Construction Engineering and Management Commons^™

Construction Project Administration: Course Portfolio, Andre Messner

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This portfolio presents a structured framework for the design and implementation of a construction project administration course within a Construction Management program. Emphasis is placed on aligning student learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment methods with current industry expectations and professional standards. The course is intentionally designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by incorporating real-world scenarios, collaborative learning environments, and experiential activities that mirror industry practices.

In addition to outlining the course structure, this paper examines the pedagogical foundations that support student-centered learning, including constructivism, scaffolding, and project-based learning. These approaches are used to foster …

Impact Of Femalized Kinesthetic Learning Model On African American Middle School Girls’ Career Interest, Mercy F. Fash, Andrea Ofori-Boadu

Journal of Global Education and Research

Engaging African American middle school girls in out-of-school-time (OST) Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) programs can boost interest in male-dominated AEC careers. This study adopts Lent’s Social Cognitive Career Theory to evaluate the impact of an OST feminized AEC kinesthetic learning model (fAEC-KLM) on the career interests of this demographic. Through a qualitative research approach, fourteen (14) African American middle school girls from Guilford County, NC, completed pre- and post-interviews on how fAEC-KLM interactions influenced their AEC career interests. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out on transcribed interviews. Results show that effective components, such as lectures on AEC, bridge construction …

Enhancing Workforce Development In Construction Management Through Collaborative Teaching (Co-Teaching) Models, John Annor, Francois Jacobs

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative co-teaching initiative implemented across three educational institutions—the University of State, Community College, and High School—through two key construction courses: Construction Materials and Methods and Construction Safety. Designed to bridge gaps across educational levels, the initiative adopted a mixed-methods research approach to assess student learning outcomes, instructional effectiveness, and stakeholder perceptions. Quantitative data were collected from standardized assessments, including quizzes, a safety plan project, and exams administered across multiple years. Analytical techniques such as Welch's two-sample t-tests and Welch ANOVA were employed to compare student performance between and within institutions, adjusting for unequal …

Nahb Production Home Competition As A Learning Tool Towards Incorporating Business Skills In Construction Management Programs, George Berghorn, Chandler Jones, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

There is a growing realization in the construction industry that the traditional focus of Construction Management (CM) education on technical competencies (such as scheduling, estimating, and construction methods) is insufficient in preparing graduates to meet the strategic and leadership demands of the modern construction profession. A successful construction company requires more than project execution; it demands expertise in business development, financial management, marketing, risk management, and organizational leadership. The disparity between the technical and business aspects of CM education has produced graduates who may succeed in project management yet find it challenging to engage with comprehensive business operations.

This study …

Construction Industry Preparedness For Generation Z And Millennials: Aligning Industry Characteristics With Workforce Job Preferences, Ameenullah Amiri, Dhaval R. Gajjar, Jason D. Lucas

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry in the United States suffers from workforce shortages, partly due to younger generations being hired more slowly than baby boomers retire. Generation Z’s (Gen Z) lack of interest in joining the construction industry, coupled with the retirement of older workers, has amplified the problem. This paper investigates existing literature to identify the work and career preferences of Gen Z and Millennials and determine where the industry may focus efforts to attract these two generations. Through a systematic literature review, this study identified overlaps and gaps between the current construction industry workforce’s perceptions of the industry and the …

Heat-Related Injuries And Fatalities In Roofing: Osha Investigations From 2003-2024, Kenneth S. Sands Ii, Benjamin Marshall

The Professional Constructor

This study examines 52 heat-related roofing incidents recorded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) between 2003-2024 to describe patterns in outcomes and identify trade-specific prevention opportunities. Researchers built a structured dataset from OSHA investigation summaries and analysed frequencies of the incidents and their associations with month, time of day, project type, end use, and age to complement a thematic review of narrative abstracts. Fifty-eight percent of cases were fatalities, with the remainder split between hospitalized and non-hospitalized injuries; these statistics underscore the consequences of heat events that trigger OSHA reporting. There was a clear relationship between number of …

