M SC CM Revised 2013
M SC CM Revised 2013
M SC CM Revised 2013
CURRICULUM
2013
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POKHARA UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
1. Program Objectives
The Master of Science in Construction Management (M.Sc. CM) program is designed to
bring corporate change in Nepal through transformation of students into competent
construction managers, executives, and entrepreneurs capable of becoming strategic change
agents in the corporate and social world. The program focuses on developing social and
developmental outlook and adequate skill in analysis, decision-making, implementation,
leadership, and communication among the students.
The specific objectives of the program are as follows:
To provide students a firm grasp of broad-based and integrated fundamentals of
construction management with real-life applications.
To develop professional construction managers who can effectively lead construction
projects in a highly dynamic and competitive global construction business environment.
2. Curricular Structure
The curriculum is designed to equip students with the competencies, knowledge, skills, and attitudes
needed for success in construction project management positions. The course work gives students a
broad and holistic view of the complexity of issues in today’s construction business environment. The
curriculum comprises the following five distinct components:
• Foundation & Analytical Courses: The foundation and analytical courses provide the
necessary academic background and analytical tools for M. Sc. study and are pre-requisite to
advanced core courses.
• Core and Functional Courses: The core and functional courses provide students with the
behavioral skills, analytical tools, and environmental considerations necessary for making
decisions in a construction business organization.
• Capstone Courses: The capstone courses require students to integrate the skills and knowledge
they have acquired in various functional areas of construction management and apply them in
making decisions.
• Electives: A student is required to take two courses of three credit hours each as electives. The
objective of elective courses is to provide flexibility to the students in selecting course in which
they have special interest. S/he can choose any course from the areas offered.
• Thesis: Students are required to undertake a research project that involves fieldwork and
empirical analysis of the information collected from the field. Students are also required to
prepare a thesis on a prescribed format. This research project covers 15 credit hours.
3. Program Features
The features of the M. Sc. CM program are competitive learning environment, market-driven
courses, and program flexibility. The M. Sc. CM is a two-year program spread over four
semesters. A student needs to successfully complete 45 credit hours of course work and 15
credit hours of research project.
The regular M. Sc. program is to be completed within four semesters. The duration of each
semester will be 15 weeks excluding examinations.
The program will use a range of pedagogical inputs that includes on-campus learning through
classroom discussions, presentations, group work, case analysis and guest lecture series, and
off-campus learning through research project work.
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4. The Semester System
In the program, each course has a certain number of credits assigned to it depending on its lecture,
tutorial and practical work hours in a week. One lecture hour per week per semester is assigned one
credit. That is, for a theory course, a three-credit hour course has 45 contact hours in a semester.
The prominent features of the semester system are the process of continuous evaluation of a student’s
performance and the flexibility to allow the students to progress at a pace suited to his/her individual
ability, subject to the regulation of credit requirements.
Eligibility
Graduates from relevant field of engineering are eligible to join the program. However, the
applicant must have a minimum of 15 years formal education (12 years of schooling plus three
years of undergraduate). Furthermore, the applicant must have secured a minimum CGPA of
2.0 or 45 percent in Bachelor’s level.
The following are the relevant field of engineering: Civil engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydropower Engineering and Architecture.
Documents Required
The applicant is required to submit the following documents with the application form made
available by the concerned college by paying a predetermined fee:
Completed and signed application form
Letter of reference from two referees
Official transcripts from all the academic institutions attended.
Certificate of experience
Certificates of all degrees and experience should be photocopied and submitted with proper
attestation. Enrolment is conditional upon completion of all admission formalities including
payment of all fees as determined by the college. Incomplete applications shall not be
processed.
Admission Procedures
A notice inviting applications for admission is publicly announced. Application forms and
information brochures are provided, on request, after the payment of the prescribed fee. The
concerned college scrutinizes the application. The eligible candidates are informed to take the
entrance test. The date and time for the entrance test are informed to the applicants by the
concerned colleges.
Final selection of students will be made on the basis of their aggregate scores in the entrance
test, experience and their previous academic records. A college may, however, modify the
selection procedure to suit its needs with prior approval of the Dean.
The final decision on admission is taken on the basis of selection procedure as below:
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The candidates, who are given provisional admission under special condition, are required to
submit all necessary documents within a month of the beginning of regular classes.
Otherwise, the admission will be canceled.
