CIEN E4142: International Construction Management: Theory and Practice

Course Overview

This course examines the transformative forces redefining the global engineering and construction (E&C) industry. As the field expands from a traditionally local enterprise into a high-stakes global market, engineers now require strategic skills as well as technical knowledge to navigate and lead international projects in a complex, interconnected world. Through real-world case studies, guest lectures from global industry leaders, and applied research assignments, this course will give you critical insight into how politics, culture, technology, and economics shape construction practices and impact project outcomes across diverse regions.

The course addresses topics such as corruption in global markets, risk management, dispute resolution in the digital age, PPP (public-private partnership) frameworks, and strategies for operating in emerging and developed economies. You will analyze digital transformation trends—how AI, data platforms, and automation are redefining infrastructure delivery. Focusing on projects in India, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, you will examine challenges related to sustainability, workforce dynamics, and urban development.

Individual and team-based assignments will develop your critical thinking and research skills. These include an in-depth case study of an international construction project and a final team report and presentation that analyze the construction industry in a selected country. These assignments emphasize the 4M’s of construction (Manpower, Materials, Money, and Machines). You will explore real project data, conduct interviews with industry professionals, and generate original visuals, infographics, and strategic recommendations.

Ultimately, the course prepares you to navigate the global construction landscape with confidence, cultural fluency, and strategic insight. By bridging academic rigor with current global challenges, the course empowers future professionals to contribute meaningfully to critical infrastructure development across borders—advancing economic growth, sustainability, and urban resilience in a rapidly changing world.

To undertake this course, you must complete CIEN E4129: Managing Engineering and Construction Processes.

Course Instructor

Ibrahim S. Odeh

Founding Director of the Global Leaders in Construction Management (GLCM) program and Chair of the Engineering and Construction Management Program at Columbia University

Dr Ibrahim Odeh is the Founding Director of the Global Leaders in Construction Management (GLCM) program and Chair of the Engineering and Construction Management Program at Columbia University. A globally recognized strategist, academic, and innovator, his work bridges industry and academia, advising leading construction firms and global organizations—including the World Economic Forum, Turner & Townsend, and Turner Construction—on digital transformation and strategic growth.

He has served on advisory boards for the G20’s GI Hub, Financial Times’ Future of Construction Summit, and numerous startups and firms in construction tech. Odeh pioneered the first Construction Management MOOCs on Coursera, reaching over 700,000 learners in 190 countries. A sought-after speaker and award-winning educator, his accolades include the McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award and Columbia University’s Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering and an MBA.