The Construction Management Industry and Profession from Coursera

The industry and profession in construction management is big business. The construction industry will continue to play a key role in society.

Opportunities in construction management are endless. The course covers some of the following topics:

1. Characteristics that define the construction industry.

2. Four major sectors of construction management projects.

3. Current trends within the construction industry and role in society.

4. Skills to lead construction, specifically the Owner, Designer, and Construction Manager, and key

stakeholders.

5. This course concentrates on the people who fill the roles of owner, designer, and construction

manager, and must understand the following:

Responsibility and authority of the key construction management participants.

1. How is the construction industry changing?

2. Construction companies need leaders.

3. Continuous quality improvement.

4. The three forms of business organizations.

5. Characteristics of an effective construction management leader.

6. The art and science of organizing and leading a construction management project.

7. How the life of a facility goes through phases starting out as an idea combined with money and a project is born.

8. Understand planning, design, and construction tasks and how people are involved in the lifecycle of a building.

9 . Analyze the need for the facility and whether it is economically feasible. This is life-cycle cost

analysis.

10. Differentiate construction workers , their construction trade , and work experience.

11. What is the employment growth in the construction industry?

12. Differences in building construction projects and infrastructure projects.

13. How to use project management techniques in construction management.

14. Best practices in communication skills and field operations.

15. Construction methods and materials.

16. The role of civil engineering and other engineering disciplines.

17. Improving your construction experience and benefiting from real world lessons learned.

18. Architects design the project. Construction management professionals build the project at the

construction site. All parties need to work in harmony to fulfill the functions that must be performed.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - The Construction Industry and Career

Week 2 - Project Players

Week 3 - Management and Leadership

Week 4 - Project Chronology

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Increases learners' knowledge in construction industry and role in society

Provides a strong foundation for learners interested in construction management

Focuses on skills and perspectives for key roles in the construction management lifecycle

Curriculum includes practices and trends in the construction industry

Covers project management techniques and their application in construction industry

May require additional knowledge and experience to fully comprehend course material effectively

Reviews summary

Overview of construction management industry

According to students, this course provides a solid foundational understanding of the construction management industry and profession. Learners appreciate the comprehensive overview of key roles and stakeholders, including owners, designers, and construction managers, and the exploration of current industry trends. The course is seen as beneficial for developing leadership skills and understanding project management techniques within the construction context. While offering a broad perspective, some suggest it serves as an excellent starting point for those new to the field, though experienced professionals might seek more in-depth, specialized topics.

Good for beginners, but may lack advanced technical depth.

"While comprehensive, I found it more of an introduction rather than an in-depth technical course."

"It’s great for newcomers, but experienced professionals might find some topics too high-level."

"I wished there was more detailed coverage on specific construction methods or materials."

Discusses evolving trends and future of the construction sector.

"The module on current trends helped me grasp where the industry is heading."

"I learned about the changing landscape of construction and economic feasibility."

"It gave me insight into employment growth and the need for new leaders."

Focuses on leadership and project management techniques.

"I appreciated the emphasis on leadership and practical project management techniques."

"The course showed me how to apply management principles directly to construction projects."

"It helped me understand the importance of communication in field operations."

Explores the responsibilities of essential project participants.

"I finally understood the distinct roles of the Owner, Designer, and Construction Manager."

"It clarifies who does what in a construction project, which was really helpful for me."

"The segment on stakeholder responsibilities provided valuable clarity."

Provides a wide-ranging introduction to the construction field.

"I gained a much better understanding of the entire construction industry and its various sectors."

"The course covers a broad range of topics, giving me a solid grasp of how the industry functions."

"It's an excellent starting point for anyone looking to enter or understand construction management."

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 The Construction Management Industry and Profession with these activities:

Practice project management techniques, such as using Gantt charts and PERT charts

Show steps

Regularly practicing these techniques will help you master the tools and methods used in construction management.

Browse courses on Project Management

Show steps

Find online resources or tutorials on Gantt charts and PERT charts.
Practice creating and using these charts for hypothetical construction projects.

Volunteer with a construction-related organization, such as Habitat for Humanity

Show steps

Volunteering will provide you with practical experience and allow you to give back to the community.

Browse courses on Construction Management

Show steps

Find a construction-related organization in your community.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Follow tutorials on construction management software, such as AutoCAD or Revit

Show steps

Proficiency in construction management software is essential in the field.

Browse courses on Construction Management

Show steps

Find online tutorials or courses on construction management software.
Follow the tutorials and practice using the software.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Read Construction Management by Daniel W. Halpin and Ronald W. Howard

Show steps

Review this reference textbook to build a concrete foundation of construction management concepts and best practices.

Show steps

Read through each chapter, taking detailed notes on key topics.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.

Create a business plan for a construction management company

Show steps

Developing a business plan will allow you to apply your construction management knowledge in a practical setting and enhance your entrepreneurial skills.

Browse courses on Construction Management

Show steps

Research the construction industry and identify potential business opportunities.
Develop a business concept and write a mission statement.
Create a marketing plan to attract clients.
Forecast your financial projections and develop a budget.

Start a small construction project, such as building a shed or renovating a bathroom

Show steps

Practical hands-on experience will greatly enhance your understanding of construction management principles and challenges.

Browse courses on Construction

Show steps

Plan the project, including materials, budget, and timeline.
Purchase materials and equipment.
Build the project according to your plan.
Document your project, including any challenges and lessons learned.

Attend workshops on construction management topics, such as risk management or sustainable construction

Show steps

Workshops provide valuable opportunities to learn from industry experts and network with other professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Construction Management

Show steps

Research construction management workshops and identify those that align with your interests.
Register and attend the workshops.

Create a blog or vlog about your construction management experiences

Show steps

Regularly creating content about construction management will solidify your learning and help you refine your communication skills.

Browse courses on Construction Management

Show steps

Choose a blogging or vlogging platform and create an account.
Develop a content calendar and plan your posts or videos.
Create high-quality content that is informative and engaging.
Promote your blog or vlog on social media and other channels.

Career center

Learners who complete The Construction Management Industry and Profession will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

The Construction Management Industry and Profession

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Overview of construction management industry

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses