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Dent, S and Smallwood, J J (2014) Building Economics pre-course student perceptions. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (Eds.), Proceedings 30th Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2014, Portsmouth, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 1215–22.

  • Type: Conference Proceedings
  • Keywords: building economics; perceptions; students; South Africa
  • ISBN/ISSN: 978-0-9552390-8-3
  • URL: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/ar2014-1215-1222_Dent_Smallwood.pdf
  • Abstract:
    Tertiary studentsÕ pre-course perceptions of a subject provide insight relative to their understanding and appreciation of a subject and challenges that the lecturer may encounter. Furthermore, post-course perceptions can be compared with pre-course perceptions to determine the impact of the presentation of the subject, if any. The purpose of the study reported on is to determine the pre-course Building Economics perceptions of construction management and quantity surveying students, based upon a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted in a South African university. The students were surveyed at the inception of the presentation of the subjects. Findings include: material costs, labour rates, and profit margins predominate in terms of the importance of Building Economics knowledge areas to CMs, and cost control, measuring (quantities), and estimating relative to QS; accurate estimating, design and specification changes, material availability, labour productivity, material availability, and inflation predominate in terms of the extent various aspects contribute to project cost control, and the knowledge gained from the subject will assist students in other modules, and the subject teaches students skills which they can apply in everyday life. Based upon the findings it can be concluded that students have a degree of understanding and appreciation of the subject Building Economics prior to exposure thereto, and they understand and appreciate the importance and role of the subject Building Economics to their programmes and disciplines. It is recommended that such research be conducted on an annual basis, and a preparatory lecture module ÔThe role and importance of Building EconomicsÕ should be evolved for first time Building Economics students.