203 Problem Solving and Decision Making
Class Syllabus
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Introduction
Learning Objectives
Class Organization and Grading
Grading Policies
Textbook Information
Reading Ahead
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Introduction
Most construction supervisors will tell you they spend much of their
day solving problems and making decisions. Many of them define their
effectiveness based upon their ability to solve problems yet, most
construction supervisors have not had any formal training in problem
solving and decision making.
The truth is that most untrained construction supervisors spend way too
much time solving problems and they are often not very good at it.
Knowledge of the formal process of solving problems and making decisions
is essential for the professional construction supervisor.
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Learning objectives:
By the end of this class you should:
- Be able to use basic problem solving and decision making skills in
your every day construction duties.
- Be able to function more effectively in the management of your crew
and jobs.
- Be able to identify reactive problem solving.
- Be able to utilize and exercise the principles of proactive problem
solving..
- Be able to identify barriers to creative thinking and problem solving.
- Be able to establish a problem solving environment in your workplace.
- Be able to solve both human performance and technical problems
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Class Organization and Grading
The following table lists the learning modules, the maximum value in points a student
can receive within each module, and the time in which the modules must be finished.
Module |
Point Value |
By End of Week |
| 0. Student Orientation |
0 |
Before start |
| 1. Problems in Construction |
25 |
1 |
| 2. Establishing a Problem Solving Environment |
25 |
2 |
| 3. Human Performance Problems |
25 |
3 |
| 4. Reactive Problem Solving |
25 |
4 |
| 5. The Decision Making Process |
25 |
5 |
| 6. Labor Costs and Subcontractors |
25 |
6 |
| 7. Proactive Problem Reduction |
25 |
7 |
| 8. Production Process Improvement |
25 |
8 |
| 9. Project Wide Applications |
25 |
9 |
| 10. Special Problems |
25 |
10 |
| Total Points |
250 |
|
It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall
behind. Course modules will be made available to students on Sunday of each
week. Class work must be completed before the following Monday. Students will
not be able to work ahead of the class although reading assignments will be made available
in advance. Actual dates that modules will become available will be posted in
advance on the course calendar.
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Grading Policies
Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each
module and participation in at least two class discussions.
Each quiz will count 10 points and class discussions will count 15 points
per module. Students learn more and learn better when they discuss
the topic at hand. For that reason, I consider the regular weekly
discussions to be even more important than the weekly quizzes.
Grades will be posted on a weekly basis. You will
have full access to your grade sheet so you will be able to keep track of
how you are doing at all times.
Your overall grade in the course will be determined by the
total number of points you have accumulated on quizzes and assignments.
The grading scale is as follows:
You will be given more information about the grading and
other course matters in the Orientation Module.
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The Textbook
The textbook for this class is Unit 3, Problem Solving and Decision Making
(S) 6th Edition, Participants Manual.
Textbook ordering information can be
found at this link.
The cost of each textbook is approximately $156 plus shipping and
handling. If you order a used book be sure you are getting the correct
edition.
Allow at least 5 working days between ordering the book and receiving
it by the least expensive shipping. Foreign students should allow
at least 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. You can have your book
delivered more quickly by paying more for the shipping.
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Reading Ahead
This table details the reading assignments for the entire course. This will give
you opportunity to read ahead and get a jump on upcoming modules.
Module |
Reading Assignment |
Start Date |
| 0. Student Orientation |
|
Optional/ Week 1 |
| 1. Problems in Construction |
Read Unit 1 |
Week 1 |
| 2. Establishing a Problem Solving Environment |
Read Unit 2, |
Week 2 |
| 3. Human Performance Problems |
Read Unit 3 |
Week 3 |
| 4. Reactive Problem Solving |
Read Unit 4 |
Week 4 |
| 5. The Decision Making Process |
Read Unit 5 |
Week 5 |
| 6. Labor Costs and Subcontractors |
Read Unit 6 |
Week 6 |
| 7. Proactive Problem Reduction |
Read Unit 7 |
Week 7 |
| 8. Production Process Improvement |
Read Unit 8 |
Week 8 |
| 9. Project Wide Applications |
Read Unit 9 |
Week 9 |
| 10. Special Problems |
Read Unit 10 |
Week 10 |
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