Key Attributes and Skills for Curriculum Improvement for Undergraduate Construction Management Programs

• Published in: International journal of construction education and research Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 240 - 254
• Main Authors: Ahmed, Syed M., Yaris, Catherine, Farooqui, Rizwan U., Saqib, Muhammad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 02-10-2014; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: attributes; College students; construction education; Construction industry; construction management; Curricula; desirable skills; graduating students; Managerial skills; Skill development; Strategic planning
• ISSN: 1557-8771; 1550-3984
• DOI: 10.1080/15578771.2014.900833

Construction is a dynamic industry that requires continuous focus on academic curriculum to meet the current workforce demands. Educational institutions that are responsible for developing undergraduate students require a strategic plan to adequately prepare future construction managers to be able to better manage the ever-increasing complexity of the construction industry. This paper investigates the most important skills that today's construction industry requires from graduating construction management students. This research examines a skill set determined by an initial preliminary survey. This skill set was then addressed through structured surveys sent to various industry stakeholders in order to identify the key skills desired by the industry from today's graduating construction management students. The significance of the study is it identifies the key knowledge areas; personal and professional attributes; skills; and expertise that academic curriculums in construction management programs need to focus on in order to adequately prepare graduating students entering today's modern and complex construction industry. The study concludes that knowledge of health and safety regulations, interpreting contract documents, listening ability/ giving attention to details, knowledge of building codes and regulations, and time management are the five most important skills desirable in a new hire in construction management.