International literature indicates that core competencies in the form of self-concept, traits, and motives, are essential competencies in terms of the practice of construction management and the achievement of project success.

Previous South African research concluded that the core competencies are at the very least equally important to the surface competencies in the form of knowledge and skills, which alone will not assure the best practice of construction management and project success. On 12 March 2020, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Association of Construction Project Managers (ACPM) hosted the 7^th  Construction industry conversations where various topics relating to enhancing soft skills in construction management were discussed.

Amongst the presenters who spoke about the need for continuous improvement on both surface and core competencies required for the practice of construction management was Ms Lungiswa Moko from Building Infrastructure- New Works DPWI Eastern Cape, Mr Jiba Magwaza and Clive Rangata from Mabizo Ms Zimkitha Dlepu, Chief Quantity Surveyor, DPWI Free State and Mr Gabuka Booi, Marketing and Facilitation from Moladi Construction In his address Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement spoke about the digitization of the construction industry. He said that the construction business faces a major productivity challenge and has lagged even with Artificial Intelligence. “Although the construction business faces a major productivity challenge and is behind other major sectors, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could assist the industry to catch up with the rest. It can also help the industry overcome its major challenges which include cost and schedule overruns and safety concerns. By learning from the AI-powered applications that have been working successfully in other industries, the engineering and construction industry can shorten the learning curve, and by embracing machine learning algorithms, they can improve all aspects of the construction life cycle.”

Captions

1: At the workshop, a pocketbook on construction safety for South Africa by Prof. Fidelis Emuze, Professor: Built Environment (middle) was launched. The book will serve as a handy reference guide about the common hazards and risks faced on construction sites. With Prof. Emuze is Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement (left) and Prof. Nomvula Rakolote, CEO: Association of Construction Project Managers (right).

2: From left: Mr Hendri du Plessis, Lecturer Quantity Surveying and Construction Management: University of Free State, Ms Lungiswa Moko, Building Infrastructure, DPWI Eastern Cape, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, Prof. Nomvula Rakolote, CEO: Association of Construction Project Managers (ACPM), Ms Zimkitha Dlepu, Chief quantity surveyor, DPWI Free State, Mr Jiba Magwaza and Clive Rangata from Mabizo Projects. Back row: Mr Gabuka Booi, Marketing and facilitation from Moladi construction and Prof. Fidelis Emuze, Professor: Built Environment.