Brentwood Open Learning College specialises in enjoyable and affordable home study programs, helping career-focused learners achieve their goals. This self-paced Diploma in Construction Management consists of 20 insightful modules as outlined below:
Module 1 - Construction Management - An Introduction
The course begins with an examination of the main duties and responsibilities of the construction manager, alongside an overview of the construction industry and its functions. The uniqueness of the construction sector and its immeasurable value are also brought into discussion.
Module 2 - Organisation of Construction Projects
Candidates are then guided through the initial stages of organising a construction project, in which a breakdown of the project life cycle is presented and examined. Additional topics covered include project statutory clearance, investment appraisal, project scope definition and the basics of procurement.
Module 3 - Understanding Work Breakdown Structure
Module Three introduces the concept of the work breakdown structure, along with helpful tips and guidelines for strategically dividing larger tasks into more manageable components. The process of creating, implementing and assessing the effectiveness of a work breakdown structure is also discussed.
Module 4 - Estimation Process and Aligning Resources for a Project
An introduction to project estimations follows in Module Four, highlighting the importance of accurate estimations and breaking down the estimation process into a series of phases. Candidates also learn how efficient resource allocation can benefit the outcome of any construction project.
Module 5 - Effective Project Planning
A more detailed examination of the project planning process follows in Module Five, familiarising candidates with several essential project planning tools and techniques. The functions and objectives of network diagrams are discussed, along with the critical path method in construction management and an assessment of PERT vs. CPM.
Module 6 - Project Risk Management and Communication Plans
Module Six discusses the various different levels and classifications of risks that apply in a construction setting, along with the importance of proactive risk mitigation. Tips for identifying a viable risk-reward ratio are presented, along with important tools and activities for identifying, recording and prioritising risks.
Module 7 - Cost Estimation
Project cost estimations are brought back into discussion in Module Seven, which provides a more detailed overview of the estimation process. The functions and objectives of feasibility studies are also discussed, alongside estimating for variations and why project budgets/estimations often need to be revised.
Module 8 - Preliminary Site Investigations and Assessments
Initial site investigation activities and assessment methods are explored in Module Eight, guiding learners through the various factors that must be considered when choosing a site for a construction project. Additional topics discussed include environmental impact studies, engineering geology, flood protection, flood plains and zoning.
Module 9 - Site Organisation in Construction industry
Module Nine outlines the characteristics and components of a safe and efficient construction site, including how to determine an appropriate layout and traffic movement strategy. The construction manager’s responsibility to provide suitable office space and basic utilities for the workforce is also discussed.
Module 10 - Construction Equipment Planning
The fundamentals of equipment procurement are discussed in Module 10, which compares the potential pros and cons of leasing equipment with those of purchasing products outright. Candidates learn how to determine the most effective and economical option, in accordance with the requirements of the project.
Module 11 - Management of Construction Equipment
Module 11 examines key storage and maintenance activities for construction equipment, including the benefits of an on-site inventory of spare parts and how to plan for potential equipment outages. Stock planning, field repairs and maintenance facilities are also brought into discussion.
Module 12 - Management of Construction Materials
Candidates then consider the various core materials the construction sector relies on, along with how these materials are procured, stored and handled on-site. The importance of safe handling when working with construction materials is also discussed, alongside the importance of strategic quality control.
Module 13 - Human Resources Management
HR management on a construction site (and within the construction sector generally) is then discussed, highlighting the value of inspiring leadership and strategic hiring. Additional topics covered include manpower planning, deployment and potential barriers to effective HR management in construction.
Module 14 - Building Better Teams
Module 14 examines high-performing teams, focusing on a series of effective team development initiatives and tips for optimising workforce performance. Candidates consider the benefits of cohesive teams on construction sites, along with how team-based work can also present a wide variety of challenges.
Module 15 - Conflict Management
The diplomatic approach to dealing with workplace conflict is outlined in Module 15, which also examines some of the most common causes of conflict. Candidates learn how differences of opinion can be both beneficial and productive, while studying a detailed breakdown of the conflict resolution process.
Module 16 - How to Manage Anger and Violence in the Workplace
The alarming prevalence of workplace violence is examined and discussed in Module 16, which highlights the employer’s duty to provide a safe and violence-free working environment. Several major violence ‘triggers’ are discussed, along with tips and techniques for improved anger management at work and elsewhere.
Module 17 - Storage Management
Module 17 details and discusses the individual storage requirements of various assets on a construction site, with emphasis on the importance of safe storage procedures. Candidates also learn how procurement differs from purchasing, with a detailed definition an explanation of each.
Module 18 - Purchasing and Vendor Management
The advantages of establishing good long-term relations with vendors, contractors and service providers is then discussed, alongside the most common methods for evaluating the quality of current and prospective vendors. Issues that can lead to breakdowns in vendor relationships are also discussed.
Module 19 - Quality Control for Construction Works
A more detailed assessment of quality control in construction follows in Module 19, outlining a series of essential activities and techniques for measuring and managing quality. The use of incentives and penalties as quality control tools is examined, along with quality control checks for third-party contractors and service providers.
Module 20 - Legal Aspects of Contracting
In Module 20, candidates study the primary contract types used in the sector by construction companies and those they work with. The layout, content and purpose of several different types of contracts are presented and discussed, including competitive bid contracts, unit price contracts and lump sum contracts.
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