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Ibrahim Odeh, Ph.D., MBA

This course introduces the types of cost estimation from the conceptual design phase through the more detailed design phase of a construction project. In addition, the course highlights the importance of controlling costs and how to monitor project cash flow. Learners will work on a break-even analysis of construction tasks in a project. The course begins with Professor Odeh providing an overview of what will be covered. Next, learners explore the stages of design in a construction project. Professor Odeh then describes the types of cost estimates in a construction project, and the tools and methods used to create estimates.

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This course introduces the types of cost estimation from the conceptual design phase through the more detailed design phase of a construction project. In addition, the course highlights the importance of controlling costs and how to monitor project cash flow. Learners will work on a break-even analysis of construction tasks in a project. The course begins with Professor Odeh providing an overview of what will be covered. Next, learners explore the stages of design in a construction project. Professor Odeh then describes the types of cost estimates in a construction project, and the tools and methods used to create estimates.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

-Acquire the fundamentals of cost estimation and the design phase to perform cost estimation

-Learn about cost control and cost control methods, emphasizing the Earned Value Method or EVM

-Understand the close out period of the project by exploring the punch lists, final approval, and turnover to the client

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What's inside

Syllabus

Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control Overview
Professor Odeh describes the course and provides an overview of what will be covered. Also covered is an introduction to Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Controls.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for cost estimators, managers, and other construction professionals with some background in construction principles
Features excellent video lectures by experienced industry professionals
Highly relevant for professionals looking to enhance their cost estimation skills
Taught by Ibrahim Odeh, a recognized expert in construction cost estimation with industry experience
Focuses on practical application, providing students with real-world scenarios and case studies

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Reviews summary

Practical construction cost management

According to learners, this course from Columbia University provides a strong foundation in construction cost estimating and control. Students highlight the practical application of the concepts taught, finding the content highly relevant to real-world industry practice. A significant positive aspect frequently mentioned is the inclusion of insights from experienced industry professionals alongside academic instruction. Learners found the sections on the Earned Value Method (EVM) and project cash flow particularly useful for their work. While the course is generally well-received and considered comprehensive in its overview, some reviews suggest the pace can be fast and specific topics could be explored in greater depth.
Strong focus on EVM and cash flow.
"The detailed module on the Earned Value Method was extremely helpful and well-explained."
"Understanding project cash flow dynamics was a major takeaway for me."
"The EVM section clarified concepts I had struggled with before."
"Found the discussions on contracts and cash flows very practical."
Good overview of key estimating topics.
"This course gave me a solid overview of the entire cost estimation and control process."
"It covered the essential types of estimates from conceptual to detailed design."
"I got a good grasp of the fundamental principles needed in cost management."
"Covers a wide range of topics, from quantity take-off to project close-out."
Insights from experienced professionals included.
"The guest lecturers from companies like Turner & Townsend provided invaluable real-world perspective."
"Hearing from industry experts made the concepts much more tangible and credible."
"The blend of academic theory and professional experience was fantastic."
"I really appreciated the lessons delivered by people working in the field."
Content directly applicable to industry work.
"The materials presented were highly relevant and directly applicable to my daily tasks in construction management."
"I was able to apply the estimating techniques learned almost immediately on my projects."
"This course gave me the practical tools I needed to improve my cost estimating skills."
"It feels very geared towards what you actually do in the construction field."
Some sections move fast, could be deeper.
"At times, the course moved quite fast, and I had to pause frequently to absorb the information."
"Some specific topics could benefit from a bit more detailed explanation or examples."
"While comprehensive, a few modules could go deeper into advanced techniques."
"I felt some topics were covered a bit too quickly to fully master them without extra study."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control with these activities:
Review 'Construction Cost Estimating' by Johnson
Reviewing 'Construction Cost Estimating' will prepare the learners to better understand the types of cost estimates in a construction project and the tools and methods used to create estimates.
Show steps
  • Summarize the key points of each chapter
  • Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter
  • Create a mind map of the concepts covered in the book
Form a study group with other learners in the online course
Forming a study group with other learners provides opportunities for collaboration, sharing knowledge, and discussing the course material.
Show steps
  • Reach out to other learners in the online course
  • Schedule regular meetings or study sessions
  • Discuss the course material
  • Work together on assignments or projects
Review and organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Reviewing and organizing course materials will help consolidate the information learned in the online course.
Show steps
  • Gather all relevant course materials
  • Review the materials and identify key concepts
  • Organize the materials into a logical structure
  • Create summaries or mind maps of the key concepts
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Identify and reach out to potential mentors in the field of construction cost estimating or cost control
Finding and connecting with mentors will provide valuable insights and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
Browse courses on Cost Estimating
Show steps
  • Research and identify potential mentors
  • Reach out to the potential mentors and introduce yourself
  • Schedule a meeting or call to discuss your goals and interests
  • Establish a mentorship relationship
Attend a workshop on construction cost estimating or cost control
Attending a workshop will help apply the theory learned in the online course to real-world situations.
Browse courses on Cost Estimating
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops
  • Register for a workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate
  • Take notes and ask questions
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers after the event
Estimate construction costs using a real-world project
Estimating construction costs using a real-world project enhances the understanding of the types of cost estimates and the tools and methods used to create estimates.
Browse courses on Cost Estimating
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world construction project
  • Gather the necessary data about the project
  • Use the data to estimate the construction costs
  • Compare the estimated costs to the actual costs
Develop a budget and cost control plan for a small construction project
Developing a budget and cost control plan for a project allows you to apply the knowledge gained in the online course to a practical situation.
Browse courses on Cost Estimating
Show steps
  • Identify a small construction project
  • Develop a scope of work for the project
  • Estimate the cost of the project
  • Develop a budget for the project
  • Develop a cost control plan for the project
Develop a cost control plan for a construction project
Creating a cost control plan enhances the understanding of the importance of controlling costs in a construction project.
Browse courses on Cost Control
Show steps
  • Identify the scope of the project
  • Establish a budget for the project
  • Develop a plan to track and monitor costs
  • Identify potential risks to the budget
  • Develop a plan to mitigate the risks

