Globalisation in construction management education

Abstract

Current construction management programmes in higher education institutions provide students with sound technical and management knowledge. However, in the twenty‐first century, construction professionals need to be familiar with the cultural, environmental, and political factors that could affect international projects and know how to work effectively in the global arena. How to face the unique challenges due to rapidly increasing globalisation is the question that concerns construction educators around the world. However, current construction management curricula do not usually provide students with even basic training on international project management. To remedy this defect, globalisation components have been incorporated into construction management education at East Carolina University through lecture exchange, study abroad, student exchange, scholar exchange, and research exchange activities. This paper presents the international activities performed, the outcomes, and student growth in international construction management.