Introduction

Organizing a project with productivity improvement as a goal will be studied.   Students will learn how to calculate and measure worker productivity. During this semester, we will challenge the work process, learn about personnel management, and practice work improvement analysis. Understanding worker's abilities and the impact of environmental factors will be studied.  We will study various models and methods for improving productivity and we will practice applying those methods to construction problems. We will complete the course with a discussion of implementing and monitoring the productivity program.

Learning objectives

By the end of this class you should:

• Know how to make productivity calculations.
• Be able to identify ways to increase productivity.
• Be able to calculate the relationship between increases in productivity and overall project time, cost and profits.
• Learn how to increase productivity by using labor and equipment efficiently.
• Understand the general relationship among project estimating, productivity planning, measurement, project planning, scheduling and project control.
• Be able to analyze, and contribute to, a project estimate.
• Know the procedures for planning a productive jobsite layout.
• Understand how to reduce nonproductive time.
• Know how to challenge a work method to find a quicker more cost-effective method for doing the work.
• Be able to make unit cost calculations and productivity calculations.
• Be able to differentiate between normal, achievable, and ideal work standards.
• Be able to encourage productivity through factors that positively influence a worker.
• Be able to use alternative leadership styles used by effective supervisors.
• Understand group behavior practices that influence productivity.
• Be able to use record keeping systems to monitor labor productivity and job costs.
• Understand data collection procedures required to compile accurate records.
• Understand procedures for utilizing the queuing model, the time study model, and the method productivity delay model.
• Understand the physical limits of an average worker and what a worker physically cannot do under various working conditions.
• Learn how factors such as overtime, the learning curve, boredom, and fatigue affect labor productivity.

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. Students learn more and learn better when they discuss the topic at hand. For that reason, I consider the regular weekly discussions to be even more important than the weekly quizzes. 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 9, Productivity Improvement (S). Click on this link to order the book through San Diego State University's Aztec Bookstore. Click on Extended Studies Online and then choose your book. You can also email the book store at weborderasm@sdsu.edu  or call them toll free at 1-866-388-7378.

Please note: The cost of each textbook is approximately $125 plus shipping and handling.

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: $450 / $400 (Nonmember / AACE member)

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