Building Construction Management Courses

A survey of the construction industry.  Includes the overall construction process from initial concept through startup of the complete facility, career opportunities in the construction industry, and an introduction to the materials and systems used in construction, with an emphasis on vocabulary building.

Prerequisites: BCM 10000 or BCM 10001, and MA 15800 or equivalent.

This course is designed to develop the surveying skills necessary to measure distances, horizontal and vertical angles, and differences in elevations; and, to compute tape corrections, traverses, and layout data.  Emphasis is placed on accuracy of measurements, precise operation of instruments, completeness in performing laboratory exercises, and keeping of accurate field notes.

FOR NON-MAJORS ONLY.
An introductory study of materials and systems used in structures.  The study of materials includes structures, superstructures, special structures, and construction features.  A qualitative approach is taken with emphasis on vocabulary building.

Prerequisites: BCM 10000 or BCM 10001, and MA 15800 or equivalent. 

Students acquire basic skills in construction methods, quantity estimating, plan reading, and project documentation through hands-on laboratory experience assembling construction materials.  Computer utilization includes word processing, spreadsheets and computer graphics.

Prerequisite: BCM 11200 or BCM 11201 or consent of instructor.
Application of surveying skills relevant to the field of construction.  Projects include layout of buildings, route centerlines, indirect determination of elevation and distance, referencing, establishment of grade, topographic mapping, and earthwork computations.  Instruments used will include transit, theodolite, automatic level, laser and EDM.

Prerequisite: BCM 17500.
Principles of code, design, methods, and materials are applied to plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for buildings.  The comprehension of mechanical construction plans and specifications is emphasized through exercise in mechanical estimating.

Prerequisite: BCM 17500.
Principles of code and basic concepts in electrical theory, materials, methods, design and estimating are applied to electrical systems for buildings.  Comprehension of electrical construction plans and specifications as well as installation exercises are emphasized through lab experiences.

FOR NON-MAJORS ONLY. 
An introductory study of piping, HVAC, and electrical systems, and related materials used in buildings.

Prerequisite: BCM 17500.
The study of administrative functions and project delivery methods common in the construction industry.  Documentation from project startup through closeout will be covered as well as ethics and professionalism, and written and oral communications in construction.

Prerequisites: BCM 17500 and CGT 16400.
Principles of graphic communication are applied to drawing and reading construction plans with emphasis on the use of computer-aided design software.  Techniques for measuring items of construction work from plans and specifications are also covered.

Prerequisites:  PHYS 21800 or equivalent, and MA 22100 or equivalent.

Principles of statics and strength of materials including properties of materials, forces, equilibrium, stresses and strains are studied.  Emphasis is placed on understanding the behavior of structural components associated with the construction process.

Prerequisite: MGMT 20000 or MGMT 20010 (for non-majors).
An introduction to methods for recognizing revenue for long-term construction contracts and each method’s impact on financial statements.  Includes introduction to analysis of financial statements and their use in developing company budgets, projecting cash needs, pricing construction projects, and forecasting the impact of business decisions on construction company profit.

Prerequisite:  BCM 21500.
Costs conditioned by the contract documents for building mechanical systems are studied.  The course will focus on the methods used to estimate the cost of commercial plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems.  The course will utilize computer estimating systems.

Prerequisite:  BCM 21600 or BCM 21601. 
Costs dictated by the contract documents for the electrical systems in residential, commercial, industrial, specialty, and line construction projects are studied.  The course will utilize computer estimating systems.

Prerequisite: BCM 21500, and BCM 21600 or BCM 21601.
The principles of project management are applied to case studies of electrical construction projects.  Topics include estimating, trade coordination, labor productivity, labor relations, scheduling, management of subcontractors and general contractors, document control and administration, contract law, and subcontractor’s risk.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or higher, PHYS 21800. 
Introductory topics in the DRR concentration are discussed; causes of disasters and dimensions of their effects, protocols, equipment, and techniques of restoration and reconstruction, including project and business management practices and imperatives of DRR contractors.

Prerequisite: BCM 32000;  co-requisite BCM 34500 and BCM 35000. 
Advanced topics in DRR to further develop student ability to integrate knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for effective project management in the concentration.  Typically includes scenario-driven role play with chronologically sequential project-level managerial problem-solving exercises.

Prerequisite: BCM major or instructor approval. 
This course introduces the opportunities and challenges in demolition and reconstruction management.  Topics include: introduction to industry regulation, project planning, labor and equipment utilization, techniques and technologies, hazardous materials, issues involving historic properties, material reuse and recycling, safety and risk management, estimating and cost control, project feasibility, issues of ethics, and company management.

