Disaster restoration project management: leadership education and methods

Abstract

Purpose: Disaster restoration concerns the mitigation and repair of buildings and property resulting from natural and man-made disasters. This paper aims to investigate current attitudes with respect to disaster restoration project management leadership and its associated education. Design/methodology/approach: Relevant literature is presented to provide some background with respect to disaster restoration projects, project management and leadership education. This is followed by a questionnaire survey that seeks opinion from appropriately qualified industry practitioners on a series of important issues with respect to the topic. Findings: The results provide some insight into disaster restoration leadership education and methods. It was found that varied degrees of support existed on issues involving knowledge, teaching approaches and delivery modes. Research limitations/implications: This research focuses on leadership and education as it pertains to the restoration of buildings post disaster. It does not delve into leadership education with respect to disaster management in general. Practical implications: Appropriate education and training of industry participants needs to take place to ensure that qualified people undertake restoration projects. This study informs disaster restoration educators and industry with respect to leadership education and methods. Originality/value: There have been many studies on leadership and education. However, this study has a specific focus on how disaster restoration practitioners view leadership and its associated education within their field.