Development of a Strategic Model for Improvement of Construction Project Management Education, Research, and Practice in Pakistan

Transcription

1 Development of a Strategic Model for Improvement of Construction Project Management Education, Research, and Practice in Pakistan A collaborative research effort between Department of Civil Engineering Department of Constructruction Management NED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY First Annual Report (2006) Submitted Jointly by: Dr. Sarosh H. Lodi Professor and Chairman Department of Civil Engineering NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Sind Pakistan ext Syed M. Ahmed, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Construction management College of Engineering Florida International University Miami, Florida 33174, USA to The National Academies Policy and Global Affairs, 500 Fifth Street, NW Room 542, Washington, DC 20001, USA September 29, 2006

2 1. TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE PROJECT Project title: Development of a Strategic Model for Improvement of Construction Project Management education, research and practice in Pakistan. Duration: 3 years Starting Date: January 01, 2006 Field of Investigation: Construction Project Management Problem Statement: The absence of an integrated system of construction management education, research and practice in the country has resulted in low performance output of the local construction industry as it relates to on-time and within budget project completions. Relevance: The project aims to provide capacity building in Pakistan in the field of construction project management by: Improving the quality, relevance and capacity of education and research at the engineering universities in Pakistan in the field of construction project management. Improving the capacity of the engineering institutions in Pakistan to support industry competitiveness by disbursing up-to-date training to the public and private sector organizations involved with the construction industry including owners, supervisory bodies, consultants, contractors, legal agencies, and suppliers. Increasing the application of construction management methodologies, tools and techniques so as to improve the well-being of Pakistani people by providing them improved quality of life in terms of better quality and timely completed infrastructure development projects, valued utilization of their taxes, reduced hindrance in their daily lives (owing to timely finished infrastructure works), increased life span of buildings, bridges etc., reduced maintenance problems, and so on. Key Participants: Pak Side Co-Directors: Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Mr. Rizwan Ul Haque Farooqui Institution: NED University of Engineering and Technology US Side Co-Directors: Dr. Syed Mahmood Ahmed, Dr. Yimin Zhu Institution: Florida International University Page 2 of 20

3 Key Advisors: Pak Side Dr. Sahibzada Farooq Ahmad Rafeeqi, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology US Side Dr. Irtishad Ahmad, Professor and Chair, Department of Construction Management, Florida International University Planned Objectives of Project: The following are the planned objectives of the project: 1. Investigating the current state of the construction industry in Pakistan through quantitative research with specific reference to the status of construction management education, research and practice. 2. Developing a strategic model for the improvement and strengthening of construction management education, research and practice in Pakistan with particular focus on enhancing the competitiveness of industry professionals so as to enable them to apply state-of the-art construction and construction management practices in infrastructure development as well as equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, tools and techniques so that they are able to take effective assets management decisions. 3. Devising a framework to standardize the construction industry practices for achieving improved performance on cost, time, quality, risk response, aesthetics, reliability and safety 4. Building the capacity of academia, industry and government in the area of construction management so as to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the construction industry and hence improve its contribution toward the country s economy and improving international image. Planned Schedule of Project Activities: S. No. Activity Planned Duration Planned Start Planned Finish 1. Development of Survey Instruments 4 months January 2006 April Pilot Surveys 2 months May 2006 June Structured Surveys & Data Collection 6 months July 2006 December Development of Database and Information Analysis 6 months October 2006 March Model Research 3 months April 2007 June Model Development 6 months July 2007 December Model Assessment 2 months January 2008 February Model Implementation & Verification 8 months March 2008 September Model Adjustment and Conclusion 3 months October 2008 December Imparting Construction Management Education in Academic Institutions and Industry International Conference on Construction Management Continuous activity throughout the 3 years Scheduled for last quarter of 2007 Page 3 of 20

