The development of technology facilitated learning for continuing professional development of construction managers

Wall, J

Abstract

The demands on professionals in the construction industry are considerable, both in
terms of time commitments at work and the range of skills necessary to execute their
job effectively. One element in ensuring the continued effective delivery of projects
has been the recognition that continued learning is an underpinning aspet for
successfully delivering projects. This results in more certainty around the time of
completion, to the appropriate quality and within budget. The aim of this research is
to formulate a strategic framework that will serve both educational institutions and the
construction industry, bring industry and higher-level education closer in the delivery
of lifelong learning. These issues were investigated via the primary research, which
consisted of a survey of construction professional bodies, the evaluation of a pilot
portal for continuing professional development and the evaluation of a formal
continuing professional development programme from both a participant's and an
instructor's perspective. This research work suggests that it is vital to recognise the
importance of understanding pedagogy and how learning takes place and that a "one
size fits all" approach does not recognise the inherent differences in individuals in
terms of how people learn. There are a number of key issues that must be addressed
in effectively delivering lifelong learning in the construction industry. These can be
clustered around four principal themes; (i) continuing professional development, (ii)
understanding the learning process, (iii) higher education's role and (iv) technological
issues and challenges. Key success factors in delivering lifelong learning include; (i)
acting professionally, (ii) collaboration between education, professional bodies and
industry and (iii) creating an environment that encourages and facilitates access to
lifelong learning. An important output from this research is the formulation of a
framework that may be applied for deploying blended learning continuing
professional development in an educational setting.

Citation

Wall, J. The development of technology facilitated learning for continuing professional development of construction managers. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2009