Abstract:

Strategic analysis can be used as a tool for curriculum development, either applied to complete programs, individual syllabus or innovation assessment. This paper shows the results of an ongoing experience of its use in the M.Sc. in Planning and Management in Civil Engineering, sponsored by the Universitat Politècnica de València. It explains the outputs of the SWOT (strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats) technique performed individually by each student, as well as by each member of the faculty. It also compares the outputs of this analysis with a previous one accomplished by the faculty two years ago. Responses to the survey, regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the Master, account for an internal analysis, whereas the opportunities and threats are an external analysis of the environment. The comparison between groups and the evolution of the responses are highlighted. Once the SWOT analysis is concluded, a series of strategic proposals are stated aiming to make to improve the current situation, which will be applied during the next academic years; the aim is ultimately to increase the strengths, minimize weaknesses, seize opportunities and avoid the threats.

Keywords:

Construction management, faculty, M.Sc. students, SWOT.