Ministry of Education

Test Blueprint for National Exit Examination to be Held in

2016 E.C.

Band:I

Program: - Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Technology and

Management

(Revised Version-2016 E.C)

Revised By:

S/N Name University Email Phone

1 Sisay Temesgen Hawassa sistemtad@gmail.com 0911992347
2 Yohannes Tedla Bule Hora yohannestedla11@gmail.com 0942649528
3 Getaw Tessema Wolayta Sodo getaw2004@gmail.com 0912838018

December, 2023
Bonga, Ethiopia
 Table of Contents
1. Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
2. Objectives/Significance of the Test Blueprint Preparation ---------------------------------------- 3
3. Expected Graduate Profile ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3
4. General Objective ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
5. Specific objective ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
6. Themes and List of Courses ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
7. Total credit hours of the selected courses ------------------------------------------------------------ 7
8. Share of the Themes/Courses/Items in Percentage ------------------------------------------------- 7
8.1. Share of the Themes/Courses/Items in Percentage (%) ------------------------------------------ 8
8.2. Share of Items per Course ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
9. Learning outcomes in terms of the three domains(Cognitive, Affective, Psychomotor ------ 10
10. Test Blueprint Table --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
11. Conclusion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
 1. Introduction
The Ministry of Education introduced an exit examination for most of the undergraduate
programs in the universities of Ethiopia since 2015 E.C. It became important to revise the
previous blueprint for the next exit exams.

Revising perviuos blueprint is found important to improve the exam questions and ensure that it
adequately assesses the learning objectives of courses. This blueprint defines the knowledge,
skill and attitude to assess, enable and build purpose-driven, successful assessments. A blueprint
help to identify areas where questions are to be prepared.

2. Objectives/Significance of the Test Blueprint Preparation

Test blueprint preparation is generally opted to assist the preparation of a test that is
representative, broadly sampled, and consisting of complete knowledge domain expected of the
Ethiopian higher education students on completion of their study program. The specific
objectives of test blueprint are to:

• Facilitate the construction of a representative and balanced test items for the
selected courses in accordance with the competencies identified.
• Guide test developers or writers to write or set appropriate test items.

3. Expected Graduate Profile

Graduate profiles are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be
able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the skills, knowledge, and attitude that
the students acquire in their matriculation through the program.
The profile of B.Sc. graduates of Construction Technology & Management can be
summarized as follows:
❖ Organize resources including human, equipment and material resources and lead
constructionprojects with efficient and effective management systems.
❖ Conduct researches projects, discoveries and consultancy services to identify real
problems on site pertaining to construction technology, management, methods and
materials, and find better solutions.
❖ Detect and identify design problems/faults by justifying the cause and detail
 requirementsof adjustment or redesign and recommend measures.
❖ Ensure that construction projects are executed as per the design & specification.
❖ Adapt construction materials, equipment, machines and other technological
outputs to local needs.
❖ Manage efficiently construction works and integrate constraints and
requirements of both manpower and construction machines.
❖ Administer contracts, make legal agreements up hold construction codes and
maintain professional ethics.
❖ Understanding and working knowledge of safety and environmental aspects of
construction technology & management practices.
❖ Able to develop effective planning systems of project management to improve
productivity.
❖ Be able to conduct experiments, basic and applied research in relation to
construction industries to solve various organizational and social problems.
❖ Ability to teach the fundamentals of construction technology & management
courses.
❖ Keep abreast of new technologies in construction technology & management. Also
to provide orientation and/or training to subordinates as required.
❖ Able to apply state-of-the-art software in construction management.

