206 Construction Cost Awareness and Production
Control Class Syllabus
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Introduction
Learning Objectives
Class Organization and Grading
Grading Policies
The Textbook and Order Form
Reading Ahead
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unedited student comments from previous offerings of this course.
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Introduction
It is every supervisors goal to complete their project on budget and
within the estimated costs. This course is intended to teach the
skills necessary for effective control of construction costs at the job
site.
We will
study construction cost and apply principles and
practices associated with cost awareness and production control to each
element of the project. Cost control
begins with the estimate and then continues through
work and cost analysis, production scheduling, reporting, production
control and ends with project evaluation.
The information will be studied by solving common construction
problems, the consideration of case studies and discussion of common cost
control issues.
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Learning Objectives:
By the end of this class you should:
- Understand the estimating and quantity take-off process and how they
are associated with construction
cost control.
-
Be familiar with the content of a typical
construction estimate.
-
Be able to evaluate subcontractors and
participate in the subcontractor selection process.
-
Know who has responsibilities for cost control
and understand the risks associated with construction contracting.
-
Know how to translate estimating information
into a comprehensive construction budget.
-
Understand the process of compiling a bill of
materials and comparing actual materials costs to estimated.
-
Gain additional insight into the process of
planning labor crews and preparing for labor costs.
-
Know how to identify labor cost problems and
solve the problems using project cost data.
-
Learn several techniques for managing
subcontractors at the job site.
-
Be aware of various factors that affect the
profitability of the project but are not anticipated or dealt with in
the estimate.
-
Learn strategies for using cost control data to
influence the work and minimize negative cost impacts.
-
Learn how to use cost control data
in change order pricing and negotiations.
-
Understand how to the evaluate project after
completion and determine strategies for future projects.
-
Know how to participate in a project
de-briefing and understand the value associated with de-briefing.
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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 Understanding and Managing
Project Costs |
25 |
1 |
| 2. Construction Estimates |
25 |
2 |
| 3. Who Controls Project Costs |
25 |
3 |
| 4. Reporting and Analyzing Actual Costs |
25 |
4 |
| 5. Planning for Cost Control |
25 |
5 |
| 6. Cost Control Strategies |
25 |
6 |
| 7. Labor Cost Variance |
25 |
7 |
| 8. Managing Risk and Loss Potential |
25 |
8 |
| 9. Working With Project Partners |
25 |
9 |
| 10. Post-Project Evaluation |
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 6, Understanding and Managing
Project Costs (S) 5th 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 |
None |
Optional/ Week 1 |
| 1. Introduction to Understanding and Managing
Project Costs |
Read Unit 1 |
Week 1 |
| 2. Construction Estimate |
Read Unit 2, |
Week 2 |
| 3. Who Controls Project Costs |
Read Unit 3 |
Week 3 |
| 4. Reporting and Analyzing Actual Costs |
Read Unit 4 |
Week 4 |
| 5. Planning for Cost Control |
Read Unit 5 |
Week 5 |
| 6. Cost Control Strategies |
Read Unit 6 |
Week 6 |
| 7. Labor Cost Variance |
Read Unit 7 |
Week 7 |
| 8. Managing Risk and Loss Potential |
Read Unit 8 |
Week 8 |
| 9. Working With Project Partners |
Read Unit 9 |
Week 9 |
| 10. Post-Project Evaluation |
Read Unit 10 |
Week 10 |
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