A programme for continuing professional development of managers in the construction industry

Abstract

The University of Stellenbosch construction management programme has been providing a four-week continuing professional development programme for construction managers since 1976. The programme is presented on an annual basis. It focuses on middle management in the construction industry which includes the building as well as civil engineering sectors of the industry. An overview of the present programme curriculum and curriculum development through the history of the programme is provided. Programme themes are selected to fit in with current management issues and topics. Key factors contributing to the success of the programme are also reviewed and analysed. The personal development and educational approach adopted as well as the philosophy of using a full immersion four-week residential course is discussed. The profile of types of delegates attending the programme is summarised. Programme faculty members are drawn from the major tertiary institutions in South Africa as well as selected institutions abroad. A formal delegate performance assessment system is used. The programme also has procedures in place through which extensive feedback from delegates is gathered and reviewed and used to drive incremental improvement of the content as well as the presentation style. The role of the active alumni network in sponsoring candidates for the programme as well as interacting with delegates is reviewed.