Construction Management Functions for Developing Countries: Case of Cambodia

Abstract

The importance of construction industries has increased significantly in developing countries because of rapid urbanization. Lack of construction management (CM) skills is one of the main risks for project stakeholders in developing countries. Therefore, developing countries need to create training programs and establish laws and regulations to enhance CM skills. As CM has many functions, it is necessary to prioritize them appropriately. In this study, a survey of practitioners in the Cambodian construction industry was conducted to determine their perceptions of CM and the most important CM function. According to the analysis of data from146 surveys, the study found that safety management is the most important CM function. Considering that the problems faced by developing countries with regard to the construction industry are similar, this study can help developing countries prioritize CM functions to develop training programs, laws, and regulations that improve their construction industries.