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University of Maryland, College Park

The Construction Management Industry and Profession

University of Maryland, College Park via Coursera

Overview

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Gain the knowledge and leadership skills needed to succeed in one of the world's fastest-growing industries. Explore the structure of the construction industry, its major sectors, and the trends shaping the future of construction management. Develop the ability to lead owners, designers, construction managers, and other key stakeholders throughout every stage of a project's lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and facility management. Master project management techniques, life-cycle cost analysis, quality improvement strategies, and effective field operations to organize and deliver complex construction projects. Understand construction materials, methods, trades, legal frameworks, and business structures that influence project success. Strengthen your ability to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems through practical examples and industry best practices. Build a strong foundation for careers in construction management, project management, engineering, architecture, and related fields. Develop practical skills to manage projects safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while contributing to the successful delivery of the built environment.

Syllabus

  • Week 1 - The Construction Industry and Career
    • Gain an understanding of the construction industry, its unique characteristics, major sectors, and professional landscape. Explore career opportunities in construction management and examine how industry practices shape the public perception of this dynamic field.
  • Week 2 - Project Players
    • Understand the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of key participants involved in construction projects. Examine how owners, design professionals, and construction teams collaborate to successfully plan, design, and deliver projects.
  • Week 3 - Management and Leadership
    • Learn the principles of organizing, managing, and leading successful construction projects. Understand how leadership approaches, organizational culture, and professional development shape effective construction management practices and career growth.
  • Week 4 - Project Chronology
    • Explore the complete life cycle of a facility from project planning and design through construction and post-construction phases. Learn how design management, procurement, and construction processes work together to support successful project delivery.
  • Course Final
    • Test your Knowledge!

Taught by

Neil Schulman

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 70 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at Coursera based on 72 ratings

Start your review of The Construction Management Industry and Profession

  • Anonymous
    This course provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the construction management industry. It’s ideal for anyone entering the field or seeking to deepen their understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and processes that drive cons…
  • Profile image for Abdulrahman B
    Abdulrahman B
    "The Construction Management Industry and Profession" is an outstanding foundational course that brilliantly demystifies the complexities of the construction world. As someone new to the field, I appreciated how it structured essential knowledge: fr…
  • Anonymous
    I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and regarding my interest in construction management, I decided to attend this course.
    This course explains what construction management really is, and it does explain all of the aspects of it. Two things that I adore about this course are the wrap-ups at the end of every module and the very useful advices that the professor gives the students, regarding his long experience in the field. Keep up the good work!
  • Anonymous
    Great information overall and the knowledge checks are more than helpful for memory recall and retention. The knowledge checks can be slow loading and error out sometimes so be patient with the system. It eventually corrects itself and gives you the right grade to move on to the next module. The instructor is knowledgeable and keeps you interested in the learning experience.
  • Anonymous
    I like this online course. I find it very helpful that the videos are good enough for my attention span. There's also a recap or summary after the lecture videos which is great. I learned about the roles and responsibilities in a team project, the cycle or process of a project, and etcetera. Thank you for this engaging class.
  • Anonymous
    This course offers a clear and practical introduction to the construction management industry, its key players, and real-world project delivery methods. It effectively covers fundamental topics such as feasibility analysis, design phases, procuremen…
  • Anonymous
    This course was very informative and provided valuable insights. As a Project Manager transitioning into the construction industry, I found the content to be clear, practical, and relevant. The course delivered a solid foundation of knowledge that will support my professional growth in this field.
  • Anonymous
    The Construction Management Industry and Profession course exceeded my expectations. It offered a clear, structured introduction to the field, blending industry insights with practical frameworks. The instructor's real-world examples and emphasis on professional ethics made the content especially relevant. Whether you're new to construction or refining your project management skills, this course lays a solid foundation. Highly recommend for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of construction leadership and decision-making.
  • Anonymous
    I loved the structure of the modules. I learned a lot during the course. Now I can build my skill further in construction project management.
  • Anonymous
    Very good instructor and instructions make it easy and enjoyable to follow along and learn with great examples
  • Anonymous
    The lectures do not line up with most of the quizzes. The quizzes are obviously out of order for given sections or modules. I definitely did not receive much benefit from the courses in terms of personal development, and was left very disappointed with what I had expected of the University of Maryland.
  • Anonymous
    This course was very useful; the explanations were simple, concise, and easy to understand, and despite the large amount of information, the professor conveyed it all very smoothly.
  • Anonymous
    Needs work. Modules can be restricted down to 1 section with a long video rather than split up into many small videos. Material was too basic in some instances and I felt more engage in module 3 & 4. Material was too ambiguous and I could not find any "deep-dive" content.

    I believe this was because too little time was put into each video and because the Big Topics were split up too much. I'm more of an "in-person" student, and I can pay more attention when videos are longer and discuss material "in-depth".

    Good start for someone like me that is seeking to become a project manager.
  • Anonymous
    This construction management training program offers an excellent introduction to the field, effectively laying a strong foundation for aspiring construction professionals. The program's strength lies in its ability to present complex concepts in a way that is easily understandable. The lessons are clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon and focusing on the core principles and practices essential for success in construction management. This clarity allows participants to quickly grasp key information and apply it effectively, making the learning process both efficient and engaging.
  • Anonymous
    I recently completed an online course in Construction Management, and I must say it was an enlightening experience. The course covered various aspects of construction management. The instructors were highly knowledgeable and provided clear, concise…
  • Anonymous
    Very interesting, and in small addressable sections. Video transcripts and summary points were very helpful.
  • Anonymous
    This course offers a comprehensive overview of construction project management, covering key topics such as feasibility, design, procurement, and turnover. It’s well-structured, informative, and ideal for students or professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the construction process. The inclusion of real-world examples and clear explanations makes it highly valuable and engaging.
  • Anonymous
    The course was easy to follow. I would have like to see more indepth content. However, I have experience in the field and understand that this may be an introduction for most.
  • Anonymous
    I recently finished the Construction Management Industry and Profession course from the University of Maryland, College Park on Coursera, and it was an amazing experience! This course gave me a thorough and detailed look at the construction manageme…
  • Anonymous
    This course is an excellent foundation for anyone considering a career in construction management or related fields. It equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the industry’s complexities and prepares them for real-world challenges. With a mix of technical knowledge, ethical insights, and hands-on application, this course stands out as both academically rigorous and professionally relevant.

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