Career center

Learners who complete Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cost Estimator
Cost estimators determine the cost of construction projects. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to gather information about the project and then create a detailed estimate of the cost of the project. Cost estimators need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control principles. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful cost estimator.
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveyors measure the quantities of materials and labor required to complete a construction project. They then use this information to create a detailed estimate of the cost of the project. Quantity surveyors need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control principles. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful quantity surveyor.
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee the construction process from start to finish. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. Construction managers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the project. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful construction manager.
Project Manager
Project managers oversee all aspects of a construction project, from planning and design to construction and completion. They work with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. Project managers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the project. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful project manager.
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures. They work with clients to determine their needs and desires, and then create plans and drawings that meet those needs. Architects also oversee the construction process to ensure that the building is built according to their plans. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help prepare you for this career by providing you with the skills you need to estimate the cost of construction projects and to control costs during the construction process.
Structural Engineer
Structural engineers design and analyze the structural elements of buildings and other structures. They work with architects and other engineers to ensure that the structure is safe and stable. Structural engineers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the design of the structure. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful structural engineer.
Construction Consultant
Construction consultants provide advice and guidance to clients on all aspects of construction projects. They work with clients to develop project plans, select contractors, and manage the construction process. Construction consultants need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to provide sound advice to their clients. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful construction consultant.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water treatment plants. They also work with architects and other engineers to design and build buildings. Civil engineers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to ensure that their projects are completed on time and within budget. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this career.
Real Estate Developer
Real estate developers acquire land and develop it for residential, commercial, or industrial use. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to design and build projects. Real estate developers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about their projects. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful real estate developer.
Building Inspector
Building inspectors ensure that buildings comply with building codes and other regulations. They inspect buildings during construction and after completion to ensure that they are safe and habitable. Building inspectors need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the safety of buildings. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful building inspector.
Facility Manager
Facility managers oversee the operation and maintenance of buildings and other facilities. They work with building owners and occupants to ensure that the facility is safe, efficient, and well-maintained. Facility managers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the operation and maintenance of the facility. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful facility manager.
Property Manager
Property managers oversee the operation and maintenance of residential and commercial properties. They work with property owners and tenants to ensure that the property is safe, efficient, and well-maintained. Property managers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the operation and maintenance of the property. The Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful property manager.
Real Estate Appraiser
Real estate appraisers determine the value of real property. They work with buyers, sellers, and lenders to provide an estimate of the value of a property. Real estate appraisers need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the value of a property.
Construction Lender
Construction lenders provide loans to finance construction projects. They work with borrowers to assess the risk of the project and to determine the terms of the loan. Construction lenders need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to make informed decisions about the risk of the project.
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance underwriters assess the risk of insurance policies and determine the premiums that policyholders must pay. They work with insurance companies to develop and implement underwriting policies. Insurance underwriters need to have a strong understanding of construction cost estimating and cost control in order to assess the risk of construction projects.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control.
Comprehensive guide to construction cost estimating and cost control, providing a valuable reference for students and professionals alike. It covers the entire construction process, from feasibility studies to project closeout, and includes detailed examples and case studies to illustrate the principles discussed.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of cost engineering, covering topics such as cost estimating, cost control, project management, and risk analysis. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike, and can be used as a supplement to the course textbook.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project cost management in the construction industry, covering topics such as cost estimation, cost control, and project cash flow. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike, and can be used as a supplement to the course textbook.
Provides a comprehensive overview of construction project management, covering topics such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and quality control. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike, and can be used as a supplement to the course textbook.
Provides a comprehensive overview of earned value project management, a technique used to track project progress and performance. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike, and can be used as a supplement to the course textbook.
Provides a comprehensive overview of risk management in construction projects, covering topics such as risk identification, assessment, and mitigation. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike, and can be used as a supplement to the course textbook.
Provides a comprehensive overview of construction estimating and bidding, covering topics such as quantity takeoff, cost analysis, and bid preparation. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike, and can be used as a supplement to the course textbook.

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