Targeted Presentation Skill Trainings to Nurture Construction Management Students at Florida International University

Authors

Gabriella D. Santi Kasabdji, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Construction Management

First Advisor's Name

Mohamed ElZomor

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Nipesh Pradhananga

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Lu Zhang

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Jose Faria

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Engineering Education, Engineering, STEM, Construction Management, Communication Skills, Soft Skills, Professional Development

Date of Defense

3-24-2020

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced work environment, competent construction managers (CM) are vital for project success. However, to be competent, these professionals require the mastery of not only technical skills but also soft skills that enable them to achieve their full potential. Regardless, many CM prize technical abilities over the day-to-day writing, speaking, and overall soft skills, assuming these are not as important to the knowledge of complex concepts. Industry leaders confirm this, as evidence states graduate construction managers lack the basic communication skills to “hit the ground running”. That said, academic programs should seek to adapt and nurture these vital skill sets. For this reason, this research seeks to understand FIU-STEM students’ current communication skills and advance CM students’ presentation skills through three multi-context communication-trainings. These activities offered students opportunities to enhance their presentation performance, improve their confidence, and overcome common presentation issues, thus increasing their chances to thrive in their careers.

Identifier

FIDC008977

Recommended Citation

Santi Kasabdji, Gabriella D., "Targeted Presentation Skill Trainings to Nurture Construction Management Students at Florida International University" (2020). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4420.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4420