Rahat, R; Ferrer, V; Pradhananga, P and ElZomor, M (2023) A pedagogical paradigm to support infrastructure projects through coupling front-end planning techniques with sustainability practices. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 19(3), pp. 276-298. ISSN 1557-8771
Abstract
Effective project management of sustainable infrastructure projects is critical for successful project delivery and improved project performance of construction projects. Coupling and integrating Front-End Planning (FEP) techniques and sustainability rating systems such as the EnvisionTM rating system in the curricula can equip our construction workforces with advanced skills in planning and managing such projects. Therefore, this study investigates the existing synergies between FEP and EnvisionTM and establishes the necessity of incorporating these concepts into the Construction Management (CM) curricula. The research methodology included (1) surveying infrastructure experts to investigate the nexus between EnvisionTM credits and FEP; (2) investigating the use of pre-project planning tools in the industry; and (3) implementing a Problem Based Learning (PBL) activity to enhance construction students’ knowledge of FEP and sustainability. The results highlighted that sustainability practices greatly align with FEP. Moreover, the knowledge improvement through the PBL activity demonstrates that such an active learning method can be a strong candidate for effective pedagogical design to teach these concepts. The novelty of this study encompasses highlighting the necessity to link and incorporate EnvisionTM with FEP in construction curricula to support CM students to become adept in both planning and delivering sustainable infrastructure projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction education; construction project management; front-end planning; sustainable infrastructure |
| Index terms: | coupling, active learning, research methodology, project performance, construction project management, paradigm, problem-based learning, project delivery, project management, synergy, infrastructure project, surveying, sustainability rating system, construction education, planning technique, construction project, project planning |
| Subjects: | education and knowledge transfer, project management theory and practice, teaching methods, partnership management, systems engineering, infrastructure and transport systems, research design and methodology, control systems, learning methods, health monitoring assessment and metrics, project delivery, sustainability assessment, production management, professional education, urban planning |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Governance, Education, Health and Safety, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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