4 Expected Deliverables: The expected deliverables of the project include: Most updated information on the academic and research environment and industry practice in the various categories of construction including building construction, infrastructure construction, industrial construction and heavy engineering construction. Categorization of construction industry with respect to capabilities and competencies. A strategic Model for improving and strengthening the state of local construction industry with the key objective of imparting the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to industry stakeholders that will improve their competency and capabilities and hence the industry competitiveness and the probability of project success A framework for standardization of local construction industry practice so as to be able to achieve consistently successful results. Benchmark improvement of construction management education, research & practice in Pakistan Development of an integrated system including the framework, processes and procedures for continuous improvement of construction management education, research and practice in Pakistan with the key objective of achieving sustainable growth and development of the construction industry and hence the economy. This integrated system will strengthen the construction project management systems for all the key players in the industry including owners (private and government), supervisory bodies (government agencies), execution agencies (architects, designers, contractors) and educational bodies (engineering institutions imparting relevant education and conducting relevant research). Expected Additional Benefits: The expected additional benefits from the project include: All the local industries, which are directly or indirectly affected by the construction activity, will benefit. These will include, for instance, the construction material manufacturers, construction material suppliers, finishing material manufacturers, importers and suppliers, funding agencies, labor suppliers, engineering consultants, contractors, management consultants, testing consultants, survey consultants, etc. Construction is a huge activity and employs large numbers of people. Increased and improved construction activity will mean more employment. A key result of this project is the strengthening of the construction industry to provided maximum employment opportunities to qualified personnel Having developed our own expertise in the management of our construction industry, we can sell this expertise to other neighbouring developing countries specifically those that have a poor state of construction and need expert technical guidance and strengthening. This will in turn increase our foreign exchange deposits, as well as further improve our international image in construction and construction project management. Page 4 of 20

5 2. PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT FOR FIRST YEAR (2006) Project Commencement Date: January 01, 2006 Project Activity Status: S. No. 1. Activity Development of Survey Instruments Actual Duration 4 months Actual Start January 2006 Actual Finish April 2006 Status/ Remarks Completed (on schedule) 2. Pilot Surveys 2 months May 2006 June 2006 Completed (on schedule) Structured Surveys & Data Collection Development of Database and Information Analysis July 2006 August 2006 In Progress (following schedule) Started Earlier than Scheduled 5. Model Research Yet To Start 6. Model Development Yet To Start 7. Model Assessment Yet To Start Model Implementation & Verification Model Adjustment and Conclusion Imparting Construction Management Education in Academic Institutions and Industry International Conference on Construction Management Yet To Start Yet To Start Continuous activity throughout the 3 years Scheduled for last quarter of Academician Workshop conducted in August 2005 Yet to be Conducted Page 5 of 20

6 Major Accomplishments To-Date The major accomplishments to-date are given as follows: S. No. Description 1. Activity: Development of Survey Instruments Duration: 4 months Start Date: January 01, 2006 Finish Date: April 30, 2006 Specified Objective Targeted: Investigating the current state of the construction industry in Pakistan through quantitative research with specific reference to the status of construction management education, research and practice Deliverable(s)/ Outcome: The needed survey instruments have been largely developed. Specifically, the following questionnaire sets have been developed through extensive literature review as well as local and international expert input: General Construction Project Management Practices in the local construction industry Causes of Delays and Delay Mitigation Practices in the local construction industry Quality Management Practices and Adoption and Implementation of TQM in the local construction industry Risk Management Practices in the local construction industry Safety Management Practices in the local construction industry Stakeholder Relations in the local construction industry Demand-Supply Gap in the local construction industry Business Environment and Regulatory Framework in the local construction industry Construction Management Educational Status in Pakistan The questionnaire sets have been appropriately customized to obtain feedback from the major industry stakeholders - owners, government agencies, contractors, sub-contractors, vendors and suppliers, engineering consultants, management consultants, and educational institutions. A sample set of questionnaire designed after extensive literature review and expert input is attached herewith as appendix A. 2. Activity: Pilot Surveys Duration: 2 months Start Date: May 01, 2006 Finish Date: June 30, 2006 Specified Objective Targeted: Investigating the current state of the construction industry in Pakistan through quantitative research with specific reference to the status of construction management education, research and practice. Page 6 of 20