Students are required to register courses at the beginning of each trimester. Since registration
is a very important procedural part of the credit system, all students must present themselves
at the college for registration. Registration in absence may be allowed only in rare cases at
the discretion of the principal. A student’s nominee cannot register for courses but will only
be allowed to complete other formalities.
8. Attendance Requirements
The students must attain every lecture, tutorial and practical class. However, to accommodate
for late registration, sickness and other such contingencies, the attendance requirements will
be a minimum of 80% of the classes actually held. Students will get NOT QUALIFIED (NQ)
status if s/he fails to maintain 80% attendance in any course.
(All the courses have to be completed within 4 years, and additional 1 year can be given to
thesis work on special request upon the approval of concerned authority)
The internal evaluation may consist of various components like project works, quizzes,
presentations, written examinations, reflection notes preparation, and the like. A student will
get NOT QUALIFIED (NQ) status in the internal evaluation if his/her performance falls
below the minimum requirement. Such students will not be allowed to appear in the
semester-end examination of that particular course.
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11. Grading System
Pokhara University follows a four-point letter grade system. The letter grades awarded to
students will be as follows:
If a student cannot finish all the assigned works for the course, he/she will be given an
incomplete grade ‘I’. If all the required assignments are not completed within the following
semester, the grade of ‘I’ will automatically be converted into ‘F’.
The performance of a student is evaluated in terms of two indices: (a) Semester Grade Point
Average (SGPA) which is the grade point average of the particular semester, and (b)
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) which is the grade point average of all the
semesters.
Total honor points earned in a semester
SGPA
Total number of credits taken in a semester
Total honor points earned
CGPA
Total number of credits completed
Where,
Honor Point = Grade point earned in a subject × Number of credits assigned to that subject
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15. Credit Transfer and Withdrawal
A maximum of 25% of the total credit hours of course work completed by a student in an
equivalent program of a recognized university/institution may be transferred/ waived for
credit by the Dean on the recommendation of the principal/head of the school/college.
However, for such transfer of credit, a student must have received a grade of 'B' or better in
the respective course. Courses taken more than two years earlier than the date of application
will not be accepted for transfer of credit.
Credit transfers will also be allowed from different programs of Pokhara University. In such
cases, all credits earned by students in compatible courses with a minimum grade of B may
be transferred to the new program.
The student may apply for withdrawal from the entire semester only on medical grounds.
However, partial withdrawal from courses registered in a semester will not be considered.
If the instructor detects a student using unfair means, the student may be given an ‘F’ grade at
the discretion of the Examination Board. Adoption of unfair means may result in the
dismissal of the student from the program and expulsion of the student from the college and
as such from Pokhara University.
The first semester is focused on developing the foundation required for learning the
core/functional area and integrative courses. Students are required to attend classes in the
college and take written examinations conducted by Pokhara University to be held at the end
of the semesters.
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Curricular Structure and Course Cycle
Semester I
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
MGT 511 Project Planning and Control 3
MGT 512 Human Resource Management 3
STT 505 Statistical Analysis 3
ECM 521 Professional Ethics and Liability in Construction 3
ECO 501 Economics for Construction Managers 3
15
Semester II
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
ECM 522 Construction Policies, Environment and Law 3
FIN 521 Financial Management 3
ECM 523 Construction Project Management 3
ECM 524 Management of Construction Plant and Equipment 3
Elective – I 3
15
Semester III
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
ECM 621 Construction Project Engineering and Administration 3
ECM 622 Construction Safety Engineering 3
RCH 601 Research Methodology 3
ECM 623 Construction Management in Developing Countries 3
Elective – II 3
15
Semester IV
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
ECM 625 Thesis 15
Electives
The following courses have been identified for electives. These courses offer students the
flexibility to customize their needs and meet their career interests and goals. These are
basically sectorial and application courses which address the systematic integration across
construction business disciplines. Hence, a wide range of elective options may be offered by
a college/school. A college/school can also develop and offer such sector-focused elective
courses with the prior approval of the Subject Committee and the Dean.
Elective – I (3 credits)
1. IEE and EIA
2. GIS
3. Operation Research
4. Concrete Technology
5. Bridge inspection and maintenance engineering
Elective – II (3 credits)
1. Water Resource engineering
2. Mountain Risk Engineering
3. Conservation management
4. Hydropower systems and management
5. Power plant systems
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Thesis (Research Project)
In the fourth semester of their study period, participating students are required to undertake a
research project and prepare an integrative research report in any areas of construction
management as approved by the college/school. Students are required to attend the viva-voce
examination and give a seminar presentation of their report as organized by the
college/school. Detailed evaluation scheme of the research project work is as below. For the
evaluation of the research report, the college/school shall appoint internal and external
examiners. The external examiner shall be appointed from the list approved by the Office of
the Dean.
