209 Construction Productivity Improvement
Class Syllabus
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Introduction
Learning Objectives
Class Organization and Grading
Grading Policies
The Textbook Information
Reading Ahead
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Introduction
Organizing a project with productivity improvement as a goal will be studied.
Students will learn how to calculate and measure worker productivity. During this
semester, we will challenge the work process, learn about personnel management, and
practice work improvement analysis. Understanding worker's abilities and the impact
of environmental factors will be studied. We will study various models
and methods for improving productivity and we will practice applying those
methods to construction problems. We will complete the course with a
discussion of implementing and monitoring the productivity program.
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Learning objectives:
By the end of this class you should:
-
Know how to make productivity calculations.
-
Be able to identify ways to increase productivity.
-
Be able to calculate the relationship between increases
in productivity and overall project time, cost and profits.
-
Learn how to increase productivity by using labor and
equipment efficiently.
Understand the general relationship among project
estimating, productivity planning, measurement, project planning,
scheduling and project control. Be able to analyze, and contribute to, a project
estimate. Know the procedures for planning a productive jobsite
layout. Understand how to reduce nonproductive time. Know how to challenge a work method to find a quicker
more cost-effective method for doing the work. Be able to make unit cost calculations and
productivity calculations. Be able to differentiate between normal, achievable,
and ideal work standards. Be able to encourage productivity through factors that
positively influence a worker. Be able to use alternative leadership styles used by
effective supervisors. Understand group behavior practices that influence
productivity. Be able to use record keeping systems to monitor labor
productivity and job costs. Understand data collection procedures required to
compile accurate records. Understand procedures for utilizing the queuing model,
the time study model, and the method productivity delay model. Understand the physical limits of an average worker
and what a worker physically cannot do under various working conditions. Learn how factors such as overtime, the learning
curve, boredom, and fatigue affect labor productivity.
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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. Introduction To
Productivity Improvement
|
25
|
1
|
2. Improving Productivity
Through Pre-Planning
|
25
|
2
|
3. MORE - Four New
Skills for the Effective Supervisor
|
25
|
3
|
4. Personnel
Management
|
25
|
4
|
5. Equipment
Management
|
25
|
5
|
6. Productivity
Improvement and Planning and Scheduling
|
25
|
6
|
7. Managing
Subcontractors
|
25
|
7
|
8. Quantifying Lost
Productivity
|
25
|
8
|
9. Record Keeping,
Control, Change Orders, and Defect Analysis
|
25
|
9
|
10. Improving Productivity
with New Technologies
|
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 9, Productivity Improvement
(S) 4th 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 |
| 0. Student Orientation |
None |
| 1. Introduction To Productivity Improvement |
Read Unit 1 |
| 2. Improving
Productivity Through Pre-Planning |
Read Unit 2, |
| 3. MORE - Four New Skills for the Effective
Supervisor |
Read Unit 3 |
| 4. Personnel Management |
Read Unit 4 |
| 5. Equipment Management |
Read Unit 5 |
| 6. Productivity Improvement and Planning and
Scheduling |
Read Unit 6 |
| 7. Subcontractor Management |
Read Unit 7 |
| 8. Quantifying Lost Productivity |
Read Unit 8 |
| 9. Record Keeping, Control, Change Orders, and
Defect Analysis |
Read Unit 9 |
| 10. Improving Productivity with New Technologies |
Read Unit 10 |
| |
|
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