The Basics of Construction Planning and Scheduling

Introduction
The Basics of Construction Planning and Scheduling is an independent, self-paced document that serves as an introduction to the basic elements of construction planning and scheduling. The document is designed for graduate students planning to take CSM 8630 Advanced Planning and Scheduling who:
• Have not had an approved Clemson University Construction Science and Management Department undergraduate semester course in planning and scheduling. • Needs a refresher course because it has been a long time since they have taken a course in planning and scheduling.

Curriculum Objectives
Upon completion of the self-paced document, the participant should be able to:

• 1) Explain how and why the detailed project estimate serves as the basis of job planning, schedule, and control.
• 2) List the various parameters that affect the planning of a job.
• 3) Prepare a planning analysis of a designated job.
• 4) Prepare a bar chart and network diagram using CPM principles.
• 5) Apply all of the designated calculations using CPM scheduling techniques.
• 6) Explain “crashing”
• 7) Apply the necessary calculations to ascertain the current status of a job relative to budgeted time and cost.
• 8) Explain the types of future managerial actions one can take during and after the construction of an activity, based on the current schedule, to ensure the job is constructed on time and within budget.
• 9) Prepare initial job scheduling and updating using computer software.
• 10) Explain short-interval scheduling.

Required and Recommended Materials and Equipment
Besides the required purchase of this document, participants also need to obtain MSProject Scheduling Software which can be downloaded as a free trial from a number of different internet sources. Google “Free MS Project 2013 Trial.” One recommended link is: http://ppmworks.com/download-microsoft-project-2013-trial/

In addition, while not required, the participant may find the following book helpful: AGC’s Construction Planning & Scheduling, 2nd edition by Thomas Glavinich

Instructions
To purchase the Basics of Construction Planning and Scheduling provide the following information where requested and using your credit card make a payment of $175.00 which includes taking the comprehensive examination.

Once you have purchased the document, you will be provided a computer link to access the course booklet. You should proceed through the document reading the material at your own pace and completing the exercises and activities. Since this is an independent, self-paced course, there are no due dates for exercises and assignments and nothing is to be turned in for grading.

After completing all of the exercises in the document, you will then need to contact the course facilitator noted below to set up a date and time to take the comprehensive examination via Blackboard. The course facilitator will provide further instructions at that time.

If you do not pass the exam with a 70% or higher, you will be required to take a Clemson University Construction Science and Management Department approved course in planning and scheduling. You will not be allowed to retake the self-paced document.

Facilitator: Dr. Christine Piper; Professor, Construction Science and Management Department; Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0507; cpiper@clemson.edu.