When the San Diego State University College of Engineering
- SDSU Foundation and Defense Conversion Center needed a
certificate program in "Construction Engineering and Project
Management" they called on Power Summit. We successfully developed
presented the program during 2001. Our faculty facilitated and
provided instruction for most of the program while a assembling some of
the finest industry pros to supplement the training experience by bringing
current real world experience into the class room. Working
Architects, Engineers, Project Managers, Bankers, Bonding Agents,
Investment planners, and Accountants from some of the finest organizations
in the country, all contributed to make the program an overwhelming
success.
The foundation of
the program:
Our experience tells us to begin teaching
construction project management from a logical perspective. Just what are the
goals of every Project / Construction Manager? We identified twelve top goals.
Then we listed fifty sequential elements of construction project
management. Finally we developed the Program to teach how those goals can
be realized within the activity represented by the fifty sequential elements.
The “top twelve” goals of construction
project management
1.
We will finish on time
2.
We will finish under budget
3.
We will provide high quality "best value"
for the budget
4.
We will work within a framework of sound
engineering principles
5.
We will work in a safe, non-hostile,
non-adversarial environment
6.
We will establish fair change management processes
7.
We will administer the project efficiently
8.
We will avoid as many problems as possible
9.
We will resolve disputes quickly and easily to
avoid litigation
10.
We will collaborate to build a stronger and
stronger team
11.
We will add to our own experience bank
12.
We will end on a strong,
positive note – and get invited to another “party”
The proposal:
A certificate series
in state-of-the-art construction project management techniques and principles
designed to realize the goals of successful construction engineers and managers
and their employers
Course # 1: Basic
elements of construction concept and design
The
first course looks at the grand sweep of the design and build process, comparing
it to the construction of a beautiful suspension bridge like the Golden Gate, as
an analogy. The course introduces
in detail the processes of construction design, planning and specification
preparation, integrated into the basic principles and standards of engineering.
The course
includes a review of the most relevant mathematical concepts applied in the
field of construction management. Those most useful software packages, such as
Excel and Auto Cad. are introduced, along with contemporary methods of
commercial, industrial, heavy-highway and residential construction including
earthwork, foundations, roofing and cladding, and interior construction.
Sequential elements of
construction:
1. The owner's concept
2. Commissioning an A / E firm
3. Preliminary budget / concept drawings / constructability
The student is challenged to understand how the 12 goals interrelate.
Specific goals toward which we work during this
sequence:
Finish
under budget
Work within the framework of sound engineering principles
Course # 2:
Engineering economics, estimating, and value engineering
The
sophomore course introduces the financial, regulatory, and information-gathering
functions of construction. It includes an
introduction to construction project finance for the various parties (owner and
builder) plus an introduction to accounting at the project level.
The course provides an in depth treatment construction cost estimating.
Techniques for an "outside the box" value engineering model are
also considered.
Sequential elements of
construction:
4. Funding
5. Site Selection
6. Soils Report
7. Environmental impact reports
8. Paleontology report
9. Zoning
10. Evaluating early design and costs
11. Positioning to do work (as a contractor): bonding, insurance,
licensing
12. Construction plans and specifications
13. Estimating from all perspectives (owner, prime contractor, subcontractor)
14. Value engineering
Specific goals toward which we
work during this sequence:
Finish
under budget
Provide high quality "best value"
for the budget
Work in a safe, non-hostile, non-adversarial
environment
Work
within the framework of sound engineering principles
Course
# 3: Pre-construction
planning / scheduling
This course teaches how to set up job to avoid costly
mistakes and ensure timely completion. This
includes an in-depth study of scheduling theory and an introduction to computer
programs such as Primavera P-3, Sure Track and Microsoft Project, based on which
the student can pursue specific training at a later time.
This third course establishes the foundation for alternative dispute
resolution and effective project closeout.
Sequential elements of
construction:
15. Establishing the budget
16. Budget control - codes and tracking
17. Schedule of values
18. TQM programs
19. Preparing the CPM schedule
20. Negotiating
21. Contracts
22. Permits
23. Storm water erosion prevention plan (SWPPP)
24. Safety / OSHA
25. Insurance certificates
Specific goals toward which we
work during this sequence:
Finish on time
Work in a safe, non-hostile, non-adversarial
environment
Avoid as many problems as possible
Resolve disputes quickly and easily to avoid
litigation
Administer the project efficiently
Course
# 4: New Millennium Construction Management - a fusion
of technology and methodology
The anchor course introduces principles of successful
project management as applied specifically to construction.
We introduce the student to user-friendly computer software and
internet-based project management tools which leading firms utilize today to
monitor and control construction activity.
Prolog Manager, Expedition, Constructware and other major applications
are explored. Nearly half of the
top 400 U.S. construction firms utilize the techniques and tools presented here.
Sequential elements of
construction:
26.
Various project delivery systems
including design-build
27.
Submittals
28.
Buyout
29.
Purchase order log
30.
Pre-construction analysis - preparing for the pre-con meeting
31.
The pre-construction meeting
32.
Potential change orders
33.
Change order requests
34.
Dispute resolution including partnering, DRBs, mediation, arbitration
35.
Change orders
36.
Communication log
37.
Letter system
38.
Memo system
39.
Materials ordering / control
40.
Time management
41.
Leadership
42.
Self-performed work
43.
Managing subcontractors and suppliers
44.
Owner-provided elements
45.
Inspections
46.
Schedule updates
47.
Claims
48.
Construction progress meetings
49.
Closeout
50.
Warrantee period
Specific goals toward which we work during this sequence:
The
student learns to integrate all 12 goals in this sequence.
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