Teaching With Industry

Connecting theory and practice

The Teaching with Industry program is a collaborative educational model that aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application in the construction industry. This approach combines the expertise of university professors, community college instructors, and industry professionals to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills of industry professionals, enhancing graduates' readiness for real-world challenges. By fostering strong partnerships between academic institutions and industry stakeholders, the program ensures that educational content aligns with current and future industry needs, ultimately contributing to successful workforce development in construction management.

Each guest speaker, please complete registration.

Register Now

See below for the Construction Management course options you can choose from as well as topic ideas for your time in the classroom.

Hardhats hung on a rack

Construction Management Course Options

Roofing is an integrated component taught in the CM laboratory, where students are introduced to the fundamental components of roof structures. Associate Professor Francois Jacobs’ Construction Management Lab. Sahar Sewaid (blue top), Yemen; Mohammad Karman (brown jacket), Pakistan; Carter Lobatos (light-colored hoodie, hat)

  1. Overview of the Construction Industry: An introduction to various roles, responsibilities, and career paths in construction management.
  2. Project Lifecycle: A discussion on the different stages of a construction project from conception to completion.
  3. Key Challenges in Construction Management: Real-world examples of common challenges and how they are addressed.
  4. Emerging Trends: Current trends and future directions in construction management.
  5. Ethics and Professionalism: The importance of ethics in construction management and how to uphold professional standards.
  6. Case Studies of Successful Projects: Analysis of successful projects and what contributed to their success.

  1. Sustainable Building Materials: Innovations and best practices in using sustainable materials.
  2. Advanced Construction Techniques: Discussion on cutting-edge methods and their practical applications.
  3. Material Testing and Quality Assurance: How materials are tested and standards are maintained.
  4. Case Studies of Unique Construction Methods: Examples of projects using unconventional materials or methods.
  5. Material Lifecycle and Environmental Impact: Understanding the environmental impact and lifecycle of construction materials.
  6. Case Studies of Material Failures: Analysis of material failures and lessons learned.

  1. Document Management Systems: Tools and techniques for managing construction documents effectively.
  2. Understanding Specifications and Blueprints: How to interpret and use construction documents accurately.
  3. Contract Documentation: Key documents in contracts and their implications for project management.
  4. Common Documentation Mistakes: Pitfalls and best practices for ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  5. Legal Aspects of Documentation: Understanding the legal implications of construction documents and contracts.
  6. Case Studies of Documentation Issues: Examples of problems with documentation and their resolutions.

  1. Digital Transformation in Construction: How digital tools are changing the construction industry.
  2. The Role of AI and Machine Learning: Applications of AI in construction management.
  3. Robotics and Automation: How robotics are being used on construction sites.
  4. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Using VR and AR for design, planning, and training.
  5. Drone Technology in Construction: Applications of drones for site surveys, inspections, and data collection.
  6. Case Studies of Technology Integration: Examples of successful technology implementation in construction projects.

  1. Principles of Structural Design: Fundamentals of designing safe and effective structures.
  2. Case Studies of Structural Failures: Lessons learned from notable structural failures.
  3. Innovations in Structural Engineering: New materials and methods in structural design.
  4. The Role of Statics in Structural Analysis: How statics principles are applied in practice.
  5. Load Analysis and Structural Performance: Techniques for analyzing loads and ensuring structural performance.
  6. Case Studies on Structural Systems: Analysis of various structural systems, including concrete, light timber framing, heavy timber, mass timber, and steel structures.

  1. Estimating Techniques and Tools: Methods for accurate cost estimation and the tools used.
  2. Cost Control and Budget Management: Strategies for managing project budgets effectively.
  3. Bid Preparation and Evaluation: The process of preparing and evaluating bids.
  4. Case Studies of Estimating Errors: Examples of estimating errors and how they were addressed.
  5. Estimating for Different Types of Projects: Techniques and considerations for estimating costs for various types of construction projects.
  6. Case Studies of Successful Estimating Practices: Examples of successful estimating practices and their impact on project success.

  1. Soil Testing and Analysis: Methods for testing soil and understanding its impact on construction.
  2. Concrete Mix Design and Quality Control: Principles of concrete mix design and maintaining quality.
  3. Foundation Design and Soil Interaction: How soil properties affect foundation design.
  4. Innovations in Concrete Technology: New technologies and materials in concrete construction.
  5. Case Studies of Soils and Concrete Operations: Real-world examples of challenges and solutions in soil and concrete operations, including foundation issues, concrete failures, and successful project outcomes.
  6. Case Studies of Concrete Failures: Analysis of concrete failures and the lessons learned.

