Project Management 2012-13 (original) (raw)
Related papers
Ahsan et al 2013 Project Management Journal
■ This research addresses the competencies organizations use through project manager job advertisements. We develop a list of project manager job competencies; break down the competency components into knowledge, skills, and abilities; and conduct a comparative analysis of the use of these competencies. We examine the online contents of project manager job advertisements in the public domain. Analysis shows that industry job advertisements emphasize " soft skills " and competencies in a manner different than that in the literature. Additionally, differences are found across countries and between industries. Implications from the findings highlight the incongruent dissemination of project manager competencies, regional and industrial demands, and the recruitment of project managers.
The success of the Nigerian construction industry can be aligned with the use of construction project management systems, although, the industry has been maligned by issues such as building collapse, incessant delays, abandonment and cost overrun. It is therefore imperative to examine the challenges confronting construction project management system in Nigeria. In this study the descriptive survey method was adopted and data were obtained by means of inquiries using questionnaires. A sample size of fifty nine (59) construction professionals was used for the study. The study reveals that location of a project majorly influences Project Manager's decision making on project planning. It asserted the crucial importance of Management skills required in practicing construction project management. In conclusion, the result identified that passive participation from Project Manager, lack of client involvement in making decisions, provision of substandard materials, design error, lack of effective communication and poor treatment of workforce are challenges hampering the use of construction project management. The study recommends the institutionalization of construction project management practice, compulsion of adequate training and skill modification programs for construction professionals to aid the sustainability of construction project management systems in Nigeria.
AN EVALUATION OF EARLY CAREER COMPETENCY OF THE PROJECT MANAGER IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Purpose: This paper aims to identify and evaluate the technical knowledge and determine competencies that should be assumed by junior and intermediate project managers within the construction industry. Design/Methodology/Aproach: To arrive at the main objective of this study, the literature review was used to assess the requisite skillset and identify whether the currect education curriculum prepares the professional for the working environment. The competencies were categorized in the 10 knowledge areas derived from the PMBoK and were incorporated into the design of the research tool. A questionnaire was distributed to 17 participants whom are senior management in either their consulting firms and building contractors. Research Limitation/Implications: The research was conducted in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Findings based on Empirical Research: The junior professionals are not well prepared with the essential practical skillset of project management. The adoption of a practical oriented curriculum in universities should address the competence inadequacy of recently graduated construction project managers. This research proposes the Inquiry Based Learning as an effective system to traditional universities in South Africa. This would improve the junior professional's knowledge absorption and task-performance. Response to Conference Theme: Education and training are key approaches addressing illiteracy and the shortage of skill development. Value of paper: This research paper identified tertiary training methods and exposure required for professionals to elevate their practical knowledge and performance improvement in project management. An evaluation of early career competence of the project manager in the construction industry