7.52. Professional Competencies Workshop (Mandatory)

7.52. Professional Competencies Workshop (Mandatory)

Figure 7.52: Connection Map. CE3C15 Professional Competencies Workshop

7.52.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

Professional Skills Workshop is an integrative course that applies, to a real construction project, feasibility, environmental, and social studies, material selection, procurement and contract management, process standardization and quality management, safety and environmental management, planning, simulation of construction processes with BIM tools, and cost, risk, and opportunity control through an integrated management dashboard.

7.52.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

  1. Develop feasibility, environmental, and social studies for a construction project.
  2. Apply procurement, contract, quality, safety, and environmental management to a construction project.
  3. Plan and simulate construction processes of a project using BIM tools.
  4. Control costs, risks, and opportunities of a project through an integrated management dashboard.

7.52.3. Contribution to Outcomes ↑ Back to top

ABET-1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. (Usage)
ABET-2) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. (Usage)
ABET-6) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions. (Usage)

7.52.4. Content ↑ Back to top

7.52.4.1. Project Context (6 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Institute, 2021b)

Topics

  1. Context and scope of the construction project to be developed in the workshop.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe the context and scope of a real construction project [Familiarity].
7.52.4.2. Engineering Economics and Project Financing (PPPs) (6 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Blank and Tarquin, 2017)

Topics

  1. Time value of money: present worth, future worth, annual worth calculations
  2. Comparison of project alternatives: present worth, rate of return, benefit-cost analysis
  3. Depreciation methods and tax considerations in engineering economics
  4. Project feasibility studies and break-even analysis
  5. Risk and uncertainty in economic analysis: sensitivity and scenario analysis
  6. Life-cycle costing for infrastructure assets
  7. Project financing models: debt, equity, and public-private partnerships (PPPs)
  8. Valuation of intangible benefits and costs in public projects
  9. Real options analysis for flexible project planning

Learning Outcomes

  1. Calculate present worth, future worth, and annual worth for a series of cash flows [Usage]
  2. Compare two mutually exclusive project alternatives using present worth analysis [Assessment]
  3. Apply straight-line and MACRS depreciation methods to a capital asset [Usage]
  4. Conduct a basic sensitivity analysis on the key variables of a project's economic model [Assessment]
  5. Perform a life-cycle cost analysis for a bridge, considering initial construction, maintenance, and end-of-life costs [Usage]
  6. Compare the risk allocation in a Design-Bid-Build project versus a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) [Familiarity]
  7. Monetize the societal benefits (e.g., reduced travel time) of a transportation project for a benefit-cost analysis [Assessment]
  8. Explain how real options analysis can add value to the planning of a multi-phase infrastructure project [Familiarity]
7.52.4.3. Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainability Metrics (6 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Glasson and Therivel, 2019)

Topics

  1. EIA process: screening, scoping, impact analysis, mitigation, and public participation
  2. Impact prediction methods for air, water, soil, noise, and ecological systems
  3. Mitigation hierarchy and design of environmental management plans
  4. Legal and institutional frameworks for EIA
  5. Sustainability concepts and the triple bottom line (environment, economy, society)
  6. Cumulative impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment (SEA)
  7. Social impact assessment and stakeholder engagement methods
  8. Sustainability metrics and indicator frameworks (e.g., SDGs, Envision)
  9. Decision-support tools and multi-criteria analysis for sustainable design

Learning Outcomes

  1. Outline the key stages of a standardized Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process [Familiarity]
  2. Predict primary environmental impacts of a proposed infrastructure project on local air and water quality [Usage]
  3. Develop mitigation measures for identified significant environmental impacts [Assessment]
  4. Explain the legal requirements and purpose of EIA in the project approval process [Familiarity]
  5. Apply the triple bottom line framework to evaluate a simple engineering project [Assessment]
  6. Conduct a scoping exercise to define the boundaries and key issues for a cumulative impact assessment [Assessment]
  7. Design a stakeholder engagement plan for a controversial development project [Usage]
  8. Select appropriate sustainability metrics to track the performance of a green infrastructure project [Assessment]
  9. Use a simple multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tool to compare alternative project designs [Usage]
7.52.4.4. Standardized Testing, Quality Control, and Failure Analysis (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Neville, 2011)

