Identifying and predicting present and future occupational competencies for commercial construction superintendents in Illinois

This study was conducted to increase understanding regarding the identity and relative importance of the tasks which constitute the occupation of commercial construction superintendent. More specifically, the study answered the following questions: (1) What tasks do practicing construction superintendents perceive as important for their occupation in 1990? (2) What tasks do practicing construction superintendents perceive will be important for the occupation of construction superintendent in the year 2000? (3) What trends, forces, issues, or events do construction superintendents perceive will have the greatest effect on their occupation?

A modified Delphi Technique was used to investigate answers to these questions. It was necessary to (1) conduct a review of literature regarding existing curriculum and tasks; (2) develop a questionnaire to solicit opinions and ratings from practicing superintendents; (3) identify an expert panel of 24 construction superintendents; (4) conduct a two-round Delphi inquiry to determine additional tasks, rate the importance of tasks in 1990 and 2000, and to rate the importance of identified trends, forces, issues and events on the occupation.

Results of this study revealed that superintendents ranked "Personnel Management Tasks" as the most important tasks category, and "Estimating and Cost Control Tasks" as the least important tasks category. "Quality Control and Safety Tasks" and "Job Scheduling and Planning Tasks" were predicted to show significant increases in importance by the year 2000.

This study should be replicated in other states or regions, and results used to design curriculum for construction management programs, specifically courses dealing with construction superintendent training.