Prerequisite: BCM 33000 or instructor approval; co-requisite: BCM 35000 or instructor approval.
Advanced topics in demolition and reconstruction management to further develop the students’ ability to integrate knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for effective project management in the concentration.  Emphasis is placed on project level planning, problem solving, and execution.

Prerequisite: BCM major or instructor approval 
This course explores the allocation and distribution of construction resources in the healthcare construction sector and an overview of current theories and research.  Topics include the demand for health care, health insurance, hospitals and the services of all the possible healthcare professional stakeholders. A thorough understanding of the environment of care and all codes and standards relative to the constructors approach to this complex environment.

Prerequisite: BCM 21500, BCM 21600 or BCM 21601, BCM 34000 and BCM 34500.
A study of all facilities used in the health-care industry, ranging from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes and laboratories, emphasizing the interrelationship of planning, design, and construction.  Topics include infectious materials control, disruption avoidance, rapid technology changes, and advanced/non-typical mechanical and electrical systems.

Co-requisite: BCM 37500.
A study of the planning and control of construction projects.  Time schedules for materials, labor, and equipment.  Emphasis is on CPM scheduling.

Prerequisite: BCM 27500.
A study of material handling principles and their application in preparing a site utilization plan.  The selection and use of construction equipment is emphasized.

Prerequisities: BCM 35000, and OLS 27400 and junior standing.

A study of the required skills, duties, responsibilities, and leadership of construction on-site supervisory personnel and how they related to managing people on a jobsite. Emphasis is placed on understanding the multiple stakeholders, communication, collaboration, planning, and problem solving. This course will examine how the success of overall construction project is directly tied to the skills of key supervisors or superintendents.

Prerequisite: BCM major or instructor approval.
A study of the best building practices in residential construction, based upon green building standards, energy star, and other national programs, including partial fulfillment of the requirements for the certified green professional designation (CGP) from the National Association of Home Builders.

Prerequisite: BCM 27500 or instructor approval.
A study of the field supervision practices related to the construction of a residential structure, including coordinating mechanical and electrical system installations, and fulfilling the requirements for residential construction superintendent designation (RCS), sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders/Home Builders Institute.

Prerequisite: instructor approval.
A multi-disciplinary course where students from several majors work together as a team, developing a proposal for a development project, which is presented at a student competition.  Topics include a variety of project types, including land development, design/build, residential, commercial and heavy highway.

Prerequisites: BCM 21500, BCM 21600 or 21601, BCM 25000 or 25001, and BCM 27500.

A study of the methods and procedures used to identify, measure and value items of construction work.  Application of computer software to estimating tasks is featured.

Prerequisite: BCM 28500.
An overview of concrete construction including material composition, behavior and handling of concrete, formwork, and concrete reinforcement.

Prerequisite: BCM 28500.
A study of the properties of soils in relation to construction.  The students will be introduced to soil testing and classification, subsurface soil investigation, soil compaction and stabilization stress distribution in soil, strength of soil, soil consolidation and related structure settlement, earth pressure on retaining structures, and stability analysis of slopes. The student will also be introduced to the productivity and costs of earthmoving equipment.

Prerequisite: BCM 21200 and approval of instructor.
A study of the duties of the field engineer, and their application to projects involving construction surveying techniques, site utilization and daily scheduling.  Field trips are required.

Prerequisite:  BCM 21500, BCM 21600 or BCM 21601, and BCM 34500.  
The student will study, develop, and analyze conceptual design and conceptual estimating of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and specialty systems in construction. The principles of design/build construction will be applied to case studies of actual residential, commercial, industrial, and specialty construction projects. Topics include building systems, criteria and selection, economic feasibility, value engineering, customer control, and value-added construction services.

A study of sustainable construction meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; evaluating the consumption of resources and environmental depletion and degradation; examining subsidiary issues of materials, energy, water, land use, and the integration of the natural and built environments, including an overview of emerging delivery systems for high performance green buildings.  The U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria are discussed in detail.

Prerequisite: senior standing, BCM 32100 and BCM 34500; co-requisite BCM 35500 or BCM 35501, and BCM 47500.
Preparation for industrial concentration by faculty and practitioner-guided study and analysis of a current DRR problem.  Culminates in a formal oral presentation and paper whose position is justified on the basis of the study and application of earlier coursework.  In addition to faculty oversight, each student is typically guided by a practicing manager of the DRR industry who serves as a mentor to further develop student management potential.

Prerequisite: Senior Standing and MGMT 45500.

Contract law, business policy and management aspects of construction companies are studied. Included are ethics, public relations, business development, business plans, bonds, insurance, and human resource management considerations.  In addition, this course will entail a study of the law of enforceable agreements, Contract Law, and the law of delegated authority, Agency Law, as they apply to the construction industry and company management.  It will also include a review of case law applications and a study of administrative documents and processes that relate to company management.

