Determining Construction Management Education Qualifications and the Effects of Construction Management Education Deficiencies on Turkish Construction

Abstract

Being uninformed about construction management as a result of deficiencies in civil engineering and architecture educational programs has negative effects on the quality and cost of construction projects. Therefore, this study attempts to determine the failures of civil engineers and architects as they relate to the sources of their insufficient management knowledge in construction management. A questionnaire survey method was used to collect data. Data representing civil engineers and architects in Turkey were collected from 1555 architects and civil engineers mainly employed in construction-related activities. The study found that, according to the surveyed engineers and architects, construction management courses were rarely included in undergraduate civil engineering and architecture programs in Turkey. A large number of participants stated that construction management course offerings were not sufficient during their education. A lack of construction management knowledge creates serious problems that affect the success of construction-related activities during these architects’ and civil engineers’ careers. Most civil engineers and architects wish they had taken courses on cost and time management, contract management, health and safety and quality management.