AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT SYLLABUSES AT POSTGRADUATE LEVEL

The management discipline is critical for the acquisition of reliable professional competences by engineers and architects working in the construction industry. Most employers seek professionals with a sound background in managerial competences and leadership skills. Nevertheless, most university syllabuses in architecture or civil engineering concentrate in conventional construction programs, leaving little room for appropriate courses in management. In view of this scenario, this paper proposes a methodology for analyzing and comparing graduate programs related to the construction sector. In order to achieve this it is necessary to take into account: (1) a holistic model, intended to map managerial competences required for the construction sector; (2) specific subjects, revealed through market demands. The holistic model aims to offer a framework for orientation to organizations, professionals and academicians to improve the knowledge of management in the construction industry. The usefulness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through an exploratory study case putting forward the main topics taught in several prestigious graduate programs concerning management. This paper analyzes the university syllabuses vs. market demands to asses up to what extent current curricula covers engineer’s need, allowing comparison among syllabuses. The final step of this paper is to analyze the relationship between markets demands and the model. This leads to a series of steps or guidance to design or restructure any graduate program focused on the construction industry. This is a significant step forward to determine if the main subjects reviewed cover specifications stated by the model and the markets demands for the professional construction manager. Further research is needed enhance the proposed methodology to better cover the current needs of professionals and employers in the construction industry.