East Tower Toronto Dominion Centre 
416-360-8850 
Schulich School of Business at York University 
416-736-5079 Schulich Mini-MBA:
Essentials of Management with Specialization in Construction
The Changing Leadership Demands of Canada’s Construction Sector
Canada’s construction sector is at an inflection point. According to a KPMG industry report*, productivity in Canada’s construction sector has increased by only about 0.4% annually since 1997. More recently, labour productivity has declined to its lowest level in nearly 30 years.
Across the country, construction faces labour shortages, rising costs, housing pressures, and slow approvals, while productivity lags behind other sectors. Fragmented end to end processes and limited digital adoption drive inefficiencies and cost overruns, especially for small and mid sized firms. At the same time, modernization through digital integration, modular building, and stronger collaboration offers a clear path to faster, more affordable delivery.
This Mini-MBA with Specialization in Construction equips professionals with core management and financial fundamentals alongside a strategic, applied focus on digital transformation, approval process innovation, and modern construction methods. Through a construction-focused Action Learning Project (ALP), participants tackle real industry challenges such as end to end digital workflows, modular design, and housing solutions, building the capability to lead meaningful change across the construction value chain.
Note: Participants of Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management with Specialization in Construction will focus their ALP^ on the construction sector. They complete the program alongside participants in the Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management, sharing the same 3 core modules.
December 5, 2026
Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management with Specialization in Construction
- Programs
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- Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management with Specialization in Construction
Essential Management Skills for an Economy in Transformation
Productivity Pressures and the Need for Stronger Management Capability
According to KMPG*, Canada’s construction sector contributes 7.4% of GDP and employs about 1.6 million people, yet productivity growth has lagged for decades.
With the sector under mounting pressure to deliver faster, safer, and more cost-effective projects amid labour shortages, digital disruption, and rising risk, construction managers need to think bigger than the next build.
Schulich Mini-MBA with Specialization in Construction equips professionals with the management, leadership, and strategic capabilities to modernize operations, strengthen performance, and drive sustainable results across complex construction environments.
Note: Participants of Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management with Specialization in Construction will focus their ALP on the construction sector. They complete the program alongside participants in the Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management, sharing the same 3 core modules.
*Source: KPMG Industry Report
DISCLAIMER: Schulich ExecEd requires a non-refundable deposit from all students as part of the enrolment process. Domestic students are required to submit a $1,000 deposit, while international students are required to submit a 50% deposit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our advisors for assistance.
Convince Your Supervisor
Here’s a justification letter for you to edit and send to your supervisor to provide reasoning for attending this program. Our expert advisory team can assist with customizing the letter to suit your needs!
Who is this Program For?
Action Learning Project (ALP): Applying Management Principles to Construction Challenges
All Schulich Mini-MBA participants complete a team-based Action Learning Project that runs throughout the program, enabling learners to apply classroom insights to real world challenges as concepts are introduced and built upon. Participants progress through stages of ideation, analysis, and solution development, supported by ongoing guidance from experienced instructors and coaches who help refine thinking, challenge assumptions, and connect theory to practice.
Participants with Specialization in Construction will focus their ALP on the construction sector and graduate with a Schulich Mini-MBA with a Specialization in Construction. This hands-on experience allows individual participants or employer-sponsored teams to work on strategic projects aligned with the construction industry’s most pressing priorities, delivering value back to their organization.
Participants conclude the ALP by presenting a clear, well-grounded proposal to a panel of Mini MBA faculty, building confidence in strategic thinking, problem solving, and executive level communication, while taking practical tools and insights back to the job. See the “Action Learning Project (ALP)” section below for sample project topics. To learn whether a specialization is suitable for you, talk to our Education Advisor to explore your options and receive project guidelines.
Program Overview
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Elevate your leadership prowess by identifying and challenging assumed norms and fostering innovative thinking. Enhance your leadership capacity through the ‘EQ and Thinking-Intentions-Profile TIP Assessment,’ and apply acquired skills to real-world strategic challenges in the ‘ALP Strategy Project.’ Then, gain a comprehensive understanding of modern investment and finance and delve into strategic planning processes.
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Master strategic management processes for informed business analysis and decision-making. Gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to high-performing teams and learn strategies that will help unlock your team’s potential. Explore the crucial role of branding and product positioning while also honing your ability to communicate complex data effectively. Top it all off by diving into the ethical challenges of modern business and examining the social and ethical dimensions faced by contemporary organizations.
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Explore the managerial realm of human resources, gaining fresh perspectives on career management. Explore the dynamics of change and manage resistance to strategic shifts. Hone your negotiation skills and culminate your learning journey with group presentations. Conclude the program with the ‘WIN Thinking Keynote and Graduation Ceremony,’ wrapping up the experience and celebrating your graduation.
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Action learning Project (ALP) is a core pillar of the Schulich Mini MBA. All participants complete a team based Action Learning Project that runs throughout the program, ensuring learning is applied continuously as new concepts are introduced in class. Participants apply these insights to a real organizational or strategic challenge, strengthening understanding through practical use.
