Development of a Competency Model for Foundation Foremen of Residential Construction Projects in the Digital Era

Abstract

The research objectives are: 1) to study the components involved in developing a competency model for foundation foremen in residential construction projects in the digital era, and 2) to develop a competency model for foundation foremen in residential construction projects in the digital era. A questionnaire was used as a research instrument for quantitative data collection. The respondents were those involved in construction projects, including 376 foremen responsible for overseeing the construction sites in Bangkok and its vicinity. Mean, standard deviation, and exploratory factor analysis were used for statistical analysis.

The results show that: 1) The most prevalent factors associated with the development of foremen's competencies consist of: 1.1) Knowledge competency - knowledge about foundations on piles; 1.2) Skill competency - skills for checking the center position of columns, foundations, and piles; and 1.3) Attributes competency - practical and theoretical experience in construction work. 2) The developed competency model consists of 11 components and 84 subcomponents, with key elements as follows: 2.1) Knowledge competence, with 4 components and 33 subcomponents, including foundation construction techniques, digital technology in construction, pile driving and testing, and reading the foundation construction plan; 2.2) Skill competence, with 4 components and 32 subcomponents, including foundation construction inspection, application of digital technology, inspection of plan and materials list, and groundwater level monitoring; and 2.3) Attribute competence, with 3 components and 19 subcomponents, inicluding work success, human relations, and creativity.