Course Overview
Introduction to construction project scheduling, including project selection and scheduling, leveraging estimates to predict schedule, subcontracting, cost control, project documentation, bonds, insurance, payments, and closeout. The course also develops professional communication skills via student-prepared multimedia presentations.
You will build bar charts and critical path networks (ES/LS/EF/LF, float, and critical activities), correlate manpower loading and costs to the schedule, and learn to control and accurately report project progress. Computer applications for scheduling will be introduced.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Explain core scheduling concepts: precedence networks, diagramming, resource allocation, monitoring, and control.
- Determine task durations and relationships using bar charts, lags, float, and precedence networks with calculations.
- Update a project under deadlines.
- Apply Critical Path Method (CPM) concepts.
- Manipulate schedules within constraints and measure project status using appropriate tools.
- Use resource allocation/leveling and cost-control budgets for scheduling.
- Create, update, and report schedules using Microsoft Project or ProjectLibre.
Required Textbooks & Readings
- Mubarak, Saleh. Construction Project Scheduling and Control, 3rd ed., 2010. ISBN: 978-1-118-84600-1.
- Newitt, Jay. Construction Scheduling, 2nd ed., 2009. ISBN‑13: 978‑0‑13‑513782‑6.
- Additional readings posted on the Canvas course site.
Grading & Assessments
Point Breakdown
| Assessment | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Section Exams (2 × 300) | 600 | 23% |
| Homework (8 × 100) | 800 | 31% |
| Online Quizzes (9 × 50) | 450 | 17% |
| Professional Practice, Participation & Mentimeter | 330 | 13% |
| Final Exam or Semester Project | 400 | 16% |
| Total | 2,580 | 100% |
Grading Scale
| A | 90% or greater |
| B | 80–89% |
| C | 70–79% |
| D | 60–69% |
| F | below 59% |
A basic calculator is required for this course.
Required Scheduling Software
- Primary: Microsoft Project (desktop preferred; Windows‑only). Mac users may use Project for the web (limited features) or choose the alternative below.
- Approved, no‑cost alternative: ProjectLibre (latest stable release) supporting core CPM functions suitable for homework and the term project.
Deadlines & Readiness
- Install and verify your chosen software by the end of Week 2.
- You are responsible for any costs associated with your selection (ProjectLibre provides a no‑cost path).
File Submissions
- When MS Project is specified, submit the native schedule file and an exported PDF (or XML if requested) showing key views (Gantt with predecessors, Network Diagram, and required reports).
- If using ProjectLibre, submit the native file and an exported PDF/XML per assignment instructions.
Access & Support
- If you cannot install software on your device, arrange alternative access (e.g., another device, institutional resources, or the approved alternative above).
- The instructor cannot provide technical support for individual installations; report issues early so you can switch tools without missing deadlines.
Exams
- Exam 1 — 300 pts
- Exam 2 — 300 pts
- Final Exam or Final Project — 400 pts
Exam dates may be adjusted based on lecture progress. Solutions will not be posted. No make‑up exams except for approved medical or comparable hardships arranged in advance, or non‑selective medical emergencies with appropriate documentation. Missing a scheduled exam outside these circumstances earns a zero.
Semester Project
Each student completes an individual project using provided design parameters. The final deliverable assesses application of techniques covered in class to produce an accurate takeoff and binder. Depending on course progress, the project may be replaced by a final exam.
Homework & Late Policy
Homework will be posted on Canvas; submit answers as PDFs to Canvas. Failure to submit any homework results in an incomplete until all missing assignments are submitted.
Late Submissions (“Coordinated Late”)
Notify the instructor in advance if you will miss a graded homework suspense. Deductions may apply as follows:
| How late | Deduction |
|---|---|
| 0–24 hours | −25% of earned grade |
| 24–48 hours | −50% of earned grade |
| 48–72 hours | −75% of earned grade |
| > 72 hours | No credit (assignment must still be submitted) |
Professionalism expectation: “Professionals are not late.”
Professional Practice, Participation & Mentimeter
Mentimeter will be used frequently to check understanding and facilitate discussion. Points are earned by submitting responses, not by attendance alone.
