Supporting construction management education: examining the impact of leadership, management and staff development

Universities in Australia face a range of challenges as they renew curricula. Several of these arise from the federal government's compliance monitoring entities which focus on academic standards and quality assurance. In addition, the sector is experiencing increased emphasis on research performance and postgraduate education. Against this backdrop, this paper examines academic leadership, management and staff development, and considers the implications of these processes on construction management higher education. This paper draws on data gathered from surveys, interviews and focus groups with leaders in construction-related academic disciplines across Australia, and provides a critical review of their attitudes and concerns. The data were analysed in terms of themes relevant to leadership and management, and highlight issues for the future of the construction management discipline.