The Development Of A Convenient And Consistent Methodology For Flight Proficiency To Certify Multi-Rotor Uas Pilots For State Departments Of Transportation, Colin H. Dees, Joseph M. Burgett

The Professional Constructor

To fly an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a “drone,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to pass a knowledge test. There is no requirement at the state or federal level for drone operators to demonstrate the ability to operate a UAS. The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) has created an exam for public and private entities to assess basic UAS flight proficiency. It is the only nationally recognized flight proficiency protocol. NIST does not provide a scoring recommendation and leaves it to the user to determine the minimum criteria to pass. There is …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue

The Professional Constructor

Full Issue, Winter 2026

Volume 50, Number 01

The City As The Classroom: The Case Of “Start ‘Em Young Advocacy” At Silliman University, Philippines, Novee Elarmo Maestrecampo Jr., Giovanni Tuballa Macahig

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This case study highlights the value of engaging with communities as real-world environments for practical and reflective learning. It suggests that students can develop insights and acquire knowledge through interactions with diverse groups and locations, even within urban settings. The paper presents the experience of implementing the “Start ‘em Young Advocacy,” a student-led, environment-focused, and project-based initiative within the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) under the National Service Training Program (NSTP) at Silliman University, Philippines. In collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), CWTS students worked with thirty daycare centers. Using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory as a …

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 …

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 …

Integrating Standards For Infrastructure Improvement And Resilience In University Curricula, Lisa Greenwood, Jennifer Schneider, Sumita Mishra, Yewande S. Abraham, Shriram Karpoora Sundara Pandian

Articles

In today’s ever-changing world, we are increasingly vulnerable to shocks and stresses that disrupt industry and society. Persistent threats from natural and manmade hazards require our communities and infrastructure to be resilient despite possible disruption. Creating robust infrastructures is founded on operational and physical standards to withstand and respond to threats such as environmental exposures, climate change, and informational security breaches. The significant U.S. investment in infrastructure projects through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has amplified the need for professionals in engineering and related fields who – in addition to technical knowledge - possess the necessary knowledge and skill …

Impact Of A Kinesthetic Learning Model On Architecture, Engineering, And Construction (Aec) Knowledge In African American Middle School Girls, Mercy F. Fash, Andrea A.N Ofori-Boadu

Journal of Research Initiatives

This study examines the impact of a femalized Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Kinesthetic Learning Model (fAEC-KLM) intervention on the AEC knowledge of African American middle school girls. Fourteen (14) middle school girls completed both pre- and post-surveys and tests that assessed their knowledge of AEC concepts, including roles and responsibilities, gender and racial diversity, and salary benefits. Paired-sample t-tests were utilized to evaluate statistically significant differences in knowledge before and after fAEC-KLM intervention. Results showed notable improvements in students' knowledge of AEC salary and benefits, as well as the underrepresentation of females, particularly African American females, and AEC roles and …

Can Leadership Classes Help Women In Construction Embrace Vulnerability Early In Their Careers?, Crystal Giselle Martinez

Construction Management

This study investigates how a vulnerability lesson, integrated into a construction management university course, impacts women’s comfort levels in showing vulnerability in their early careers. It also examines the perceptions of individuals on the subject of vulnerability prior to taking the class expressing societal norms in relation to vulnerability and leadership in relation to vulnerability. Pre- and post-surveys, utilizing the Likert scale and free responses, were used to gather data from students enrolled in a leadership-focused class at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Findings reveal that while vulnerability is seen as vital for leadership, gender challenges persist, shaped …

Senior Exit Interview, Brendon Pedro Duran

Construction Management

The goal of this project was to provide graduating seniors in construction management a means to share their opinions on the department and offer potential solutions that could improve the student learning experience. Prior to COVID, the senior exit interview filled this need, but it was run by faculty and has not been repeated since 2021. The discussion was structured to cover the three topics that constitute the student experience: curriculum, student-run clubs and teams, and industry recruitment. Prior to the event, a dozen in-person interviews were conducted with graduating seniors to better understand what topics should be included in …

