Developing undergraduate construction management students' abilities to manage projects through a computer-based simulation

Construction management is a relatively young profession with a curriculum that is continually evolving. The multiple accreditations that are sought by universities in Australia mean that curricula are frequently overcrowded and financial management is a subject that is challenging to deliver. This paper describes the approach adopted at one university where final year students’ knowledge, skills and abilities about financial management are developed by simulating the operations of a hypothetical construction company. The paper describes the way it is delivered and the challenges experienced over the years.