Education for Construction Management

This research is an assessment of the postgraduate education requirements of construction managers. It explores the type of knowledge that is considered as essential to the role of a construction manager. It asks industry representatives, academic and professional representatives to rate the importance and relevance of the identified knowledge. The research highlights the need for 21st century construction professionals to evolve and develop, to meet the challenges of an increasing focus on the environment, the economy and technology. A survey based questionnaire was used to assess the education requirements of construction managers. The results of the survey confirmed a need for construction managers to achieve a postgraduate qualification. A new education framework is proposed which acknowledges the need for academic postgraduate programmes to encourage experiential learning and embrace a pedagogy which enables participants to practise and experience the practical elements of construction management in conjunction with the theoretical knowledge which informs and identifies construction management processes.