Evaluation Scheme:
Evaluation system:
1. Serial number 1 to 4 shall be evaluated by the program director/coordinator and the
research guide. Average of the two shall be taken.
2. Serial number 5 to 7 shall be evaluated by an external evaluator 50%, thesis guide
25% and program director/coordinator 25%.
3. Serial number 8 shall be evaluated by the program director/coordinator.
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MGT 511: Project Planning and Control (3 – 1 – 0)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to equip the students with necessary tools for project
planning and make the students capable to use the planning and controlling tools
independently.
Course Contents
1. Introduction: (4 hrs)
Review of concept, definition and characteristics of a project, project lifecycle and
project phases.
Project formulation and Project development. Project management. Project manager
and skills required of a project manager.
6. PMIS: (4 hrs)
Need of PMIS, Designing the PMIS for a construction project, Use of PMIS software:
Benefits, Features, Fitting the PMIS to the project. Errors in using PMIS software.
Using PMIS for resource requirement.
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References:
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MGT 512: Human Resource Management (3 – 0 – 0)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to enable the students to apply the principles and
practices of organization behavior and human resource management in the work
situation.
Course Contents
4. Communication: (4 hrs)
Meaning of communication, Individual perception and communication, Effective
communication network, Organizational communication and the grapevine,
Improving the communication process: the linking pin. Communication breakdown.
Barriers to communication.
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7. Decision Making: (2 hrs)
Management and decision making. The process of decision making. Organizational
framework for decision making. Factors influencing decision making. Decision
making styles by managers. Decision making styles and implementation of decisions.
References:
1. Robbins, S. P., Judge, T. A., & Vohra, N. Organizational Behavior. Delhi: Prentice
Hall of India, Latest edition.
2. Snell, S., & Bohlander, G. Human Resource Management. Australia: Thompson,
2007.
3. Dressler, G., & Varkkey, B. Human Resource Management. New Delhi: Pearson,
2009.
4. Monappa, A. & Saiyadain, M. Personnel Management. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-
Hill.
5. Filippo, E. Personnel Management. New Dill: Tata McGraw Hill.
6. Robbins, S.P., Judge, T.A., & Sanghi, S. Organization Behavior. New Delhi: Pearson,
2009.
7. Davis, K. Organization Behavior. New York: McGraw-Hill.
8. Greenberg, G. & Baron, R.A. Behaviour in Organization. New Delhi: Prentice Hall,
2003.
9. Agrawal, G. R. Dynamics of Human Resource Management. Kathmandu: M.K.
Publishers and Distributers.
10. Pant, P. R., & Manandhar, N. Industrial Relations in Nepal. Kathmandu: Buddha
Academic Publishers.
11. Armstrong, M. Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice.
London: Kogan Page.
12. Lauthans, F. Organizational Behavior. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
13. Related Legislations and ILO Convention papers.
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STT 505: Statistical Analysis (3 – 2 – 0)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to equip the students with tools and techniques of
statistical analysis that are applicable in conducting research work and or fact finding
process and decision problems.
Course Contents
5. Estimation: (3hrs)
Basic concept, point estimate and interval estimate; Interval estimate and confidence
intervals; Calculating interval estimate of mean and proportion; Determining sample
size in estimation.
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References:
1. Levin, R. I., & Rubin, D. S. Statistics for Management. New Delhi: Pearson.
2. Sthapit, A. B., Gautam, H., Joshi, P. R., & Dongol, P. M. Statistical Methods.
Kathmandu: Buddha Academic Publisher.
3. Sthapit, A. B., Yadav, R. P., & Khanal, S. P. Business Statistics. Kathmandu: Asmita
Books Publisher.
4. Gupta, S. P. Fundamental of Statistical Methods. New Delhi: Himalaya Publishing
House.
5. Srivastava, U. K., Shenoy, G.V., & Sharma, S. C. Quantitative Techniques for
Management Decisions. New Delhi: Wiley Eastern Pvt. Ltd.
6. Miller, I., & Miller, M. John E. Freund’s Mathematical Statistics with Applications.
New Delhi: Pearson.
7. Johnson, R. Miller & Freund’s Probability and Statistics for Engineers. New Delhi:
PHI Learning.
