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University System of Maryland

Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management

University System of Maryland and University of Maryland, College Park via edX

Overview

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:

  • Understanding value engineering.
  • Tasks that fall outside the design activities. These include investigations of local conditions, construction practices, labor markets, and the site conditions.
  • Knowing when to bid a project. Significant time and costs are incurred in preparing a bid. To bid or not to bid.
  • Know the construction phase, and how the work is the same no matter what contract form or project delivery method was chosen.
  • 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.

Syllabus

Week 1: Project delivery methods.

Week 2: The Construction Manager role during Design.

Week 3: Bidding and Procurement.

Week 4: Managing from construction to closeout

Taught by

Neil Schulman

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 28 Class Central reviews

4.2 rating at edX based on 20 ratings

Start your review of Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management

  • This course provides an overview of construction contracts and the project delivery method. The course covers project delivery methods, construction documents, and construction safety, making it a valuable and practical resource for anyone intereste…
  • Anonymous
    I am really enjoying this course! I am learning so much from estimating of construction to planning and scheduling construction. Learning the importance of teamwork and contracting. I look forward to learning more so that I can apply it to the real world!
  • Anonymous
    Definitely a high level review that could go more in depth, but overall good introduction to construction management. Didn't 100% lineup with what i do as a PM, but got my brain thinking of how i could apply it.
  • Anonymous
    That was really helpful, excellent content, effectively designed, understand well ,how to deliver across the lifecycle from the first concept to occupancy, including the role of Construction Manager or a construction professional during the design process and review of the different delivery methods
  • Anonymous
    Although I have been working in construction management, this course provides an excellent refreshment of basic concepts and a very graphic, easy-to-understand of the different project delivery methods and contract insights. I strongly recommend this self-paced and well-designed course for anybody in construction project management. You will be surprised by the benefits you can get from it. Kudos to the University of Maryland for producing this academic opportunity.
  • Anonymous
    I have learned a great deal from this course. Even though I am a Contract Engineer and already familiar with the terminologies, I found it incredibly useful for clarifying concepts and contributing to my professional development.
  • Anonymous
    This course offers a succinct yet comprehensive exploration of practical knowledge for the construction industry, equipping learners with invaluable insights directly applicable to real-world scenarios within the field.
  • Profile image for Muhammad Talha Kamran
    Muhammad Talha Kamran
    I am new to the field of construction management, but I found my professor's teaching style to be very effective. He used real-world examples to illustrate the concepts he was teaching, which made the material much more relatable and easier to understand. I enjoyed the course immensely and learned a great deal about project delivery methods, the role of the construction manager, the role of the owner, contracts, bidding, and construction management in general. I am confident that the knowledge I gained in this course will be invaluable to me in my future career.
  • Profile image for Gillermo Arturo Cortez Lúa
    Gillermo Arturo Cortez Lúa
    Excellent course offering comprehensive insights into project delivery methods and contracts in construction. The modules are well-structured and presented, providing a blend of theory and practical knowledge that is immensely functional for professionals in the field. The real-world scenarios and detailed case studies enhance the learning experience, making complex concepts easily understandable and applicable. A highly recommended course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of construction management!
  • Anonymous
    Very informative course which taught me fundamentals of scheduling, estimating, project reporting methods and tools, change management and Construction Law and many more. The course is suitable for juniors who recently have started their career in Construction Management team. I would definitely recommend this course. Many thanks for University Maryland to organize one.
  • Anonymous
    This class was excellent--where have you been all my life? The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and articulate. This was the first time I have taken a class in a online format, and I was delighted with it and look forward to coming back to edX for more classes in the future. I loved the fact that even very conducive to learning! Thank you.
  • Anonymous
    I really loved this class, Mr Schulman really knows what he is talking about, I have been in the construction trade for a very long time, and taking this class I realized I can still learn lots of stuff to improve my career, now to the next class.!!!
    thanks so much Mr Schulman...!!!!
  • Anonymous
    A very great course. I work with implementation of projects, especifically in civil engineering, here in Brazil. We do much of the content as taught in the course, but I was able to learn several other things to improve our processors and reduce risks. Thanks instructor and USM.
  • Anonymous
    I really recommend this course is very complete, I had learned many things that I didn't know I have to do during the construction process. It was interested in learned new strategies in the field.
  • Anonymous
    The module was awesome and well put together. There may be repeats of videos but it does not disrupt the experience much. I have learnt a lot a surely of what I would not know unless I am promoted.
  • Anonymous
    This has been a great course! I learned so much about the different project delivery methods and what goes into contracts. I enjoyed learning about the type of risks and how to minimize risk.
  • Profile image for Jobert Villanueva
    Jobert Villanueva
    Honestly, I learned a lot from this course, the Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management. I gained enough knowledge about project delivery methods, necessary construction documents, bidding and procurement, and the construction process through close out that can be helpful enough to help me in pursuing my educational career in civil engineering. The way Neil delivers the lesson is very clear and understandable to the student. I found the key summary points and knowledge checks to be very helpful, too. I am excited to proceed in studying the next course.
  • Anonymous
    This program allows for devlopement and expertise on everything construction management. I recommend the course for any beginner or a professional looking for a quick refresh on material.
  • Anonymous
    The UMD Course on Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management is a very informative and provides a great overview of how the industry operates.
  • Anonymous
    This is my first online courses with Maryland University and the experience has been totally amazing I look forward to doing other courses with UMD

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