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DLC205--Planning and Scheduling (Summer Term)

by Construction Experts, Inc.

June 26 - September 3, 2023
3.0 CEU / 30 PDH

$550 Member / $650 Non-member

The course will start on the date stipulated. Once your registration is received, the instructor will be notified of your enrollment within one business day. You should receive login instructions by email from the instructor during the week before the course begins. Please order your textbook from the source noted in adequate time to allow receipt before the start of the course.

Introduction
This class on Planning and Scheduling because this is a primary technical skill required of the construction supervisor.

Information studied will include:

  • The bar chart
  • Precedence diagramming
  • The arrow diagram
  • The critical path
  • Using networks
  • Using the project schedule
  • Maintaining the project schedule
  • Applying the project schedule
Students will learn how to plan, prepare and update construction project schedules in this course. We will study construction planning and will practice preparing a project plan.

Through the use of case studies we will learn you how to define construction activities, determine activity duration, and assemble the activities into a logical construction schedule. We will learn to create and use bar charts and critical path schedules.

Methods for communication of the project plan will be applied in work shop type activities. We will study the use of computers in construction scheduling and investigate some of the popular scheduling programs currently in use. Other topics to be studies will include: assigning constraints, inputting resources, formatting options, sorting and filtering. Updating the schedule and the use of short interval production schedules will be stressed. Applying scheduling information to change orders, payment schedules and acceleration situations will be studied.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this class you should:
  1. Become familiar with the process of project planning and the efficiencies derived from planning.
  2. Be able to define schedule activities and assign reasonable durations to the activities.
  3. Know how to sequence the activities for logical project flow.
  4. Be able to prepare a short procurement schedule.
  5. Be able to prepare a bar chart schedule and use it properly.
  6. Learn about schedule float and understand how float can be used to delay or lengthen activities and to smooth manpower requirements.
  7. Be familiar computerized scheduling and understand both its limitations and advantages.
  8. Be able to apply constraints, sorts and filters to a computer generated schedule.
  9. Understand what resources are and how they can be coordinated with the schedule.
  10. Know how to use the schedule as a resource for crew and manpower assignments.
  11. Be able to apply methods for monitoring, comparing and updating the project schedule.
  12. Understand how to use the short-term schedule as a communication tool.
  13. Learn about schedule acceleration methods and how to apply them.
  14. Learn how the schedule is used as documentation for changes and disputes.

Class Organization and Grading
The following table lists the learning modules, the maximum value in points a student can receive within each module, and the time in which the modules must be finished.
Module Point Value By End of Week
0. Student Orientation 0 Before start
1. Introduction to Planning and Scheduling 25 1
2. Preparing the Project Plan 25 2
3. Communicating the Plan 25 3
4. The Critical Path 25 4
5. Computer Use in Scheduling – Part 1 25 5
6. Computer Use in Scheduling – Part 2 25 6
7. Using the Schedule on the Jobsite 25 7
8. Updating the Construction Schedule 25 8
9. The Schedule as Documentation 25 9
10. Using Planning and Scheduling 25 10
Total Points 250
It is important that the student keep up with the class and not fall behind. Course modules will be made available to students on Sunday of each week. Class work must be completed before the following Monday. Students will not be able to work ahead of the class although reading assignments will be made available in advance.

Grading Policies
Graded assignments will consist of one quiz for each module and participation in at least two class discussions. Students should provide at least 3 contributions to the class discussions each week to gain the maximum points. Students learn more and learn better when they discuss the topic at hand. For that reason, the regular weekly discussions are even more important than the weekly quizzes.

Grades will be posted on a weekly basis. You will have full access to your grade sheet so you will be able to keep track of how you are doing at all times.

Your overall grade in the course will be determined by the total number of points you have accumulated on quizzes and assignments. The grading scale is as follows:
  • A 225 to 250 points
  • B 200 to 224 points
  • C 175 to 199 points
  • D 140 to 174 points
  • Anything less will be considered an F or an unauthorized withdrawal from the course.
You will be given more information about the grading and other course matters in the Orientation Module.

Textbook
Link to: STP Unit 3, Planning and Scheduling, 2015 Edition

The cost of each textbook is approximately US $155 plus shipping and handling. If you order a used book be sure you are getting the correct edition.

Allow at least 5 working days between ordering the book and receiving it by the least expensive shipping. Foreign students should allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. You can have your book delivered more quickly by paying more for the shipping.

This textbook is also available through Amazon as a Kindle eBook for US $50.

Reading Ahead
This table details the reading assignments for the entire course. This will give you opportunity to read ahead and get a jump on upcoming modules.
Module Reading Assignment Start Date
0. Student Orientation None Optional/ Week 1
1. Introduction To Planning and Scheduling Read Unit 1 Week 1
2. Preparing the Project Plan Read Unit 2, Week 2
3. Communicating the Plan Read Unit 3 Week 3
4. The Critical Path Read Unit 4 Week 4
5. Computer Use in Scheduling - Part 1 Read Unit 5 Week 5
6. Computer Use in Scheduling - Part 2 Read Unit 6 Week 6
7. Using the Schedule on the Jobsite Read Unit 7 Week 7
8. Updating the Construction Schedule Read Unit 8 Week 8
9. The Schedule as Documentation Read Unit 9 Week 9
10. Using Planning and Scheduling Read Unit 10 Week 10

Withdrawals and Refunds
You may withdraw from this course by sending an email to education@aacei.org requesting to be dropped from the course. Non-attendance or notifying the instructor does not constitute officially dropping or withdrawing from a course. Students who stop attending courses without officially dropping will receive a grade of U in the class. Refunds are not automatic. NO refunds are due unless the course is officially dropped within stated guidelines in the refund schedule.

Refund Schedule
  • Withdrawal received before the first day of class – total fee less a $125 cancellation fee.
  • Refund requests postmarked on or after the first day and no later than two weeks after the first day of class will be refunded 65% of the fee, after which time there is no refund.
  • Decision on withdrawals and refunds will be based on the date when the written withdrawal notice is received by AACE International. Drops done by mail are effective as of the postmark date.