2023 PROJECT MANAGER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The ABA Project Manager Development Program is a 60-hour course taught over a 6-month period. Class meets on the following Wednesdays & Thursdays from 7:30am – 2:30pm.
JANUARY 11 & 12, 2023 | FEBRUARY 8 & 9, 2023
APRIL 12 & 13 , 2023 | MAY 10 & 11, 2023 | JUNE 14 & 15, 2023

*LIMTED TO 4 ATTENDEES PER COMPANY

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WHAT IS THE PROJECT MANAGER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?

The Project Manager Development Program (PMDP) for early-career project managers or those looking to move into such a role, is a five-unit program that covers the essentials of project management and provides a solid foundation for long-term career development. The curriculum for this course comes from the Associated General Contractors of America and a certificate of completion from the AGC will be given to all students completing all five units. Class size is limited to 40 participants.

The program is offered annually by the ABA in order to teach a new generation of project managers the essential skills to ensure project success. PMDP participants are likely to have various titles depending on the kind of work they perform, the geographical location of their projects, and the size of their company. They may have titles such as assistant project manager, project manager, field engineer, project engineer, project administrator, etc. They may have experience as estimators, field personnel, project assistants, or office managers, and they may work in the heavy and highway sector, the commercial building sector, or in residential construction. They will most likely be early in their careers, have some post-high-school education, and less than two years of project-related experience.

PMDP is a nationally recognized training standard. Individuals who complete all five PMDP courses will receive an AGC Project Manager Development Program Certificate of Completion

The five-course program will be held at ABA Offices Located at 2552 W. Erie Dr. Suite 106 Tempe, AZ 85282 and takes 60-hours to complete. It includes the following units:

Unit 1: Introduction to Project Management - January 11 & 12

Unit 2: Initiating and Planning (Part 1) – February 8 & 9

Unit 3: Initiating and Planning (Part 2) – April 12 & 13

Unit 4: Executing – May 10 & 11

Unit 5: Monitoring, Controlling, and Project Closeout – June 14 & 15

This course will provide an understanding of how basic contracts are structured, how different types of contracts are used, and how project documentation relates to effective contracting for early-career project managers.

Unit 1: Introduction to Project Management

The five process groups in Project Management
Discuss the importance of time management and work/life balance
Project Managers’ role and responsibilities in the construction industry
The importance of consistent implementation of personnel management policies
Identify the soft skills critical to the Project Manager role
Summarize the value of communication and ethics
Discuss the importance of leadership and teamwork
Explain why a Project Manager must be an effective problem solver
Identify the technical skills critical to the Project Manager role
Explain why the Project Manager must proficiently use computer software
Identify the need for building codes and permits
Describe the impact of Construction Law on the Project Manager’s roles and responsibilities
Define the terms commonly used in Construction Law
Discuss the importance of project safety and risk
Identify State and Federal construction industry safety laws
Identify the four most common types of project delivery systems
Explain the purpose of an Estimate during project planning
Explain the difference between quality assurance and quality control
Describe the Project Manager’s role in documenting progress throughout the project

Unit 2: Initiating and Planning Part 1

Define the five process groups in Project Management
Identify the stakeholders participating in a construction project
Determine the project objectives
Explain the purpose of the project scope
Identify the impact of scope creep during a project
Speculate how environmental and sustainability considerations can impact the project scope
Discuss the importance of a Project Plan to the success of a construction project
Discuss the differences between planning and scheduling
Identify the components of a project schedule using the known timeframe and factors associated with a construction project
List the documents included in a Project Plan

Unit 3: Initiating and Planning Part 2

Explain the difference between a Budget, an Estimate, and a Bid
List the steps to create an Estimate in chronological order
Identify the differences between the components of an Estimate
List the characteristics of an effective Estimate
List the documents included in a completed Estimate
Describe the differences between a contractor and a subcontractor
Determine overhead costs and factor them into Estimates
Explain the benefits of implementing Value Engineering
List the steps to create a Bid in chronological order
List the documents included in a completed Bid
List the items developed during the Planning process group of Project Management
Identify the elements of a Quality Plan for a construction project
Identify the elements of a Team Acquisition Plan for a construction project
Identify the elements of a Communication Management Plan for a construction project
Identify the elements of a Risk Management Plan for a construction project
Identify the elements of a Project Procurement Plan for a construction project
Identify the elements of a Stakeholder Management Plan for a construction project
Identify planning resources used by the Project Manager

Unit 4: Executing

Discuss contract language related to a construction project
Identify techniques for negotiating contracts and subcontracts
Identify the standard documents included in a construction contract
Explain the process of subcontractor and owner billing
Discuss the purpose of a mechanic’s lien for security interest
Identify the circumstances that lead to contract termination
Describe how to use the schedule as a tool during the Execution process group of Project Management
Discuss the importance of tracking the Estimate against project costs
Summarize the steps to acquiring and developing a project team
Describe how to effectively implement communication plans during the Execution process group of Project Management
Describe the process for distributing documentation during a project
Discuss how to implement risk responses to previously identified project risks
Discuss how to implement responses to newly identified risks during the execution of a project
Identify the process for purchasing and procurement of project materials
Explain the importance of proper material handling and storage
Explain the importance of the Uniform Commercial Code
Discuss the challenges of selecting equipment for a construction project
Explain how to process requests for information between stakeholders
Identify techniques for managing routine and surprise inspections

Unit 5 Monitoring, Controlling, and Project Closeout

Describe how changes to the project impact the overall project scope and estimate
Manage changes to the project schedule during a project
Explain the term “time value of money” as it applies to a construction project
Identify the process steps for managing/documenting the time and scope changes to a project
Demonstrate the correct process to manage a change request
Outline the steps to engaging with building authorities
Describe the process for addressing identified non-compliant items following testing
Identify available software options for Construction Management
Describe the process for documenting project team communications
Manage project risks that arise during the execution of a project
Oversee the processing of claims for time and cost
Describe the importance and the steps of title transfer to the owner
Identify conflict resolution techniques to monitor disputes
Outline tips for scheduling an effective meeting
Describe the process of closing out a project with a client
Summarize the importance of a positive customer experience throughout the project
Outline the components involved in owner training prior to closing out a project
Verify product quality through testing, balancing, and commissioning prior to the completion of the project
Describe the purpose of As-Built Drawings
Define the difference between substantial completion and final completion
Generate and complete the punch list
Describe the difference between a warranty and liability tail
Explain the additional closeout requirements for a LEED-Certified project
Describe the process to manage and mitigate liquidated damages