Ace Mentor Program - Central Coast Chapter, Brayden Samuel Groshart

Construction Management

For my senior project, I established a chapter of the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program in San Luis Obispo, California. This program provides high school students with hands-on experience and exposure to careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries. The program spanned eight weeks, balancing theoretical knowledge and practical application. The curriculum began with sessions on the fundamentals of architecture, engineering, and construction. In order to expose the students to real world practices, we organized tours of an architecture firm, an engineering firm, and an active construction site. These visits allowed students to engage with professionals, observe …

Pltl Develops Scholars For Majors In The Built-Environment​, Shpat Halili, Calvin O. Walters Jr.

Publications and Research

The National Science Foundation S-STEM program at NYC College of Technology (City Tech), Developing an Ecosystem of STEM success for Built Environment Scholars (Award Number 2150432), focuses on supporting and developing scholars in the majors relating to the Built Environment. The proposed project includes the expansion of Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) at City Tech. The PLTL model creates a supportive learning environment and supplements the faculty-centered classroom with student-led and student-oriented workshops. At City Tech, existing workshops provide curricular support in statics and mathematics. The PLTL program benefits promising first-year STEM students, and the S-STEM program utilizes the PLTL model …

Root And Causes Of Skilled Labor Shortage In Construction Industry: Comprehensive Literature Review, Nicholas Hardy, Carolina Barbosa-Resende, James Kereri, Arash Taghinezhad

The Professional Constructor

The skilled labor shortage is well documented from a historical perspective via studies focusing various construction trades such as carpentry, mechanical, electric and plumbing, and tile setters. Causes of such shortages such as industry image, college as a preferred choice after high school, and construction being a last resort have been investigated extensively. Consequently, possible solutions ranging from amplifying shop classes in high school to intensifying recruiting efforts for union training programs have all been addressed throughout the last 40 years. However, recent studies have focused on identifying the magnitude and reach of the skilled labor gap while limited attention …

Sustainability Of Apparel Exporting Industry Facilities In South Asia, Sree L. Anilkuma, George H. Berghorn, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

The apparel industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product in South Asian countries is significant and provides livelihoods for millions of people in this region. Although this industry’s contribution towards the economy is substantial, its negative impact on the environment and the working conditions have always been critical issues of concern. The two countries of emphasis in this research, Bangladesh, and India, have experienced numerous garment factory accidents in the form of building collapses, factory fires, and boiler explosions, which have killed and injured thousands of workers. These incidents have brought attention on the need to improve poor facilities and …

Taxonomy Of Trust And Maslow’S Hierarchy Of Needsin The Construction Industry, Ann B. Lyons, Vivek Sharma, Shima Clarke

The Professional Constructor

Trust is vital in every facet of life, enabling collaborative efforts and valuing contributions from various individuals. This is particularly true in the construction industry, where teamwork is essential for success. Prior research has consistently demonstrated that heightened trust levels significantly contribute to better project outcomes and increased client satisfaction. Despite its critical role, the construction industry has yet to adopt a structured hierarchical perspective of trust that aligns with its unique demands. This study aims to fill this gap by validating a comprehensive taxonomy of trust specifically designed for the construction sector. Through literature review, this study identifies key …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 49, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Mixed Reality For In-Field Construction Activities: A Systematic Literature Review To Identify Challenges And Solutions, Sumanth Sai. P., Jason Lucas

The Professional Constructor

With the new industrial revolution, “Industry 4.0,” it is important to understand and incorporate the new standards and technologies evolving in the market. Industry 4.0 relies on the integrated use of big data and analytics coupled with various technologies to help make decisions and manage projects. This revolution has brought Mixed Reality (MR) into the construction field. Mixed reality (MR) offers significant benefits for smart industries, such as enhancing productivity, training, manufacturing, error correction, assembly, and packaging processes. But how feasible are Mixed Reality Technologies (MRTs) considering the high initial investment required for acquiring devices, subscribing to services, planning and …

