Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Senior-Level Construction Managers: A U.S. Industry-Based Delphi Study

ABSTRACT To address the many issues in ever-evolving construction industry, senior-level managers need to gain specific knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be successful. Much of the current literature in construction is focused on identifying the skill sets at the Project Management level. Recognizing that limited research had been reported identifying the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required for senior-level construction managers, the current research was undertaken. The study uses the Delphi method to identify the KSAs. Purposeful sampling was used to identify a sufficient participant level. A three-phase Delphi survey questionnaire was distributed to the participants. Participants selected for the study were construction executives, construction mid-level managers, and external industry members such as Certified Public Accountants, bankers, sureties, and insurance professionals. The KSA’s, which met the consensus criteria were discussed. The KSA’s inform the graduate education programs in construction to foster the topics related to the identified KSAs in their curriculum.