7 Methodology: All pilot surveys have been conducted via face-to-face meetings with selected professionals including short-listed experts representing owners, government agencies, contractors, sub-contractors, engineering consultants, management consultants, and project managers. A summary list of experts approached for pilot surveys is given in appendix B. Deliverable(s)/ Outcome: The developed survey instruments have been fine tuned on the basis of feedback received from pilot surveys with selected stakeholders. The expert feedback has been collected and incorporated appropriately in the questionnaire sets. Expert Input: As part of this project, the Principal U.S. partner Dr. Syed M. Ahmed has already visited NED University in May, The purpose of the visit was to provide expert input in the assessment and finalization of survey instruments as well as to monitor the project progress. 3. Activity: Structured Surveys & Data Collection Duration: 6 months Start Date: July 01, 2006 To Date Progress: About 60% complete Specified Objective Targeted: Investigating the current state of the construction industry in Pakistan through quantitative research with specific reference to the status of construction management education, research and practice. Methodology Adopted: 1. An exhaustive list of industry stakeholders was prepared as a first step. Various published and unpublished sources were used to develop a list of public clients/ owners, contractors, engineering consultants and management consultants actively participating in the Pakistani construction industry. This identification is being done through following lists. Pakistan Engineering Council List All Pakistan Contractors Association List Karachi Contractors Association List Specifically, the latest update of the list officially developed by Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) containing information on registered contractors and consultants was referred and updated with other unofficial sources. 2. The research team, after careful assessment, particularly through the result of pilot surveys as well as informal meetings with a number of stakeholders, concluded that only targeted surveys could prove to be useful and successful in the research. This is particularly owing to the passive state of the construction industry of Pakistan where research is almost nonexistent, any industrial liaison with academics is yet to be conceived, and the industry stakeholders are usually resilient toward the idea of change feeling that it may only be a waste of time. That is, the research team analyzed that, instead of bulk mailing surveys to majority of industry stakeholders and not getting any favourable response (or very little response), it was deemed a better idea to identify the key stakeholders and the key personnel affiliated and focus the survey toward them. Hence there was the need of shortlisting the stakeholder list. Page 7 of 20

8 3. The stakeholder list was short-listed by focusing on the stakeholders particularly involved in the more pertinent areas of construction activity in Pakistan, including the major cities of Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. The short-listed stakeholders, especially contractors, were categorized in accordance with PEC classification, to identify those stakeholders to be targeted who have remain involved in the bulk of construction work in the current decade. For the same, C-1 and C-2 category contractors were selected, their recently completed projects and current work-load analyzed and hence further short-listed. The C-3 and lower category contractors were discarded from the survey list owing to the limited sphere of influence these contractors are able to bring to the improvement of the overall construction environment. It must be emphasized here that, since this survey has been the first of its kind, stakeholders affecting the larger spheres of influences are needed to be approached in order to appraise the overall state of affairs as well as target the results towards proposition of a strategic model for improvement. As for client organizations, major public clients/ owners were focused who have been involved in major infrastructure works recently. For engineering consultants, major firms involved in the design and supervision of the recent mega infrastructure works were selected for the survey. The management consultants, owing to their smaller number, need not be short-listed. 4. Following the intensive process of short-listing, the following numbers of stakeholders in different categories were selected for the survey. Type of Organization Targeted Numbers Public Client/ Owner 33 Contractors 142 (82 C-1 and 60 C-2) Engineering Consultants 18 Management Consultants The next step was to identify the key personnel in the identified companies and for the same, personal contacts was used as a starting step. The survey was started via structured meetings with the already identified list of key personnel and a chain connection of links was established for further surveys. Almost 90% of the surveys conducted to-date are face-toface meetings rather than dropping of questionnaire with the organization. This approach, although required a much larger effort, proved to be highly successful and the response rate approached 65% which was far above the expectations. It may be relevant to emphasize here that, even in developed countries like US and UK, where academic research and industrial development are strongly connected, the survey response rates usually received are 15-20%, when mail survey is used. This process of structured survey is still in progress and further stakeholders are being approached for response. Page 8 of 20

