Course Descriptions

CIEN E4129.  Managing the Engineering and Construction Process.  3 pts.

Description

This course introduces students to the principles, methods and tools necessary to manage the design and construction processes. Among the topics examined in detail are: elements of planning, estimating, scheduling, bidding and contractual relationships; valuation of project cash flows; critical path method. The course includes a survey of construction procedures, cost control and effectiveness, and practical techniques for completing capital projects on time and within budget. Spring term only.

CIEN E4131. Principles of Construction Techniques. 3 pts.

Description

This course concentrates on the importance of proper means and methods for insuring cost-effective design, construction and maintenance, as well as a safe work environment. The course includes guest speakers from the industry who will discuss various construction methods. Students work in teams on a semester-long case study of a Manhattan construction project, examining field activities, site safety, work progress and quality control.

CIEN E4132.  Prevention and Resolution of Construction Disputes.  3 pts.

Description

This course covers the variety of contractual relationships in the engineering and construction industry and the actions that may result in disputes. Emphasis is given to the steps required for rapid, cost-effective resolution of disputes. Resolution techniques such as negotiating, mediation, arbitration, and litigation are examined, and case studies requiring oral and written presentations are incorporated into the class sessions.

CNAD K4100.  Estimating Project Costs.  3 pts.

Description

Covers the basics of estimating construction project costs. The first part of the course focuses on the quantitative aspect of estimating, including quantity take-offs, pricing, overhead costs, and profit. The components required for making successful bids are addressed and analyzed. The second part of the course concentrates on estimating in such areas as procurement, cost control, and change orders during the actual construction process.

CNAD K4101.  Finance and Accounting in the Construction Industry.  3 pts.

Description

Provides a foundation on the economic aspects of the construction business, including accounting, finance, and taxation. Among the topics covered are accounting and bookkeeping, managerial accounting, internal controls, financial analysis and presentation, contractor surety and lending, tax issues, and fraud. Guest lecturers are featured for certain topics.

CNAD K4102.  Safety in the Construction Industry.  3 pts.

Description

This course addresses the vital issue of construction site safety from a management perspective. Students gain insight into the challenges of accident prevention and techniques for managing safe and secure building projects. Includes a history of construction safety, accident causation theory, hazard control procedures, insurance and risk management, behavior-based safety initiatives, occupational safety and health management systems in construction firms, and the deployment of technologies such as three- and four-dimensional modeling and PDA-based inspection.

CNAD K4103.  Legal Issues in Building Construction.  3 pts.

Description

Provides in-depth analysis and discussion on all the relevant case law and statutory information pertaining to New York construction and engineering law along with practical insights, warnings, and advice culled from the instructing team’s years of experience. The major emphasis is on the principal contractual relationships (owner-contractor, owner-architect/engineer, contractor-subcontractor, and architect/engineer-consultant), and the problems that most commonly arise out of these relationships. Topics covered include licensing issues, contract issues, managing construction projects, design through build, bidding and procurement rules, insurance and surety bonds, site safety, mechanics’ liens, claims, alternative dispute resolution, and damages. Fall term only.

CNAD K4105.  Elemental Topics in Construction Administration.  3 pts.

Description

This course is designed to provide students with introductory knowledge and basic skills they will need to understand and apply as they progress through the program. Students receive an overview of key topics that will be covered in greater detail through core courses and electives during subsequent terms. Each class session provides a primer on a specific area of vital importance, including construction techniques, legal issues, contracts, blueprint reading, scheduling, sustainability, claims and more. Upon completion students will be familiar with basic concepts, terminology and procedures associated with the industry, and well prepared to study these subjects in greater depth.

CNAD K4130.  Green Technology and LEED.  3 pts.

Description

This course provides an in-depth introduction to sustainability theory and green building practice, with an emphasis on the builder’s role in delivering LEED Certified projects. The class will review the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system in detail with an emphasis on preparing students for the LEED AP exam. Other topics include a history of green building in New York, practical tools and strategies for managing the LEED design and construction process, and the business case for green buildings.

CIEN E4133.  Capital Facility Planning and Financing.  3 pts.

Description

This course covers planning and financing of capital facilities with emphasis on civil infrastructure systems. Topics covered include project feasibility and evaluation; design of project delivery systems to encourage best value, innovation, and private-sector participation; fundamentals of engineering economy and project finance; elements of life-cycle cost estimation and decision analysis; environmental, institutional, social, and political factors. Case studies from transportation, water supply, and wastewater treatment are featured.

CNAD K4132.  Human Resources in Construction Management.  3 pts.

