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INSTRUCTOR: 
Nils J. Gransberg, ​Ph.D., DBIA, A.M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

This course introduces attendees to the theory and application of construction scheduling in the context of construction claims, disputes, and changes. You will learn how to prepare for expected contractor claims and change proposals, evaluate and analyze contractor delay claims, and support negotiations for equitable adjustments.

The following major topics will be covered in this course:

1. Principals of Construction Delay Claims: Participants will learn the fundamental principles of construction delay claims including legal principles and precedents, findings of fact, and the necessary components of a meritorious claim. This includes introduction precedence order network scheduling, critical path calculation, types of float, types of delays, concurrency, as-bid vs. as-built schedules, and cost components.
2. Production-based Estimating: This topic furnishes analytical tools to estimate production rates, durations, and costs. This includes an introduction to evaluating construction contractor equipment/crew packages with their estimated production analysis. Participants will learn to develop a production model that permits the realistic integration of cost and time parameters of the final product.
3. Forensic Schedule Analysis Tools: Attendees will learn how to conduct forensic schedule analyses using Critical Path Method and Linear Scheduling methodologies to develop independent analyses of cost, time, and impact. Attendees will learn how to apply Forensic Linear Scheduling techniques on projects utilizing Critical Path Method scheduling to identify the root cause(s) of delay, identify delayed activity concurrencies, impacted to unchanged activities, and provide realistic production rates against which contractor claims can be evaluated.
4. Supporting Delay Claim Negotiations: Attendees be introduced to the basics of developing a negotiating strategy with specific focus on schedule analysis products to support a successfully negotiated settlement which provides an equitable adjustment to the changed schedule. This includes understanding the owner’s and the contractor’s objectives, developing a credible range of delay days, controlling the flow of information, tools to track point-by-point agreements, other documentation.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles of construction claims, disputes, and changes.
2. Apply the principles of production-based estimating and scheduling on heavy civil projects.
3. Differentiate between as-bid and as-built schedules, concurrent and non-concurrent delays, and excusable, non-excusable, compensable,and non-compensable delays.
4. Analyze schedule-related contractor claims using critical path method and linear scheduling techniques.
5. Evaluate contractor observed production versus planned production using linear scheduling techniques and probabilistic analysis.
6. Develop schedule-related tools to support delay claim negotiations.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and/or fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

• Civil Engineers
• Project Managers
• Owner’s Representatives
• Architects and Design Professionals
• Construction Professionals

Outline

Day 1

1. Introduction to Construction Delay Claims
2. Preparing for Contractor Change Order Proposals
3. Critical Path Method Delay Analysis
4. CPM Delay Analysis Practical Exercise

Day 2

1. Linear Scheduling Fundamentals
2. Linear Scheduling Method Delay Analysis
3. LS Delay Analysis Practical Exercise
4. Supporting Delay Claim Negotiations

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This course is worth 1.4 CEUs /14 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]