Continuing & Professional Education

Business and Leadership

Explore the steps in the construction process from the award to close-out. Topics in this course will include scope of work, bidding, start up, control system requirements, role of consultants and organizational structure. Other topics include contractors safety program, work changes and preventing delays.

In this course you will learn the fundamentals of estimating construction projects costs from concept to completion, including types of cost estimates, the tendering process, costing site overheads, and final assembly of tender. The roles of estimators and industrial cost engineers will be explored as well as value engineering and cost control processes and techniques. Cost risks inherent to Alberta conditions will also be discussed.

Through examining practical construction considerations, this course emphasizes critical path planning and scheduling methods. Topics will include network diagrams, time/resource/cost interrelationships, selection of crew, method and equipment, schedule monitoring, group planning techniques and monitoring, updating, and progress reporting.

Examine the principles of contract law as they relate to the construction industry. In particular, the course will deal with the creation and interpretation of contracts and the remedies available for breaches of contracts. There will be considerable emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of owners, contractors, and consultants in the bidding process. You will acquire knowledge and skills to administer projects with reduced legal difficulty and to resolve disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner.

The dynamics of today's business environment requires organizations to change, grow, and reinvent themselves. These new directions can only be achieved through the effective identification and implementation of projects. This seminar will provide you with a fundamental understanding of project management theory. You will develop an understanding of what projects are, what constitutes a complete project scope, how to develop an overall project schedule, what processes the project will have to follow, and what business systems will be required to ensure a successful outcome. A comprehensive project management model will be provided. As well, this seminar will address the human elements of project management.

This course will focus on the human elements of the construction industry is the focus. Topics will include: negotiation and communication strategies, methods, and styles; team building, collaboration, and the situational leadership model; conflict resolution, and strategies for dealing with issues such as intransigence, insubordination and absenteeism. Prior knowledge of project management and administrative controls is recommended, but not required.

Managing risk is a critical function to ensure successful construction projects. Construction is inherently risky including aspects such as: costs, time, physical (personal and property), environmental, jurisdictional, reputation, and general liability. Risk levels and sensitivity must be considered in detail for every project. This course will provide participants a solid foundation in the concepts, tools and techniques of construction risk management. The course draws from various perspective of the construction industry to give students a well-rounded approach to this process and an understanding of the rationale used in developing effective risk management systems.