Moreover, construction technology and management graduates will demonstrate the

following knowledge, attitude and skills:

❖ Graduates will demonstrate an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques,

skills and modern tools/software of construction related to: contract documents,
codes in relation to construction projects, materials testing, construction
layout/surveying, best construction methods/practices, estimating, scheduling,
safety, design of construction systems (temporary structures, concrete, foundations,
formwork, basic electrical/mechanical systems), and appropriate software.
❖ Graduates will demonstrate an ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to
emerging application of mathematics, science, engineering and technology related
 to construction method and design.
❖ Graduates will demonstrate an ability to conduct, analyze and interpret experiments,
and apply experimental results to improve construction processes and solve
construction problems.
❖ Graduates will demonstrate an ability to apply creativity in the design of
construction systems, components, and processes.
❖ Graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate (graphically, verbally and
non- verbally) and function effectively in teams.
❖ Graduates will demonstrate sufficient understanding of the importance of lifelong
learning, continuous improvement, timeliness and a commitment to quality.
❖ Graduates will demonstrate sufficient understanding of professional, ethical and
social responsibilities, and show a respect for diversity and knowledge of
contemporaryprofessional, societal and global issues.

4. General Objective
The objective of this B.Sc. program is to produce outstanding construction technology and
management graduates who have been prepared to become technological, managerial and public
service leaders capable of understanding the social and environmental challenges that face the
country, and who will be in a position to make a meaningful contribution to both national social
and economic growth and development as well as being able to respond to, and benefit from, the
impact of global change. The universities are committed to creating a learning environment that
provides a level of knowledge and competency in these areas, through an innovative program of
study, supported by a capability in information technology use, coupled with a capacity to
integrate the key social and environmental issues facing the country.

The program is aimed primarily at training professionals required for managing constructing
projects with efficient and effective management system, administer contracts, conduct
researches to identify real problems on site pertaining to construction management, methods &
materials, and find better solutions It will produce well qualified managing engineer
knowledgeable in construction engineering areas of structural, geotechnical and highway
engineering, at the same time those graduates will also have extensive knowledge of construction
technology and project management skills, and can be actively engaged in the planning,
development and management of construction/infrastructure projects.

5. Specific objective
The specific objective of the Construction Technology and Management program graduates is to
apply their engineering, technology and management knowledges, skills and attitudes learned
during their stays in universities. They are expacted to contribute in the development and
construction of projects as per planned quality, cost (Budget) and time and keeping safety for
workers, the general public, end users and environment.

6. Themes and List of Courses

The Ministry of Education suggests that the exit exam should contain 10 to 15 Courses from a
given program. However, the team strongly believes at least the listed 14 courses are found
mandatory to measure the competency of undergraduates. The working team has identified the
following 14 courses into 3 themes that can be included in the exit exam in Ethiopia starting
from the 2016 E.C.

Theme One (Construction Engineering)

 Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures

 Design & Construction of Water Works

 Highway Engineering, I & II

 Foundation Engineering

Theme Two (Construction Technology)

 Construction Materials I & II

 Building construction, I & II

Theme Three (Construction Management)

 Construction Specification and Quantity Surveying

 Financial Management in Construction

  Construction Equipment & plant management

 Cost Engineering

 Construction Planning and Scheduling

 Construction Performance & Resource Optimization

 Health and Safety Management in Construction

 Construction Procurement and Contract Management

7. Total credit hours of the selected courses

The working team has identified 14 core and major courses for the exit exam which are
categorized into three themes namely Construction Engineering (28.3%), Construction
Technology (22.64%), and Construction Management (49.06%), based on the new Curriculum.