9 A summary of response achieved to-date is given as follows: Type of Organization Approached Responded Response % Public Client/ Owner % Contractors (46 C-1 and 45 C-2) 63.6% Engineering Consultants % Management Consultants % Overall response rate = 65% Deliverable(s)/ Outcome: The survey instruments have procured quite substantial and valuable data on the various aspects of construction management practices in Pakistan; this data acquisition process is to continue until December 31, 2006 as scheduled. As the data is collected, the data storage mechanisms have already been developed and the data is being appropriately stored for the purpose of analysis. A list of personnel and companies approached for the survey is attached as annexure C for reference. It is requested that, owing to the confidentiality of respondents, it would be wise not to disclose the names of the personnel in further assessment without taking prior consent from them. 4. Activity: Development of Database and Information Analysis Duration: 6 months Start Date: August 01, 2006 (two months ahead of schedule) To Date Progress: Data collected to-date has been stored on MS Access and preliminary analysis has been done. Specified Objectives Targeted: 1. Investigating the current state of the construction industry in Pakistan through quantitative research with specific reference to the status of construction management education, research and practice 2. Devising a baseline for developing a strategic model for the improvement and strengthening of construction management education, research and practice in Pakistan. 3. Devising a baseline for further devising a framework to standardize the construction industry practices for achieving improved performance. 4. Identifying specific areas of focus for building the capacity of academia, industry and government in the area of construction management so as to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the construction industry. Methodology Adopted: 1. MS Access is being used to categorically compile and sort the data collected in the form of filled questionnaires, minutes of meetings, interviews, etc. 2. Preliminary data analysis has been done on MS Excel and preliminary findings compiled. 3. As further data enters the database, the data analysis procedure is to further continue until the major findings can be compiled, which will be by the end of March 2007, as scheduled. Page 9 of 20

10 Preliminary Research Findings: A few of the preliminary research findings are given here for reference purpose. Please note that these are only preliminary findings and are yet to be compiled and finalized. I. Major Bottlenecks that Cause Delays in Construction Projects in Pakistan: Lack of information & clarity of steps for new participants Cumbersome process & disproportionate effort for new participants to gain recognition and pre-qualification Inherent advantage to established organizations because of accepted criteria for qualification and selection applied without regard to changing dynamics and requirements The Client is also the major regulator II. Specific Bottlenecks during Project Execution: Processes for progressive and work certification Audit for release of payments Agreement on changes in design and specifications Customs and import procedures for importation of special machinery Local and Provincial Government procedures Access to and handover of Project Site Arbitration Conflict Resolution III. Local Risk Management Scenario for Contractors (based on survey of 24 contractors): Head Wise Statistical Analysis for Contractors (in actual percentage of respondents) Aspect Mean Median Standard Deviation Variance Personal Risk Awareness Organizational Risk Awareness Risk Training Structures Risk Identification Level Risk Analysis Level Risk Response Development and Control Level Page 10 of 20

11 100% Contribution of Each Risk management Aspect toward Risk Management Maturity Level according to Response by 24 Local Contractors 80% Weighted Percentage 60% 40% 20% 0% Contractor No. Recipient Risk Awareness Organizational Awareness Training Structures Risk Identification Risk Analysis Risk Response IV. Local Risk Management Profile for Contractors (based on survey of 17 contractors): CONTRACTORS RISK MANAGEMENT PROFILE 100 MAX EQUI MIN AVERAGE EQUIVALENT % Contractor Responses Page 11 of 20

12 V. Aggregate Allocation (in percentage) of Construction Delay Factored By Respondents (65 respondents) Factors CONT CONS OWNER GOV NA Absenteeism Accidents Acts of God e.g. earthquake Ambiguous/Incomplete drawings Ambiguous/Incomplete specification Approvals from Government Approvals from owner Busy sub-contractor Cash flow problems Change of Government Changes in design/specifications Changes in law and regulation (safety, Client has no urgency to complete Code related delays Conflicts/litigation construction management approvals Construction Management problems Contract Clause misinterpretations Contract modification Coordination and communication problems Co-ordination problems Corruption Damage of material in storage Decision during development stage Defected work Delay in financing and payments Delay in payment due to late decision making Delayed approval of finished product Delayed design changes Delayed design changes by consultant Delayed design information Delayed design information from client Damage of material in storage Design development Different site conditions Economy crisis Economy down Equipment breakdown Equipment rental Excessive bureaucracy in project-owner operation External interruptions Fatal Accidents Page 12 of 20

