market need for disaster-resistant and emergency
response facilities in disaster-prone areas. They decide to expand their services by specializing
in constructing such facilities.

Accurate diagnosis and Objective Setting:

The construction firm noticed a rising demand on the market for emergency response and
disaster-resistant structures in disaster-prone locations. This may indicate that they have
accurately identified a new opportunity in the construction industry since they focusing on building
and construction itself. Their objective is to deal with the particular difficulties and needs involved
in creating disaster-resistant facilities, and to maintain their strong track record in residential and
commercial construction.

Definitive Guiding Policy:

To address these challenges, the firm formulates a guiding policy for their strategy. The policy is
to "Construct a disaster-resistant and emergency response facilities by considering the building
codes and safety requirements for various disaster types; to conduct regular inspections and
maintenance to ensure the long-term resilience of the structures; and emphasize sustainable and
environmentally friendly construction practices to reduce the environmental impact of disaster-
resistant facilities.” This policy provides a clear direction for their strategy.

Coherent Actions to be undertaken:

• Strategy Development: The architectural firm develops a strategy that aligns with their
guiding policy:

○ Develop a Specialized Team: Train staff with expertise in disaster-resistant construction

and emergency response facility design ensuring the team is well-versed in relevant building
codes and safety regulations.
○ Investment in Resilient and Sustainable Design Approach: Invest in advanced
construction technologies, materials, and building techniques designed for disaster resistance
and explore sustainable and eco-friendly options to align with modern building practices
○ Quality Control and Risk Management: Develop a comprehensive risk management plan
to address potential challenges and liabilities in disaster-prone areas. Implement stringent
quality control processes to ensure that all projects meet the highest standards of safety and
durability.

• Execution: The firm executes their strategy by offering disaster-resilient design to their
projects, establish connections with local disaster management agencies, embrace
sustainable construction practices, which can attract environmentally conscious clients and
enhance the firm's reputation.
• Results: Over time, the construction firm can successfully expand its services and establish
itself as a reputable specialist in disaster-resistant and emergency response facility
construction and enhances its reputation in the residential and commercial design sector.
Their resilient approach promotes safety and sustainability.

In this scenario, the guiding policy focuses on disaster-resilient and emergency response design
which promotes safety and sustainability and enhances the firm’s reputation by widening their
scope of offerings by specialized in building such facilities.