2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Work-in-Progress: Advancing Construction Management Education with Core Data Analytics Skills

Construction management (CM) is a crucial discipline within civil engineering, and it addresses the complexities of modern projects through a combination of technical, managerial, and organizational skills. The construction industry is evolving rapidly due to urbanization, technological advancements, and increased project complexity, leading to a significant demand for effective management practices. This trend is evident in the growing number of academic programs and student enrollments in CM that are aligned with the industry’s demand. However, the current academic curricula do not meet the existing needs, and ongoing updates are necessary to equip students with the skills required to excel as CM professionals, focusing on construction methods, materials, budgeting, scheduling, quality management, safety, and leadership. This study implements a strategic plan to prepare future professionals for the challenges of an increasingly complex construction industry. At xxx University, we introduced innovative modules focusing on Machine Learning (ML), an essential skill for effective data analysis, and Multi-Objective Optimization (MO), which is crucial for informed decision-making in complex scenarios. These modules utilize engaging videos designed to facilitate understanding while emphasizing the real-world applications of the content. We tested two hypotheses: first, that CM professionals lack proficiency in data analytics, including MO and ML; second, that a video-based intervention can effectively enhance the knowledge of both undergraduate and graduate students in these areas. To evaluate the impact of these modules on CM students' knowledge and skills, we designed two surveys: the first administered before viewing the instructional videos to assess baseline knowledge, and the second conducted afterward to measure knowledge gains. While this study contributes to the development of a comprehensive CM program at xxx University, it also offers valuable insights for other institutions seeking to enhance their curricula to better meet the evolving demands of CM students in an increasingly complex world.

Authors

Dr. Medya Fathi http://orcid.org/https:// 0000-0001-8274-8431 Manhattan University
Christina Cercone Manhattan University [biography]

Assistant Professor
Matthew Volovski Manhattan College
Shahriar Quayyum Manhattan College
Dr. Mehdi Omidvar Manhattan University [biography]

Dr. Omidvar is an associate professor of Civil Engineering at Manhattan University. His research expertise is in penetration mechanics, high strain rate response of granular media, risk assessment, infrastructure hazard analysis, soil-structure interaction, and numerical simulations. He leads research in the Impact and Penetration Laboratory at Manhattan College, specializing in high-speed impact experiments on granular media, as well as numerical and analytical modeling. His research has led to the development of the GeoPoncelet model for penetration into sand. He has served as PI and Co-PI on over $4.5M in research funding from the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and the Department of Transportation (through the University Transportation Research Center), among others. His research has led to a book on visualization of the fundamental physics of rapid earth penetration, several highly cited reviews, and over 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. He has served on the board of the New York Metropolitan Section Geo-Institute, provides expert witness services related to Civil Engineering projects, and has several years of industry experience in design of earth dams, earth retaining structures, and deep foundations.
JUNESEOK LEE Manhattan College [biography]

Dr. Juneseok Lee specializes in drinking water systems and their crucial infrastructure, including water distribution and building water systems. His primary mission is to ensure the provision of clean, healthy, and drinkable water through reliable, resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems. His notable research has garnered substantial support from prestigious organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the California Water Service Company, and Hewlett-Packard.

Dr. Lee has a record of over 100 technical publications in esteemed journals, books, book chapters, editorials, conference proceedings, and research reports. His expertise has been recognized with multiple Best Paper Awards from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences in water, environmental, and infrastructure engineering.

Holding a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech, Dr. Lee is a registered Professional Engineer in California and a Board-Certified Water Resources Engineer (BC.WRE) from the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers. He serves as an Associate Editor and Editorial Board Member for key ASCE & AWWA journals and has chaired various committees in ASCE, contributing significantly to the field.

Dr. Lee is a Fellow of the ASCE as well as the Environmental Water Resources Institute (EWRI) and was honored with the 2021 EWRI Service to the Profession Award, recognizing his dedication and service to the water resources engineering community.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025