Construction Engineering Construction Technology Construction Managementl

(28.3%)
•Design of Reinforced Concrete
Structures(3)
•Design & Construction of
Water Works(3)
•Highway Engineering, I &
II(6)
•Foundation Engineering(3)
(22.64%) (49.06%)
•Construction Materials I & •Construction Specification and
II(6) Quantity Surveying(4)
•Building construction, I & •Financial Management in
II(6) Construction(3)
•Construction Equipment &
Plant Management(3)
•Cost Engineering(3)
•Construction Planning and
Scheduling(4)
•Construction Performance &
Resource Optimization(3)
•Health and Safety
Management in
Construction(3)
•Construction Procurement and
Contract Managemen(3)

8. Share of the Themes/Courses/Items in Percentage

The Ministry of Education suggests that the exit exam should contain 10 to 15 Courses from a
given program.. The working team has identified the following 14 courses into 3 themes;
(i) Construction Engineering
 (ii) Construction Technology; and
(iii) Construction Management
8.1. Share of the Themes/Courses/Items in Percentage (%)
𝑎
❖ Share of themes (T) = 𝑥100, Where “a” is the credit hour of a theme and “b”
𝑏
is the total credit hour of the program. The credit hour of a theme is the sum of
credit hours of courses in the theme.

𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒

❖ Share of courses per theme (C) = 𝑥100
𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑒

❖ Share of items per course = 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑋 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠
𝟏𝟓
I. Share of Construction Engineering Themes (T) = 𝟓𝟑 𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟎=28.3%

3
a) Design of Reinforced Concrete Structure per theme (C) = 15 𝑥100=20%

3
b) Design & Construction of Water Works per theme (C) = 15 𝑥100=20%

6
c) Highway Engineering, I & II per theme (C) = 15 𝑥100=40%

3
d) Foundation Engineering per theme (C) = 15 𝑥100=20%

𝟏𝟐
II. Share of Construction Technology Themes (T) = 𝟓𝟑 𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟎=22.64%

6
a) Construction Materials I & II (C) = 12 𝑥100=50%

6
b) Building construction, I & II (C) = 12 𝑥100=50%

𝟐𝟔
III. Share of Construction Management (T) = 𝟓𝟑 𝒙𝟏𝟎𝟎=49.06%

4
a) Construction Specification and Quantity Surveying (C) = 26 𝑥100=15.4%

3
b) Financial Management in Construction (C) = 26 𝑥100=11.54%
 3
c) Construction Equipment &plant management C) = 26 𝑥100=11.54%

3
d) Cost Engineering (C) = 26 𝑥100=11.54%

4
e) Construction Planning and Scheduling(C) = 26 𝑥100=15.4%

3
f) Construction Performance & Resource Optimization(C) = 26 𝑥100=11.54%

3
g) Health and Safety Management in Construction (C) = 26 𝑥100=11.54%

3
h) Construction Procurement and Contract Management (C) = 26 𝑥100=11.54%

8.2. Share of Items per Course

Share of items per course = 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑋 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠
8.2.1. Theme One (Construction Engineering)=28.3%

a) Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures=0.2*28.3=6

b) Design & Construction of Water Works=0.2*28.3=6
c) Highway Engineering, I & II=0.4*28.3=10
d) Foundation Engineering=0.2*28.3=6
8.2.2. Theme Two(Construction Technology)=22.64%

a) Construction Materials I & II=0.5*22.64=11

b) Building construction, I & II=0.5*22.64=11
8.2.3. Theme Three(Construction Management)=49.06%

a) Construction Specification and Quantity Surveying=0.15*49.06=7

b) Financial Management in Construction=0.12*49.06=6
c) Construction Equipment & plant management=0.12*49.06=6
d) Cost Engineering=0.12*49.06=6
e) Construction Planning and Scheduling=0.15*49.06=7
f) Construction Performance & Resource Optimization=0.12*49.06=6
g) Health and Safety Management in Construction=0.12*49.06=6
h) Construction Procurement and Contract Management=0.12*49.06=6
9. Learning outcomes in terms of the three domains(Cognitive,
Affective, Psychomotor
I. The Cognitive Domain
The cognitive domain aims to develop the mental skills and the acquisition of knowledge of the
individual. The cognitive domain encompasses of six categories which include knowledge;
comprehension; application; analysis; synthesis; and evaluation. Knowledge includes the ability
of the learner to recall data or information. This is followed with comprehension. Which assesses
the ability of the learner to understand the meaning of what is known. This is the case where a
student is able to explain an existing theory in his or her own words (Anderson et al, 2011). This
is followed by application which shows the ability of the student to use abstract knowledge in a
new situation.