Topics

  1. Standard test methods for material characterization and acceptance testing
  2. Sampling procedures and representative sample selection
  3. Quality control and quality assurance protocols in construction
  4. Statistical analysis of test data and acceptance criteria
  5. Non-destructive testing methods for materials and structures
  6. Advanced material characterization techniques including microscopy and spectroscopy
  7. Failure analysis methodology and root cause investigation
  8. Forensic engineering and distress evaluation
  9. Performance-based testing and specification approaches
  10. Certification, compliance, and third-party testing requirements

Learning Outcomes

  1. Perform standard material tests according to ASTM or equivalent specifications [Usage]
  2. Develop appropriate sampling plans for construction material acceptance [Assessment]
  3. Implement quality control procedures for construction materials and processes [Usage]
  4. Analyze test data using statistical methods and establish acceptance criteria [Assessment]
  5. Apply non-destructive testing techniques for in-situ material evaluation [Familiarity]
  6. Utilize advanced characterization techniques to investigate material microstructure [Usage]
  7. Conduct systematic failure analysis to determine root causes of material distress [Assessment]
  8. Investigate structural failures using forensic engineering methodologies [Assessment]
  9. Design performance-based test protocols for innovative materials [Usage]
  10. Interpret certification requirements and coordinate third-party testing programs [Familiarity]
7.52.4.5. Contracts, Specifications, and Construction Law (6 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (de las Contrataciones del Estado (OSCE), 2019)

Topics

  1. Contract types: lump sum, unit price, cost-plus, and design-build
  2. Procurement methods and bidding strategies
  3. Project specifications: MasterFormat, performance vs. prescriptive
  4. General conditions of contract and key clauses (e.g., AIA, FIDIC)
  5. Change orders, extra work, and variation procedures
  6. Claims management: delay, disruption, and acceleration
  7. Dispute resolution: negotiation, mediation, arbitration, litigation
  8. Professional liability, negligence, and standard of care
  9. Ethical dilemmas and professional conduct in construction

Learning Outcomes

  1. Compare the risk allocation between owner and contractor in different contract types [Familiarity]
  2. Select an appropriate procurement method for a given project delivery model [Assessment]
  3. Write a clear, unambiguous technical specification for a construction material [Usage]
  4. Explain the purpose of key clauses in standard general conditions of contract [Familiarity]
  5. Process a hypothetical change order, documenting cost and time impacts [Usage]
  6. Analyze a simple delay claim and determine entitlement and damages [Assessment]
  7. Recommend an appropriate dispute resolution method for a given conflict scenario [Assessment]
  8. Define the engineer's standard of care and potential liabilities for design errors [Familiarity]
  9. Resolve an ethical dilemma related to bidding practices or site safety reporting [Assessment]
7.52.4.6. Quality Management (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (for Standardization, 2015b)

Topics

  1. Total Quality Management: Deming's 14 points, continuous improvement (kaizen), and quality culture
  2. Six Sigma methodology (DMAIC): process capability, control charts, and defects per million opportunities
  3. Quality standards and certification: ISO 9001 framework, quality cost categories (prevention, appraisal, failure)
  4. Quality function deployment (QFD) and voice of the customer: House of Quality matrix, customer requirement translation, and design prioritization

Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain the TQM philosophy and the key tools used in the DMAIC improvement cycle [Familiarity]
  2. Apply basic statistical process control methods to monitor process quality [Usage]
  3. Evaluate the quality performance of a process and recommend improvement priorities using cost-of-quality analysis [Assessment]
7.52.4.7. Staged Deliverable I (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Institute, 2021b)

Topics

  1. Preparation and submission of the workshop's first staged deliverable report, consolidating the project context, feasibility, environmental and social studies, material selection, procurement and contract management, and quality management work completed so far.
  2. Oral defense of the staged deliverable before a review panel.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Prepare a staged project report consolidating the findings of the workshop's initial phases [Usage].
  2. Defend the staged deliverable orally before a review panel, responding to technical questions [Assessment].
7.52.4.8. Construction Safety, Health, and Risk Management (6 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Hinze, 2005; de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo del Perú, 2010)

