Construction Management

Provides a general overview of the planning, administration, management, and cost of construction projects and an introduction to the methodology used in executing specific designs. Emphasizes the organization of construction firms, use and types of primary construction equipment, estimating and quantity take-offs, contractual and management systems, scheduling, project administration, and inspection of construction operations.

Introduces the design process and development of construction documents. Covers the standard design phases: programming, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration, and the format and utilization of project manuals including contract specifications, the interpretation and analysis of engineering plans and specifications, and the new technologies being used in the design including Building Informational Modeling (BIM) and sustainable (green) practices. Also explores the various common project delivery methods.

Provides instruction in the description and identification of the equipment and materials used in mechanical systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, piping, gas, lighting, water and waste water, conveyance, life safety systems, environmental, security, audio/visual, and building system controls. Also introduces building structural and envelope systems.

Provides exposure to and use of various types of projects control systems for project efficiency and documentation. Covers how the submittal process operates and is monitored. Reviews a variety of tools used in tracking project documentation, and essential elements related to contract law and administration.

Offers a practical guide for eliminating safety and health hazards from construction worksites. Covers program development, safety and health program implementation, intervention, and prevention of construction incidents, regulatory hazards faced by those working in the construction industry and sources of information. Also features updates for construction regulations, construction job audit, training requirements, and OSHA regulations. Includes new record keeping guidelines and forms with additional material on focused inspections. Provides updated contact information for the newest agencies and presents a model safety and health program, and examples of accident analysis and prevention approaches.

Introduces various costs of construction including direct and indirect project costs, comparison of hard and soft costs, job cost analysis and forecasting of cost to completion, labor, material and equipment expenses, cash flow, overhead, profitability, and general conditions costs. Covers research techniques used to create accurate estimating and bidding procedures.

Provides instruction in procedures used in project planning and scheduling that employ float methods of scheduling logic. Examines the critical path series of activities of project completion, including the use of computer software applications for problem solving, and related tools, spreadsheets, and information management. Also covers work breakdown structures, activity durations, status reports, resource allocation, replanning, monitoring, and updating of projects. Students will develop project site logistics plans.

Develops fundamental construction estimating skills especially during the construction take-off process. This includes general conditions, material quantities, concrete, rough carpentry, electrical work, masonry (brick and block), steel, mechanical work, finish applications, and labor. It involves familiarization with formal bids, insurance, and bonds. Students will be expected to identify and use appropriate math formulas, interpret construction plans and specifications, and compile essential data to develop an actual estimate, including summaries and costs by category.

Provides a conceptual understanding of functions and performances of energy systems including mechanical, electrical, electronic, and plumbing and transport systems in residential and commercial buildings. Also provides information on integration between energy systems and other building components. Introduces the concepts of alternative energy sources, energy efficiency, structural implications of mechanical systems, indoor air quality, and environmental control strategies. Familiarizes students with more recent and current efforts in sustainability and green building ideas. Also introduces codes and standards relevant to energy devices used in building construction, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and National Electrical Code (NEC).

Provides a conceptual understanding of functions and performance of structural building systems. Familiarizes students with use of construction code with reference to International Building Codes (IBC) 2012. Provides an understanding of how the code was developed, how it is to be interpreted, and how it is applied to design and construction of buildings, with the goal of making implementation of the code easier and clearer to understand. Discusses structural elements and their construction methods, use and occupancy, types of construction, fire resistive constructions, interior finishes, building materials, inspections, and tests.