Construction Management Fundamentals

There are many costs associated with construction projects. Some costs are not directly associated with the construction itself but are important to quantify because they can be a significant factor in whether or not the project goes forward. In this course we Illustrate how an estimate evolves over the life of the project. Some topics covered include: Design: Differentiate the different estimate types used in small and large projects during planning and design. Scheduling: In project construction management the schedule is most commonly used to track the project. By systematically analyzing each activity and its relationship to the activities that come before and after it, the construction manager can build a project on paper before committing resources to it. 1. The uses of schedules and types of scheduling methods. 2. How the schedule is a powerful construction management and communication tool. Controls: Project control begins with the identification of the owner’s objectives and ends when those objectives have been met. Project control is a continuous cycle in which construction managers identify a goal, measure results, analyze and make adjustments, and report results. After a construction project has been completed the team responsible for carrying out the work usually split up and go to various other jobs. Tools: The administrative tools used to manage, control, and document the construction management process. Jobsite administration requires diligence for clear procedures and understanding of the importance of recordkeeping. Law: The legal rules that govern the design and construction management processes. Construction law is made up of specialized rules and regulations that govern how people behave in the context of a construction project. Many disputes are moving to alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation to solve construction management disputes. Important safety procedures are also reviewed.

In this course, we will review the owner’s primary goal in choosing a project delivery method to ensure that the planned project will meet the project goals and objectives, fit within the culture of their organization, and at the same time allow the project to be delivered on time, within budget, and achieve good quality. We will review the primary project delivery method arrangements with their advantages and disadvantages, and cover the three major types of contracts. It is the owner’s requirement to analyze the project delivery method advantages and disadvantages. The best way to do this is to examine the project risks and major categories of project risk. Next, we’ll address design. Good design is a result of collaboration among many different people, including the construction manager, architect, engineers, and owner. Although there is always a lead designer, the project is a combination of the collaborative process and consultation with other experts. In this course, we describe the roles and responsibilities of the construction management professional during the design phase: 1. Understanding value engineering. 2. Tasks that fall outside the design activities. These include investigations of local conditions, construction practices, labor markets, and the site conditions. 3. Knowing when to bid a project. Significant time and costs are incurred in preparing a bid. To bid or not to bid. 4. Know the construction phase, and how the work is the same no matter what contract form or project delivery method was chosen. 5. Summarize the activities necessary to properly organize and prepare a project for construction. The construction phase can be the most exciting part of the project cycle. Every day the job conditions change. There will always be problems to solve, logistical challenges to meet, and new people to work with. This is the job of the construction manager.

Can building structures be sustainable? This course aims to answer that question. It covers sustainable construction management project elements from conception to completion. We discuss the important contributions facility managers and property managers make to sustainable construction projects by acting as the owner’s representatives. And we show how the construction contract and project delivery method greatly influences how the project will be performed sustainably. Sustainable construction methods and processes are highlighted, along with newer construction document production systems such as building information modeling (BIM), laser scanning, and drones. This course also gives an example of a scheduling method known as the critical path method (CPM). We discuss methods, materials, and the equipment used to mitigate damage to buildings due to environmental conditions, and the different types of building systems. Current technologies and green innovations also reviewed include exterior wall systems, green roofs, elevators, HVAC systems, and new methods of sustainable building choices for green construction best practices. Other topics include sustainable maintenance operations, energy management, green building certifications, renewable energy, sustainability construction trends and the use of best practices in sustainable planning, design, and construction, including the steps needed to develop a high-performance project. Core concepts include: 1. Frameworks for implementing a sustainable green project or a high-performance project. 2. Role of the facility manager. 3. Sustainable building design, construction, remodeling, and building improvements. 4. Disaster management procedures. 5. Sustainable Infrastructure. 6. Decision making techniques in sustainable project development 7. How to reduce emissions during construction 8. How to control energy consumption and maximize sustainable efficiency 9. Climate control. 10. Greenhouse gas emissions. 11. Stormwater management controls. 12. Sediment and erosion controls. 13. Renewable energy use 14. Involvement of stakeholders in the planning, design, and construction process. 15. Green building certifications, such as LEED and Green Globes. 16. Latest trends and future in sustainable construction management. 17. The best sustainable practices in design and construction.