It gives participants the flexibility to work on a project of their choice, either individually or as part of an employer sponsored team. Guided by experienced instructors and coaches, participants follow a structured methodology to develop and present a clear, compelling proposal, building business acumen, leadership capability, and real-world problem-solving skills. The outcome is a practical, well-grounded plan that delivers value back to the organization and can be applied immediately on the job.
Construction-focused ALP examples may include initiatives such as:
- Designing an end-to-end digital workflow from architectural design to site execution to reduce rework and cost overruns
- Evaluating modular or prefabricated construction approaches to improve speed, quality, and cost efficiency
- Reimagining development approval and stakeholder engagement processes to accelerate housing delivery
- Developing innovative building solutions such as mid-rise timber, modular housing, or affordable and tiny home models
By embedding the ALP across the full program, participants build the confidence to translate insights into action and develop practical recommendations that reflect the realities of today’s construction sector.
Note: Participants of Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management with Specialization in Construction will focus their ALP on the construction sector. They complete the program alongside participants in the Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management, sharing the same 3 core modules.
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Fall 2026
Module 1
Course Dates Time Critical Thinking for Leaders 10/1/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Confidence Code Assessment 10/1/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Action Learning Project 10/2/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Part 1: Strategic Management 10/3/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Storytelling with Data Visualization 10/2/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Presentation Skills: Essentials 10/3/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Module 2
Course Dates Time Part 2: Strategic Management 11/5/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Creating High-Performance Teams 11/5/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Managerial Finance 11/6/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Marketing Strategy 11/7/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Module 3
Course Dates Time Essentials of Human Resource Management 12/3/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Leading Change 12/4/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Business Negotiation 12/4/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm ALP Presentations & Graduation 12/5/2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Get Training in Marketable Skills
Strategic Thinking
Leadership Skills
Decision Making
Organizing Teams & Resources
Risk Management
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Career Prospects
$280B
will be invested over five years under Budget 2025 to build new infrastructure, strengthen community resilience, and support long-term economic growth across Canada.
Source: Department of Finance of Canada
410,000+
job openings are projected in Canada’s construction skilled trades sector by 2033, including 189,000 roles driven by retirements alone.
10.73%
of Canada’s GDP was invested in building construction in 2024, indicating sustained investment across Canada’s construction sector.
Who Will Benefit
Construction Leaders
Construction leaders currently overseeing construction teams who wish to enhance their management skills for more efficient and successful project delivery.
Engineers and Architects
Professionals who collaborate closely with the construction sector and want to deepen their understanding of management to better align their work with project goals.
Project Coordinators/Assistants
Early-career professionals in the construction sector looking to advance their careers by gaining formal management training tailored to the unique demands of construction projects.
6 Reasons to Enrol
Built for Construction’s New Reality
Respond to labour shortages, digital disruption, rising risk, and productivity pressure. Build the management and leadership capabilities needed to perform in today’s complex construction and infrastructure environments.
Move Beyond Project Execution
Shift from managing individual projects to leading strategically. Strengthen decision-making in finance, strategy, change, and people management to deliver results across portfolios, not just builds.
Apply Learning as You Progress
Your Action Learning Project (ALP) runs throughout the program. Apply new concepts in real time through ideation, analysis, and solution development, guided by instructors with real-world construction insight.
Strengthen Financial and Risk Acumen
Gain confidence interpreting financial data, managing risk, and aligning budgets with strategy. Learn how stronger financial decisions drive profitability, resilience, and long-term performance in construction organizations.
Lead Teams Through Change
Develop the leadership skills to motivate teams, manage resistance, and improve performance in high-pressure, multi-stakeholder environments where safety, timelines, and accountability are critical.
Earn a Recognized Credential
Graduate with a Mini-MBA with a specialization in Construction. Receive a digital badge from Canada’s top-ranked business school that signals credibility, leadership readiness, and career progression.
Faculty
What You Get
After completing the program, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the top-ranked business school in Canada that employers will recognize. As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.
For custom programs, organizations may leverage the Schulich Mini-MBA Certificate to boost employee retention while equipping the team to deliver tangible ROI.
Schulich Mini-MBA Certificate
Awarded when a series of more extensive programs are completed and a greater skill set achieved.
PMI Credits
54 PMI-PDU
Successful completion of this program will earn PMI® Members, in good standing, Education PDU's in alignment with the PMI Talent Triangle. If this applies to you, you will receive a PDU Claim Code at the conclusion of your program. For more information on how to earn your PDU's, we recommend logging into your Continuing Certification Renewal System (CCRS) to report PDU's and view your certification records. Following this, if you require additional assistance, please contact PMI Support directly.
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Use this program as we designed it, or alter it to fit your company’s needs. Either way, we can help you improve your organization's talent pipeline. Get in touch with our custom programs team today.
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