Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management from edX

In this course we will review the owner’s primary goal in choosing a project delivery method to ensure that the planned project will meet the project goals and objectives, fit within the culture of their organization, and at the same time allow the project to be delivered on time, within budget, and achieve good quality.

We will review the primary project delivery method arrangements with their advantages and disadvantages, and cover the three major types of contracts. It is the owner’s requirement to analyze the project delivery method advantages and disadvantages. The best way to do this is to examine the project risks and major categories of project risk.

Next, we’ll address design. Good design is a result of collaboration among many different people, including the construction manager, architect, engineers, and owner. Although there is always a lead designer, the project is a combination of the collaborative process and consultation with other experts.

In this course we describe the roles and responsibilities of the construction management professional during the design phase:

Understanding value engineering.
Tasks that fall outside the design activities. These include investigations of local conditions, construction practices, labor markets, and the site conditions.
Knowing when to bid a project. Significant time and costs are incurred in preparing a bid. To bid or not to bid.
Know the construction phase, and how the work is the same no matter what contract form or project delivery method was chosen.
Summarize the activities necessary to properly organize and prepare a project for construction.

The construction phase can be the most exciting part of the project cycle. Every day the job conditions change. There will always be problems to solve, logistical challenges to meet, and new people to work with. This is the job of the construction manager.

What you'll learn

Comprehend the construction project and construction process
Comparing the role of a general contractor and the two types of a construction manager
The process of change management, change orders and contract modifications
The use of constructability reviews during the design phase
Understanding the need for preconstruction services and how it is applied in the construction industry
The use of separate contracts where needed or required, and understanding contract documents
The application of project cost control in project management
Understanding how to manage complex projects and its contractual relationships
The comparison of lump sum bid contracts vs. negotiated contracts in both the private sector and the public arena
How to deal with the various stakeholders and how to use construction team members to collaborate with them

What's inside

Learning objectives

Comprehend the construction project and construction process
Comparing the role of a general contractor and the two types of a construction manager
The process of change management, change orders and contract modifications
The use of constructability reviews during the design phase
Understanding the need for preconstruction services and how it is applied in the construction industry

The use of separate contracts where needed or required, and understanding contract documents
The application of project cost control in project management
Understanding how to manage complex projects and its contractual relationships
The comparison of lump sum bid contracts vs. negotiated contracts in both the private sector and the public arena
How to deal with the various stakeholders and how to use construction team members to collaborate with them

Comprehend the construction project and construction process
Comparing the role of a general contractor and the two types of a construction manager
The process of change management, change orders and contract modifications
The use of constructability reviews during the design phase
Understanding the need for preconstruction services and how it is applied in the construction industry
The use of separate contracts where needed or required, and understanding contract documents
The application of project cost control in project management
Understanding how to manage complex projects and its contractual relationships
The comparison of lump sum bid contracts vs. negotiated contracts in both the private sector and the public arena
How to deal with the various stakeholders and how to use construction team members to collaborate with them

Syllabus

Week 1: Project delivery methods.

Week 2: The Construction Manager role during Design.

Week 3: Bidding and Procurement.

Week 4: Managing from construction to closeout

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Develops skills for management in the construction industry

Taught by an instructor with significant experience in the field

Provides a comprehensive overview of the construction project lifecycle

Covers key topics such as project delivery methods, design management, and construction management

Suitable for both beginners and professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in construction management

Offered through a reputable provider with a strong track record in online education

Reviews summary

Essential construction project delivery & contracts

According to learners, this course provides a solid and practical foundation in project delivery methods and contracts within construction management. Many find the content highly relevant to their professional roles, appreciating the clear explanations of complex topics like change orders and various contract types. While broadly praised for its comprehensive overview, some students found certain sections too basic for experienced professionals, desiring more in-depth case studies or advanced discussions on specific legal aspects. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for comprehending construction processes and contractual relationships.

Offers a comprehensive introduction to key concepts in construction project delivery.

"I found it an excellent overview of delivery methods and contracts, covering all the basics comprehensively."

"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course, especially in contract types."

"I gained a good foundation for understanding CM roles and various contract arrangements."

The course content is well-organized and clearly explained.

"I found the instructor explains complex concepts clearly, making them easy to grasp."

"I found it informative and well-structured. The lectures are easy to follow."

"I appreciate how the course breaks down intricate topics into understandable segments."

Provides practical tools and strategies for construction professionals.

"I found the modules on stakeholder management and cost control directly applicable. Great insights into the owner's perspective."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

"I found this course covers essential topics that are highly relevant to current industry practices."

