This intensive Level 7 Construction Management course takes place over a series of 20 detailed modules, as outlined below:
Module 1 - Construction Management - An Introduction
The course begins by providing learners with a broad introduction to the construction sector, along with the primary features of the construction industry and the role of the construction manager. The size, and value and scope of the construction industry are discussed, alongside an introduction to productivity, labour quality and supervision for the construction agency.
Module 2 - Organization of Construction Projects
Candidates are then familiarised with how construction projects are organized and implemented, with a detailed breakdown of the project lifecycle and the different phases of the construction project. Additional topics covered include project statutory clearance, investment appraisal, project scope definition, the project procurement process and more.
Module 3 - Understanding Work Breakdown Structure
The role of a work breakdown structure in the field of construction is discussed in the third module, in which candidates consider the benefits of an effective work breakdown structure and the process of creating a work breakdown structure. The potential consequences of an ineffective or inefficient work breakdown structure are also discussed.
Module 4 - Estimation Process and Aligning Resources for a Project
An introduction to the estimation process in construction projects follows in Module Four, in which candidates are provided with tips and guidelines for increasing estimation accuracy. Additional topics covered include identifying task dependencies, task dependency types and issues that can occur due to inaccurate estimations.
Module 5 - Effective Project Planning
The importance of strategic and effective project planning is discussed in Module Five, in which various tools and techniques for improved project planning are presented. Topics covered include the use of network diagrams, how to create different types of network diagrams, the critical path method, PERT vs. CPM and more.
Module 6 - Project Risk Management and Communication Plans
Candidates then consider the extent to which risk management plays a critical role at the heart of all successful construction projects. Monitoring and controlling risk from a construction management perspective is discussed, along with the concept of uncertainty in risk management and the role of risk management in key planning processes.
Module 7 - Cost Estimation
A more detailed examination of construction project cost estimation follows in the seventh module. Several primary estimation tasks and concepts are discussed, including estimations during feasibility studies, estimating for planning and scheduling, estimating for variations and estimating for revision of project budgets.
Module 8 - Preliminary Site Investigation and Assessment
The logistics of conducting preliminary site investigations and assessments are presented and considered in Module Eight. Key topics brought into discussion include Environmental Impact Studies, the different types of buildings, engineering geology, flood plains, flood protection, zoning and other factors that affect site suitability.
Module 9 - Site Organisation in Construction industry
The importance of effective and efficient construction site organization is examined in the ninth module. Candidates consider the various day-to-day activities that take place on a construction site and the organisation of site facilities, including accommodation, officing, utilities and workforce health and safety provisions.
Module 10 - Construction Equipment Planning
Candidates are then introduced to the process of selecting, procuring and planning for construction equipment requirements. The advantages and disadvantages of purchasing equipment over leasing or hiring are discussed, along with owning and operating cost considerations, equipment productivity and more.
Module 11 - Management of Construction Equipment
Construction equipment management continues as the core focus in Module 11, which brings inventory management and stock keeping into discussion. Additional topics covered include the establishment and maintenance of a spare parts inventory, stock planning, field repairs, maintenance facilities and more.
Module 12 - Management of Construction Materials
The importance of effective material handling policies and practices is raised in Module 12, which introduces candidates to several common issues affecting material management. Tips and guidelines for efficient material management in construction are presented, along with equipment handling and the concept of quality specifications.
Module 13 - Human Resources Management
An overview of human resource management functions and roles in construction is presented in Module 13, focusing on the objectives of manpower planning at a construction site. Tools, techniques and resources for more effective manpower planning in construction are also provided, along with the benefits of efficient HR management.
Module 14 - Building Better Teams
Each of the main stages of team development are presented and discussed in Module 14, which covers defining, evaluating and managing teams from a construction management perspective. The advantages of building and maintaining high-performing teams are discussed, along with common challenges in building effective teams and how to overcome them.
Module 15 - Conflict Management
Conflict as an inevitability in the workplace environment is explored in Module 15, in which learners consider the potential positive of conflict, disagreement and dispute. The different stages of conflict are discussed, along with common causes of conflict, the different types of conflict and the importance of communication in conflict resolution.
Module 16 - How to Manage Anger and Violence in the Workplace
An introduction to workplace violence and the prevention of violent incidents follows in Module 16, along with the role of communication in anger management and incident prevention. Candidates learn how to develop and implement a policy and program for workplace violence prevention, and subsequently monitor its effectiveness.
Module 17 - Storage Management
Equipment and material storage considerations in construction are then brought into discussion, along with an overview of procurement processes. Topics covered include the elements of purchasing, material purchasing systems, storage systems and procedures, management of receipts and more.
Module 18 - Purchasing and Vendor Management
The benefits of establishing and maintaining good vendor relations are examined in the next module, in which candidates learn how to assess, rate and select appropriate vendors. Several effective methods for evaluating and rating vendors are discussed, along with instances where cutting ties with current vendors may be necessary.
Module 19 - Quality Control for Construction Works
The criticality of consistent quality control throughout construction projects is detailed and discussed in Module 19, which presents learners with helpful tips, tools and techniques for improved quality control. Additional topics covered include contractor quality control, the scope of quality control and the appropriate use of incentives and penalties.
Module 20 - Legal Aspects of Contracting
Concluding the course, Module 20 examines the legal aspects of contracting in the construction sector. Key topics covered include insurance contracts and claims, competitive bid contracts, unit price contracts, combined lump sum contracts and the potential consequences of a breach of contract.
