Building production management competencies for building students: academia and construction industry perspectives

The study examined the competencies required by building students for building production management and the barriers to their competency in the practice of building production management in the construction industry. Using a quantitative research method, a total of 302 construction professionals and 35 building programme lecturers completed a set of questionnaires survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as mean score and Mann Whitney test. Study findings identified setting out of different building types, interpretation of architectural drawings and specifications, tendering and contract processes, and construction of various components and effective communication on construction sites as the most significant competencies for building production management practice in the construction industry. However, the study discovered a significant difference in the competencies for building production management practice between construction professionals and building lecturers. Also, the study identified poor institutional and industry collaboration, underfunding of institutions, insufficient equipment and infrastructure for training, and theoretical training rather than practical training as the major barriers to the competency of building production management practice in the construction industry. The study suggested a more vital collaboration between the construction industry with tertiary institutions in needs assessment, funding, provision of infrastructures and involvement in the practical training of students