13 VI. Delay Categories with Response Rates (65 respondents) Third Party Delays Management/Administrative Delays Contract related Delays Design related Delays Sub-Contractor related Delays Material related Delays respondents(% frequency of oc Labor related Delays Equipment related Delays Finance related Delay Activity: Academician Workshop Conducted in August 2006 at NED University Duration:1 day Date: August 10, 2006 Targeted Audience: The targeted audience were the academicians related to construction engineering and management education in Pakistan at various levels, including engineering universities, diploma and vocational institutes and technical colleges. Foreign Expert: Dr. Syed Mahmood Ahmed, FIU, consented to participate in the workshop as the foreign expert to discuss with local academia the state of construction management education in Pakistan and identify the concrete steps needed for improvement. Specified Objectives Targeted: The workshop was organized to provide a forum to identify the current challenges and opportunities in Construction Engineering and Management education and research in Pakistan. In particular, the programme provided the academicians a platform to: 1. brainstorm and share ideas and views amongst each other and with the foreign expert in relation to construction engineering and management education current practices, future directions, long term plans and major impediments, Page 13 of 20

14 2. identify the key challenges of the local construction industry practice and hence assessment of education and research need and directions, 3. discuss with the foreign expert the construction engineering and management education and research foreign scenarios especially with respect to curriculum, academic linkages, industrial liaison, etc. 4. define the role of engineering institutions to developing adequate professional skills and competence in their students so as to enable them to face complex industry challenges, 5. allow engineering institutions to develop a roadmap for disbursing quality education and performing cutting-edge research in areas conforming with current needs and practices of the local construction industry, 6. identify the specific areas of engineering education, research and practice where focused collaborate efforts can be made by engineering institutions and industry professionals with the objective of achieving sustainable growth and development, and 7. identify and discuss means to integrate construction management education, research and practice in Pakistan. Invitees: In addition to representatives from NED University Karachi and the foreign expert, Dr. Syed Mahmood Ahmed, Florida International University, the following participants were invited to attend the workshop: 1. Prof. Muhammad Soomar Khatri Chairman, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro. 2. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro. 3. Prof. Ghulam Hussain Wagan Chairman & Professor Department of Civil Engineering Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering Science and Technology Nawabshah 4. Dr. Muhammad Akram Tahir Professor and Chairman Department of Architectural Engineering and Design University Of Engineering & Technology, Lahore 5. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad Kamal Chairman Department of Civil Engineering University Of Engineering & Technology, Taxila 6. Mr. Saeed Saleemuddin Sir Syed University Of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 7. Prof. Dr. Masroor Ahmed Shaikh Chairman Sindh Board of Technical Education, Karachi Page 14 of 20