Credit & Scoring
Each class is worth up to 15 points; a total of 22 activities will be counted for 330 points (formats include multiple‑choice, word cloud, ranking, scales, short answers).
How to Receive Credit
- Join at the start of class with the displayed code/QR.
- Use your real first and last name for credit.
- Submit before each question closes—late submissions cannot be credited.
Professional Practice
- Attendance: % of classes attended (days attended / total in‑class days).
- Participation: Active involvement in group activities and assigned tasks.
- Professional Communication: Clear, professional interaction with classmates and the instructor.
Ethics & Conduct
- Respond independently unless collaboration is explicitly allowed.
- No impersonation; submit only under your name.
- Keep contributions professional and respectful; avoid offensive or disruptive content.
- Do not share screenshots/recordings of classroom polls without permission.
- Adhere to the UT Tyler Honor Code and all university conduct policies.
University & Course Policies
Honor Code & Academic Integrity
Honor and integrity will not allow lying, cheating, or stealing, nor accepting those actions by others. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying data, and misrepresentation. All written work may be reviewed by plagiarism detection software.
Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools
AI tools may produce incomplete, biased, or unattributed content and are not a substitute for traditional research. For this course, all submitted work must be generated by the student (including drafts, brainstorming artifacts, editing, and final products). Using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to complete any portion of graded work violates the Honor Code.
Campus Policies & Student Resources
- Students’ Rights & Responsibilities
- Campus Carry
- UT Tyler: A Tobacco‑Free University
- Grade Replacement/Forgiveness & Census Date Policies — see Registrar
- State‑Mandated Course Drop Policy (6‑drop rule)
- Disability/Accessibility Services (SAR)
- Absence for Religious Observance or University‑Sponsored Events — notify in advance
- Social Security & FERPA Statement — grades will not be transmitted electronically
- Emergency Exits & Evacuation — follow posted procedures; do not re‑enter until cleared
- UT Tyler Resources: Writing Center, Tutoring Center, Mathematics Learning Center, Counseling Center
- Illness & Classroom Guidance — contact SAR for accommodations as needed
- Recording of Class Sessions — restricted to students enrolled; educational use only
Tentative Schedule
Initial course schedule; subject to change as needed throughout the semester.
| From | To | Week | Chapter | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/25/25 | 8/29/25 | Week 1 | Mubarak Ch 1 | Module 1 — Introduction to Scheduling |
| 9/1/25 | 9/5/25 | Week 2 | Mubarak Ch 2 | Module 2 — Time Management / Why Schedule |
| 9/8/25 | 9/12/25 | Week 3 | Mubarak Ch 2 | Module 3 — Bar & Gantt Charts |
| 9/15/25 | 9/19/25 | Week 4 | Mubarak Ch 3 | Module 4 — Activity on Arrow, Network Logic |
| 9/22/25 | 9/26/25 | Week 5 | Mubarak Ch 4 | Module 5 — Critical Path Method |
| 9/29/25 | 10/3/25 | Week 6 | Exam One | |
| 10/6/25 | 10/10/25 | Week 7 | Newitt Ch 11 | Module 6 — Reviewing & Analyzing the Schedule |
| 10/13/25 | 10/17/25 | Week 8 | Newitt Ch 12 | |
| 10/20/25 | 10/24/25 | Week 9 | Newitt Ch 15 | Module 7 — Resource Allocation and Resource Leveling |
| 10/27/25 | 10/31/25 | Week 10 | Mubarak Ch 6 | |
| 11/3/25 | 11/7/25 | Week 11 | Mubarak Ch 6 | Module 8 — Schedule Updating and Project Control |
| 11/10/25 | 11/14/25 | Week 12 | Mubarak Ch 8 | |
| 11/17/25 | 11/21/25 | Week 13 | Exam Two | |
| 11/24/25 | 11/28/25 | Week 14 | Thanksgiving Holiday | |
| 12/1/25 | 12/5/25 | Week 15 | Final Exam or Semester Project | |
| 12/8/25 | 12/12/25 | Week 16 | Final grades |