Prerequisite: Junior Standing.
This course will examine the impact of safety on the construction industry, including in-depth discussion on the application of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry (29 CFR PART 1926).  The emphasis of this course is to provide training for jobsite supervisory personnel. This course will also fulfill the requirements for the OSHA 30-Hour Card.

Prerequisite:  BCM 34500.
The principles of residential land development are applied to a case study of an actual planned residential project from concept to completion.  Topics include subdivision development, planning, estimating, scheduling, construction process management, customer service, cost analysis, proposal writing, and individual and team presentations.

A study of the design/build project delivery system for residential construction, including home design fundamentals, construction methods, disability code requirements, building code requirements; and includes partial fulfillment of the requirements for the National Association of Home Builders, Certified Aging-In-Place (CAPS) designation.

Prerequisite: BCM 37500.
A study of construction costs, including analysis of field records, job cost accounting, job cost control, and determination of unit prices.

Prerequisites: Senior Standing, BCM 34500, BCM 35500 or BCM 35501, BCM 45500 or BCM 45501; co-requisites:  BCM 47500. 
A comprehensive course that summarizes the construction industry.  Emphasis is placed on the “Big Picture” and how the stake holders, processes, and tasks come together to complete a complex construction project.  Skills attained in previous coursework and internships will be utilized in industry simulations and comprehensive projects.  Industry participants will also be utilized in the coursework to create real world challenges.

Special assignments for students who wish to undertake individual study on approved topics.

Management and control of projects from authorization to start of construction. Project success factors, conceptual and parametric estimating, design planning and management constructability review techniques and value engineering methods. Real estate transactions. Land zoning, platting, development and pro forma calculations. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written departmental department or instructor approval. Non BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

Advanced techniques for assessing the success of construction project management including schedule cost, safety and quality measurements. Impacts of pre planning, human factors, and communication systems on quality and productivity. Statistical methods for analysis of construction operations. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written department or instructor approval. Non-BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

Principles of construction company business management for U.S. companies. Executive-level construction functions including strategic planning, organizational structure, and ownership structure including succession planning. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written department or instructor approval. Non-BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

Accounting techniques, financial methods, and financial management for construction firm management. Analysis techniques for contemporary construction company accounting and finance practice with an emphasis on cash flow analysis and cash management. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written department or instructor approval. Non-BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

A study of the legal system and its impact on the construction process. The focus is on the legal obligations, rights and remedies pertaining to the construction company. Topics include bidding, contracts, and construction changes. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written department or instructor approval. Non-BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

Identification, training and development of future company leaders. Mentorship as a required, managerial activity, effective delegation of responsibility, and empowerment of subordinates to take initiative. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written department or instructor approval. Non-BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

Analysis of the depth and breadth of risk in construction. Defining key terms and concepts used in various risk management arenas - legal statutes, precedent and case studies relevant to construction risk management, insurance, and surety bonding. Subjects include: contracts, torts, insurance, surety, safety laws, quality, and risk management models. Analysis of case studies to utilize risk management tools and identify issues and possible approaches. Project risk control including management of foreseeable hazards as well as unforeseen conditions. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written department or instructor approval. Non-BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

Analysis of organizational leadership at the executive level. The goals of this course are to introduce and stimulate thought and discussion of leadership theories, characteristics and behaviors of successful leaders, contextual factors affecting leader effectiveness, dynamics of leader-follower relationships, communication, decision-making and contemporary challenges confronting organizational leaders as well as marketing theory, marketing vs. business development, the marketing process, and an introduction to a construction marketing dashboard. BCM graduate students may register for this course without written department or instructor approval. Non-BCM students must obtain written department approval prior to registration.

Analysis of the requirements of research reports. Emphasis on research methods and concepts, identifying major issues, academic literature reviews, data collection and presentation methods, and selecting a research topic.

Analysis of research and evaluation of research reports. Emphasis on understanding the application of business research procedures including fundamental statistical methods in the solution of a construction industry relevant problem.

Advanced study of technical and professional topics. Emphasis is on new developments relating to technical, operational, and training aspects of industry and technology education.

Independent study of a special problem under the guidance of a member of the staff. Does not substitute for either M.S. thesis or M.S. project credit. Permission of instructor required.

A formal investigation of a particular problem under the guidance of the advisory committee. Not applicable to a thesis option plan of study. Enrollment during at least two consecutive terms for a total of three credits is required. Permission of instructor required.

Research MS Thesis. Permission of instructor required.

A weekly meeting for communicating to the entire Building Construction Management student body. Topics will include: Lectures by notable persons in the construction industry, demonstrations of the latest in construction technology, workshops in job seeking activities, discussion of work experiences, course scheduling information, dissemination of curriculum requirements, callouts by student construction organizations, presentations by faculty, and other topics of interest to building construction students.