Introduction

The STPonline program includes this class on Planning and Scheduling because this is a primary technical skill required of the construction supervisor.

Information studied will include:

• The bar chart
• Precedence diagramming
• The arrow diagram
• The critical path
• Using networks
• Using the project schedule
• Maintaining the project schedule
• Applying the project schedule

Students will learn how to plan, prepare and update construction project schedules in this course. We will study construction planning and will practice preparing a project plan.

Through the use of case studies we will learn you how to define construction activities, determine activity duration, and assemble the activities into a logical construction schedule. We will learn to create and use bar charts and critical path schedules.

Methods for communication of the project plan will be applied in work shop type activities.  We will study the use of computers in construction scheduling and investigate some of the popular scheduling programs currently in use.  Other topics to be studies will include:  assigning constraints, inputting resources, formatting options, sorting and filtering.  Updating the schedule and the use of short interval production schedules will be stressed.   Applying scheduling information to change orders, payment schedules and acceleration situations will be studied.

Learning objectives

By the end of this class you should:

• Become familiar with the process of project planning and the efficiencies derived from planning.
• Be able to define schedule activities and assign reasonable durations to the activities.
• Know how to sequence the activities for logical project flow.
• Be able to prepare a short procurement schedule.
• Be able to prepare a bar chart schedule and use it properly.
• Learn about schedule float and understand how float can be used to delay or lengthen activities and to smooth manpower requirements.
• Be familiar computerized scheduling and understand both its limitations and advantages.
• Be able to apply constraints, sorts and filters to a computer generated schedule.
• Understand what resources are and how they can be coordinated with the schedule.
• Know how to use the schedule as a resource for crew and manpower assignments.
• Be able to apply methods for monitoring, comparing and updating the project schedule.
• Understand how to use the short-term schedule as a communication tool.
• Learn about schedule acceleration methods and how to apply them.
• Learn how the schedule is used as documentation for changes and disputes.

Class Organization and Grading

The following table lists the learning modules, the maximum value in points a student can receive within each module, and the time in which the modules must be finished.

It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall behind.   Course modules will be made available to students on Sunday of each week.  Class work must be completed before the following Monday.   Students will not be able to work ahead of the class although reading assignments will be made available in advance.   Actual dates that modules will become available will be posted in advance on the course calendar.

Grading Policies

Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each module and participation in at least two class discussions.   Each quiz will count 10 points and class discussions will count 15 points per module.  You can see that I consider class discussions to be a very important part of this course.     For that reason,  the regular weekly discussions are even more important than the weekly quizzes.  Students should provide at least 4 contributions to the class discussions each week to gain the maximum points. Grades will be posted on a weekly basis.   You will have full access to your grade sheet so you will be able to keep track of how you are doing at all times.

Your overall grade in the course will be determined by the total number of points you have accumulated on quizzes and assignments.  The grading scale is as follows:

Anything less will be considered an unauthorized withdrawal from the course.

You will be given more information about the grading and other course matters in the Orientation Module.

The Textbook

The textbook for this class is Unit 5, Planning and Scheduling (S). Click on this link to order the book.

If you order a used book be sure you are getting the correct edition.

Please note: The book must be purchased separately and is not included with the cost of the course.

Allow at least 5 working days between ordering the book and receiving it by the least expensive shipping. You can have your book delivered more quickly by paying more for the shipping.

Reading Ahead

This table details the reading assignments for the entire course.  This will give you opportunity to read ahead and get a jump on upcoming modules.

Withdrawal Policy

You may withdraw from this course by sending an email to cmiller@aacei.org or by conventional mail requesting to be dropped from the course. Non-attendance or notifying the instructor does not constitute officially dropping or withdrawing from a course. Students who stop attending courses without officially dropping will receive a grade of U in the class. Refunds are not automatic. NO refunds are due unless the course is officially dropped within stated guidelines in the refund schedule.

Refund Schedule

Registration

Tuition: $550 / $450 (Nonmember / AACE member)

Click here to REGISTER ONLINE or DOWNLOAD the Print & Mail, Fax or Email form.