Professional program admission at U.S. universities has become increasingly competitive in the last 20 years, due to enrollment caps, core class requirements, transfer course acceptance, industry draw, and the appeal of starting salaries. As the competition steadily increases, students often find methods to exploit traditional policy, resulting in…

Except for unusually large and complicated school building projects, it is more cost-effective to use consultants and in-house personnel for project administration than it is to retain an outside construction-management firm. (MLF)

Discusses how community interest and involvement helps a new school reinvigorate an urban area. Community input into design and site selection, site improvements, interior elements, and construction management are addressed. (GR)

This issue paper discusses principles of good management of construction and some options Georgia may use in the future to manage school construction and control costs. The paper begins by providing some background on common forms of construction management and delivery. Then the paper discusses principles of good contracts. The background section…

Discusses the common mistakes in school design and construction and how to avoid them. Mistake avoidance in mastering planning, site acquisition, drawing changes, budgeting, school design process, construction management, and the architect's role are highlighted. (GR)

Financially troubled districts could benefit by investing in a school business manager's salary. This article discusses how business managers can save districts money or increase revenue by streamlining cash management, fiscal accounting and reporting, financial planning and budgeting, grantsmanship, construction management, insurance and risk…

A Missouri school district found the most cost-effective means of designing, bidding, and constructing new facilities to be hiring a construction management firm. With a construction manager, the school district's interests come first, and the district can tailor project-delivery strategies to specific needs. Outlines how the process works. (MLF)

Discusses how three major innovations in planning and constuction--the use of systems components, fast-track planning, and construction management--were used in the design and construction of two new technical schools in only nine months. (Author/DN)

The role of the quantity surveyor is one that is often unclear amongst the general public. This study discussed the competencies of the quantity surveyor in measuring and managing civil engineering works and also carrying out the financial management for civil engineering construction projects; also outlined the various competencies and skills…

Shares some of the success stories of the University of Alabama's Design Build Services Department and the keys to achieving that success. The evolution of the school's in-house construction management is detailed along with the department's history. (GR)

Addresses the issues related to the construction of the Superconducting Supercollider (SSC) and to decisions associated with other big-budget research facilities. Examines questions concerning the collider's design, technology, construction, management, and operation. Also explores the international implications of the project. (ML)

After fire and smoke damaged an upstate New York school's cafeteria, kitchen, and administrative offices, the district superintendent contacted a professional construction-management firm to begin restoration and reopen the school within days. Safety and sensitivity to building occupants' needs were paramount. (MLH)

Discusses the need to determine which construction approach best fits a school's unique needs before deciding how to design and build their facilities. The design-bid-build, construction management, and design-build approaches are examined; and tips for selecting a delivery method are listed. (GR)

Reveals how a Florida school district had success when switching from a design-bid-build approach for school construction to a construction management (CM) at risk. The CM at risk process involving project delivery options, maximum price guarantees, and the school district's benefits in cost savings accrued are addressed. (GR)

Reviews the literature concerning practical computer-based simulation systems for the management of construction projects and/or firms and describes a conceptual model of a prototype system that simulates the decision making of construction site management. Research and development required to produce the system for use in industry is discussed.…