205 Planning and Scheduling
Class Syllabus
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Introduction
Learning Objectives
Class Organization
Grading Policies
Textbook Information
Reading Ahead
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Introduction
The Certificate in Construction Supervision program includes this class
on Planning and Scheduling because this is a primary technical skill
required of
the construction supervisor.
Information studied will include:
- The
bar chart
- Precedence
diagramming
- The
arrow diagram
- The
critical path
- Using
networks
- Using
the project schedule
- Maintaining
the project schedule
- Applying
the project schedule
Students will learn how to
plan, prepare and update construction project schedules in this course.
We will study construction planning and will practice preparing a
project plan. 
Through
the use of case
studies we will learn you how to define construction activities, determine
activity duration, and assemble the activities into a logical construction
schedule. We will learn to
create and use bar charts and critical path schedules.
Methods for communication of
the project plan will be applied in work shop type activities. We will study the use of computers in construction scheduling
and investigate some of the popular scheduling programs currently in use.
Other topics to be studies will include:
assigning constraints, inputting resources, formatting options,
sorting and filtering. Updating
the schedule and the use of short interval production schedules will be
stressed. Applying scheduling information to change orders, payment
schedules and acceleration situations will be studied.
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Learning objectives:
By the end of this class you should:
- Become familiar with the process of project planning and the
efficiencies derived from planning.
-
Be able to define schedule activities and
assign reasonable durations to the activities.
-
Know how to sequence the activities for logical
project flow.
-
Be able to prepare a short procurement
schedule.
-
Be able to prepare a bar chart schedule and use
it properly.
-
Learn about schedule float and understand how
float can be used to delay or lengthen activities and to smooth manpower
requirements.
-
Be familiar computerized scheduling and
understand both its limitations and advantages.
-
Be able to apply constraints, sorts and filters
to a computer generated schedule.
-
Understand what resources are and how they can
be coordinated with the schedule.
-
Know how to use the schedule as a resource for
crew and manpower assignments.
-
Be able to apply methods for monitoring,
comparing and updating the project schedule.
-
Understand how to use the short-term schedule
as a communication tool.
-
Learn about schedule acceleration methods and
how to apply them.
-
Learn how the schedule is used as documentation
for changes and disputes.
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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.Each
week you will have online class discussions (15 points) and a quiz (10
points).
Module |
Point Value |
By End of Week |
| 0. Student Orientation |
0 |
Before start |
| 1. Introduction To Planning and Scheduling |
25 |
1 |
| 2. Preparing the Project Plan |
25 |
2 |
| 3. Communicating the Plan |
25 |
3 |
| 4. The Critical Path |
25 |
4 |
| 5. Computer Use in Scheduling - Part 1 |
25 |
5 |
| 6. Computer Use in Scheduling - Part 2 |
25 |
6 |
| 7. Using the Schedule on the Jobsite |
25 |
7 |
| 8. Updating the Construction Schedule |
25 |
8 |
| 9. The Schedule as Documentation |
25 |
9 |
| 10. Using Planning and Scheduling |
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.
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Grading Policies
Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each
module and participation in at least two class discussions. Students
should provide at least 3 contributions to the class discussions each week
to gain the maximum points. 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 5, Planning
and Scheduling (S), 5th Edition.
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 |
None |
Optional/ Week 1 |
| 1. Introduction To Planning and Scheduling |
Read Unit 1 |
Week 1 |
| 2. Preparing the Project Plan |
Read Unit 2, |
Week 2 |
| 3. Communicating the Plan |
Read Unit 3 |
Week 3 |
| 4. The Critical Path |
Read Unit 4 |
Week 4 |
| 5. Computer Use in Scheduling - Part 1 |
Read Unit 5 |
Week 5 |
| 6. Computer Use in Scheduling - Part 2 |
Read Unit 6 |
Week 6 |
| 7. Using the Schedule on the Jobsite |
Read Unit 7 |
Week 7 |
| 8. Updating the Construction Schedule |
Read Unit 8 |
Week 8 |
| 9. The Schedule as Documentation |
Read Unit 9 |
Week 9 |
| 10. Using Planning and Scheduling |
Read Unit 10 |
Week 10 |
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