About this course: This course introduces the types of cost estimation from the conceptual design phase through the more detailed design phase of a construction project. In addition, the course highlights the importance of controlling costs and how to monitor project cash flow. Students will work on a break-even analysis of construction tasks in a project.

Created by: Columbia University

Taught by: Ibrahim Odeh, Ph.D., MBA, Instructor, Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, Columbia University
Director of Research and Founder, Global Leaders in Construction Management

Basic Info	Course 3 of 4 in the Construction Management Specialization.
Level	Beginner
Language	English
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings	4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control Overview

Professor Odeh describes the course and provides an overview of what will be covered. Also covered is an introduction to Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Controls.

1 video

Understanding Design in the Construction Industry

Ian Taylor, project manager for Turner and Townsend, introduces the stages of design in a construction project.

1 video

Graded: Understanding Design

Introduction to the Types of Cost Estimates

Professor Odeh describes the types of cost estimates in a construction project. Also covered in this module are the tools and methods used to create estimates.

3 videos

Graded: Cost Estimates Quiz

Graded: Cost Estimates

Quantity Take-Off and Measurement

James Sneath, Associate Director of Cost Management for Turner and Townsend, and Ian Taylor, Project Manager for Turner and Townsend, discuss Quantity Take Off and Measurement. Estimating cut and fill costs is taught along with a detailed example of using cut ...

14 videos

Graded: Quantity Take-Off and Measurement

WEEK 2

Pricing

James Sneath, Associate Director of Cost Management for Turner and Townsend, discusses pricing, labor costs and equipment costs. Topics include, cost materials, formwork, reinforcing steel and concrete. Money component and productivity component is discussed i...

5 videos

Graded: Pricing

Building the Estimate

James Sneath, Associate Director of Cost Management at Turner and Townsend, Inc., illustrates how to build an estimate. Sneath does a deep dive into a schematic design project.

6 videos

Graded: Building the Estimate

Procurement

James Sneath, Associate Director of Cost Management for Turner and Townsend, discussed the procurement stage of a construction projects and they typical involvement of a cost manager or cost estimator.

2 videos

Graded: Procurement

Post Contract and Cost Estimation within a Project

James Sneath, Associate Director of Cost Management for Turner and Townsend Construction, discusses post contract and cost estimation with a construction project. Also covered in this module are cost reporting, change orders and communication and meetings.

3 videos

Graded: Post-Contract Quiz

WEEK 3

Construction Cost Control Methods

Professor Odeh introduces construction cost control and the work segments contained in a project.

2 videos

Graded: Cost Control

Earned Value Method (EVM)

In this module, Professor Odeh goes deeper into the Earned Value Method of Cost Control.

5 videos

Graded: Earned Value Method

Graded: EVM

Close Out Period

Ian Taylor, Project Manager at Turner and Townsend, Inc., introduces cost management close out and punch-list review.

2 videos

Graded: Close Out Period

Cost Estimation in Practice

James Sneath, Associate Director of Cost Management at Turner and Townsend, Inc., talks about cost estimation in general practice. The unit starts with tips in cost estimating and cost management and ends with a discussion of the international roles of cost ma...

3 videos

Graded: Cost Estimation

WEEK 4

Project Cash Flow

Ben Miller, Project Manager at Gilbane Building Company, discusses contracts and cash flows. Revenues, expenses and how they impact projects as a whole will be covered.

12 videos

Graded: Project Cash Flow

Technology Trends in Cost Estimating and Cost Control

Kevin Labrecque, Senior Vice President at Harper Limbach LLC discusses technology trends in cost estimating and cost control. Topics include 5D Estimating Systems (BIM), estimating software, technology workflows, and implementation.

5 videos

WEEK 5

Program Cost Estimating

Christopher Toomey, Senior Vice President at AECOM Global Programs, discusses cost control for large programs.

3 videos

Graded: Cost Control for Large Programs

Lean in Cost Control

Sam Spata, Owner of Method Lean, presents this module on Lean In Cost Control.

5 videos

Graded: Lean in Cost Control

FAQs

How It Works

Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

Creators

Columbia University

For more than 250 years, Columbia has been a leader in higher education in the nation and around the world. At the core of our wide range of academic inquiry is the commitment to attract and engage the best minds in pursuit of greater human understanding, pioneering new discoveries and service to society.

Pricing

	Audit	Purchase Course
Access to course materials	Available	Available
Access to graded materials	Not available	Available
Receive a final grade	Not available	Available
Earn a shareable Course Certificate	Not available	Available

Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 of 138 ratings

It is very systematic and efficient course in cost estimation and control.

A

Crucial material

I personally enjoyed the course and found it helpful as it gives you some insights of the industry.

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