ePortfolio · Summer 2026
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies — UNST 3900E ePortfolio
Welcome to my ePortfolio. My name is Bradley McVay Stockwell, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Louisiana State University with minors in Construction Management, Business Administration, and Sociology.
This ePortfolio highlights my academic growth, professional experience, and personal development throughout my undergraduate journey. My educational path has allowed me to connect multiple areas of study and apply them to real-world situations, especially in project management, construction, business operations, and leadership.
As I continue building this portfolio throughout the course, I will use it to reflect on key undergraduate courses, present my BIS capstone research problem, and demonstrate how my interdisciplinary education has shaped my career goals and personal development.
01 — About
I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Louisiana State University with minors in Construction Management, Business Administration, and Sociology. Throughout my academic journey, I have balanced full-time professional responsibilities with my education, allowing me to connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences.
Professionally, I work as a Project Manager in the utility infrastructure industry, where I oversee water metering projects, coordinate field operations, manage project schedules, and support municipalities in implementing advanced metering technologies. These experiences have shaped my approach to learning by showing me the value of problem-solving, communication, leadership, and continuous improvement.
My academic interests center around project management, business operations, organizational leadership, infrastructure development, and human behavior. The interdisciplinary nature of my degree allows me to explore how technical systems, business strategy, and social factors work together to influence decision-making and project success.
Through Construction Management, I have gained insight into planning, estimating, scheduling, and project execution. Business Administration has strengthened my understanding of management, marketing, and organizational effectiveness, while Sociology has provided a deeper understanding of people, communities, and social systems. Together, these disciplines provide a well-rounded perspective for addressing complex challenges in both business and society.
To me, interdisciplinary study means developing the ability to view problems from multiple perspectives rather than relying on a single field of knowledge. Real-world challenges rarely fit neatly into one discipline, and the BIS program has allowed me to combine insights from Construction Management, Business Administration, and Sociology to better understand both technical and human-centered issues.
I chose this path because it reflects how I approach professional and personal growth. By integrating different areas of study, I can develop more effective solutions, become a stronger leader, and better adapt to the complex challenges I will encounter throughout my career.
02 — Coursework
Developed as part of UNST 3900E Module 2
CM 4221
This course focused on managing construction projects from initiation through completion, emphasizing planning, scheduling, budgeting, leadership, communication, and project coordination. It strengthened my understanding of how successful projects depend on technical knowledge, organization, and effective decision-making.
CM 4101
This course emphasized project scheduling, budgeting, and cost control throughout the construction process. I learned how accurate planning and financial oversight directly influence project success and minimize risk.
CM 3111
This course developed my ability to prepare accurate construction estimates by evaluating labor, materials, equipment, and project scope. It reinforced the importance of detailed planning before construction begins.
FIN 3715
This course introduced financial analysis, capital budgeting, investment evaluation, and business decision-making. It strengthened my ability to understand the financial impact of project decisions and resource allocation.
MGT 3200
This course explored organizational leadership, planning, motivation, communication, and decision-making. It reinforced the importance of leadership in achieving organizational goals and managing successful teams.
SOCL 3601
This course examined how individuals interact within organizations and society. It provided valuable insight into communication, teamwork, leadership, and human behavior that directly applies to project management.
UNST 3900E
The BIS Capstone brought together Construction Management, Business Administration, and Sociology to investigate how interdisciplinary thinking improves project planning, leadership, and decision-making. It served as the culmination of my undergraduate education and connected classroom learning with my professional experience.
03 — Capstone
Developed as part of UNST 3900E Module 2
My Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies capstone examined how deficiencies in project planning and cost estimating contribute to construction project failures. By integrating Construction Management, Business Administration, and Sociology, I explored how technical knowledge, financial decision-making, and human behavior collectively influence successful project delivery. This research reflects both my academic experience at LSU and my professional work managing municipal utility infrastructure projects.
How do deficiencies in pre-construction planning and cost estimating contribute to project failures, and how can interdisciplinary approaches improve project outcomes?
Construction projects involve complex coordination between technical requirements, financial constraints, project teams, contractors, and stakeholders. Poor planning often results in schedule delays, cost overruns, communication breakdowns, and reduced project performance. Understanding these challenges from multiple disciplines allows project managers to make more informed decisions while reducing overall project risk.
Construction Management — Planning, scheduling, estimating, risk management, and project execution.
Business Administration — Financial management, budgeting, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and resource allocation.
Sociology — Communication, organizational behavior, leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder relationships.
Working as a Project Manager at ETEC Services has allowed me to directly apply the concepts explored throughout my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. Managing municipal utility infrastructure projects has reinforced the importance of planning, budgeting, communication, leadership, and collaboration. My capstone research strengthened my ability to integrate multiple perspectives when solving complex project challenges and will continue to guide my professional growth throughout my career.