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Articles 9031 - 9060 of 196018

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Thermomechanical And Thermal Characterization Of Pressureless Sintered Tib2, Simone Taraborelli, Simone Failla, Diletta Sciti, Steven M. Smith, Jeremy Watts, William G. Fahrenholtz, Greg E. Hilmas Jun 2025

Thermomechanical And Thermal Characterization Of Pressureless Sintered Tib2, Simone Taraborelli, Simone Failla, Diletta Sciti, Steven M. Smith, Jeremy Watts, William G. Fahrenholtz, Greg E. Hilmas

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The impact of high-energy milling using WC[sbnd]Co media on the pressureless sintering and properties of TiB2 was studied. After 30 mins of milling, samples sintered at 2200 °C achieved a high relative density (>98 %) and a fine mean grain size (<2 >µm). In the microstructure WxBy phases, often containing Co, were observed at triple points, due to contamination from the milling media. Moreover, core-rim structures with multiple rims were detected: the cores consisted of pure TiB2 grains, the rims were (TixWy)B2 solid solutions. The core-rim formation was significantly more pronounced compared to a reference sample of …

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Students' Evaluations Of Construction Management Curriculum Through A Senior Exit Interview, Anthony J. Roensch Jun 2025

Students' Evaluations Of Construction Management Curriculum Through A Senior Exit Interview, Anthony J. Roensch

Construction Management

This project explored student perspectives on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Construction Management program through a two-phase approach: individual interviews and a large group review session. Ten students with varied career goals and levels of involvement in the program were interviewed to understand their views on curriculum quality, industry engagement, extracurricular opportunities, and departmental support. The goal was to identify patterns in feedback across diverse student experiences. Following the interviews, a refined set of questions was developed and presented to a larger group of students in a structured discussion forum. This session provided further insights into both strengths and …

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California Polytechnic Design-Build Lab Course, Nicho Domine Jun 2025

California Polytechnic Design-Build Lab Course, Nicho Domine

Construction Management

This paper explores the development and execution of a project-based Design-Build (DB) course implemented at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The course aimed to replicate real-world DB processes in a controlled academic setting, engaging Construction Management and Architecture students in simulated but immersive industry experience. From Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Final Presentation and Closeout, the course mirrors a typical DB project lifecycle. Through collaborative exercises, students gained exposure to roles and responsibilities, submittals, cost estimating, procurement strategies, risk analysis, virtual coordination, stakeholder communication, and more. This paper describes how a sequence of weekly assignments was structured to …

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Skip The Grid: Off-Grid Solutions For Navajo Families, Jordan Badgley Jun 2025

Skip The Grid: Off-Grid Solutions For Navajo Families, Jordan Badgley

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is a service project executed by California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students, Heart of America, and SOLV Energy to provide sustainable power solutions to Navajo families in need. Within the vast, remote landscapes of the Navajo Nation, over 32% of households lack electricity, creating significant challenges for daily life. The 2025 Skip the Grid trip marked Cal Poly’s fourth consecutive year partnering in this impactful initiative. An interdisciplinary team of 20 students from 6 different areas of study, work collaboratively, preparing for months to ensure a successful installation trip in Chinle, Arizona. Over the course of …

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Hawthorne Elementary Stage Set Construction, Sergio Daniel Manriquez, Alejandro Gonzalez Jun 2025

Hawthorne Elementary Stage Set Construction, Sergio Daniel Manriquez, Alejandro Gonzalez

Construction Management

The Pirate Ship and Playhouse project, undertaken by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Cal Poly Construction Management students, aimed to support arts education at Hawthorne Elementary School through the construction of theatrical set pieces for a Peter Pan performance. Initiated by Phil Barlow and guided by Anna Brennen from the school’s staff, the project integrated community service with practical learning in construction management. From initial design and material sourcing to final installation, the team emphasized safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Funding and logistical support from local businesses and Cal Poly facilitated the project’s success. This hands-on endeavor not …

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Preconstruction Services For Land Conservancy San Luis Obispo Deck Replacement, Russell Sprague Jun 2025

Preconstruction Services For Land Conservancy San Luis Obispo Deck Replacement, Russell Sprague

