Case Study Objectives
This assignment has the following learning outcomes. The students (1) will document and describe
the key processes and factors used in the development and management of the project schedule, (2)
will describe the role of project participants in schedule development, monitoring, and resolving
schedule problems, and (3) will increase the students’ understanding and appreciation of the
parameters that affect project planning and scheduling—such as owner’s time and budget pressures,
technical issues (soil, design, methods, quality requirements, etc.), project location, material lead
times, resource constraints, market conditions, local regulations, etc.
Students will work in teams of four or five (depending on class size). Each team MUST have at least
one student from CON E and one student from CIV E. Each team will identify, study and report on a
current construction project in the San Diego area. Each team will develop a project case study that
will include the following:
- Overview of the project (10%)
• Project description: Type of project, size, project duration, budget, major building systems
• Key project participants (owner, designer, GC, key contractors) - Project schedule description (10%)
• Overall project duration, project phases, milestones and long lead items.
• Overall project execution plan and work schedule (work hours, shifts, etc.).
• Barchart with the main activities (10- 15) to describe the work sequence and durations.
• Project (site) layout to show the work flow. - Leadership roles in the development of the schedule (10%)
• Identify and discuss who took the leading role in developing the schedule and what
principles and attitudes are important.
• Who were important participants in the development of the schedule?
• What was the sub-contractors participation in the development of the schedule? - Key parameters affecting the schedule (25% pts)
• Describe resource issues, considerations related to that influenced the schedule. What
information had to be gathered in order to develop the schedule?
• Describe the important project parameters (technical issues, owner’s requirements, site
difficulties, cost / time requirements, major equipment, lead times, work hour constraints,
or any other parameters)that influenced the development of the schedule. How did these
parameters influence the work schedule (sequence, resources, methods, durations, etc.)?
• What alternatives were considered (sequence, methods, overtime, equipment) and why
was the particular schedule selected? - Key project risks identified and how they’re addressed (25%)
• What were the main sources of project risk? (e.g., what technical difficulties, site
uncertainties, access problems, manpower availability, weather, sub-contractors
availability, long lead items, etc.) BE SPECIFIC: Create a list with the key 5-7 risk items and
explain what strategies the project team used to address each risk item. - Schedule monitoring and schedule changes (10%)
• How is the schedule monitored and updated during the project?
• What major schedule changes took place since the project started? What were the
reasons? How could this have been avoided?
• What contractual problems were created due to schedule issues/problems?
• What attitudes and behaviors are needed in order to resolve scheduling issues between
the project parties? - Your assessment of the schedule (10%)
• Do you believe this is a good schedule? Why do you think so? (Was it realistic? How well did
it take into account the risks? How likely is it that the plan can be accomplished? Other
criteria?)
Each team will submit a HIGH QUALITY report of 2,500 – 3,000 words (5-6 pages single space, Times New Roman 11 or 12 NOT including attachments, photos, cover pages, etc.) The use of attachments and photos to better illustrate the report commentary is highly recommended. Read ‘Appearance & Organization’ section in the grading rubric for more information. • Each team will submit a PDF of the ppt slides (6 slides on each page)