Research Topics Grounded in Construction Management Professionals Perceptions

This study identifies areas of research where future investigation can make the highest impact and contribute to the expansion of knowledge in the field of construction management. A disconnect between academia and the construction management [CM] industry often results in research that lacks value for the industry. The purpose of this research is to better connect academia to the construction industry by producing a research topic bank to guide CM faculty and graduate students towards research that is of the greatest value to the industry. A comprehensive review and a funding analysis of published research were conducted and the resulting data used to develop an in-depth questionnaire to guide interviews with members of the Texas A&M University Construction Industry Advisory Committee or CIAC. Interviews were conducted as focus groups with CIAC business entity members in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas. To determine the appropriate direction of future research funding allotment and topic selection, the identified areas of industry priorities were analyzed in comparison to the results of existing published research funding. Overarching topic rankings and specific themes emerged from interviews with construction industry participants. The results of the interview were summarized and specific topics that were repeatedly discussed were identified. A comparison was made between both: industry priorities and funding allotments, and industry priorities and existing published research. Results showed that industry priorities do not match with current funding allotments or existing published literature