Construction Management

ECM 502 Project Management

This course covers the core knowledge of the project management professions. It includes the creation of the project charter and scope statement, establishment of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and communication of the overall plan including risk planning, resource planning, creation of the project schedule and budget, development of the project team, and measurement and control of project implementation. Course content is aligned with Project Management Professional Certification requirements, such that the course serves as a preparation for the PMP examination (PMP examination is not part of the course). Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 503 Research Methods for Technology Management

This course introduces data based scientific/engineering research methodology. This course includes a systematic literature search process, objective data collection, and research design. The course also includes inferential statistics such as hypothesis testing and regression analysis. Students are also exposed to various parametric and non-parametric statistical concepts like t-distribution, chi square test etc. Students learn how to put together a research proposal that may result in a full-blown research topic for future course(s). Prerequisite: Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 530 Residential Development Management

This course covers current homebuilding systems in the United States from design to construction. It includes an overview of the homebuilding industry, housing demand, management of the homebuilding process, the regulatory environment, housing design guidelines, development of contract documents, and the residential construction process. It also covers structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Prerequisite(s): ECM 502 or BUS 502 with a grade of C or better, Graduate status in ECM, and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 531 Construction Cost Analysis and Advanced Estimating

This course covers the emerging techniques of construction cost analysis and advanced estimating. It includes estimating cycles, data collection and data sources for estimating, cost index, cost capacity factors, parameter cost, trade-off analysis, break-even analysis, depreciation, overhead, time value of money, rate-of-return analysis and forecasting. It also covers bid strategies, life cycle cost analysis, and cost-benefit ratio analysis. Prerequisite(s): ECM 502 or BUS 502 with a grade of C or better, Graduate status in ECM, and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 532 Legal Aspects of Const Mgmt

This course covers the complexity of legal environments in construction. It includes principles of contract, standard forms of contract, contractual relationships, bidding documents, dispute resolution, red-flag clauses, labor agreements, insurance and surety bonds, change order management, differing site conditions, delays, suspensions and terminations, liquidated damages, allocating responsibility for delays, constructive acceleration, and associated documentation. Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 533 Heavy Construction Operation and Equipment

This course covers current heavy construction practice in the United States in terms of construction planning and optimum use of heavy equipment. It includes earthwork planning, equipment cost, geotechnical materials, machine specifications, trucks and hauling equipment management, aggregate production including concrete and asphalt, cranes, piles and pile driving equipment, and equipment for pumping water for job sites. The course includes ten laboratory experiments, two on planning earthwork, three on geotechnical materials, compaction, and stabilization, one on compressed air, two on aggregate production, and two on concrete production. Prerequisite(s): ECM 502 or BUS 502 with a grade of C or better, Graduate status in ECM, and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator Corequisite(s): ETM 533L

ECM 535 Virtual Design & Construction

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a management approach that integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM), collaborative processes, and performance metrics to improve communication among stakeholders and enhance project outcomes across the lifecycle of a construction project. This course introduces the fundamentals of VDC while emphasizing hands-on applications of BIM and emerging technologies. Students will learn how these tools support project planning, execution, operation, and facility management, and will apply them through case studies, practical exercises, and a final project. Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 631 Construction Contracts

This course covers details of construction contracts and related documents, which include contract documents, design phase documents, pre-bid documents, bid submission documents, forms of agreement, and documents supporting the agreement. This course also covers site condition clauses, red flag clauses, insurance contracts, and surety bonds, as well as documentation and record keeping requirements. In addition, labor agreements and joint venture agreements will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 670 Master's Project

This is a Capstone course for students who do not plan to take the thesis option. The course is designed as an independent study in which the student utilizes their knowledge in the field to evaluate a series of case studies. A complete oral and written presentation is required of each student detailing their work. In each case study the student must clearly demonstrate their ability to understand, analyze and solve technical and/or managerial problems by applying their knowledge gained through their course work. Students completing this course will not receive credit for BUS 670. Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 671 Master’s Thesis

This is an independent study performed by the students to utilize their knowledge in engineering technology management. This practice-oriented work contributes to the enhancement of productivity, the improvement of quality, and the achievement of an industry’s cost effectiveness. The master’s thesis draws on students’ individual interests, stimulating their critical thinking, and sharpening their problem-solving abilities. A literature survey, analysis, discussion, and conclusions are documented in the thesis under the direction of a faculty mentor and presented by the student at the completion of the work to demonstrate their professional competency in their field of study. Students completing this course will not receive credit for BUS 671. Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 513 Computer App Eng Technology

This course is geared toward the conceptual design, manufacturing and maintenance of technological devices. Students are introduced to different aspects of computer aided design, including solid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), motion analysis and heat transfer. Relevant laboratory activities are conducted to acquaint students with constraint-based reasoning and design optimization. Concepts of computational power, parallel computing and cloud computing will be discussed as well. Laboratory course work furthers the application of theoretical concepts. Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator Corequisite: ECM 513L

ECM 630 Decision Making & Risk Mgmt

This course covers concepts and methods for making complex decisions in Technology Management. Students will identify criteria and alternatives, set priorities, and engage in allocating resources, strategic planning, resolving conflict, and making decisions. Students will select the most effective decision making approaches to evaluate multiple alternatives in scenarios with conflicting objectives and different levels of uncertainty. Students will also learn how to generate risk management plans, appraise mitigating risk options and revise decision making failures Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator

ECM 680 Special Topics in Technology Management

This special topics course is designed to inspire students to study a specific topic or several related topics that address a special interest in technology management. It will require students to research, investigate, and analyze design, manufacturing, quality, or production issues. The course strategy is established by the instructor and adjusted to respond to students’ interest to achieve the class goal of enhancing in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Students taking ETM 680 cannot get credit for BUS 680. Prerequisite(s): Graduate status in ECM and approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator