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Neil R. Schulman

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.

Read more

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - The Construction Industry and Career
Week 2 - Project Players
Week 3 - Management and Leadership
Week 4 - Project Chronology
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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

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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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've selected 50 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 The Construction Management Industry and Profession.
Foundational text providing a comprehensive overview of project management principles and practices. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and is widely used as a reference and textbook in academic and professional settings. The seventh edition reflects current trends and approaches in project management, including adaptive and hybrid methodologies. It is highly valuable for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to solidify their understanding and as a reference for best practices.
Considered a core text in construction management studies, this book provides an in-depth understanding of the basics, methods, and real-world situations. It's a comprehensive resource that is consistently updated to reflect industry trends and is suitable for deepening understanding. It is widely used as a textbook.
Is an excellent starting point for those new to construction management, providing a clear and concise introduction to the field. It covers basic project management, cost estimation, scheduling, and more, making it accessible for beginners while still offering value for more experienced professionals. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals for foundational knowledge.
Sustainability key contemporary topic in construction. provides a comprehensive overview of green building principles, design, and delivery methods. It is essential reading for anyone interested in environmentally conscious construction practices, suitable for various levels from undergraduate to professional. The 5th edition recent publication.
Focuses on the application of project management principles to construction projects. It covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost control, and quality management.
A beginner's guide to key concepts, terms, processes, and practices in modern construction management. provides a broad understanding of the industry, covering management theory and practical applications like production, commercial, quality, health and safety, and environmental management. It's a comprehensive textbook suitable for students across construction-related disciplines.
A classic in the field, this book provides in-depth knowledge on planning construction projects, selecting appropriate equipment, and understanding various construction methods. It valuable reference for both students and professionals, particularly those involved in heavy civil construction. The 9th edition was published in 2018, making it relatively recent.
Considered a comprehensive guide and often referred to as a 'bible' in project management, this book offers a detailed systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. It is suitable for both students and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge. The book includes real-world case studies and covers a broad range of topics, making it a strong reference for various project scenarios.
Covers the fundamentals of construction scheduling, a critical component of effective project management. It offers practical insights into scheduling principles, techniques, and practices, making it an essential resource for both beginners and seasoned professionals. It includes real-world examples and case studies.
Another foundational book on Scrum, this guide by co-creator Ken Schwaber delves into applying Scrum for agile project management. It provides practical examples and is considered a must-read for those adopting agile approaches. is particularly useful for understanding how to implement Scrum practices in real-world projects.
This guide offers practical tips for managing construction projects successfully, covering planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and team leadership. It's valuable for both beginners and experienced professionals looking for practical advice and real-life examples. It can be used as a reference tool for navigating common challenges.
Providing comprehensive coverage of legislation, administration, and management of construction contracts, this book is essential for understanding the legal and contractual aspects of construction management. It compares different contract types like JCT, NEC, and FIDIC, making it a valuable reference for both students and practitioners.
Explores the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) across the lifecycle of a built asset. It is highly relevant to contemporary construction practices and provides insights into this transformative technology. Suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals seeking to understand and implement BIM.
Focuses specifically on the crucial aspects of planning and scheduling in construction projects. It provides detailed methods and techniques essential for effective project management, making it valuable for deepening understanding in this key area. It useful reference tool for practitioners.
Key resource for understanding estimating and planning in agile environments. It provides practical techniques for creating realistic plans and managing scope in iterative projects. It is essential reading for those working with or transitioning to agile methodologies.
This comprehensive textbook covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of construction management. It is essential reading for students across construction disciplines and ideal for those with non-cognate degrees entering construction management, providing a broad base of understanding. It includes current topics like BIM and sustainability.
Considered a widely used textbook, this book covers the fundamental principles of construction management. It is suitable for undergraduate students and provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, including planning, organizing, and controlling construction projects. It useful reference tool for students and early career professionals.
Comprehensive guide to the legal and managerial aspects of construction contracts. It covers various contract types and key legal principles, making it an essential reference for students and professionals involved in contract administration and management.
Is designed as a basic guide for beginners in project management. It covers fundamental concepts in an easy-to-understand manner, making it suitable for those new to the topic or serving as unofficial project managers. It provides a solid starting point for learning the basics of project planning and management.
Focuses on the complexities of managing large-scale construction projects (megaprojects). It is suitable for those seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced project management concepts and challenges specific to complex projects. It draws on practical experience in the field.
