A Case Study of Student Perceptions of Preparation Strategies for the ASC Student Competition

Abstract

Abstract

This study investigates student perceptions of preparation strategies used for the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Regions 6 and 7 student competition. A post competition survey was administered to 66 construction management students from a large public university. Students rated 15 preparation strategies using a 5-point Likert scale and selected the three they found most helpful and least helpful. Open-ended responses were also analyzed to identify missing resources and strategies for improving team performance. The highest-rated strategies were reviewing past competitions, completing practice presentations, and mock competitions. These were followed closely by mentorship from repeat team members and industry involvement. Students consistently valued preparation activities that simulated competition deliverables and included structured feedback. The lowest-rated strategies included stress management techniques, site visits, and general team-building activities. Faculty coaching appeared in both most and least helpful categories, indicating variability in implementation. Students recommended forming teams earlier, assigning clear deliverable roles, and increasing access to past materials and scoring criteria. These results provide useful insight for faculty advisors and ASC team members looking to improve preparation models, increase team readiness, and better align efforts with student needs.