Construction Scheduling

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

Introduction

### Course Review: Construction Scheduling on Coursera If you're seeking to deepen your knowledge in construction project management, the "Construction Scheduling" course available on Coursera is a comprehensive and practical learning experience. Designed for both aspiring and current professionals in the field, this course delves into the critical aspects of developing and managing construction schedules effectively. Here’s a detailed review of what this course entails and why it is worth your time. #### Overview of the Course The "Construction Scheduling" course is structured into several modules that guide learners through various essential topics in scheduling. Each module is designed to build upon the previous one, allowing learners to grasp complex concepts progressively. The course is led by experienced instructors like Professor Odeh, whose insights and expertise are invaluable in understanding the nuances of construction scheduling. #### Module Highlights 1. **Introduction to Construction Scheduling**: The course kicks off with a foundational overview of scheduling in construction. This module covers the vital relationships between construction activities, how to execute scheduling procedures, and the fundamentals of dealing with uncertainties in projects. Understanding the distinction between calendar dates and work dates lays the groundwork for effective scheduling. 2. **Bar (Gantt) Charts**: The second module introduces learners to bar or Gantt charts, critical tools for visualizing project timelines. These charts offer a straightforward representation of project activities, making it easier to comprehend the overall project duration and the allocation of resources. 3. **Activity Precedence Diagrams**: As learners progress, they will create Activity Precedence Diagrams, which visually depict the sequence and relationships of construction activities. This module is crucial for visual learners and helps in grasping the concepts of project dependencies. 4. **Forward and Backward Pass Calculations**: This module provides a deep dive into Forward and Backward Pass Calculations, pivotal techniques for determining the optimal start and finish dates for project activities. Understanding these calculations aids in effective project timeline management. 5. **Critical Path**: Identifying the critical path is essential for efficient project scheduling. This module clarifies what a critical path is and its significance, empowering learners to recognize critical activities in their projects. 6. **Risk Management**: Modules on Risk Allocation and Planning introduce learners to formal risk management strategies, highlighting how risk assessment can enhance planning and scheduling efforts. 7. **Technology Applications for Scheduling**: With the increasing role of technology in project management, this module provides insights into various applications that assist in scheduling development and collaboration, essential for modern construction management. #### Additional Insights The course also addresses advanced topics such as Lean Design in Scheduling, offering fresh perspectives on maximizing efficiency in construction projects. Real-world applications and discussions led by industry professionals contribute to a rich learning environment, allowing students to gain insights from ongoing industry practices. #### Recommendations The "Construction Scheduling" course is highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their project management skills in the construction industry. Whether you're a student, a new entrant, or a seasoned professional seeking to refresh your knowledge, this course provides practical tools and frameworks for effective project scheduling. The structured format, combined with clear explanations and practical assignments, makes this course accessible for learners at various skill levels. Engaging with the materials and the learning community will not only enhance your understanding but also expand your professional network. #### Conclusion Overall, Coursera's "Construction Scheduling" course is an excellent investment in your career development. With its comprehensive syllabus and expert-led discussions, learners will leave equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world scheduling challenges in construction projects. Don't miss the opportunity to gain a competitive edge in this essential area of project management.

Syllabus

Introduction to Construction Scheduling

The first module provides an overview of the Construction Scheduling course and the topics that will be covered. Learners will discover the relationships connecting construction activities, how to perform scheduling procedures, how to determine critical path and more. Professor Odeh will describe the differences between calendar dates and work dates and teach how to deal with uncertainty in construction projects.

The second module introduces bar or Gantt charts and how they are used as scheduling tools. Bar charts represent a project work item or activity as a time scaled bar; the length of which represents the planned duration of a construction activity.

In this module, learners will create Activity Precedence Diagrams, also referred to as Activity on Node Diagrams, which graphically represent the construction activities in a project and their relationships.

This module provides an overview of the types of construction activity relationships encountered in a construction project and how to represent them in an activity precedence diagram.

Forward and Backward Pass Calculations are covered in this module. Forward Pass Calculations determine the minimum dates at which each construction activity can be performed and, ultimately, the minimum duration of a construction project. Backward Pass Calculations compute the latest dates by which each construction activity can be performed without increasing the projects minimum duration.

Professor Odeh discusses the importance of critical path in this module including what it is and why it is important. Learners will identify a critical path in a project and how to determine a critical path in different relationships.

Professor Odeh introduces the types of floats in a construction project including; total float, free float, interfering float and independent float.

In this module, the difference between working dates and calendar dates is explained and how to chart both in a project plan.

Activity on Arrow diagrams are the topic for this module. Professor Odeh will discuss how to draw an activity on arrow diagram and how to number the nodes. Forward and Backward Pass calculations and determining the duration of a project are also covered.

The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is introduced in this module which relates to uncertainty in estimating the duration of construction activities in a project schedule. PERT helps project managers determine the probability of a project being completed in a certain number of days.

Jennifer Buermann, of the STV Group, discusses the role of the scheduler in a construction project and how to determine if a project is on track to meet the estimated goals. Also covered are ways to adjust to ensure the project stays on track.

Professor Odeh introduces linear construction; projects that have linear, or repetitive, properties. Also covered is the Line of Balance scheduling method which is a way of allocating resources for repetitive processes.

Dareen Salama, of the STV Group, discusses the technology applications used for scheduling. Dareen provides an overview of the applications used for scheduling development, schedule analysis, sharing and collaboration and visualization.

Christopher Toomey, Senior Vice President of AECOM Global Programs, discussed scheduling for large programs also known as the Integrated Master Scheduler. Mr. Toomey illustrates how to develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule and identifies key features.

Dr. Eduardo Gamez, Deputy Director of Risk Management for AECOM, introduces Risk Allocation and Planning. Dr. Gamez discusses the importance of formal risk management and how to use risk assessment as a support tool for planning and scheduling.

Sam Spata, of MethodLean, discusses lean design and lean scheduling. The concept of Flow is introduced, the process of how to get from the beginning to the end of a project, as a measurable addition of value.