Professional competencies of construction management personnel: the difference between the perspectives of employers and students

Abstract

Understanding the differences between market demand, represented by the employer's perspective, and professional competence perception, represented by the student's perspective, influences the relationship between these two groups of employers and employees. Furthermore, it can provide insights into solving the problem of training and providing high-quality human resources for the construction industry. This research examines the difference between the assessments of employers and employees represented by students on the factors affecting the professional competence of construction management in Ho Chi Minh City. The study collected responses from employers and students, with 91 valid questionnaires. The data was analyzed using a T-test, which revealed significant differences between the two groups of respondents in their ratings of Knowledge, Skills, Personal Attributes, and Professionalism factors. The Skills and Professionalism factors are more important from the employer's perspective for constructing the professional competence of construction managers. On the other hand, students believe that Knowledge and Personal Attributes are more important. The research results show differences in the perspectives on professional competence between employers and students. These results are discussed and provide implications for proposing solutions and suitable education programs tailored to practical demands in the construction industry.

Keywords: Employers; students; market demand; professional competence; construction management; statistical testing of differences (T-test).