Construction Project Management

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/construction-project-management

Introduction

# Course Review: Construction Project Management on Coursera In today's dynamic construction industry, effective project management is essential for success. Coursera's "Construction Project Management," offered by Columbia University and taught by the distinguished Professor Ibrahim Odeh, serves as an outstanding resource for those looking to delve into the fundamentals of construction project initiation and planning. This comprehensive course seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights from industry professionals, making it an invaluable asset for anyone involved or interested in the construction sector. ## Course Overview This course spans 10 engaging modules, each engineered to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge for managing construction projects. Beginning with an overview of the industry, Professor Odeh introduces students to the construction project development cycle, ensuring all participants understand the landscape they are entering. The material presented in this course is suitable for various learners, including aspiring construction managers, engineers, project assistants, or anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of construction processes. The collaborative approach of the course, involving guest lectures from industry experts, enriches the learning experience, bringing real-world applications and insights into the virtual classroom. ## Detailed Module Breakdown 1. **Construction Industry Overview** This module, featuring insights from professionals like Gregory Sauter and Christopher Toomey, lays a solid foundation by contextualizing the construction sector and differentiating between various management processes like Program Management (PgM), Project Management (PM), and Construction Management (CM). 2. **Project Delivery** Here, Professor Odeh presents the Project Development Cycle while experts like Phillip White and Tim McManus explain critical concepts such as contract types and project delivery methods, helping learners grasp essential contractual and financial aspects of project management. 3. **Lean Project Delivery** Sam Spada introduces the Lean Project Delivery method, emphasizing minimizing waste in project execution. The focus on value-driven outcomes ensures that learners appreciate the importance of efficiency in project management. 4. **Sustainability in the Construction Industry** With Ryan Prime offering insights into sustainable development, this module is a must for forward-thinking professionals. The discussion around sustainability rating systems, particularly the Envision Rating System, highlights the growing importance of eco-conscious practices. 5. **Environment, Health, and Safety of Construction Processes** Paul Haining emphasizes the significance of safety and environmental considerations in construction. The emphasis on health and safety protocols is paramount for fostering workplace safety and sustainability. 6. **Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Technology Trends** Dareen Salama introduces BIM, an invaluable tool in modern construction management. Understanding BIM and its lifecycle applications prepares learners for contemporary challenges in project execution. 7. **International View of Construction Projects** Bob Preto tackles the complexities of international projects, focusing on risk management. This global perspective equips learners with strategies to navigate the multifaceted nature of risk in diverse construction environments. 8. **Role of a Construction Manager** Gus Maimis elucidates the pivotal role of a construction manager, detailing key characteristics required for success. This module provides essential insights into project organization and the risks associated from a managerial perspective. 9. **Introduction to Project Planning** The course wraps up with a module dedicated to planning and scheduling, where learners will create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and learn about project coding. This foundational knowledge is crucial for effective project execution and monitoring. ## Conclusion and Recommendation The "Construction Project Management" course on Coursera is an excellent investment for anyone looking to make a mark in the construction industry. With its well-structured content, knowledgeable instructors, and real-world relevance, this course stands out as a comprehensive introduction to construction project management. The emphasis on industry standards, sustainability, and innovative practices prepares learners for the unique challenges present in the construction landscape. Whether you're a beginner or already entrenched in the field, this course offers valuable insights and professional development opportunities. I highly recommend enrolling in this course if you're interested in enhancing your expertise in construction project management. It provides the tools necessary to thrive in this rapidly evolving industry, combining both foundational knowledge and cutting-edge practices essential for modern project managers.

Syllabus

Course Overview

Welcome to Construction Project Initiation and Planning. Meet your Instructor, Dr. Ibrahim Odeh, and learn what will be covered in the Construction Management Specialization and, more specifically, in this course, Construction Project Initiation and Planning, the first of the specialization series.

Gregory Sauter, President of Crossroads Advisory and Founder of Smart City Works Infrastructure Actuator, introduces the Engineering and Construction Industry. Christopher Toomey, Senior Vice President of AECOM Global Programs, compares Program Management (PgM), Project Management (PM), and Construction Management (CM). The module ends with Professor Odeh distinguishing between construction and manufacturing processes.

Professor Odeh introduces the fundamentals of the Project Development Cycle. Phillip White, a lawyer with the international firm Dentons, provides insight into Contract Types. William J. McConnell, CEO of the Vertex Companies, reviews the basics of surety bonding and Tim McManus, Vice President of Capital Projects and Infrastructure Projects at McKinsey and Company, discusses Project Delivery Methods and Surety Bonds.

Architect Sam Spada, discusses the Lean Project Delivery method and Lean Design Behaviors. Lean project delivery is a project management process that strips away unnecessary effort, time and cost in the planning, design and construction of capital projects to deliver what the Owner values.

Ryan Prime, Sustainability Director for Skanska USA, discusses Sustainable Development; development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Ryan will also review sustainability rating systems focusing specifically on the Envision Rating System.

Paul Haining, Chief Environmental Officer for Skanska USA, stresses the importance of Environmental, Health and Safety in Construction Processes.

Dareen Salama of the STV Group introduces Building Information Management (BIM) and illustrates the uses of BIM during the Lifecycle of the Project.

Bob Preto, Chairman and CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC, discusses international development and construction projects. The major challenge of international projects is risk; understanding risk, allocating risk and managing risk. In this module, you will learn to identify the types of risks found in international construction projects and learn a framework to use to understand risk.

Gus Maimis, Senior Vice President STV Construction, discusses the critical characteristics of a project manager and the most important aspects of being an effective project manager. You will learn how to build a project organizational chart and the understand the most common roles in a construction project. Gus provides insight into various methods of contracting a project manager may encounter when managing a project. The module ends with a review of the potential risks, from the project manager perspective, associated with a project.

Professor Odeh discusses the importance of project planning and scheduling. Planning provides a way to develop a framework for project execution, monitoring, and control. You will learn about and develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for a project. This module also covers standards and project coding in construction projects. You will learn how to define construction plans and build your activity list within a standard coding system. Project coding systems provide the framework for project planning and control as a means of communication.