Explores the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and technology in construction management. It covers practical advice and workflows for leveraging BIM throughout the project lifecycle, addressing a contemporary topic of increasing importance in the industry. It useful reference for understanding modern construction practices.
Accurate cost estimating is critical for project success. provides a comprehensive breakdown of cost analysis and estimating methods used in construction. It valuable resource for students and professionals involved in bidding, budgeting, and cost control.
Provides a detailed look at project management specifically within the construction industry. It valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of how project management principles are applied in construction contexts. It is suitable for both students and practitioners.
Ensuring quality key aspect of successful construction projects. focuses on quality management principles and their application in the construction industry. It valuable resource for students and professionals interested in quality control and assurance. The second edition was published in 2017.
This hands-on guide provides practical techniques for project planning, scheduling, and control. It is focused on helping project managers deliver projects on time and within budget. useful reference for actionable strategies and tools in these key project management areas.
Safety is paramount in construction. This handbook provides essential information on safety regulations, practices, and risk management in the construction environment. It crucial reference for all levels, from students learning about site safety to professionals responsible for safety management.
Offers a practical guide to implementing lean construction principles specifically in the field. It provides tools and techniques for site-level application, making it highly relevant for students and professionals involved in on-site management and operations.
Offers practical strategies and insights on defining, leading, and managing projects through a series of essays. Based on the author's experience in software and web development, it provides relatable anecdotes for both technical and non-technical readers. It is valuable for gaining a practical perspective on project planning and execution beyond just methodologies.
Lean construction principles are gaining traction in the industry for improving efficiency and reducing waste. explores the theory and practical application of lean construction methods. It is relevant for those seeking to implement innovative management approaches, suitable for advanced students and professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of construction planning and project management. It covers topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost control, and quality management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of sustainable building, covering topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and green building materials.
Offers a step-by-step guide to performing project risk analysis and management. It covers identifying and managing risks, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and using tools like Monte Carlo simulations. This practical guide suitable for students and practitioners looking to understand and apply risk management techniques in project planning.
Sharing extensive experience in running a construction business, this practical guide covers aspects from bidding and contracts to project management and client relations. It offers real-world insights valuable for anyone looking to start or improve a construction business, providing practical knowledge beyond theoretical concepts.
Focuses on connecting project management to strategic goals, providing practical tools for leaders and teams. It helps in understanding how project planning aligns with broader organizational objectives. This useful resource for those who need to ensure their projects contribute effectively to business strategy.
Focuses on the business aspects of the construction industry, providing guidance on managing a profitable construction company. It is particularly relevant for professionals and those aspiring to leadership roles, covering financial strategies and business management.
Another foundational text on building construction, this book provides detailed information on materials and methods used in construction. A strong understanding of these fundamentals is essential for effective construction management. It is often used as a textbook in architecture and construction programs.
This authoritative guide provides comprehensive coverage of scheduling and control specifically for construction projects. It is written for both practicing professionals and students in related fields. While focused on construction, it offers valuable insights into scheduling principles applicable to other project types, making it a strong reference for detailed scheduling techniques.
A strong understanding of financial management and accounting is essential for construction professionals. covers the fundamental financial and accounting principles relevant to the construction industry, providing a solid base for managing project finances.
This practical guide offers insights into building and managing a successful construction company. It covers various aspects of business operations and strategy, making it valuable for professionals and entrepreneurs in the construction sector.
Understanding the economic principles driving the construction industry is vital. offers a contemporary perspective on construction economics, covering topics such as market dynamics, cost analysis, and investment decisions. It is suitable for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals in finance and management roles.
A classic in software engineering and project management, this book offers timeless insights into the human elements and challenges of managing complex projects, particularly in software development. While not solely focused on planning, it provides crucial context on team dynamics and productivity that heavily influence planning outcomes. It is more valuable as additional reading for a deeper understanding of project complexities.
Offers an introduction to construction law, progressing from basic concepts to more advanced topics. It is suitable for students and practitioners who need to understand the legal landscape of the construction industry.
Focuses on the critical aspect of quality management within project management. It helps project practitioners understand the importance of quality throughout the project lifecycle, from planning to execution. It valuable resource for ensuring that project outcomes meet required standards.
Provides a practical guide to stakeholder management, drawing on the author's extensive experience in the field. It is particularly useful for project managers and other professionals who want to develop their stakeholder management skills.
Offers a comprehensive introduction to infrastructure finance, including different types of financing instruments and the role of public-private partnerships.
Provides a comprehensive overview of stakeholder management, covering the entire stakeholder lifecycle from identification to engagement and management. It is particularly relevant for project managers and other professionals who need to understand and manage stakeholders effectively.
Presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable infrastructure development, emphasizing the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental aspects.

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