II. The Affective Domain

The affective domain includes the feelings, emotions and attitudes of the individual. The
categories of affective domain include receiving phenomena; responding to phenomena; valuing;
organization; and characterization (Anderson et al, 2011). The sub domain of receiving
phenomena creates the awareness of feelings and emotions. As well as the ability to utilize
selected attention. This can include listening attentively to lessons in class. The next sub domain
of responding to phenomena involves active participation of the learner in class or during group
discussion (Cannon and Feinstein, 2005).

III. The Psychomotor Domain

The psychomotor domain includes utilizing motor skills and the ability to coordinate them. The
sub domains of psychomotor include perception; set; guided response; mechanism; complex
overt response; adaptation; and origination. Perception involves the ability to apply sensory
information to motor activity. For instance, a student practices a series of exercises in a text book
with the aim of scoring higher marks during exams. Set, as a sub domain, involves the readiness
to act upon a series of challenges to overcome them. In relation to guided responses, it includes
the ability to imitate a displayed behavior or utilize a trial and error method to resolve a situation
(Sousa, 2016).
10. Test Blueprint Table
Test Blueprint (Table Specification) for BSc in Construction Technology and Management

Weight of course

items from each

Number of test
Themes Competencey Learning outcomes Cognitive

or proportion
Course Name

Psychomotor
Credit hour

Understand
Remember

Affective
Evaluate
Analyze

Create
course

Apply

Total
Theme Having clear 3 3/15 0.2*28.3 = Addressing the 1 1 2
One understanding =0.2 6 concepts of
Share of the design structural design
= 28.3 and Introducing students 1 1
Items of construction to the basic
2. Design & 1.Design of Reinforced Concrete Structure

total process mechanics of

commoly used reinforced concrete
in the elements
construction Transferring 1 1
industry. knowledge about
design of reinforced
concrete line
elements:-Beam &
Column
Enabling students 2 2
get used to basic
analysis and design
feature on reinforced
concrete plane
element
Water

3 3/15 0.2*28.3 = Identify the different 1 1

Construction

= 0.2 6 types of dams. its

various components,
Works

construction
concepts
of
 Determine the force 2 2
acting on a gravity
dam and analyze
dam stability,
ancillary structures
(spillway, energy
dissipator, outlet
works) and river
diversion during
construction
Understand the 1 1
planning and
working principle of
hydropower systems
Determine the 2 2
various components
of irrigation
structures, methods,
efficiencies and how
to compute the crop
water requirements
6 6/15= 0.2*28.3 = Identify alternative 1 1
3. Highway Engineering, I & II

0.4 10 routes and select

technically feasible
routes based on the
Multi-Criteria
Analysis
Understand the 1 1
different geometric
design control
criteria’s and their
impact on geometric
design decisions
Perform both 1 1
Horizontal and
Vertical geometric
design of a given
highway project
Perform super- 1 1
elevation; sight
distance and road
widening design of a
given highway
project
Determine the 1 1
earthwork volume of
a given highway
project and able to
determine the
economical hauling
distance
Selecting the 1 1
appropriate materials
for use in different
road layers
To evaluate the 1 1
quality and
performance of
unbound and bound
road materials
Identify different 1 1
layers of a Road
pavement
 Clearly identify 1 1
different types of
road pavement
materials and their
properties
Understand the 1 1
methods of
Construction of
different layers of
Road, Techniques,
Technologies and
practice
3 3/15 0.2*28.3 = Understand the 1 1
= 0.2 6 necessity of soil
investigation
program, able to
determine suitable
methods, depth and
spacing of
boreholes.
Select and design 1 1 2
shallow foundations.
4 .Foundation Engineering

Introduce the
circumstances where
deep foundations are
necessary

Design retaining 1 1
structures for
stability and
structural safety.
 basic knowledge of 1 1
design and
construction of pile
foundations
Identify the causes, 1 1
problems associated
with expansive soils
and discuss remedies
for problems posed
by it.
Theme one total credit 15

Theme Understanding 6 6/12 0.5*22.64 Understand the 1 1 2

Two and applying = 0.5 = 11 Production process,
Share innovative properties,
= 22.64 tools, classification, and
Items of materials, application/use of
total machineries construction
and materials.
modifications Understand the 1 1 2
that enables Production,
advancements classification/types,
in the and use of binding
1. Construction Materials I & II

construction materials: Lime,

fields. Gypsum and Cement
Masonry 1 1 2
construction units:
Various types of
stones, Concrete
Blocks and fired
clay products and
their application in
construction.
Properties and 1 1
applications of
Paints, varnishes and
distempers, Glass
and composite
materials
understand the 1 1 2
processes involved
in the production of
concrete, properties
of fresh concrete,
strength and
properties of
hardened concrete
and to perform lab
tests over fresh and
hardened concrete
To comprehend the 1 1
use of metals and
alloys as
construction
materials
To throw light on 1 1
use of timber and
asphalt as
construction
materials, and to
perform lab tests on
timber and asphalt
 6 6/12 0.5*22.64 Comprehend the 1 1 1 1 4
= 0.5 = 11 construction aspects
of foundations,
walls, floors,
staircases, doors and
windows, lintels,
arches, roofs, roof
coverings.
Plastering, finishing.
RC and steel framed
structures.
Comprehend the 1 1
construction aspects
of joints in
structures.
Ability to develop 1 1 2
standard building
construction details.
Comprehend the 1 1
construction aspects
of Elevators,
escalators Balconies,
2. Building construction, I & II

Loggias, canopy and

terraces
Flues and Fireplaces, 1 1
Damp proofing,
Built-in
furniture,Kitchen
appliances
installations in
building
construction
 Paving, gardening 1 1 2
drainage, fences,
sewerage lines/septic
tank electrical and
lavatory fixtures.
Theme two total credit 12
Theme Having clear 4 4/26= 0.15*49.06 Understand different 1 1
Three visions and 0.15 =7 types of
Share strategies and specification, know
= 49.06 communicate how to assure and
Items of them with control quality of
total teams construction
affectively. materials
1 Construction Specification and Quantity Surveying

This would andconstruction

imply with products
applications Prepare 1 1
management specifications and
functions BoQ for
(planning, construction
organizing, projects.
leading and Work out quantity 2 2
controlling) and types of
and work material, manpower,
together in the and equipment’s
creation, needed for
execution and construction projects
realization of Determine rates for 1 1
organizational construction
goals. activities using
detailed cost
estimation
 Advice stake holders 1 1
on preliminary and
final costs of
projects.
Prepare payment 1 1
certificates and final
accounts of projects.
3 3/26 0.12*49.06 Able to understand: 1 1 2
= =6 functions & goal of
0.12 financial
3 Construction 2. Financial Management in Construction management
Financing decisions, 1 1
means of finance
securities
Capital requirement 1 1
of a firm, financial
statement & analysis
Concepts of time 1 1
value of money and
cash flow diagram
Technics for projects 1 1
investment appraisal
and working capital
management.
&

3 3/26 0.12*49.06 Construction 1 1 2

= =6 equipment & plant
management
Equipment

0.12 handling and

management,
scheduling and
plant

deployment.
 Appropriate 1 1 2
equipment selection,
operating costs, and
fleet management.

