TEAMWORK AS A CORE COMPETENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION.

The specialization of careers in various industries has created a multitude of professional networks that demand close collaboration between parties when working toward a common goal. Additionally, the exponential growth of information technology has evolved with the workflows among various entities involved in a project. Therefore, professionals in various construction or engineering positions must work with their peers closely to form teams. As an interpersonal skill set, the ability to work in teams is gaining more attention in workforce development programs. Construction and engineering programs in higher education should prepare their graduates with ample knowledge and experience in teamworking skills. While the technical and detailed nature of construction and engineering courses influences the possibility of students working in teams, there is still sufficient flexibility in the classroom to facilitate students' collaboration in the form of team projects. This paper reports on a study conducted in Fall 2022 to explore teamwork among construction and engineering students. The goal of this study is to investigate various aspects of teamwork as perceived by students. In the first phase, a quantitative survey was designed and developed, and a sample of subjects was drawn from students in construction and engineering programs at Mississippi State University. The comparison between these programs produced common themes. The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge by addressing key aspects of team-based projects and practices when developing or modifying course components in pertinent programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]