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Construction Planning and Scheduling, 3rd Edition, is a straightforward text presenting a comprehensive introduction to the techniques of construction scheduling as well as broad coverage of all major scheduling subjects.
Key features of the new edition include:
- A detailed discussion of contract provisions and their relationship to construction scheduling.
- Discussions of the effects of management decisions intended to benefit production on a construction schedule.
- An extensive treatise on short-interval scheduling, also called "look ahead" schedules, a subject considered vital to project success.
- An easy-to-understand explanation of the concept of linear scheduling.
Offering broad coverage of all major scheduling subjects, this book is a comprehensive resource designed for construction management, planning and scheduling. It follows a logical progression, introducing precedence diagramming early and following with chapters on activity durations, resource allocations, network schedules and more. It reflects current trends in scheduling (short-interval scheduling, computer scheduling, linear scheduling etc.) and includes chapters on arrow diagramming and PERT. With an eye on application, it includes a unique discussion of contract provisions related to scheduling and incorporates a sample project throughout.
Hallmark Features
Broad coverage on all major scheduling subjects–makes this an excellent reference for all.
· Provides a straightforward and comprehensive introduction to the field by covering topics related to planning, resource allocation, project monitoring and more!
A major emphasis on precedence diagramming–is a hallmark of the text.
· Introduces precedence diagramming in Chapter 3 so readers get a firm understanding of this common planning practice.
A chapter devoted to arrow diagramming–appears as Chapter 16.
· Rounds out coverage by showing how to perform time calculations with arrow diagrams, represent the relationships between various tasks, understand the concepts of free float/total float and more!
Unique discussion of contract provisions related to scheduling–appears as Chapter 5.
· Offers coverage not found in competing books.
· Discusses contract issues such as units of time (working days or calendar days), liquidated damages, weather, notice of delays, extension of time etc.
Coverage of short-interval scheduling–appears in Chapter 13.
· Discusses how contractors use short-interval schedules and what the literature reveals about why this is vital to the successful completion of many construction projects.
A chapter focused on linear scheduling–appears as Chapter 14.
· Provides examples of two projects completed using this method: a state park walkway and a 500 tract housing unit.
· Discusses this relatively new scheduling technique and when it can be used in the construction industry.
The sports facility project–is introduced in Chapter 1 and referenced throughout the text.
· Provides a common reference point to help readers apply chapter material to a concrete example.
From the Preface
Many textbooks have been published on construction scheduling. Many provide excellent information on a variety of scheduling subjects. Unfortunately, they are often limited in their scope, often omitting scheduling subjects that might be of particular interest to the reader. This text is written to provide broad coverage on all major scheduling subjects.
My first employment with a construction contractor was a summer job in the 1960s. Although I was given many different assignments, I have vivid memories of the arrow diagram network that I was asked to draw by hand. Fortunately, I had recently taken a class on the fundamentals of arrow diagramming, so the scheduling assignment was reasonably easy for me. A few years later while working for a different firm, my primary responsibility was scheduling. The scheduling effort was largely focused on the coordination of subcontractors on several different projects for which I used
the precedence diagramming method. It was during this period that I developed a strong appreciation for the value of effective scheduling and the use of precedence diagrams.
There are many approaches to providing scheduling information. Some of these are described briefly in Chapter 1. This textbook is written with a major emphasis on precedence diagramming, with only the last chapter addressing arrow diagramming. Although most scheduling is done with precedence diagrams, I also believe that an introduction to arrow diagramming is appropriate. In academic settings, I have found that students can grasp arrow diagramming more easily if they have not already been exposed to precedence diagrams. For this reason, instructors who plan to lecture on arrow diagrams should consider jumping to Chapter 16 after the first two chapters are covered. Chapter 3 explains the fundamentals of precedence diagrams. Regardless of the scheduling technique used, successfully using scheduling information begins with accurate time estimates for activity durations as discussed in Chapter 4.
One topic seldom addressed in scheduling texts, especially in detail, is that of contract provisions related to scheduling. This text devotes an entire chapter to this subject (Chapter 5). Resource leveling and resource allocation are described in Chapter 6. The impact of scheduling provisions on cash flow is also addressed (Chapter 7). Manual solutions are described for solving problems related to resource utilization and cash flow. Although such problems are often solved by computer, it is helpful for schedulers to understand the process of arriving at a solution in order to fully comprehend computer
solutions.
Schedules are management tools. It is through the proper use of schedules that management is able to make informed decisions about scheduling activities. This use includes updating the schedules when the scheduled information ceases to be useful for making informed decisions. This process is described in Chapter 8.
Chapter 9 addresses computer applications. This chapter is not a user's manual, nor is it a proponent for any particular scheduling software. The more widely used software programs are described, but no endorsement of any particular product is made. The purpose of the chapter is to familiarize the reader with some of the basic scheduling concepts that are addressed by computer software.
Chapter 10 describes earned value concepts. Project schedules are generally adversely impacted by changes in the project. Chapter 11 provides information for quantifying such impacts. Such information is often required when a claim is prepared. Chapter 12 presents a brief discussion of the value of schedules in litigation.
The treatment of short- interval schedules in Chapter 13 is far more extensive than any known writings on the subject. The use of short-interval schedules is vital to the successful completion of many construction projects. Although concepts of their use and application are simple, the subject warrants a discussion in any serious text on scheduling.
Linear scheduling (discussed in Chapter 14) is a relatively new scheduling technique used in the construction industry. Linear scheduling is a viable method for projects that would otherwise be difficult to schedule. Schedulers should consider using linear scheduling on projects that lend themselves to this technique. The use of probabilistic duration estimates is described in Chapter 15. Although the use of PERT is perhaps minimal in the construction industry, the basic concepts should be understood.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction. Chapter 2: Developing a Network Model. Chapter 3: Precedence Diagrams. Chapter 4: Determining Activity Durations. Chapter 5: Time in Contract Provisions. Chapter 6: Resource Allocation and Resource Leveling. Chapter 7: Money and Network Schedules. Chapter 8: Project Monitoring and Control. Chapter 9: Computer Scheduling. Chapter 10: Earned Value: A Means for Integrating Costs and Schedule. Chapter 11: The Impact of Scheduling Decisions on Productivity. Chapter 12: CPM In Dispute Resolution and Litigation. Chapter 13: Short-Interval Schedules. Chapter 14: Linear Scheduling. Chapter 15: PERT: Program Evaluation and Review Technique. Chapter 16: Arrow Diagrams. References. Additional References. Index. |
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