Production Management in Construction

Catalog description

Applications of production management tools to capital facility projects; theory of production systems in construction; development of production control manual. A E 570 A E 570 Production Management in Construction (3) A E 570 explores the use of production management to efficiently manage the delivery processes of capital facility projects. Students will learn about fundamental models of managing project processes and about tools to manage projects as production systems. The procurement, design, and construction processes that are used in capital facility projects are not usually through of in production process terms. Yet, doing so can develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of capital facility projects and enable project production to be efficiently managed. Production management emphasizes managing projects as complex wholes focusing on the relationships between the parties and tasks to optimize total process performance.A E 570 analyzes the latest production thinking and management tools to manage capital facility projects. The learning objectives of this course are for students to:a) recognize that capital facility projects are complex production systems and understand how principles of production relate to construction projects; b) understand the principles and methods of new production management methods like lean construction; c) be able to apply specific production management tools to specific problems identified on projects, especially those encountered on high performance sustainable building projects; and, d) understand how to use the latest production management planning and control tools to improve the management of capital facilities projects.A E 570 will be offered each spring with an anticipated enrollment of 25 students. This course uses classroom demonstration, case-based materials, in-class game simulation, and computer software to demonstrate key concepts and production tool applications. Assessment is conducted through out-of-class assignments, homework exercises, and a major project requiring appropriate tool to remedy the problem. The final grade for this course will be based on:Construction process analysis assignment - 15% Experiment design assignment - 25% Homework exercises and classroom participation - 25% Major project, including class presentation - 35%Students entering this course are expected to have knowledge of the construction industry, project delivery processes, and construction means and methods.