Business Planning, Management & Administration – Series 1

AIA-Approved Continuing Education Course • 6 Learning Units (LU)

This comprehensive course equips home builders, renovators, construction managers, and design-build professionals with the essential knowledge and management skills required to operate a financially sound, sustainable, and high-performing construction business.

Drawing from best practices in business planning, performance management, and administrative control, this program integrates strategic thinking with practical tools that support day-to-day decision-making. Participants will learn to interpret business performance indicators, establish clear operational goals, design actionable business plans, and effectively manage financial resources to support long-term growth.

All learning hours are fully recognized for AIA LU credit, enabling construction and design professionals to strengthen their business operations while meeting continuing education requirements.

Who This Course Is Designed For

This course supports a wide range of building and design professionals, including:

Home Builders & Renovation Contractors

Design-Build Firms & General Contractors

Construction Managers & Project Delivery Teams

Developer Technical Staff

Architectural Technologists & Designers

Small-Firm Owners and Startup Builders

Professionals seeking enhanced business, financial, or administrative competency

Course Coverage & Learning Topics

1. Business Strategy & Organizational Foundations

Understanding business performance indicators and key drivers of sustainable growth

Crafting a clear business vision, mission, and values to guide long-term strategy

Identifying competitive positioning and opportunities within the construction sector

Recognizing common causes of business failure and implementing risk-mitigation practices

2. Goal Setting & Operational Planning

Applying the SMART Goal Framework for measurable and achievable outcomes

Translating goals into structured operational and financial action plans

Building practical business systems that support efficiency, quality, and accountability

Integrating ethics, integrity, and compliance into daily operations and leadership decisions

3. Management Practices for Construction Businesses

Principles of effective management and administrative control

Structuring internal processes for estimation, scheduling, workforce management, and procurement

Aligning business objectives with resource planning, service delivery, and customer communication

Understanding the link between operational discipline and long-term financial stability

4. Introduction to Financial Planning & Controls

Fundamentals of small-business financial planning in construction

Reading and understanding financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash-flow statement)

Using financial ratios to evaluate profitability, solvency, and operational performance

Budget integration, cost tracking, and cash-flow forecasting for strategic decision-making

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this 6-hour course, participants will be able to:

Develop a clear business vision, mission, value framework, and SMART goals

Apply key performance indicators to evaluate business health and financial stability

Build structured, actionable business plans aligned with operational and strategic objectives

Understand common risks leading to business failure and apply effective mitigation strategies

Interpret and utilize financial statements and ratios to support informed decision-making

Strengthen management practices that enhance productivity, accountability, and sustainable growth

Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide construction professionals—especially home builders and renovators—with practical, actionable knowledge that improves day-to-day decision-making and strengthens long-term business performance. Rather than overwhelming learners with abstract financial theory, this course focuses on real-world management tools that support profitability, operational clarity, and responsible leadership within the construction industry.