Construction Management

This senior project centers around a preconstruction collaboration between Semmes & Co. and the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo (LCSLO) for a new deck at the Santa Rita Ranch house in Templeton, CA. The existing deck was in poor condition and not ADA compliant, prompting the need for a safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing replacement. This project supported the nonprofit by providing volunteer-based preconstruction services, including quantity takeoffs, a detailed material list, scope breakdown, labor estimates, scheduling, and logistics planning. Material options and scope variations were presented to LCSLO in a flexible pricing proposal using a Time and Materials …

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A Review Of Work-Life Balance Among Recent Cal Poly Graduates, Max Murphy Jun 2025

A Review Of Work-Life Balance Among Recent Cal Poly Graduates, Max Murphy

Construction Management

Work-life balance has been a heavily debated topic in the construction industry, especially post-COVID. Due the popularization of the topic as well as the introduction of “hybrid” work schedules among multiple industries the idea of work-life balance within the construction industry has become prevalent. This paper aims to gather data about work-life balance and stress among the construction management industry. A survey was distributed to recently graduated construction management students from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo to gather quantitative data regarding work-life balance, commuting, work hours, stress, and mental health. This survey also features a voluntary section …

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2025 Annual V.E.S.T Hackathon: Renovating Safety Harnesses, Mason P. Chamberlin Jun 2025

2025 Annual V.E.S.T Hackathon: Renovating Safety Harnesses, Mason P. Chamberlin

Construction Management

This paper presents the organizational framework and logistical planning involved in executing the 2025 Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (V.E.S.T.) Hackathon, an annual innovation workshop hosted by the Construction Management Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The event brings together students, faculty, and industry professionals to reimagine and redesign common construction equipment with a focus on safety, usability, comfort, and inclusivity across diverse user profiles. The 2025 hackathon, held April 15–16, concentrated on safety harnesses, an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry. Participants engaged in the two-day event that included conceptualization, prototyping, and …

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Skip The Grid: Delivering Solar Energy To The Navajo Nation, Lucca Giuseppe Pracilio Jun 2025

Skip The Grid: Delivering Solar Energy To The Navajo Nation, Lucca Giuseppe Pracilio

Construction Management

Skip the Grid (STG) is a program where companies within the construction industry come together to better the quality of life for the people of the Navajo Nation. Through collaboration with Goal Zero, SOLV Energy, NEXTracker, and Heart of America, the fourth Skip the Grid Trip installed 40 solar systems on homes within the Chinle region in northeastern Arizona. Officially finishing on March 27th, 2025, the trip not only consisted of providing a service for the people of Chinle but also allowed California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students to learn about the history of the Navajo Nation …

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2025 Annual Hackathon Redesigning Safety Fall Protection, Cole Lewis Jun 2025

2025 Annual Hackathon Redesigning Safety Fall Protection, Cole Lewis

Construction Management

The Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (VEST) Hackathon is an annual event organized by construction management and social science students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Its purpose is to redesign a specific piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve usability, comfort, and inclusivity, with a focus on providing equitable safety for all workers. This hackathon centered on fall protection, specifically safety harnesses, which are essential for protecting workers at height but often lack comfort and user-friendliness. Students, faculty, and industry guests gathered to examine current harness designs and develop practical, worker-informed improvements. The event space was outfitted …

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Thousand Hills Pet Resort Cat Condos Installation And Qa/Qc, Erik Anders Ruud Jun 2025

Thousand Hills Pet Resort Cat Condos Installation And Qa/Qc, Erik Anders Ruud

Construction Management

This paper discusses the installation and quality assurance/quality control of four cat condos built for the Son Care Foundation at the Thousand Hills Pet Resort in San Luis Obispo. The Son Care Foundation is a nonprofit that provides professional daycare and overnight boarding services for dogs and cats while their owners are away. The cat condos serve cats during the day while their owners are at work or otherwise busy. Because three people were assigned to this project, the project was split into preconstruction, prefabrication, and installation/QA/QC. To meet the two-day installation window, due to active facility use, three cat …

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Recommendation To Implement An Offsite Design And Construction & Mass Timber Buildings Tech Elective, Dino Kuljancic Jun 2025

Recommendation To Implement An Offsite Design And Construction & Mass Timber Buildings Tech Elective, Dino Kuljancic