Description

Providing an overview of human resources as it relates to construction management firms, this course explores the various aspects of HR and talent management, defined as recruitment, retention, professional and leadership development, corporate culture, performance management, and workforce planning, all in the context of architecture/engineering/construction management (AEC) firms in the United States. The emphasis is on large national or multinational firms and their approaches to HR, now and in the future. Students learn how HR can make a difference in the way current and future general managers view the function in relation to business strategy and competitive advantage. Additionally, students analyze the difference between a strategically aligned HR function that numbers among the CEO's top business partners and a transaction-based HR function that is concerned primarily with personnel administration.

CNAD K4133.  Residential Construction and Renovations.  3 pts.

Description

Examines the skills and techniques needed for residential renovations. Residential interior renovation is a multibillion-dollar industry, and while many construction professionals enter the field of commercial core and shell work, there are many high-paying positions available in residential construction and renovation. Topics include residential versus commercial clients, budget development, contracting and subcontracting, schedule management, change orders, construction quality, and managing clients' psychological issues.

CNAD K4134.  Information Technology for the Construction Industry.  3 pts.

Description

This course develops a strong understanding of contemporary tools for managing the vast array of information in a project’s life cycle. It examines the current industry practice of applying information systems and exploring emerging technologies and concepts in managing construction projects. Information handling is reviewed both from the perspective of knowledge acquisition and knowledge representation. Introduces the concept of fully integrated and automated project process (FIAPP), and the interrelationships of 3D computer models, 4D process simulations, cost estimating, scheduling, procurement, material management, risk assessment, and value engineering. Emphasis is on the implementation of building information models (BIM) and relational databases for project information handling and project process automation. Additionally, students get hands-on experience operating those systems to develop the knowledge base and criteria necessary to invest in an emerging technology that fits an organization to increase its operational efficiency and competitiveness.

CNAD K4135.  Recitation in Contemporary Real Estate.  1 pts.

Description

This course is required for students who enroll in Planning A6339 Trends in Real Estate (2 pts.) Students meet for a minimum of five sessions for discussions and individual presentations on various types of Real Estate projects from the construction manager’s point of view.

CNAD K4136.   IT Advantages in Construction.  3 pts.

Description

This course provides students with a solid hands-on foundation in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and other technologies that are revolutionizing the way 21st century construction projects are delivered. Starting from the Owner’s perspective, the class sessions will explore the benefits of BIM tools/methods as used by design teams, construction managers and sub-contractors. Students work with actual industry tools to create BIM Models that extract quantities for estimation purposes, link models to construction schedules (4D simulations), generate clash reports, and effectively communicate 3D site logistics plans. Once a BIM backbone is established, discussions will lead into and highlight: advanced applications, integration opportunities, responsibilities/contractual theories and the introduction of other 3rd Party Software. This course is a recommended companion course to CNAD K4500, the Master’s Project seminar. Students enrolling in the course are required to have their own notebook PC meeting the noted specifications. (Specs to come).

CNAD K4500.  Construction Administration Master’s Project.  3 pts.

Description

The Construction Administration Master’s Project course introduces the methods and tools necessary to analyze a set of plans and specifications for an active New York City building project (or projects) and includes a comprehensive review and analysis of documentation requirements for the selected project(s). Students are paired with appropriate industry managers and work in small teams, utilizing knowledge acquired from their core courses to develop and draft a comprehensive, professional level project manual. Review of contract plans and documents as well as site visits and interaction with actual project team members are required. To be taken during the 5th or 6th term of study.

CNAD K4501.  Master’s Project, I: Analysis of Plans and Specifications.  3 pts.

Description

Stages 1-3 of project manual preparation: (1) Select a project that is close to final design or in the early construction phase. Columbia faculty, in conjunction with the student team, secure the cooperation of the corporate sponsor. (2) Complete a comprehensive review of the contract documents in order to fully understand the scope of the project. (3) Draft an outline of the project manual and submit to the faculty adviser for review.

Note: Beginning with the spring 2010 semester, the Master’s Project will be redesigned as a single 3 point course offered once a year during the spring semester only.

CNAD K4502.  Master’s Project, II: Project Management Plan.  3 pts.

Description

Stages 4–6 of project manual preparation: (4) Revise the project manual outline and resubmit along with an oral presentation to a board of industry experts. The industry board provides students with an evaluation of the outline and the material to be covered in this project manual. (5) Prepare draft sections of the project manual and submit to faculty adviser for review on a periodic basis. (6) Prepare a complete and final version of the project manual and make a 45–60 minute presentation of the highlights of the manual to the board of industry advisers.

Note: Beginning with the spring 2010 semester the Master’s Project will be redesigned as a single 3-point course offered once a year during the spring semester only.