Topics

  1. Safety management systems and the role of safety culture
  2. Common construction hazards: falls, struck-by, electrocution, caught-in/between
  3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and compliance
  4. Risk identification and assessment techniques (e.g., JSA, checklists)
  5. Hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE
  6. Occupational health: silica, noise, ergonomics, and industrial hygiene
  7. Emergency response planning and incident investigation
  8. Insurance and bonding principles for construction risk transfer
  9. Proactive safety leading indicators and predictive analytics

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify the "Fatal Four" construction hazards and basic OSHA requirements for each [Familiarity]
  2. Conduct a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for a common construction task [Assessment]
  3. Develop a site-specific safety plan for a given project scenario [Usage]
  4. Apply the hierarchy of controls to mitigate an identified safety risk [Familiarity]
  5. Evaluate occupational health exposures (e.g., noise, dust) and recommend monitoring strategies [Assessment]
  6. Create an emergency response plan for a construction site [Usage]
  7. Explain the purpose and types of insurance (e.g., CGL, workers' comp) in construction risk management [Familiarity]
  8. Propose leading safety indicators to track and predict site safety performance [Assessment]
7.52.4.9. Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control (CPM, 4D/5D) (6 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Callahan et al., 1992)

Topics

  1. Work breakdown structure (WBS) development and activity definition
  2. Network diagramming: activity-on-node (AON) and precedence diagramming method (PDM)
  3. Critical Path Method (CPM) for schedule calculation: forward/backward pass, floats
  4. Resource allocation, loading, and leveling techniques
  5. Schedule updating, monitoring, and control using earned value management (EVM)
  6. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) for schedule risk analysis
  7. Line of balance (LOB) scheduling for repetitive projects
  8. 4D scheduling (time + 3D model) for visualization and clash detection
  9. 5D scheduling (time + cost + 3D model) for integrated cost control

Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for a medium-scale construction project [Usage]
  2. Construct a CPM network diagram and calculate the critical path and activity floats [Assessment]
  3. Perform resource leveling on a simple project schedule to minimize resource fluctuations [Usage]
  4. Monitor project progress using schedule variance (SV) and cost variance (CV) from earned value data [Assessment]
  5. Apply PERT to estimate project duration probabilities and identify schedule risks [Assessment]
  6. Create a Line of Balance (LOB) schedule for a repetitive housing project [Usage]
  7. Generate a 4D simulation to visualize the construction sequence and identify spatial conflicts [Usage]
  8. Integrate cost data with a 3D model to perform a 5D analysis for budget tracking [Assessment]
7.52.4.10. Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Digital Delivery and Asset Management (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Eastman et al., 2018)

Topics

  1. BIM concepts: dimensions (3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D), LOD, and LOIN
  2. BIM authoring tools and parametric modeling techniques
  3. Model coordination, clash detection, and interference checking
  4. Collaboration platforms, Common Data Environments (CDE), and BIM execution plans
  5. BIM-based analysis: quantity takeoff, energy simulation, and structural analysis
  6. Digital twins and the connection between BIM and operational data
  7. Interoperability standards: IFC, COBie, and openBIM
  8. Asset information models (AIM) and BIM for facilities management (FM)
  9. Regulatory submission and automated code compliance checking

Learning Outcomes

  1. Define the different dimensions of BIM (3D-7D) and their associated information [Familiarity]
  2. Create a basic 3D parametric model of a structural framing system using BIM software [Usage]
  3. Perform a clash detection analysis between architectural and structural models [Assessment]
  4. Outline the key components of a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) [Familiarity]
  5. Extract a material quantity takeoff schedule from a BIM model [Usage]
  6. Explain the relationship between a BIM model and a digital twin for an asset [Familiarity]
  7. Export a BIM model using the IFC format to ensure interoperability [Usage]
  8. Develop an Asset Information Model (AIM) deliverable for handover to a facility manager [Assessment]
  9. Evaluate the potential of automated rule-checking for building code compliance [Assessment]
7.52.4.11. Construction Methods, Equipment, and Productivity (6 hours) [Skills ABET-2] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Peurifoy et al., 2018)

Topics

  1. Earthwork operations: excavation, hauling, compaction, and mass diagrams
  2. Concrete construction: formwork, placing, finishing, and curing
  3. Steel erection, connection, and safety procedures
  4. Construction equipment types, capabilities, and selection criteria
  5. Productivity measurement, cycle time analysis, and crew balancing
  6. Heavy civil construction methods for tunnels, dams, and bridges
  7. Equipment economics: ownership vs. rental, depreciation, and operating cost
  8. Trenchless technologies and deep excavation support systems
  9. Automation and robotics in construction operations

