College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
3-2019
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Edward Boucher, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
The construction superintendent plays a very important role throughout the construction process in order to deliver a successful project. This paper analyzes the skills Cal Poly SLO graduates lack to become effective superintendents. It does so by first analyzing quantitative research on papers that state which skills are important. Several interviews were conducted with professionals in the construction industry. These interviews provided input regarding what makes an effective superintendent. From this research, an effective superintendent must have an understanding of scheduling and sequencing of construction processes. Additionally, they must have the strength and stamina for construction supervision in the field physically and emotionally. Superintendents need to have effective take offs, analytical skills for productivity, and procurement and knowledge of site logistics. The superintendent must be able to implement value engineering during the construction process. The superintendent must identify safety hazards, take proactive steps to prevent their occurrence and understand the processes of each trade. This is necessary to identify possible errors that may arise during the construction process, to implement quality assurance, to communicate with different personalities on the job site, and to use Building Information Modeling (BIM). A survey of 17 questions was conducted which was sent out to Cal Poly SLO alumni. Conclusions show that students do not have the leadership skills to run a construction job site, implement value engineering during the construction process, implement quality assurance during the construction process, and know the processes of each trade to identify possible errors that may arise during the construction process.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/207