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ECM 521: Professional Ethics and Liability in Construction (3 – 0 – 0)
Course Objectives
The objective of the course is to develop students’ ability in analyzing and
interpreting the real life situation and to enhance the student’s moral/ ethical integrity
for the practice of engineering profession.
Course Contents
1. Introduction: (2 hrs)
General Introduction on morale and professional ethics:
2. Ethics: (4 hrs)
Introduction to ethics. Uses of ethics. Characteristics of ethical problems. Approaches
to ethical decision making.
7. Insurance: (7 hrs)
Introduction. Role and scope of insurance in construction. Third party liability
insurance. Contractor’s all risk (CAR) insurance. Validity of insurance and claiming.
Statutory requirements.
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References:
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ECO 501: Economics for Construction Managers (3 – 1 – 0)
Course Objectives
This course aims at imparting the engineering students with knowledge of micro-
economics, contemporary economic issues, base financial concept and helping them
to develop proficiency with the methods and the process for making rational decisions
regarding situations they are likely to encounter in professional practice.
Course Contents
1. Introduction: (4 hrs)
Concept and principles of economics; approaches to economics; origins and principles
of engineering economics; Scope of engineering economics; engineering economy
and the design process; economic systems; applied economics; production
possibilities; economizing problem; concept of economic efficiency: productive and
allocative efficiency.
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8. Project Appraisal and Breakeven Analysis: (8 hrs)
Appraising project profitability; Internal Rate of Return; Payback period; Net present
value; Cost benefit analysis; Appraisal process: technical feasibility, economic
feasibility, financial feasibility and breakeven analysis; Breakeven chart; Managerial
use of breakeven analysis.
References:
1. Garmo, D. et al., Engineering Economy. New York: Prentice Hall International, 1997.
2. Jain, S.K. Applied Economics. New Delhi: Vikash Publishing House, 1997.
3. Sullivan, W. G., Bontadelli, J. A., & Wicks, E. M. Engineering Economy. London:
Addison Wesley Longman, 2000.
4. Mankiw, N. G. Economics: Principles and Applications. Australia: Cengage
Learning.
5. Jhingan, M. L. The Economics of Development and Planning. Delhi: Vrinda
Publications Pvt. Ltd.
6. Samuelson, P.A., & Nordhaus, W. D. Economics. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill,
2009.
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ECM 522: Construction Policies, Environment and Law (3 – 0 – 0)
Course Objectives
Objective of this course is to enhance the students’ practical skill in competing for a
project, successfully completing a project and in settling a project related issues.
Course Contents
5. Law and Policies Governing Environment, Ecology, Forests, Habitat and other
Matters Having Direct Bearing on Construction Industry: (4 hrs)
Local Governance Act - 2055, Solid Waste Management Act - 2049, Water Resource
Act - 2049, Forest Act - 2049, Environment Act - 2049, Industrial Act– 2049.
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9. Types of Engineering Contracts: (4 hrs)
EPC, Turnkey, Design build, Item rate, Cost plus, Sub contract and specialist sub-
contract, Labor contract
References:
1. Moavenzaders, F. Global Construction and the Environment. New York: Ioha Willy,
1994.
2. Government of Nepal, Related Acts, Regulations, Guidelines and policies.
3. WB, ADB, Procurement guidelines.
4. FIDIC, WB, ADB, GoN, Model conditions of contract.
5. Martsons, D. L. Law for Professional Engineers. New York: McGraw-Hill.
6. NICMAR, Construction contract Management. Bombay: NICMAR publication.
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FIN 521: Financial Management (3-2-0)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to make the students able in planning, analyzing and
controlling finance related problems in a construction projects.
Course Contents
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Note: At least one case will be administered at the end of each unit. The students will
also complete a project work and a few other assignments as specified by the course
tutor.
References:
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ECM 523: Construction Project Management (3 – 1 – 0)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to prepare students to manage a construction project
considering all the aspects involved in a construction project execution process.
Course Contents
Note: After completing each unit, students will be given real life examples for their
individual analysis and presentation in the class room.
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References:
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ECM 524: Management of Construction Plant and Equipment (3 – 1 – 0)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to enable the students to make appropriate choice of
various equipments, construction plant by considering their pros and cons and related
safety measures.
Course Contents
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10. Equipment Safety: (4 hrs)
Operations in Material Handling – Lifting cranes. Steam boilers under pressure.
