Creating a Construction Management Technical Elective Course: Introduction to Subcontracting Management

Author(s) Information

Noah T. Warren, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

6-2024

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Thomas Kommer, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

Many rising issues are threatening the subcontracting industry today, such as labor shortages and communication problems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics over 50% of the current workforce is over the age of 40. This fact combined with a dwindling interest in subcontracting from younger generations is resulting in a need for more skilled labor. The goal of this project is to create a course that will foster an interest in the subcontracting industry for the students who take it and encourage them to suggest and implement positive changes in any company they work for. The proposed course will examine the processes of subcontracting management by assigning students subcontracting trades that they will be acting in throughout the semester. Students will be guided through the methods of bidding on a commercial construction project as a subcontractor. The course content was created by using existing writings and related courses about subcontracting practices, industry interviews and input, and the researcher’s industry experience. The developed content contains readings, lectures, group assignments, and quizzes to keep the students actively engaged in the course material. This course will be used to increase construction management students' interest in the subcontracting industry.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/822