An Assessment of Management Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Nigerian Architects: Towards a Sustainable Management in Architectural Practice

Abstract

Abstract Architecture is a profession and business outfit that is facing Management-related challenges at all levels. These problems manifest themselves in various forms ranging from inadequate curriculum coverage, insufficient literature, professional ineptitude, and leadership management competencies flaws to globalization challenges as well as low Architects population ratio among others. This paper assessed management-related knowledge, skills and abilities possessed by Nigerian Architects by using Relative Importance Index to determine areas that Nigerian Architects have competitive advantages or disadvantages. A structured survey questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was administered to 122 randomly selected Architects, while descriptive statistical analysis provided answers to the research questions and hypothesis. Findings of the paper revealed that Nigerian Architects have Management know how in Design, Time and Project Managements but are lacking in Maintenance, Property and Enterprise Managements to bring about Sustainable Architectural Practice. The result of the study also upheld the null hypothesis that Management Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Nigerian Architects does not depend on their Academic Qualifications but rejected the null hypothesis that Professional classifications of Nigerian Architects does not influence their Management Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The paper concluded that Nigerian Architecture curriculum and practice are deficient in essential management knowhow to bring about sustainable Architectural Management practice in the country. The paper, therefore recommends that curriculum and practice of Architecture be rich in management theories and practices for a Sustainable Architectural practice in the country.