15 8. Mr. Farid-un Fur Principal Government College of Technology, Karachi 9. Mr. Muhammad Qasim Chairman, Civil Engineering Department Government College of Technology, Karachi 10. Mr. Muhammad Bari Principal Govt Jam-e-Milia Polytechnic, Karachi 11. Mr. Abbas Tahir Chairman Govt. Jam-e-Milia Polytechnic, Karachi 12. Representative Preston Institute Of Management Sciences And Technology, Karachi 13. Representative Govt. College of Technology, Rasul 14. Representative Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering (CASE), Islamabad Attendees: The following participants attended the workshop: 1. Dr. Muzaffar Mahmood (PD-in-Chief, NED University, Karachi) 2. Prof. Dr. S.F.A. Rafeeqi (Dean, Faulty of Civil Engg and Architecture, NED University) 3. Dr. S. H. Lodi (Chairman, Dept. of Civil Engg, NED University) 4. Mr. R.H. Farooqui (Assiatant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engg, NED University) 5. Prof. Muhammad Soomar Khatri (Chairman, Mehran University) 6. Prof. Dr. Masroor Ahmed Shaikh (Chairman, Sindh Board of Technical Education, Karachi) 7. Dr. Abdullah (Representative of TEVTA) 8. Colonel Murtaza Ali Shah (Representative of Resource Development Institute, Islamabad) 9. Mr. Saeed Saleemuddin (Representative of Sir Syed University) 10. Dr. S. M. Ahmed (Foreign Expert, Associate Professor, Department of Construction Management, Florida International University, USA) The representatives of the Quaid-e-Awam University, Government College of Technology, Karachi; Government Jam-e-Milia Polytechnic, Krachi and Preston Institute of Management Sciences and Technology, Karachi did not attend the workshop. Mr. Farooqui started the proceeding by informing the guests that the captioned workshop has been arranged as a part of USAID Funded research project entitled Developing a Strategic Model for Improvement of Construction Project Management Education, Research, and Practice in Pakistan, organized by Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan and Department of Construction Management, Florida International University, USA. The participants expressed their views as follows: Dr. Mahmood started the discussion by introducing the programs and degrees of the NED University. In this connection, he informed that there is a plan of developing the number of departments up to 20 in the next four year time span. He added that the aim of the workshop is to find critical areas of improvement in the construction industry so that the lack of interaction between modern construction industry and university academia could be minimized. He suggested that involvement of industries Page 15 of 20

16 can play a vital role in strengthening the role of academia in the development of construction engineering. Prof. Rafeeqi started the conversation by highlighting the mismanagement issue in construction activities within the Karachi city. In this context, he added that academia provides the first platform where students can enhance their skills. He suggested that conducive faculty, qualified teachers and a library interface may be the decisive factors in strengthening the role of academia in the construction engineering and management education in Pakistan. Dr. Lodi expressed his views on mismanagement by showing some snaps which were depicting the land use pattern beneath the bridges. He also showed a snap of playground filled with polythene bags. He added that infrastructure development is the backbone of a country that can only be strengthened by initiating the public sector development projects and quality control in the construction industry, which needs the revival in the whole hierarchy from labours to graduate engineers. He emphasized the dire need of a federal policy for the development projects. He suggested that education and research, capacity building, practice and regulatory could be the decisive factors for the development and implementation of a federal policy. He insisted the need of proper training courses for the professional people to enhance and update their knowledge. He added that CCEE (Center for Continuing Engineering Education, NED University) is doing such efforts to minimize the gap between students/professionals and construction industry. Mr. Farooqui started the discussion by informing the participants the key issues, themes, objectives and methodology of the project. Dr. Ahmed enquired about the existence of local body or legislation in the local construction industry. Mr. Farooqui replied that there was no such body that existed that would assure management practices in Pakistan. Prof. Khatri added that there are only labour laws available in the form of legislation in the construction industry. Dr. Abdullah supplemented that social welfare laws also existed in the construction industry. Dr. Ahmed enquired about the death statistics in the construction industry. Mr. Farooqui replied that an effort is being done for the acquisition of data regarding death statistics in the construction industry. Mr. Ahmed advised him to prepare next presentation on safety management in the construction industry. Mr. Ahmed enquired about the source of initial feedback from the construction industry. Mr. Farooqui replied that the departments like NHA, WAPDA, Descon, SKB etc. have been approached to get the initial feedback because they are the people involved in the construction industry. Prof. Khatri added that people involved in industries are reluctant to provide feedback. Dr. Ahmed enquired about the size of the construction industry. Mr. Saleemuddin replied that no such record is available for construction industry. Dr. Lodi suggested that the department of infrastructure development may be contacted for the queries about the household size. Mr. Farooqui replied that the actual figure of the construction industry in Pakistan is 6.5% of GDP. Dr. Ahmed informed the participants that the size of the construction industry in USA is % of GDP. Dr. Ahmed asked about the recognition of construction industry in Pakistan. Mr. Farooqui replied that there is only Ministry of Housing that existed in Pakistan to look upon these affairs. Mr. Farooqui asked about the mobilization advance trend adopted in the construction industry. Mr. Ahmed replied that mobilization advance is not a common practice. However, for mega projects where the cost of equipments is very high, the contractor/consultant may be awarded the mobilization in advance. Prof. Khatri started the discussion by congratulating the NED University to initiate the process of strengthening the academia in the development of construction engineering and management education in Pakistan. He insisted the need of a professional culture in the construction industry to come in line with the developed countries. He suggested that there should be a legislation through which 1% of every mega construction project should be awarded to university projects to enhance the financial resources and accelerate the pace of infrastructure development. Prof. Shaikh informed the participants that quality; cost and time are the vital parameters for the improvement of construction industry. He added that a tender is usually awarded to the lowest bidder, who often don t complete the project within the prescribed time span and does not maintain quality standard as well, thereby showing lack of quality, high expenditure and delay project. He suggested that the course of construction management should be taught in all the four years of graduation by revising the academic curricula. Page 16 of 20

