Training needs in construction project management: a survey in four EU countries

Abstract

Knowledge on construction project management is a key issue in today's construction industry across Europe. This applies to the whole range of project participants from inception to conclusion of construction undertakings thereby involving professionals focusing in distinct perspectives yet working for a common goal. Several countries in Europe, with special relevance to the UK, have developed substantial knowledge in this topic through academic courses, profes¬sional training and experience of practitioners. Other countries have not achieved this stage but the need to prepare profes¬sionals to work in the open European market is impelling efforts for convergence in this matter. This article reports a survey on professional training needs in four European countries presently partnering in a Leonardo da Vinci project on management of construction infrastructure projects. The survey was carried by a questionnaire administered to a set of or¬ganisations of the construction cluster of the four countries involved. Results were used for defining 6 areas of interest for CPD courses which are presently being developed in the scope of the project.