A comprehensive study on construction project management methodologies and critical skillsets for project managers

• Main Author: Foo, Nathanael Song Ern
• Other Authors: Teoh Bak Koon
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Civil engineering::Construction management
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/167738
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The local construction industry, spurred by the Construction Industry Transformation Map, is in an era of rapid transformation. The digitalization of construction technologies and the emphasis on upskilling construction professionals, including project managers, are in full swing. In tandem, project managers must be able to assess what are the critical skillsets to better manage construction projects. By doing so, project managers can improve their project management skills and ensure smoother progress of projects. To address the above situation, this research project investigated the top 3 skillsets of project managers through a literature review, an online survey and interviews with construction professionals. A finalized list of 20 skillsets ranging from technical skill, social skill to human relations skill was derived from the literature review. The purpose was to enable respondents to rank the given list of skillsets. Survey results from over 170 respondents categorized into 4 result groups were collated and analysed. In addition, the top 3 skillsets from each result group were presented and the order of ranking were identified. It was to see how each result group ranks the list of skillsets. In-person and virtual interviews with construction professionals gave the author insights on the roles and responsibilities of project managers. The skillsets discussed were similar in nature, even though the interviewees were from diverse backgrounds. Lastly, the limitations of the research project and recommendations for future work were discussed. Recommendations for project owners or developers and academic were provided as part of the objectives stated in the beginning stage of the research process.