Construction Management

This project presents a proposal for a new upper division elective course in the Construction Management program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The course would focus on mass timber construction as well as prefabrication and modular construction which are quickly growing areas of the industry known for their sustainability, efficiency, and compatibility with modern construction methods. While mass timber and pre-fabrication content exists in some university programs around the country, Cal Poly’s CM curriculum lacks a course specifically designed to give students practical, construction focused instruction on these topics. To determine student interest, a survey was conducted among current …

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Assessing Fire Risks In San Luis Obispo: The Impact Of Building Construction And Landscaping On Wildfire Vulnerability, Zachary A. Pollock Jun 2025

Assessing Fire Risks In San Luis Obispo: The Impact Of Building Construction And Landscaping On Wildfire Vulnerability, Zachary A. Pollock

Construction Management

As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity across California, understanding and mitigating residential fire risk has become a public safety priority. Communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), such as San Luis Obispo, are especially vulnerable due to their proximity to natural vegetation and the prevalence of older housing stock. While state and local agencies have introduced regulations and educational campaigns, there remains a need for accessible, scalable tools that help identify fire risks at the individual home level. This project assessed wildfire vulnerability across 140 homes in San Luis Obispo, California, using a custom visual grading rubric informed by academic …

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Skip The Grid: Empowering Navajo Students Through Solar Energy And Education, Daniela S. Gonzalez Jun 2025

Skip The Grid: Empowering Navajo Students Through Solar Energy And Education, Daniela S. Gonzalez

Construction Management

The Skip the Grid project by our California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) team was more than just installing solar panels. It was about making a real difference in people’s lives. We focused on helping families in Chinle, Arizona, a community where many households do not have access to electricity, clean water, or fresh food. These are basic needs that support students’ ability to learn and succeed. Without lights to do homework or warm meals to stay healthy, it becomes harder for kids to concentrate or dream about going to college. To help address these challenges, our team installed solar …

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R.A.C.E. Matters Precast Concrete Bench Construction, Camryn E. Berger Jun 2025

R.A.C.E. Matters Precast Concrete Bench Construction, Camryn E. Berger

Construction Management

This paper presents a narrative detailing the design and construction process undertaken by an interdisciplinary team of students from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, representing the Construction Management, Architecture, and Architectural Engineering departments. The team collaborated to design, fabricate, and install three precast concrete benches for the nonprofit organization R.A.C.E. Matters. The project began in Fall 2024 and culminated in the installation of the benches at sites managed by the San Luis Obispo Conservancy: Pismo Preserve, the Octagon Barn, and Kathleen’s Overlook. Each bench will serve as a platform for murals, visually depicting diverse racial experiences. This paper …

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Assessment Of Mental Wellbeing Programs In The Construction Industry, Evan James Olszak Jun 2025

Assessment Of Mental Wellbeing Programs In The Construction Industry, Evan James Olszak

Construction Management

Mental health problems are very prevalent within the construction industry, and there is not enough attention put towards the mental wellbeing of employees in the industry. The construction industry is ranked #2 for deaths by suicide, and #1 when mining and extraction are included (CDC, 2021). Previous research has been done to understand the severity of the issue, and some programs have been started to spread awareness and train employees. The issue arises in a lack of analysis of these programs. The programs that are being used are still in their infancy and require a comprehensive review to understand the …

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The Cost And Productivity Impacts That A Tower Crane Has On A Jobsite, Gavin Fraysier Jun 2025

The Cost And Productivity Impacts That A Tower Crane Has On A Jobsite, Gavin Fraysier

Construction Management

This paper investigates the cost and productivity impacts that a tower crane has on jobsite productivity. From reviewing recent literature, it is clear the stagnating labor productivity of the industry is a major problem. One way that has been proposed to solve this problem is through the implementation of more sophisticated equipment, for the sake of this paper that equipment is tower cranes. This paper performs an analysis of historical records of a mid-sized framing subcontractor located in central California. This company has recently ventured into the crane business which provided an excellent opportunity to collect data. Having just started …

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Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Panels Within The Navajo Nation, Hayden A. Wanamaker Jun 2025

Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Panels Within The Navajo Nation, Hayden A. Wanamaker

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an initiative aimed at providing off-the-grid power, in a sustainable manner, to underserved communities within the Navajo Nation. The Skip the Grid program is led by an interdisciplinary team from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), in collaboration with SOLV Energy and Heart of America (HOA). This ongoing project addresses the lack of electricity for many young families within the Navajo Nation due to a variety of reasons, and the need to remedy this problem to allow for young students within the reservation to succeed. To combat this issue, Skip the Grid in …