Evaluating 1 1 2
equipment costs:
investment cost,
equipment purchase,
depreciation cost,
maintenance and
operation cost, lease,
rent.
3 3/26 0.12*49.06 Understand the basic 1 1
= =6 nature of costs
0.12 incurred in
construction Projects
Know the cost 1 1 2
estimating
techniques and study
their importance in
construction life
cycle
Able to analyze the 1 1
Life Cycle Costs
(LCC)
Understand cost 1 1
4. Cost Engineerg

control and tracking

methods to monitor
and control project
budgets for
successful project
outcomes.
 Explain different 1 1
construction cost
components incurred
in construction
Projects
4 4/26 0.15*49.06 Identify the need of 1 1
= =7 construction
0.15 planning in
construction projects
know the 1 1
significance of
applications of
project planning and
scheduling theory in
5. Construction Planning and Scheduling

practices of
construction projects
and Understand
fundamentals of
project planning and
management
Understand project 1 1
scheduling
techniques and
practices and
Identify the need of
construction
planning in
construction projects
Able to prepare, read 1 1
and interpret
construction
activities, scheduling
techniques and
practices (PNA,
CPM, BC andLOB)
Measure and control 1 1
performance against
plan ofconstruction
projects (in terms of
time, quantity,
resource and cash
flow)
Command suitable 1 1
software for
construction projects
based on their nature
and complexity and
Able to prepare cash
flow forecast,
material, machinery
and manpower
schedules.
Generate resource 1 1
requirement for
activities at any
given time periods.
 3 3/26 0.12*49.06 Define Construction 1 1
= =6 performance
0.12 management,
Identify the
performance
indicators in
managing
performance of
construction

Performance & Resource Optimization

projects. and Explain
the basic measuring
criteria's of
individual
construction
performance
indicator factors.
Prepare construction 1 1
performance
measurement
indicators plan and
Able to measure and
evaluate
performance of
construction Projects
6. Construction

and Able to forecast

future performance
based on to date
performance
indicators
 Able to generate 1 1 2
physical and
financial
construction project
performance reports
and Apply
appropriate
corrective action for
less performances
Identify better 1 1
performance
improvement tools
for proposed
construction projects
and Explain ways of
minimization of
resource Wastes
Apply different 1 1
resource
Optimization
techniques such as
linear Programming
& simplex algorithm
techniques for best
use of resources
in
7. Health and Safety

3 3/26 0.12*49.06 Be able to appreciate 1 1

= =6 the importance of
0.12 health and safety
management in a
Management
Construction

construction site.
To be aware of legal 1 1 2
requirements
regarding health and
 safety.

To make awareness 1 1 2
about health hazards
associated with
different
construction
materials during
construction.
To enable to work 1 1
out suitable safety
measures.
Contract

3 3/26 0.12*49.06 Know and able to 1 1 2

= =6 successfully manage
0.12 Construction
Procurement &
and

Contract Processes,
Methods, Concepts,
Types and
Procurement

Governance
Frameworks
Be able to 1 1 2
understand the
benefits and
requirements of
8. Construction

Procurement &
Contract
Management

management
applicable to the
Construction
Industry (CI)
 To identify and 1 1 2
evaluate project
Delivery Systems,
Construction
Procurement and
Contract
Management
Governance
Frameworks,
Construction
Procurement and
Contract
Management
Processes and
Construction
Procurement and
Contract
Management
Methods and / or
Types
Theme Three total credit 26
Total for the program 53 100
11. Conclusion
Exit examination can have a vital role in producing knowledgeable, skillful and attitudinally
matured graduates. It contributes to prepare competent graduates as it can serve as a quality
check for effectiveness. It also helps in improving academic programs quality and effectiveness.
Furthermore, it can create the platform for cooperation among academic programs at different
universities to work jointly to improve the programs quality.

In view of this, this document is produced to assist the setting of the exit examinations for all
programs, which is being delivered by Ministry of Education. To meet the graduation profile,
competency and learning outcome, exit exam competency selection and identifying core course
was revised 2016 E.C graduating students. As a result, preparing test blueprint is necessary to
prepare fairly distributed items based on the above criteria.