Kwofie, T E; Amos-Abanyie, S and Afram, S O (2016) Principal component analysis of professional competencies of architects in the Ghanaian construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 23(5), pp. 571-587. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose The identification and development of appropriate competencies remain very critical and central to performance measures in mainstream human resource management genre towards effective teams. It is posited as a viable means for validating and engendering best practices and developing suitable competencies towards acceptable performance outcome in construction project delivery. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical professional competencies of an architect in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI) towards effective performance in the construction project delivery. Design/methodology/approach From a mixed method design involving semi-structured qualitative interview and a questionnaire survey of architects in Ghana, 16 professional architectural competencies were identified for respondents to indicate their importance to effective architectural practice and consulting in the GCI on a five-point Likert scale. Factor analysis was used to explore the interrelations among the variables and make possible empirical explanations. Findings Factor analysis revealed four underlying clusters named in order of their significance as efficient design response to client needs, legal aspects of practice, sustainable design and construction and efficient project management skills. The study provides insight into the contextual practice, characteristics and the critical professional architectural competencies needed by architects in the construction industry in Ghana. Originality/value The findings have rigorously revealed and provided clear understanding and insight into the thematic critical professional competencies of architects important to the construction industry in Ghana which should be the focus of architectural training and practice. It is also very important towards developing and stimulating a continuous professional development agenda, developing a body of knowledge of professional practice in architecture and conducting curriculum review to meet current emerging competency profiles necessary for influencing performance levels in the GCI.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | architecture; construction industry; construction systems; construction management; design management |
| Index terms: | methodology, design management, questionnaire, Likert scale, body of knowledge, professional practice, construction system, interview, sustainable design, human resource management, performance measure, survey, construction project delivery, best practice, principal component analysis, architectural practice, architect, factor analysis, construction industry, project management, professional development, performance outcome, mixed method, Ghana |
| Subjects: | knowledge management, profession, data collection methods, business, value management, project controls, building construction, industry analysis, statistical analysis, performance measurement, management, research methods, Geography, project management theory and practice, design process, professional development |
| Topics: | Time Control, Design Practice, Human Resources, Quality Management, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here