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Industry Expectations from New Construction Engineers and Managers: Curriculum Improvement Gouranga C. Banik, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Professor School of Architecture, Civil Engineering Technology & Construction Southern Polytechnic State University Marietta, GA 30060

Abstract

In an era of unprecedented technological advancement and economic expansion, construction practice continues to evolve but construction education has not changed appreciably since the 1990s. This schism has prompted industry, government, and other key constituents to question the relevancy and efficacy of current programs. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering Criteria 2000 and the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) emphasizes outcomes over process, and provides an opportunity for stakeholders to help universities define educational goals and objectives and design a curriculum to meet the desired outcomes . While the need for curriculum modification has been acknowledged, the “industry position” was amorphous and anecdotal and therefore difficult to address. Qualitative methodologies such as formal surveys and structured interviews can be used to capture and quantify industry expectations of the needed attributes (i.e., knowledge, skills, and experience) for entry level construction employees. Such instruments can provide key data useful in determining objectives and designing curricula to attain those objectives. This paper presents results of a formal survey of thirty five Atlanta based construction companies concerning the perceived importance of important attributes related to the ABET and ACCE Program Outcomes and Assessment categories. This study provides important information and feedback from the construction industry to initiate a continuing and evolving process for construction curriculum improvement.

Key Words: Construction, Curriculum Improvement, Assessment, Student

Introduction

From its beginnings, construction education in this country focused strongly on practice. The expansion of world economy mainly in India and China accelerated construction works significantly and gave opportunities for the greater advances. Post-expansion industries flourished, creating demand for contractors and engineers that exceeded the supply. Newly- minted engineering and technology Ph.D.’s joined the ranks of academia without much industry experience and perpetuated the research emphasis on campuses for the last ten years. While this research has contributed immeasurably to our technological advancement, the widening separation of faculty and curriculum from industry needs and expectations has resulted in a real threat to our competitiveness in the global marketplace.

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Banik, G. (2008, June), Industry Expectations From New Construction Engineers And Managers: Curriculum Improvement Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--4135