Strengthening Disaster Resilience Through Diaspora Engagement: A Study on Integrating Diaspora Communities into Engineering Education
Conference
Rivera, EJ, Müller, CC, Rahat, R et al. (2024). Strengthening Disaster Resilience Through Diaspora Engagement: A Study on Integrating Diaspora Communities into Engineering Education
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Rivera, EJ, Müller, CC, Rahat, R et al. (2024). Strengthening Disaster Resilience Through Diaspora Engagement: A Study on Integrating Diaspora Communities into Engineering Education
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Integrating resilience into disaster management and harnessing the potential of diaspora communities in engineering education curriculum is pivotal in equipping future engineers to tackle the intricate challenges posed by disasters and their ramifications on diaspora populations. The construction industry has long grappled with a scarcity of skilled labor, which becomes especially pronounced in the aftermath of disasters during the reconstruction phase. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the active engagement of diaspora communities within social networks can serve as a sustainable lifeline for recovery and reconstruction. They can contribute invaluable resources, both in the form of supplies and financial support, as well as a pool of skilled workers. The primary focus of this research is to advocate for the incorporation of techniques into the engineering curriculum aimed at fostering community workforce development. This involves recruiting, engaging, and training the diaspora workforce to play a crucial role in post-disaster support. To achieve this, the research adopts an extensive literature review for future surveys to elaborate on the work in progress of this research. The results of this study underscore the diaspora's willingness and ability to make a substantial impact on the industry, thus diversifying and advancing the construction workforce. It further sheds light on the dynamic global network dynamics of diaspora communities and their role in the construction industry post-disaster. This research endeavor aims to augment our comprehension of the influence of diasporas on global network dynamics within the construction industry post-disasters. Moreover, it aspires to provide recommendations for construction management education that will prepare future engineers to manage diaspora stakeholders effectively, fostering inclusive and diversified workforce communities.