Computer-Integrated Construction Management With Procore, Vedanth Ashoka, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry faces difficulties in managing the enormous amounts of data generated at each stage of a project, impacting project coordination and decision-making. Currently the industry is facing the issue of a lack of interoperability among the multiple software programs being used for different functions. To address this lack of interoperability, there is a need for an integrated environment that allows seamless flow of data between different functions. Among the few software tools that have emerged in recent year, Procore, a cloud-based construction project management software, has emerged as a widely used solution in the industry, enabling collaboration among …

2nd Annual Girls Build Summer Academy: Logistics And Scheduling, Matteo Cade Cuccaro

Construction Management

This paper discusses the logistics and scheduling involved for Cal Poly construction management department’s second annual Girls Build Summer Academy. The week-long academy was hosted to introduce construction related activities to 19 high school-aged girls so they could learn more about the careers available within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, while learning skills to build individual and team projects. To achieve this goal, a full schedule was developed for each day of the camp, allowing for a variety of activities, including listening to guest speakers, completing building projects, and training to safely use tools. There were many challenges that …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 48, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Into Ireland’S Bim Skills Gap, Guadalupe Centanni, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

The adoption of digital skills within the Irish AEC Sector has the potential to enhance efficiency and competitiveness among its stakeholders. Despite this opportunity, there is still a high demand for skilled BIM professionals, which cannot be currently met. To meet this skills demand and directly target future skills gaps within Ireland, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate broader BIM adoption. This paper focuses on addressing this gap by identifying steps to be followed to develop skilled professionals within BIM. This has been achieved by investigating the extent to which construction stakeholders in Ireland comprehend BIM and, examiningthe training …

Skills Matter – Up-Skilling Across Construction Stakeholders For Emerging Roles, Avril Behan, Paul Mccormack, Barry Mcauley

Conference Papers

The EU’s Climate Target Plan To 2030 (European Union 2020b) of achieving at least 55% reduction in Green House Gas emissions from 1990 levels, delivering towards a climate-neutral economy by 2050, requires systems-level change in the way we design, construct, and operate our built assets. Funding initiatives, such as co-ordinated by BUILD UP Skills, aim to deliver upskilling to the market but targets set by the European Skills Agenda may not be reached at current achievement levels. This paper presents the results of one completed and the progress of one ongoing Horizon 2020 funded project, BIMcert and ARISE, respectively. Learning …

The Center For Centering Dome, Olek Piechaczek, Ryan M. Scharf

Architectural Engineering

The Center for Centering seeks to create a large-scale healing center, conducive to individual centering of the mind and body. This mobile installation provides a relaxing, enclosed space while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors. The clients liked the idea of having a pop-up installation that could be easily set up as a touring display. With a deadline for installation looming in June 2022, a team of students had five months to design and manufacture the structure.

In winter 2022, the students developed custom geometry to minimize the number of individual parts and built a ¼ scale model of …

Creating A Demolition Estimate Lab Assignment, Alex Domine

Construction Management

This senior project aims to create a Demolition Estimate Lab as part of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo's Demolition Topics Course, with the goal of enhancing construction education through practical experience in estimating demolition costs. The Lab will be equipped with industry-standard tools and software to simulate diverse demolition scenarios, covering site preparation, equipment requirements, waste disposal, labor needs, and environmental considerations. The project methodology entails extensive research and the integration of interactive learning activities. This initiative is expected to yield several benefits for students. Firstly, it will lead to improved learning outcomes by providing hands-on experience in estimating demolition …

Reality Capture Course Content: Exposing The Next Generation Of Builders To Technology Moving The Industry Forward, Maxwell S. Eisner

Construction Management

This paper discusses the development and execution of lecture and laboratory educational content regarding reality capture technology and workflows. These educational modules were created to cover different use cases for reality capture technology that are currently being used in the construction industry. They also show how reality capture plays a role in the larger virtual design in construction (BIM) process. Importantly, these labs were designed to be completed with the LiDAR scanner on a typical iPhone, which has lowered the barrier to entry for reality capture education and use in industry. While the initial teaching of these courses was done …