Bitumen boilers and sprayers. Faulty and defective equipment. Electrical system in
equipment. Filling of tanks. Some safety rules and precautions.
References:
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ECM 621: Construction Project Engineering and Administration (3 – 0 – 0)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to make the students capable to decide on setting up of
contracts and selecting the contractors in any construction projects. The students will
also be able to handle variations and change order as the project progresses. After
completing this course the students will also understand managing project risk and
uncertainties and be able to administer the project independently as per the provisions
of the conditions of contract.
Course Contents
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6. Claims, Disputes and Dispute Settlement: (6 hrs)
Introduction to claims, Reasons for claims, Source of claims, Preparing claims,
analysis of claims, preparing defense.
PPMO its role and responsibilities. Nepal Procurement Act – 2063 and Nepal
Procurement Regulation – 2064. Procurement methods recommended.
References:
1. Gould, F. E., & Joyce, N. E. Construction Project Management. New York: Prentice
Hall.
2. Nicholas, J. M., & Steyn, H. Project Management for Business, Engineering and
Technology. Heinemann: Butterworth.
3. ILO, Introduction to Work Study. Geneva: ILO Publication.
4. Fryer, B. The Practice of Construction Management. London: Collins.
5. Joyce, N. E., & Gould, F. E. Construction Project Management. New Jersey: Prentice
Hall.
6. Bhattarai, D., An Introduction to Construction Management Practices in Nepal:
Nepal Engineering College.
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ECM 622: Construction Safety Engineering (3 – 0 – 0)
Course Objectives
After completing this course students will be able to identify problem and issues
related to safety at construction site. Students will be able to independently manage
safety at construction site.
Course Contents
1. Introduction: (2 hrs)
Construction industry and safety; Meaning and scope of construction safety; Various
aspects of construction safety; Scope for improvement.
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8. Motivating for Safety: (4 hrs)
Introduction; Motivating the workers; Motivating the supervisors and managers;
Motivating the planners and designers; Motivating the contractors; The safety
committee.
Note: Students will prepare individually (a) a safety plan as home assignment and
(b) method statements and JSA of some construction activities as class work. They are
required to present their work in the classroom.
References:
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RCH 601: Research Methodology (3 – 0 – 0)
Course objectives
The objective of this course is to equip the students with tools and techniques of
social research work. Students after completing this course will be able to conduct a
research work independently.
Course Contents
1. Introduction: (1 hr)
Conceptualization of research; Nature and types of research; Qualities of researcher;
Place of theory in research; Relationship of theory and facts; Research process.
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8. Some Methodological Issues: (3 hrs)
Problem orientation Vs method orientation, Types of problems, Extent of use of
methods, Quantitative approach in social research, Scientific methods, Components of
scientific approach.
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References:
1. Riordan, D. G., & Pauley, S. E. Technical Report Writing Today. New Delhi:
Biztantra.
2. Kothari, C. R. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: New
Age International.
3. Wolff, H. K., & Pant, P. R. Social Science Research and Thesis Writing.
Kathmandu: Buddha Academic Publishers and Distributors.
4. Gaur, Ajai S. Statistical Methods for Practice and Research. New Delhi: Tata
McGraw-Hill.
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ECM 623: Construction Management in Developing Countries
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to help the students in understanding the differences
between developed and developing countries in terms of their practices in
construction management, and in developing higher degree of flexibility in order to
prepare the students to work globally.
Course Contents
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5. Project Environment in Developing Countries: (4 hrs)
Project participants: Client, Consultants, Contractors, Construction materials and
allied industries, funding agencies, journalists, Environmental activists, end users.
Management Aspect of Project Environment in developing countries: top level,
middle level and operational level management and their characteristics, Legal, Socio-
cultural, economic, political and demographic factors. External factors affecting
construction project
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Land acquisition: Introduction, procedure, cost of land; Issues associated with land
acquisition – forest, public utilities. Valuation of private properties – houses, other
structures, trees and plants; Land acquisition complexities.
Construction period: Contractor’s mobilization – modern trend. Material supply –
involvement of local youths; Incorporating people’s demand – feasible vs unfeasible;
Role of local youth organizations (LLYOs)– how organized are the organizations.
Project control process – challenges to the engineer’s staff. Labor issues - EHS issues
and awareness, minor labor, gender and equity considerations; Labor unions: highly
politicized, interest in higher wage only, poorly organized; Application of project
management tools – current status, selection of tools, frequency of updating.
References:
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