Disk of Knowledge

January 2007 - Construction Management

In October 2004 the Disk of Knowledge® “Knowledge Library” was unveiled as a forum for Construction Professionals to enhance learning and to promote excellence in Construction Management.

The Disk of Knowledge® website Article of The Month has been an excellent tool for providing views on relevant construction management practices. Each month we’ve supplemented content from the Knowledge Library (DOK CD).

In mid-year 2006 I began discussing the benefits of pursuing Certified Construction Management with Mr. Paul Parsoneault from our Corps of Engineers Headquarters. Those discussions lead me to the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the Northern California Chapter of CMAA who offers a Chapter Review Course in Construction Management topics related to the Certified Construction Manager examination.

Sixteen employees from Construction Branch have enrolled in the Chapter Review Course beginning January 8, 2007 at the Sacramento Resident Office. Over the next two-months students will be learning Construction Management Standards of Practice related to planning, design and construction of projects from inception to completion. The focus is similar if not identical to the topics found on the Disk of Knowledge – Controlling Time, Scope, Cost and Quality.

As we look forward to 2007 we plan to focus Articles of the Month on the following:

• Project Management
• Cost Management
• Time Management
• Quality Management
• Contract Administration
• Safety Management
• Program Management

CMAA presents each of the seven distinct functions above into the following phases:

• Pre-Design
• Design
• Procurement
• Construction
• Post Construction

Our goal remains one of promoting excellence in Construction Management. As our small group begins our journey toward CM Certification we will share our thoughts and new knowledge in future articles of the month.

As always, please submit your comments by e-mail to Larry J. Smith, P.E. . All comments received will be posted to this article.