Strategies in project management in construction. Project management – from planning to execution.
Suggested by: Coursera (What is Coursera?)
No prior knowledge required
No unnecessary risks
The course begins with an introduction to project management, explaining its importance and the roles played by project managers. The course then moves on to methodologies for testing project capability, and delves into the project stages, which include initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure.
In the first module, learners begin with a project definition, then move on to its phases and the overall project life cycle by understanding the key activities and aspects of each phase. This module also covers project capability methodologies, providing a perspective on assessing the feasibility and potential success of a project. Learners will also explore different organizational structures, and understand how different organizational frameworks may affect project management dynamics.
In the second module, learners will delve into the elements of valid contracts, gaining insight into legal and contractual principles. They will also learn about common contract types and explore different contractual structures. Tender processes, including bid evaluation and contract award, are explained in a way that provides a practical understanding of the competitive procurement landscape. This module also addresses change management, looking for strategies to navigate and implement changes effectively within the contract framework. Learners will also understand the art of claims management, how to handle and resolve disputes while maintaining contractual integrity.
In the third module, learners will focus on a deep understanding of scope management, such as how to define, document, and control project scope. They will understand how to break down complex projects into manageable components. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and real-life case studies, learners will develop the skills needed to organize and structure a well-defined WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) that is tailored to the unique needs of their projects.
The course, titled “Project Planning and Execution Management,” is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of schedule management, resource management, risk management, and cost management.
In the first module, the course begins with basic tools such as bar charts, building a strong foundation for project planning. Next, learners will explore network diagrams, strengthening their ability to build and analyze them to manage project workflows. Next, the focus is on estimating activity durations; the goal is to equip learners with techniques for accurate time forecasting, which is essential for creating realistic project schedules. By the end, learners will not only understand the components of project planning but also gain practical skills to apply this knowledge in real-world situations.
In the second module, learners will gain in-depth insights into the Critical Path Method (CPM), a tool for identifying the critical task sequences for project completion. The course will guide the strategic use of lead time and lag time independence between tasks, so that learners can refine project schedules for optimal efficiency without compromising project timelines. The course will also cover the Priority Diagram Method (PDM), providing a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing the relationships between tasks.
In the third module, the course begins with a deep understanding of resource allocation, a fundamental concept in project planning. Learners will explore strategies for allocating resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization in meeting project objectives. Learners will learn load balancing techniques to avoid resource overload or underutilization, resulting in more efficient and sustainable project planning. Learners will go through methods such as collapsing and accelerating, which will enhance their ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
In the fourth module, the course begins with the principles of cost management, learning how to accurately estimate, plan, and analyze project costs. The course will cover the ins and outs of cost estimating, guiding participants through accurate methodologies for project expense forecasting. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to Earned Value Analysis (EVM), a powerful tool for measuring project performance.
In Module 5, the course begins by identifying potential risks that could impact the success of the project. Learners will then explore strategies for effectively allocating risks to ensure a balanced distribution of responsibility to mitigate potential threats. The course will focus on the independence of risk analysis, dictating techniques for assessing the likelihood and impact of identified risks. The course will focus on understanding risk response strategies, from avoidance and mitigation to acceptance and transfer.
This is the second course in the “Project – Tracking and Controlling” specialization program. The course, titled “Project Planning and Execution Management,” is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of quality management, EHS management, procurement management, and stakeholder relations management, as well as project management and tracking.
This course covers key areas essential to successful project delivery. Learners will delve into the principles of quality management, focusing on processes, standards, and methodologies to ensure the delivery of high-quality project results. Gain insights into procurement planning, sourcing, and supplier management. Learners will explore strategies for managing stakeholder expectations, resolving conflicts, and maintaining transparent and effective communication channels throughout the project lifecycle. They will also learn tools and techniques for tracking project progress, identifying deviations, and implementing corrective actions. Finally, they will learn key performance indicators, earned value analysis, and risk management strategies to ensure projects stay on track and within budget.
The course concludes with case studies and practical applications designed to apply the concepts learned. Learners will be tested through quizzes and assignments. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate, confirming their in-depth understanding of project monitoring and control.