  1. Legal Issues in Construction Projects: Common legal problems and how to avoid them.
  2. Contract Negotiation and Management: Tips and strategies for negotiating and managing contracts.
  3. Dispute Resolution: Methods for resolving disputes in construction projects.
  4. Case Law and Its Impact on Construction: Recent legal cases and their implications for the industry.
  5. Compliance and Regulatory Issues: Understanding regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance.
  6. Case Studies of Contract Disputes: Real-world examples of contract disputes and their resolutions.

  1. Project Management Methodologies: Overview of different methodologies like Agile and Lean in construction.
  2. Risk Management in Projects: Identifying and mitigating risks in construction projects.
  3. Effective Communication in Project Management: Strategies for effective communication with stakeholders.
  4. Project Delivery Systems: Various project delivery systems (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CM at Risk) and their impact on project execution and management.
  5. Leadership and Team Management: Techniques for leading project teams and managing team dynamics.
  6. Case Studies of Project Management Challenges: Analysis of challenging project management situations and their resolutions.

  1. Heavy Equipment and Machinery: Overview of equipment used in heavy construction and their applications.
  2. Logistics and Transportation in Heavy Construction: Managing the logistics of transporting and using heavy equipment.
  3. Cranes in Heavy Construction: Types of cranes, their uses, and safety considerations.
  4. Pile Driving Techniques: Methods and equipment used for pile driving in foundation construction.
  5. Utility Locates and Management: Techniques for locating and managing underground utilities during construction.
  6. Case Studies of Heavy Construction Projects: Examples of successful and challenging heavy construction projects, including the use of cranes, pile driving, and utility management.

  1. BIM Implementation and Integration: How to implement BIM in a construction project and integrate it with other processes.
  2. Benefits of BIM: Advantages of using BIM for design, planning, and management.
  3. BIM and Collaboration: How BIM enhances collaboration among project stakeholders.
  4. Clash Detection in BIM: Techniques for identifying and resolving conflicts between building systems and components using BIM.
  5. Virtual Design and Construction (VDC): The role of VDC in improving project outcomes through advanced modeling and simulation.
  6. Case Studies of BIM Implementation: Examples of successful BIM implementation and the benefits achieved.

  1. Real-World Project Presentations: Presentation and discussion of completed student projects.
  2. Project Management in Action: How to apply project management principles to a capstone project.
  3. Industry Feedback on Capstone Projects: Getting feedback from industry professionals on student projects.
  4. Challenges and Solutions in Capstone Projects: Common challenges faced during capstone projects and solutions.
  5. Procurement Management: Strategies for managing procurement processes and supplier relationships in projects.
  6. Safety Plans and Logistics Planning: Developing safety plans and logistics strategies for capstone projects.

  1. Safety Management Systems: Implementing and managing safety protocols on construction sites.
  2. Real-Life Safety Incidents: Case studies of safety incidents and lessons learned.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Overview of OSHA regulations and compliance strategies.
  4. Emerging Safety Technologies: Innovations in safety gear and practices.
  5. Behavioral Safety Programs: Techniques for promoting a safety culture and improving worker behavior on site.
  6. Case Studies of Safety Program Implementation: Successful implementation of safety programs and their outcomes.

  1. Integration of MEP Systems: How mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are integrated into a building project.
  2. Challenges in MEP Design and Installation: Common issues and solutions.
  3. Energy Efficiency and MEP Systems: How to design and install systems for optimal energy performance.
  4. Future Trends in MEP Technology: Emerging technologies and their potential impacts on building design.
  5. Troubleshooting MEP Systems: Common problems in MEP systems and how to address them effectively.
  6. Case Studies of MEP System Failures: Analysis of MEP system failures and corrective measures.

  1. Advanced Scheduling Techniques: Tools and methods for creating and managing complex schedules.
  2. Critical Path Method (CPM): An in-depth look at CPM and its application in construction projects.
  3. Managing Project Delays: Strategies for dealing with delays and keeping projects on track.
  4. Case Studies on Scheduling Challenges: Real-world examples and solutions.
  5. Use of Scheduling Software: Overview of popular scheduling software and its capabilities.
  6. Case Studies of Successful Scheduling: Examples of effective scheduling practices and their impact on project success.