Smart Cities Construction Management MS - Curriculum

This course examines different types of schedules used in the construction process including bar charts, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). Develops an understanding of the forward and backward passes for both the activity-on-arrow (AOA) and activity-on-node (AON) analyses. Analysis of cost and resource loaded schedules. Explains linear and repetitive schedules. Introduces advantages/disadvantages of delay analysis techniques. Industry scheduling software is introduced. Lecture 3 (Fall).

An introduction to direct cost estimating for construction projects. The estimating techniques covered include quantity take-off, labor productivity, and pricing (labor, material, and equipment). Drawings, sketches, and specifications are used as a basis for developing quantities involving site work, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, and finishes. Students also use software tools to aid in developing takeoff quantities. Different estimate structures and various types of estimates are examined. Direct and indirect construction costs are explored along with approaches for estimating overhead costs and profit. Topics include a logistical study of pre-construction cost analysis and construction management procedures, including conceptual estimating, project cost analysis and control, value engineering, life-cycle costing, feasibility studies, project financial and economic modeling, and quantitative risk analysis techniques. Students may receive credit for only this course or CVET-561, not both. Lecture 3 (Fall).

Course material will focus on the design, engineering, and construction of sustainable buildings and how the construction manager guides the project team to meet the owner’s objectives of a sustainable facility. Students will explore the primary differences and similarities between the different green building rating systems. Students will critically assess and prepare written communications regarding the current and evolving practices, and potentials of sustainable building construction and design and prepare them with the skills to determine value-to-cost differences between “green” and conventional designs. Students may receive credit for this course or CVET-505, not both. Lecture 3 (Spring).

The course covers cutting-edge areas of transportation and supply chains, including: effects of the pandemic, innovation, infrastructure, dynamic pricing, safety, public-private partnerships, and regulation. This course will feature guest speakers who will present and discuss different facets of the economics of transportation, supply chains. The course emphasizes applying economic concepts to transportation issues in the United States and around the globe, using all modes of transportation including air, road, rail, trucking, maritime, pipelines, and transit. Examples include the role of transportation , the substitution of communications for transportation, road pricing, parking pricing, the development of autonomous vehicles and platooning, spectrum for transportation safety and connected vehicles, transportation equity, energy efficiency and electric vehicles and electrification of the transportation system, and the role of GPS as a free utility. Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course provides comprehensive instruction in the underlying concepts and principles of geographic information system (GIS) technology and its application to the design and analysis of transportation infrastructure systems. The focus is applications in transportation of spatial data acquisition, geoprocessing, geostatistical methods; visualization, and querying of spatial data; network modeling, terrain mapping, and spatial analysis. Special attention is given to the formulation and use of transportation models, visualization, and analysis of transportation systems within GIS environment. Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course introduces the use of Global Positioning Systems and Remote Sensing for field mapping and data acquisition in transportation infrastructure. Accuracy, data standards, GPS equipment, and mission planning are explored. Students will progress through different levels of equipment ranging from recreational-grade GPS receivers to professional data loggers and survey-grade receivers. Students will learn the introductory concepts of satellite sensors, satellite image capture, processing of satellite images, and its application for transportation issues. Specifically, students will learn how to interpret different features on digital images, detailed assessments of digital images for various transportation issues. In a field setting, students will learn how to configure and utilize a real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS system with the base station and rover. The course will introduce students to satellite images for projects works in transportation. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience through field exercises and practical service-learning projects. Lecture 3 (Spring).

A study of construction operations with emphasis on productivity enhancement focusing on an integrated approach to planning, modeling, analysis, and design of construction operations. This includes productivity concepts; data collection; analysis of productivity data and factors affecting productivity; means for improving production and study of productivity improvement programs. (This course is restricted to CONSMGT-MS students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

The course provides students with an introduction to Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO). TSMO skills gained from this course will allow students to better understand the current needs of managing and operating Transportation Infrastructure. TSMO is designed to provide a basic understanding of how transportation infrastructure is operated to meet the mobility needs of transportation system users. The focus is on interconnecting planning, design, organization, construction, and maintenance functions of transportation systems leading to a comprehensive understanding of the interdependencies involved in establishing and sustaining the TSMO. The course is designed primarily to serve as a TSMO refresher for practitioners and at the same time for aspiring professionals to gain the necessary foundational background to take up careers in TSMO. Lecture 3 (Fall).

This course addresses project management from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering the fundamental nature of and techniques for managing a broad range of projects. Topics cover the Project Management Life Cycle from Planning to Termination. It also addresses the behavioral and quantitative facets of project management, as well as the use of methods, tools and techniques for the initiation, planning, and execution of projects. Introduces the standard framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. *Note: Bachelors degree or minimum of 5 years of work experience in a project related business environment. Recommended education or work experience in organizational behavior, mathematics and basic accounting. *Note: BUSI-510 may not be substituted for BUSI-710 in a graduate concentration or the advanced certificate in project management. Additionally, a student may not register for and receive credit for both BUSI-510 and BUSI-710, whether taken as an undergraduate or graduate student. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Advanced Project Management covers the topics necessary for implementation of and excellence in project management. It deals with turning the principles and theory of project management into practice. The course addresses the best practices for project management in the world; project portfolio management and ROI; the project office and Six Sigma; project risk management and integrated projects; corporate cultures, behavior, and cultural failures; informal, adaptive, and extreme project management; and critical chain project management. Integrates aspects of the framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. *Note: Advanced Project Management is available in on-campus and online formats. (Prerequisite: (PROF-710 or DECS-744 or ISEE-750) or PROF-714 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

With the increasing frequency of globalization, mergers, and acquisitions, international projects are becoming more prevalent and approaching the norm for many organizations. This course addresses a wide range of international projects—based in different industries and multiple countries. It deals with cultural and social differences within firms; cultural and social differences among countries and within countries; languages and dialect variations; different management practices and structures; religious practices; legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements; technology and infrastructure differences in different regions; and time zone differences. Incorporates aspects of the framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. (Prerequisite: PROF-710 or PROF-711 or PROF-714 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).