Using Proper Techniques to Manage Construction Documents and Work Processes: Core Competencies Required

This research full paper describes competencies required for the ability to use proper techniques and tools to manage and analyze construction documents and work processes. The construction industry stands as a cornerstone of global economies, employing seven percent of the world's workforce and contributing thirteen percent to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Its significance extends to the United States, where it notably impacts a substantial portion of the population. However, despite its pivotal role, the construction industry grapples with challenges such as diminishing productivity, workplace safety concerns, and work disputes, underscoring the pivotal role of construction project managers. The efficacy of construction project managers in addressing the construction industry challenges hinges upon their competencies, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their essential skills. In a previous study, twenty-one critical competencies essential for construction project managers were identified, encompassing their associated universal and domain-specific knowledge areas and personality characteristics. To assess the significance of these competencies, a survey comprising six hundred seventy-two ranking questions was devised, utilizing an innovative design framework. Each participant received a randomized set of twenty-one ranking questions to ensure fairness in evaluation. Data from two thousand sixteen academics worldwide was collected. This paper delves into the importance of these competencies, i.e. universal and domain-specific knowledge areas and personality characteristics, concerning the ability to use proper techniques and tools to manage and analyze construction documents and work processes. By emphasizing the significance of these competencies, this study aims to provide guidance to construction academia in prioritizing competency development areas, crafting relevant courses, and designing curricula tailored to meet the evolving needs of the global construction workforce effectively. By elucidating the critical role of competencies in addressing industry challenges and enhancing managerial effectiveness, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on optimizing construction management practices. Furthermore, the findings serve as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to fortify the construction workforce with the requisite skills to navigate the complexities of the contemporary construction industry.