Learning Outcomes

  1. Select appropriate construction equipment for common earthwork and material handling tasks [Usage]
  2. Design basic formwork and shoring for a concrete slab or wall [Assessment]
  3. Explain the sequence and safety considerations for steel erection [Familiarity]
  4. Calculate productivity rates and cycle times for equipment operations [Usage]
  5. Balance a construction crew to optimize productivity for a given task [Assessment]
  6. Compare construction methods for a heavy civil project like a cut-and-cover tunnel [Assessment]
  7. Analyze the economic life and hourly cost of a piece of construction equipment [Usage]
  8. Describe the applications and limitations of trenchless construction technologies [Familiarity]
  9. Evaluate the potential for automation to improve safety and productivity on a construction site [Assessment]
7.52.4.12. Construction Budgeting, Bidding, and Financial Control (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (de la Construcción (CAPECO), 2020)

Topics

  1. Bid preparation, submission, and analysis processes
  2. Cash flow forecasting and management for construction projects
  3. Value engineering and constructability analysis
  4. Financial statements and performance metrics for construction firms

Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain the components and typical markup structure of a competitive bid [Familiarity]
  2. Develop a monthly cash flow forecast for a construction project [Usage]
  3. Perform a value engineering workshop to identify cost-saving alternatives without sacrificing function [Assessment]
  4. Interpret key financial ratios for assessing a construction company's health [Familiarity]
7.52.4.13. Dashboards and Information Radiators (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Institute, 2021b)

Topics

  1. Designing effective project dashboards: key metrics, visual clarity, and stakeholder relevance
  2. Information radiators: physical and digital tools for continuous team transparency
  3. Real-time dashboards: automated data feeds and live project status visualization
  4. Maintaining and evolving dashboards as the project progresses and information needs change

Learning Outcomes

  1. Design a project performance dashboard with relevant KPIs for team and stakeholder use [Usage]
  2. Implement information radiators that provide real-time project transparency to the team [Assessment]
  3. Evaluate the effectiveness of a dashboard in communicating project health and recommend improvements [Assessment]
7.52.4.14. Staged Deliverable II (6 hours) [Skills ABET-6] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Institute, 2021b)

Topics

  1. Preparation and submission of the workshop's final staged deliverable report, consolidating the safety and environmental management, planning, BIM modeling, construction process simulation, and cost/risk/opportunity control work completed in the second half of the workshop.
  2. Oral defense of the final deliverable before a review panel.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Prepare a final staged project report consolidating the findings of the workshop's later phases [Usage].
  2. Defend the final deliverable orally before a review panel, responding to technical questions [Assessment].

7.52.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

Institute, P. M. (2021b). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). Project Management Institute, 7th edition.

Blank, L. and Tarquin, A. (2017). Engineering Economy. McGraw-Hill, 8th edition.

Glasson, J. and Therivel, R. (2019). Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment. Routledge, 5th edition.

Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of Concrete. Pearson, 5th edition.

de las Contrataciones del Estado (OSCE), O. S. (2019). Ley de contrataciones del estado, ley n.° 30225, y su reglamento. Technical report, OSCE.

for Standardization, I. O. (2015b). Iso 9001: Quality management systems – requirements. Technical report, ISO.

Hinze, J. W. (2005). Construction Safety. Prentice Hall, 2nd edition.

de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo del Perú, M. (2010). Norma g.050: Seguridad durante la construcción. Technical report, Reglamento Nacional de Edificaciones del Perú.

Callahan, M. T., Quackenbush, D. G., and Rowings, J. E. (1992). Construction Project Scheduling. McGraw-Hill.

Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., and Liston, K. (2018). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers. Wiley, 3rd edition.

Peurifoy, R. L., Schexnayder, C. J., Shapira, A., and Jha, K. N. (2018). Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods. McGraw-Hill, 9th edition.

de la Construcción (CAPECO), C. P. (2020). Costos y presupuestos en edificación. Technical report, CAPECO.

Spotted a typo, an outdated course, a broken link, or have a suggestion? Let us know.

Scan to open on your phone