17 Dr. Abdullah started the discussion by introducing the degree programs of TEVTA. Dr. Ahmad enquired about degree programs of TEVTA in the field of construction management. Dr. Abdullah replied that TEVTA is offering these degree programs in the city of Rasool and other parts of Pakistan. He added that construction industry is very wide for employment of skilled and unskilled labours. He also informed the participants about the TEVTA agreement with UNIDO to train 8000 technicians in the field of Air-conditioning. Mr. Sheikh corrected that actual figure to train technician is 800. Mr. Farooqui asked about the affiliation of TEVTA with other organizations. Dr. Abdullah replied that TEVTA is affiliated with APCA (All Pakistan Contractor s Association). Mr. Shah informed the participants that this is the platform for professional grooming and to promote skills and technologies in the construction industry. He added that the main focus of this workshop is to have nation building through construction management. He insisted that there is a need of organization or an environment in a private sector which could serve as a platform for the construction industry. He suggested the need to change the whole hierarchy from grass root level i.e. institutions for the economic revival in the construction industry. Mr. Saleemuddin informed the participants that institutions are not marketing themselves. He added that people don t take their responsibility even at the top management level. In this connection, he informed that there are big fishes in Pakistan which do a consortium for mega projects. He insisted the responsibility of institutions to emphasize the stakeholders to hire construction managers by explaining them cost/benefit analysis. Dr. Ahmed started the discussion by the introduction of Florida International University, USA. He informed the participants that there are almost 100 institutions in the USA which are offering four years Bachelor s degree in construction management and 20 among them are offering postgraduate studies in construction management. He also showed the newsletter published by the Florida University and some of the major awards and achievements won by the university. He insisted that there should be separate legislation for the enhancement of financial resources of the university to boost up the construction activities. He informed the participants that in Florida state, every contractor has to pay $4 as a funding to the university for the renewal of their contract license. In this way, university is getting $3000-$4000 annually to accelerate the construction related activities. He also informed that every year they held a meeting of contractors with their students and they charge $1000 per student to the contractor for achieving financial resources in the construction industry. He informed the participants that during the last decade countries like Malaysia and Thailand had made great progress in the construction field which were initially at the same stage in comparison to Pakistan. In this connection, he added that it is time to modernize our construction industry by strengthening the role of academia and change the curricula. He added that the Construction Industry Advisory Council should be formulated which should meet at least twice a year with the people involved in construction industry to discuss the need and requirements of modern construction industry. Dr. Lodi supplemented that NED University initiated the same methodology for the Petroleum Engineering Department and got Rs. 20 Million from the Petroleum industry to purchase laboratory equipments. Dr. Ahmed started the open forum by asking the question of launching of four years Bachelor s program in construction management. Prof. Khatri replied that Mehran University is interested in launching construction management program but shortage of qualified faculty in this field made it difficult to initiate the process. All the other participants also showed keen interest in starting the four years degree program in construction management in their respective departments. In the end Dr. Lodi, thanked all the participants particularly the guests and foreign expert to share their precious time and experience in Strengthening the Role of Academia in the Development of Construction Engineering and Management Education in Pakistan. He supplemented that future generations particularly contractors, consultants and students will be able to overcome the need of the modern industry. The workshop ended with thanks from Mr. Farooqui. Page 17 of 20

