Courses Developed
2008-CVEN717 Engineering Project Control
I designed and developed this new course to train students in the engineering approach to the control of constructed facilities. Industry has repeatedly, and continues to, call for education and training on this topic, but this is one of the first known courses to specifically address this topic. My development and delivery of this course adds a unique feature to the CEM program that sets it apart and above other CEM programs. The course does not repeat the training of basic project management, but uses previous training to bridge from existing theories and tools to practice through the use of a single actual construction project throughout the course.
2001-CVEN 661 – Research Methods for Civil Engineers
I designed and developed this new course to train students in the scientific method (research) as a process of developing new knowledge by testing theory with data. Research concepts (e.g. researchable questions) and skills in research development (e.g. problem description) that are shared across civil engineering domains are developed through lectures, exercises, and workshops. The roles and uses of tools and methods used in more specific types of civil research (e.g. interviews and statistics) are discussed to prepare students to identify additional research training needs for specific research projects. Students develop research skills through the evaluation of the products of research by professional researchers, the generation of research products on a project of their own choosing, and practice in the written and oral communication of research results.
2000-CVEN 654 – Strategic Construction and Engineering Management
I completely re-designed this course to integrate a strategic perspective of construction management and computer simulation modeling. Students develop and use computer simulation models as a means of improving their understanding of the strategic issues that face construction managers. Construction management challenges used in the course address projects (e.g. process design and resource allocation policies) as well as internal and external influences on construction organizations such as the selection of core competencies and market forecasting. Students develop a fundamental understanding of the system dynamics methodology and develop skills in building and using simulation models. These models are used to relate project structures and operating policies to performance and thereby design and analyze construction to improve performance. Current research by the instructor is integrated into the course through team-based student projects that use course lessons and skills to extend or expand established issues and models.
2003-CVEN 473 – Engineering Project Estimating and Planning
I introduced two significant new features into this course, the use of computer assisted drawings (CAD) as the basis for term projects in place of paper drawings, and the addition of subcontracting into project estimating by student teams through repeated interactions with a practicing professional construction manager who represents subcontractors for portions of the term project.
2000-CVEN 349 – Civil Engineering Project Management
I re-organized this course, including the development of new course lectures and assignments. I introduced case studies to integrate tools and methods and provide integration of project management theory with civil engineering project management practice. Cases utilize multimedia technology and traditional text descriptions in new assignments and interactive class-discussion based analysis. Field trips to a construction site were organized. Applications of information technology have significantly improved teaching effectiveness.
Curriculum Development
Developed master’s thesis evaluation criteria (with Prof. S. Nordbotten) as objective basis for assessment across thesis topics and committees, Department of Information Science, University of Bergen, Norway. 1998.
Developed methods and initiated use of remote external examiners on master’s thesis evaluation committees, expanding the pool of potential external examiners from regional to global scale, Department of Information Science, University of Bergen, Norway. 1998.
Initiated and developed Master of Philosophy in System Dynamics degree program (with Prof. P. Davidsen). Department of Information Science, University of Bergen, Norway. 1995-1997.