The influence of site manager career progression paths on the successful outcome of construction projects

Three distinct career progression paths (CPPs) exist for site managers: (1) through the crafts, (2) craft training followed by a period of graduate study, usually on a part-time basis, and (3) graduate study. An analysis of the problems associated with the role of the site manager found that CPP is sometimes an important criterion used by employers in the appointment of site managers. There is no evidence that supports any one CPP being better than another. The research question that arose was 'which site manager CPP, if any, contributes best towards a site manager’s ability to successfully complete construction projects?' The methodology comprised a postal questionnaire supported by a literature review, a pilot study and exploratory interviews. 344 responses were received. The study is predominantly quantitative. Descriptive, non-parametric and parametric statistical techniques are used to analyse the data. It is concluded inter alia that CPPs can be ranked in sequence of how they contribute towards a site manager’s ability to successfully complete construction projects. The first ranked CPP is initial craft training followed by a period of graduate study. The second ranked CPP is graduate education and the third ranked CPP is craft training.