18 A few workshop photos are attached herewith for ready reference. 6. Activity: PhD Commencement of Mr. Rizwan Ul Haque Farooqui, Co-PI from Pakistan side, from FIU, USA Duration: 3 years Start Session: Fall 2006 Specified Objectives Targeted: Building the capacity of academia, industry and government in the area of construction management so as to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the construction industry and hence improve its contribution toward the country s economy and improving international image. Specific Details: Mr. Rizwan Ul Haque Farooqui, the PhD scholar who is the Co-Principal Investigator from NED University, is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering and has 7 years of local and international experience in construction management education, research and practice. He has technical exposure to a number of countries including Pakistan, Singapore and Ethiopia, including: Over 5 years of local and global teaching and training experience in construction management Development of Master of Engineering Program in Engineering Management with specializations in Construction Management and Industrial Management. Development of graduate courses on: Organizational Systems, Accounting and Financial Management, Strategic Planning and Decision Making, Project Management Framework and Tools, Operations Research, Total Quality Management, Project Evaluation and Feasibility Analysis, Research Methods in Engineering Management, Advanced Topics in Project Management, Cost Engineering and Control, Engineering Risk Analysis and Page 18 of 20

19 Mitigation, Construction Operations and Productivity Improvement, Legal Environment for Engineers and Managers, Technical Entrepreneurship, Public Infrastructure Management, Real Estate Management, Construction Failure Analysis. Over 5 years of research supervision experience Over 5 years of construction management consulting experience He has successfully supervised sixteen final year individual projects. He has provided consultancy on Construction Process Re-engineering and Standardization for SUR Construction Ethiopia. The theme of this consultancy revolves around the same core objective as for the proposed project. His teaching, research and consulting expertise include Construction Management Principles, Construction Project Planning and Scheduling, Computer Applications in Construction Industry, Project Work Breakdown Structures, Construction Projects Monitoring, Progress Reporting for Construction Projects, Construction Health, Safety and Environment, Quality Assurance and Control in Construction, Construction Projects Risk Management, Computer Aided Construction Project Management, Forecasting Techniques, Productivity Improvement, Contracts Management, Earned Value Management, Cost Engineering and Project Management Information System and Value Engineering in construction. All of these relate to the theme of proposed project. This PhD of Mr. Rizwan Farooqui will further enhance his capabilities and potential as an academician to allow him to work in a sustained manner for the long term strategic objectives of this project i.e. improvement of the state of construction project management education, research and practice in Pakistan in coming years. 4. PROJECT PLAN FOR 2007 The project is going on track, in fact slightly ahead of schedule, and the activities scheduled for 2007 will be performed as per the plan. This includes in particular the following key activities: Development of a centralized database containing the collected data from structured surveys. This database will be in a dynamic state and throughout the project life, data collected as-is will be entered in the centralized database system. The data collection and storage process is simultaneously supplemented by a rigorous data analysis phase. The various analysis results will help to provide concrete guidelines and highlight major aspects as to the development of the strategic model for improvement of construction project management in Pakistan. A comprehensive research of the existing international construction project management strategic implementation models is to be done around the globe, especially in the USA. However, developing countries like India, Malaysia and Singapore might also provide better research input for the adapted models that may be closely suited to the country like Pakistan. Page 19 of 20

20 Based on the comprehensive research of these international models, an adapted model will be devised for Pakistan largely under the guidance of expert input from the US partners as well as international experts from other countries. In line with building the capacity of academia and industry in Pakistan, an international conference will be scheduled in Pakistan in the last quarter of 2007 wherein international experts in the field of construction management will be called to interact with local expertise and facilitate the development and implementation of the strategic model. A few workshops will also be organized addressing the industry professionals as well as the academicians for improvement of the awareness and knowledge in construction management discipline as well as developing strong liaison between industry and academics. Mr. Farhan Saleem, an assistant professor at NED University, will commence his PhD studies in construction management from FIU from Spring In addition Mr. Muhammad Saqib, Lecturer NED University, will also be commencing his MS degree in construction management online from FIU, from the same session. These will yet be a couple of more steps toward the capacity building process of construction management academicians in Pakistan. Page 20 of 20