Analysis of Cost-Estimating Competencies Using Criticality Matrix and Factor Analysis
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 138, Issue 11
Abstract
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing the cost-estimating community over the next decade is the loss of knowledge and experience of highly experienced estimators because a high percentage of them are retiring, and a shortage of qualified cost estimators is evident in the construction industry. This study identified 23 core estimating competencies classified into skills, knowledge, and personal attributes and also quantified the degree by which new estimators lack each competency. In total, 228 completed questionnaires were collected through the Construction Industry Institute member companies, through the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACE-I) and the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) workshops. An estimating core-competency criticality matrix was developed to prioritize competencies on the basis of the combined effects of the level of importance of each competency and its associated gap between the ideal and actual level of competency. The factor analysis method was applied to investigate the correlation effects of the 23 estimating competencies, which resulted in seven core estimating competency factors representing the core estimating competencies. The findings of this study can help companies in the construction industry assess their estimators’ capabilities and design appropriate training programs for their estimators on the basis of their specific needs.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank CII RT253 members and the study advisory group for their voluntary support and significant contributions to this study. Specifically, the contribution of Dr. Oswald Chong and his graduate student, George Kwok at the University of Kansas, is appreciated in developing the questionnaire used in this study. The authors are also indebted to CII member companies and estimators from AACE-I and ASPE workshops who participated in the lengthy surveys. The financial support from the CII for this study is also greatly appreciated.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 138 • Issue 11 • November 2012
Pages: 1270 - 1280
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 27, 2010
Accepted: Jan 10, 2011
Published online: Jan 12, 2011
Published in print: Nov 1, 2012
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