Decision-making strategies used by California school districts' chief business officials in the selection of construction management services as a project delivery system for construction projects over five million dollars

Purpose. The four study purposes within selected K-12 public school districts with school construction projects funded by 1998 Proposition 1A General Bond funds were: (1) to describe criteria utilized by selected CBOs to obtain approval of CM as the project delivery system for school projects funded by 1998 1A General Bond funds; (2) to describe factors which support CM projects in selected districts; (3) to describe factors which hinder CM projects in selected districts; and (4) to describe methods used to measure outcomes of CM as a project delivery system for school construction projects in selected districts in four areas: (a) project delivery time; (b) desired level of quality; (c) project budget; and (d) project owner satisfaction. Methodology. This study was descriptive. A questionnaire was developed to guide data collection. Each of the eight chief business officials who were purposively selected was interviewed. Qualitative methods were used for collecting and reporting results. Findings. The key finding from the study suggest school districts select construction management services to: (1) control cost and bring project in within budget; (2) provide schedule flexibility to bring project in on time; (3) provide owner with shared construction management responsibility. Conclusions. When responses were summarized, key findings resulted: there is no one preferred project delivery system. Study respondents recommend analysis of: (1) type of project, (2) size of project, (3) budget, (4) in-house knowledge and skills, and (5) completion timeline chief business officials used to select a project delivery system. With strong district administration support and continuous in-depth training programs, staffs acquire training and skills in order to: (1) explore available delivery options, (2) identify and communicate important role responsibilities, and (3) establish guidelines which successfully measure the outcomes. Recommendations. As a result of the study, the researcher recommends ongoing training in the area of school construction management. Essential skills were deemed necessary in selecting an appropriate project delivery system.