Construction Management I (Self-Paced)

Construction Management I Course Overview

What Will You Learn?

The Construction Management I course provides students with an in-depth introduction to construction industry operations, project planning, risk management, and contract administration. This course covers essential topics such as project delivery systems, procurement methods, cost estimating, and scheduling, ensuring that students develop the expertise needed to manage construction projects efficiently.

By completing this course, you will:

• Develop expertise in master planning, project planning, and delivery systems.
• Learn cost estimating principles, bid proposal strategies, and procurement methods.
• Gain skills in contract negotiation, risk assessment, and insurance management.
• Understand construction scheduling, document control, and quality assurance measures.
• Master site logistics planning, safety protocols, and environmental compliance.

Why Learn Construction Management with VDCI?

VDCI is an accredited training provider offering industry-focused education in construction management, ensuring students gain real-world skills to manage complex projects efficiently.

• Industry-Recognized Training: Learn from an Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC) specializing in construction education.
• Hands-On, Practical Learning: Apply knowledge to real-world construction projects through interactive coursework.
• Flexible Learning Options: Study at your own pace with expert guidance from seasoned construction professionals.
• Cost-Effective Professional Development: Gain critical management skills at a fraction of traditional education costs.
• Career Advancement: Strengthen your resume with industry-recognized training and project-based learning.
• Comprehensive Skill Development: Gain expertise in risk management, procurement, scheduling, and construction operations.

Course Lessons and Projects

Lesson 1: The Industry

This lesson introduces students to the construction industry landscape, key stakeholders, and industry trends.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding construction sectors, project types, and career opportunities.
• Identifying roles and responsibilities of project stakeholders.
• Evaluating industry challenges, innovations, and regulatory impacts.
• Reviewing the relationship between design, construction, and project delivery.
• Understanding construction ethics and professional responsibilities.

Project: Develop an industry research report, analyzing current trends, challenges, and career pathways in construction management.

Lesson 2: Master Planning & Project Planning

Students will explore project planning methodologies and master planning strategies.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding the master planning process and feasibility analysis.
• Managing project scope, objectives, and milestone planning.
• Evaluating site selection, land use, and zoning considerations.
• Coordinating construction phasing and sequencing strategies.
• Ensuring alignment between project goals, budget, and schedule constraints.

Project: Develop a master plan for a construction project, outlining scope, feasibility, and phasing considerations.

Lesson 3: Delivery System

This lesson focuses on project delivery methods and their impact on cost, risk, and scheduling.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and CM-at-Risk models.
• Evaluating Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
• Managing roles, responsibilities, and contract structures in each system.
• Assessing pros and cons of various delivery methods based on project goals.
• Coordinating legal and financial implications of delivery system selection.

Project: Compare and contrast project delivery systems, providing recommendations for an upcoming project.

Lesson 4: Payment Options

This lesson covers construction project payment structures and financial management.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding lump-sum, cost-plus, and unit price contracts.
• Managing progress payments, retainage, and cash flow projections.
• Evaluating performance-based compensation and incentive structures.
• Coordinating owner financing, loans, and construction funding mechanisms.
• Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and contract terms.

Project: Develop a payment plan strategy, optimizing cash flow and financial security.

Lesson 5: Procurement Options

Students will explore construction procurement strategies and contractor selection methods.

Skills Learned:

• Understanding competitive bidding, negotiated contracts, and prequalification.
• Managing vendor selection, subcontractor coordination, and materials procurement.
• Evaluating procurement risks, delays, and cost fluctuations.
• Coordinating contractor bids, proposal evaluation, and award processes.
• Ensuring compliance with public and private procurement regulations.

Project: Develop a procurement plan, selecting optimal bid strategies and contractor qualification methods.

Lesson 6: Risk & Insurance

Students will explore construction risk management, insurance policies, and bonding requirements.

Skills Learned:

• Identifying common risks in scheduling, costs, and safety.
• Managing contractual risk allocation and liability considerations.
• Evaluating legal implications of risk in construction contracts.
• Understanding builder’s risk insurance, general liability, and workers' compensation.
• Managing performance bonds, payment bonds, and bid bonds.

Project: Develop a risk assessment and insurance strategy for a construction project.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for professionals and students looking to develop a strong foundation in construction management. It is suited for:

• Students & Recent Graduates: Build expertise in construction project administration for professional applications.
• Aspiring Estimators & Schedulers: Gain expertise in cost estimating, scheduling, and bid preparation.
• Contract Administrators & Owners' Representatives: Strengthen knowledge of contracts, procurement, and delivery methods.
• Site Superintendents & Engineers: Improve construction oversight, safety compliance, and logistics planning.

Career Applications & Industry Relevance

The skills developed in this course are essential for professionals involved in construction project management, estimating, and contract administration. Career paths that benefit from this course include:

• Construction Project Manager: Oversee projects from pre-construction planning to final completion.
• Estimator: Develop cost estimates, analyze bids, and optimize project budgets.
• Contract Administrator: Manage contractor agreements, legal compliance, and procurement.
• Scheduler: Create and track project schedules, ensuring milestone adherence.
• Site Superintendent: Coordinate jobsite logistics, workforce management, and project execution.

With the increasing demand for efficient project management in construction, proficiency in Construction Management I provides professionals with a competitive edge in planning, execution, and administration of construction projects.