Fundamentals of Construction Management

The construction industry unites architects, engineers, general and trade contractors, suppliers, and support services to design and build facilities and infrastructure that meet civilization's needs and is the largest industry.

Categorize the construction industry into vertical and horizontal sectors. Explain how site work, utilities, zoning, and codes shape projects from idea to reality.

Identify the owner's need and vision, translate them into a space program, align the budget in the programming phase, and guide workshops and interviews.

See how owner ideas shape the design phase, and how the planning and development department guides feasibility, zoning, building codes, permits, and inspections to ensure safe, harmonious construction.

Outline the end-to-end building process, from site layout and mobilization through foundations, structural framing, envelope, interior partitions, utilities, finishes, and commissioning, highlighting sequencing and handover.

Commissioning building systems ensures they function as intended through testing, load balancing, and monitoring before handover. The handoff includes owner instructions, training, and digital resources to support energy-conserving, complex facilities.

align owner's need with a team of architect, civil engineer, structural engineer, and inspectors. ensure plans meet regulations and building codes while coordinating estimates, contracts, schedules, and the construction manager.

Balance safety, quality, and productivity to deliver projects on time and within budget that meet owner requirements, while managing resources and adapting to changing site conditions.

Hear from construction managers about daily duties, from subcontracts and cost tracking to permits, as they deliver university campuses and hospitals through a blend of management and building science.

Learn how owners use design firms and general contractors to compile a project team, oversee the construction process, and coordinate subcontractors and specialists across sites.

Explore integrated project delivery, where architect, engineers, and contractor collaborate from the start to produce buildable designs with cost and schedule feedback, contrasting with design bid build.

Explore how GPS, lasers, and drones speed up construction with safer, more accurate site inspections, while digital drawings and BIM replace bulky blueprints and enable 3D modeling on tablets.

Explore how safety, lean construction, and collaborative planning, including integrated project delivery, reshape construction work through pre-planning, PPE, and worker-led scheduling to boost productivity and safety.

Discover how the construction industry drives global development and why managers are in demand. Explore internships and relationships with planners and inspectors to advance your career.