Connecting CM Industry Expectations with Academic Instructionat UW-Stout: A Quality Improvement Plan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the key skills needed by the construction management industry that are not currently and adequately covered by the academic teachings of the UW-Stout Construction Management Program. Thestudy identified key skills required of entry-level construction managers inthree unique categories; emerging technologies, soft skills, and core technical skills.A survey was given to the UW-Stout Construction Industry Advisory Committee in the Fall 2020 semester asking them to compare their expectations of UW-Stout graduates with their actual experiences.Survey results were compiled and analyzed toidentify trends and areas for improvement. The data was used to indicate both strengths and weaknesses in the skill sets portrayed by the graduates. The resulting data was used to compile a list of recommendationsto the University of Wisconsin-Stout Faculty identifying the immediate course objectives that need to address, modified, and incorporated into future curriculum. A secondary purpose of the study is to provide a mechanism for UW-Stout to continually acquire similar data in the future,to establish a baseline,and ultimately be used in conjunction with the QIP plan utilized for ACCE for re-accreditation.