Day 8: Construction Planning and Scheduling

We began today with a lecture from Mr. Bassam on Construction Planning and Scheduling.  In this lecture, we learned how construction planning is a fundamental and challenging activity necessary in all projects.  Planning and scheduling coordinates the work, establishes benchmarks, and most importantly makes sure the project finishes on time and within budget.  We discussed two different types of schedules; bar charts and network diagrams.  Mr. Bassam walked us through a few simple examples of network diagram scheduling which ultimately helped us understand key terms and how to identify the critical path of a project.  To efficiently plan each project, DCC creates a Project General Document (PGD).  This document is a guideline that covers almost every aspect of the project.  For example, in the PGD you could find the: program of works, labor requirements, schedule of materials and drawings, etc.  DCC was one of the first contractors to create these documents and it shows how they go above and beyond the basic requirements.  DCC uses theses documents to be more organized and to make sure everyone is on the same page throughout the entire process.  They also create a Site Booklet for internal uses only.  The Site Booklet is a condensed version of the PGD that is onsite at all times and is updated throughout the project.  Many of us found this lecture extremely beneficial because this material has never been covered in our curriculum.  Mr. Bassam did a wonderful job giving us an overview of an unfamiliar topic.