Some learners wished for more practical case studies or hands-on exercises.

"The discussion on lump sum vs. negotiated contracts was great, but I wished there were more case studies."

"I believe it could benefit from additional real-world scenarios to illustrate the concepts further."

"I wish there were more hands-on exercises related to contract drafting to apply the knowledge."

May be too foundational for experienced professionals seeking advanced insights.

"For experienced professionals, it might be too basic, as I was hoping for more in-depth analysis."

"I was hoping for more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques."

"The content felt a bit introductory; I was expecting a more advanced discussion on specific legal aspects."

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 Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management with these activities:

Revise core concepts of construction project management

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Review and refresh basic principles of project management in the construction industry.

Browse courses on Construction Project Management

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Review project lifecycle and phases
Recall key roles and responsibilities of stakeholders

Review Contracts

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Review common contract types as a foundation for course learning

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Identify employment contracts
Identify sale contracts
Identify contract amendments

Read 'Project Management for Dummies' by Stanley E. Portny

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of project management fundamentals and best practices.

View Project Management For Dummies on Amazon

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Read and comprehend each chapter
Take notes and highlight key concepts

Four other activities

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Practice estimating project costs and timelines

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Strengthen skills in resource allocation, risk assessment, and project scheduling.

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Review project estimation techniques
Analyze historical project data
Calculate cost estimates using various methods
Develop project timelines and Gantt charts

Prepare a project initiation document (PID)

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Develop a comprehensive plan to guide project execution and ensure stakeholder alignment.

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Gather project requirements and scope
Identify stakeholders and their interests
Define project objectives and success criteria
Create a project schedule and budget
Document project assumptions and risks

Seek out experienced project managers as mentors

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Get advice from experts in the field, gain practical insights, and expand professional network.

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Research potential mentors
Reach out to identified individuals
Build relationships and seek guidance

Contribute to open-source project management tools

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Gain practical experience and showcase skills by collaborating on real-world projects.

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Identify open-source project management platforms
Review codebases and identify areas for improvement
Submit bug reports, feature requests, and code contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Construction Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager leads construction projects, from conception all the way to closeout. This course provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in construction. Whether you want to become a Construction Manager or simply want to enhance your knowledge in this area, this course will equip you with the knowledge you need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Architect

Architects design and plan the construction of buildings and other structures. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the construction process, which will be helpful in your career as an Architect. You will learn about the different types of contracts used in construction, the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved, and the importance of value engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems. This course will provide you with a good understanding of the construction process, which will be helpful for your career as a Civil Engineer. You will learn about the different types of contracts that can be used in construction, the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved, and the importance of value engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers design the structural elements of buildings and other structures. This course will provide you with a good understanding of the construction process, which will be helpful for your career as a Structural Engineer. You will learn about the different types of contracts that can be used in construction, the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved, and the importance of value engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning and execution of projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers in the construction industry as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved. You will also learn how to manage projects to ensure that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quantity Surveyor

Quantity Surveyors estimate and control the cost of construction projects. This course may be useful for Quantity Surveyors as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the importance of project cost control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantity Surveyor

Construction Estimator

Construction Estimators estimate the cost of construction projects. This course may be useful for Construction Estimators as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the importance of project cost control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Estimator

Real Estate Developer

Real Estate Developers acquire and develop land for construction projects. This course may be useful for Real Estate Developers as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the importance of project cost control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Construction Superintendent

Construction Superintendents oversee the construction of projects. This course may be useful for Construction Superintendents as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Superintendent

Construction Inspector

Construction Inspectors ensure that construction projects comply with building codes and regulations. This course may be useful for Construction Inspectors as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the importance of project cost control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Inspector

Facilities Manager

Facilities Managers oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings and other facilities. This course may be useful for Facilities Managers as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the importance of project cost control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Cost Engineer

Cost Engineers estimate and control the cost of engineering projects. This course may be useful for Cost Engineers as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the importance of project cost control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cost Engineer

Contracts Manager

Contracts Managers oversee the negotiation and administration of contracts. This course may be useful for Contracts Managers in the construction industry as it provides an overview of the different types of contracts that can be used in construction, the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved, and the importance of contract management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Contracts Manager

Purchasing Manager

Purchasing Managers oversee the procurement of goods and services. This course may be useful for Purchasing Managers in the construction industry as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the importance of project cost control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Purchasing Manager

Site Manager

Site Managers oversee the construction of projects on a daily basis. This course may be useful for Site Managers as it provides an overview of the construction process, the different types of contracts that can be used, and the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved.

See salaries and explore the career path for Site Manager