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Skip The Grid: Solar Installation For Navajo Communities, Emilio Tiziano Cervantes Jun 2025

Skip The Grid: Solar Installation For Navajo Communities, Emilio Tiziano Cervantes

Construction Management

In March 2025, a group of 20 students from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo took part in Skip the Grid, a hands-on service initiative aimed at expanding access to reliable solar energy in the Navajo Nation. In partnership with SOLV Energy, NextTracker, and the non-profit Heart of America, the team traveled to Chinle, Arizona, where they installed off-grid solar systems in 40 homes across the Chinle School District. Each setup included solar panels, a battery with electrical outlets, lighting, and a refrigerator—providing essential power to families whose homes were previously without it. All of the households served kids …

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Skip The Grid: Giving The Gift Of Renewable Energy To Children Of Navajo Nation, Jack W. Byrne Jun 2025

Skip The Grid: Giving The Gift Of Renewable Energy To Children Of Navajo Nation, Jack W. Byrne

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service learning project that is aimed at installing solar power as well as lighting and a refrigeration unit at the homes of children on the Navajo Reservation who are without electricity. The project has a large team of players with vital roles in making the effort a successful and rewarding trip. The team this year was comprised of 20 students from California Polytechnic State University representing 4of the university’s colleges, members of the educationally based non-profit Heart of America (HOA), community outreach professionals from the solar contractor SOLV energy, a contingent of representatives from …

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How Regulations Impact Contractors In California: Licensing, Insurance, Bonding & Permitting, Byron Rolando Calderon Cifuentes Jun 2025

How Regulations Impact Contractors In California: Licensing, Insurance, Bonding & Permitting, Byron Rolando Calderon Cifuentes

Construction Management

This senior project researches the impact of regulatory requirements, specifically licensing, insurance, bonding, and permitting, on contractors in California. The study addresses the question: How do regulations affect contractors’ ability to operate and grow? To examine this, qualitative interviews were conducted with six industry professionals, including general contractors, specialty contractors, and design-build firms. Additionally, 25 survey responses were collected from contractors and construction professionals to gain broader insights. The findings reveal that while licensing, insurance, and bonding are seen as foundational for establishing credibility and legal compliance, the permitting process presents the most significant challenge. Respondents consistently described permitting as …

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Preconstruction Management Of The Cat Condos Project At Thousand Hills Pet Resort, Aeon Combs Jun 2025

Preconstruction Management Of The Cat Condos Project At Thousand Hills Pet Resort, Aeon Combs

Construction Management

This paper presents the preconstruction phases of the Cat Condos Project at the Thousand Hills Pet Resort, and the many challenges which were necessary to realize its completion. The Son Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in San Luis Obispo with many focuses such as outreach for veterans, prison rehabilitation, youth development, and other charitable pursuits. The Thousand Hills Pet Resort is a subsidiary of the Son Care Foundation which provides holistic boarding services to felines and canines alike, all the profits generated by the Thousand Hills Pet Resort are donated to sustain the Son Care Foundations’ charitable endeavors. …

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Skip The Grid Bringing Light To The Darkness And Bridging The Educational Gap In Navajo Nation, Robert Joseph Byrne Jun 2025

Skip The Grid Bringing Light To The Darkness And Bridging The Educational Gap In Navajo Nation, Robert Joseph Byrne

Construction Management

Skip The Grid is a unique project done in collaboration with many groups, including California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students and faculty members, representatives from Solv Energy, Nextracker, Tribal Liaisons, Heart of America, and members of the Navajo Nation. This group delivered and installed solar panel systems accompanied by batteries, lights, and a small refrigerator. The Navajo Nation faces many problems, including higher poverty and unemployment rates when compared to the rest of the United States. The goal of the Skip The Grid project was to deliver sustainable, safe, and reliable power to homes of school-aged children in the …

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Exploring Who, Where, And When: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of A New Study Abroad Program, Garrett Schoep, Elijah Duane Blake Jun 2025

Exploring Who, Where, And When: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Of A New Study Abroad Program, Garrett Schoep, Elijah Duane Blake

Construction Management

Study abroad programs can have a significant impact on the lives of college students. These programs create opportunities for students to experience the world, while earning college credit. As Cal Poly is transitioning from the quarter system to the semester system, there is an increase demand for a new study abroad program that is tailored to students’ preferences. Understanding what students want from a study abroad program is extremely important. To better understand student preferences, a survey was created and distributed to Cal Poly students. The goal of the survey was to identify trends amongst students to get a better …

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Ace Mentor Program Of America, Dayana Flores Reyes Jun 2025

Ace Mentor Program Of America, Dayana Flores Reyes

Construction Management

This senior project examines my role and experience as a student mentor in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program's Central Coast Chapter. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application, utilizes simplified terminology for early learners, and provides structured deliverables tailored to the project at hand. This year, the program targeted students from San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande High School. The project involved designing a new fire station to replace Fire Station No. 4 in San Luis Obispo, which was chosen due to its mixed-use properties. Over the course of nine weeks, the students engaged in the …

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Son Care Foundation – Pergola Structure Construction, Jackson Landless Jun 2025

Son Care Foundation – Pergola Structure Construction, Jackson Landless

Construction Management

This paper covers the construction process of a pergola structure for the Son Care Foundation in San Luis Obispo, California. The project’s goal in this study is to create a welcoming outdoor space for clients their dogs. Excavating four footings, fabricating custom rebar cages, and pouring concrete using fast-setting mix were all part of the construction efforts. Framing the structure required precise calculations to accommodate for the slope and corner braces. The matching white paint and corrugated PVC roof further achieved the desired aesthetic the client requested. Trial and error, practical experience, and cooperation with local material suppliers and maintenance …

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Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell Jun 2025

Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell

Construction Management

This study examined the impact of the Women in Construction Leadership Course, paired with DISC training, on students transitioning into the construction industry. The DISC instrument classifies behaviors into four personality types (i.e., Dominant, Influencer, Steady, Conscientious) and the training helped students identify each personality type to improve their communication skills. Although technical skills are essential for completing daily tasks, effective leadership and communication are crucial to project success. This research explored how DISC training can improve new hires’ perceptions of their abilities to interact and communicate with their project team members. Through a survey of course participants, the study …

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Discovering The Effective Actions Of Upstanders And Tackling Implicit Bias In The Workplace: Findings From A Workshop, Jacob H. Defreeuw Jun 2025

Discovering The Effective Actions Of Upstanders And Tackling Implicit Bias In The Workplace: Findings From A Workshop, Jacob H. Defreeuw

Construction Management

This project focused on exploring how both university students and construction industry professionals recognize and respond to opportunities to act as upstanders in workplace settings, particularly in support of underrepresented groups. The research aimed to bridge the gap between current industry practices surrounding implicit bias and the practical realities of advocating for inclusiveness on construction sites and in office environments. To achieve this, surveys were distributed to industry professionals, an in-depth literature review of modern upstander and implicit bias training strategies was performed, and a student-centered workshop was held at the Cal Poly Women in Construction Symposium. The workshop featured …

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Hawthorne Elementary Stage Set Construction, Alejandro Gonzalez, Sergio Daniel Manriquez Jun 2025

Hawthorne Elementary Stage Set Construction, Alejandro Gonzalez, Sergio Daniel Manriquez

Construction Management

The Pirate Ship and Playhouse project, undertaken by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Cal Poly Construction Management students, aimed to support arts education at Hawthorne Elementary School through the construction of theatrical set pieces for a Peter Pan performance. Initiated by Phil Barlow and guided by Anna Brennen from the school’s staff, the project integrated community service with practical learning in construction management. From initial design and material sourcing to final installation, the team emphasized safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Funding and logistical support from local businesses and Cal Poly facilitated the project’s success. This hands-on endeavor not …

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Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell Jun 2025

Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell

Construction Management

This study examined the impact of the Women in Construction Leadership Course, paired with DISC training, on students transitioning into the construction industry. The DISC instrument classifies behaviors into four personality types (i.e., Dominant, Influencer, Steady, Conscientious) and the training helped students identify each personality type to improve their communication skills. Although technical skills are essential for completing daily tasks, effective leadership and communication are crucial to project success. This research explored how DISC training can improve new hires’ perceptions of their abilities to interact and communicate with their project team members. Through a survey of course participants, the study …

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