College program standard: Construction Project Management
Read the approved program standard for Construction Project Management programs delivered at public colleges in Ontario. (Ministry code 78222)
The approved standard for program of instruction leading to an Ontario College Graduate Certificate delivered by Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. (Ministry code 78222)
August 2017
Inquiries regarding specific Construction Project Management programs offered by colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario should be directed to the relevant college.
Permission to reproduce
For permission to copy this document, in whole or in part, for other purposes or by other institutions, or for any other general inquiries, contact the ministry at:
Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Branch
Program Standards Unit
315 Front Street West, 16th floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 0B8
Introduction
This is the Program Standard for the Construction Project Management program of instruction leading to an Ontario College Graduate Certificate delivered by Ontario colleges of applied arts and technology. (Ministry code 78222)
Development of system-wide program standards
In 1993, the Government of Ontario initiated program standards development with the objectives of bringing a greater degree of consistency to college programming offered across the province, broadening the focus of college programs to ensure graduates have the skills to be flexible and to continue to learn and adapt, and providing public accountability for the quality and relevance of college programs.
The ministry's Program Standards and Evaluation Unit has the responsibility for the development, review and approval of system-wide standards for programs of instruction at Ontario colleges of applied arts and technology.
Program standards
Program standards apply to all similar programs of instruction offered by colleges across the province. Each program standard for a postsecondary program includes the following elements:
- Vocational standard (the vocationally specific learning outcomes which apply to the program of instruction in question)
- Essential employability skills (the essential employability skills learning outcomes which apply to all programs of instruction)
- General education requirement (the requirement for general education in postsecondary programs of instruction)
Collectively, these elements outline the essential skills and knowledge that a student must reliably demonstrate in order to graduate from the program.
Individual colleges of applied arts and technology offering the program of instruction determine the specific program structure, delivery methods and other curriculum matters to be used in assisting students to achieve the outcomes articulated in the standard. Individual colleges also determine whether additional local learning outcomes will be required to reflect specific local needs and/or interests.
The expression of program standards as vocational learning outcomes
Vocational learning outcomes represent culminating demonstrations of learning and achievement. They are not simply a listing of discrete skills, nor broad statements of knowledge and comprehension. In addition, vocational learning outcomes are interrelated and cannot be viewed in isolation of one another. As such, they should be viewed as a comprehensive whole. They describe performances that demonstrate that significant integrated learning by graduates of the program has been achieved and verified.
Expressing standards as vocational learning outcomes ensures consistency in the outcomes for program graduates, while leaving to the discretion of individual colleges, curriculum matters such as the specific program structure and delivery methods.
The presentation of the vocational learning outcomes
The vocational learning outcome statements set out the culminating demonstration of learning and achievement that the student must reliably demonstrate before graduation.
The elements of the performancefor each outcome define and clarify the level and quality of performance necessary to meet the requirements of the vocational learning outcome. However, it is the performance of the vocational learning outcome itself on which students are evaluated. The elements of performance are indicators of the means by which the student may proceed to satisfactory performance of the vocational learning outcome. The elements of performance do not stand alone but rather in reference to the vocational learning outcome of which they form a part.
The development of a program standard
In establishing the standards development initiative, the Government determined that all postsecondary programs of instruction should include vocational skills coupled with a broader set of essential skills. This combination is considered critical to ensuring that college graduates have the skills required to be successful both upon graduation from the college program and throughout their working and personal lives.
A program standard is developed through a broad consultation process involving a range of stakeholders with a direct interest in the program area, including employers, professional associations, universities, secondary schools and program graduates working in the field, in addition to students, faculty and administrators at the colleges themselves. It represents a consensus of participating stakeholders on the essential learning that all program graduates should have achieved.
Updating the program standard
The ministry will undertake regular reviews of the vocational learning outcomes for this program to ensure that the Construction Project Management Program Standard remains appropriate and relevant to the needs of students and employers across the Province of Ontario. To confirm that this document is the most up-to-date release, please contact the ministry.
Vocational standard
All graduates of Construction Project Management programs have achieved the vocational learning outcomes (VLOs) listed below.
Preamble
Graduates of the Construction Project Management program plan, manage and supervise a broad range of construction projects* within the residential, industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) and civil infrastructure sectors of the construction industry.
As members of the multidisciplinary team, graduates establish and manage relationships among a broad range of project stakeholders* and facilitate the identification of construction project* scope, feasibility and goals. Graduates build, direct and lead construction project* teams in the accomplishment of construction project* goals, in accordance with project plans, workplace health and safety practices, sustainability practices* and all applicable laws, codes, industry standards and ethical practices.
Graduates plan, schedule, manage and evaluate the progression of construction projects* by applying the principles and practices of construction project management*, cost estimating and control, quality assurance and control*, risk management and human resource management, to achieve quality construction projects* delivered on time and on budget.
Graduates analyze and solve problems arising throughout the phases of the construction life cycle* applying construction management concepts along with effective interpersonal acumen, including communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Graduates are employed in the construction industry in a variety of construction management positions, such as project manager, site supervisor, project superintendent, construction manager and construction operations manager.
There may be opportunities for graduates to pursue further educational and occupational qualifications, through articulation agreements between the colleges, universities or professional organizations. Graduates may be granted credits towards a degree and certification. Students should contact individual colleges and professional associations, such as the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).
*See Glossary
Endnote: The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) maintains the provincial postsecondary credit transfer portal, ONTransfer.
Synopsis of the vocational learning outcomes
Note: The learning outcomes have been numbered as a point of reference; numbering does not imply prioritization, sequencing, nor weighting of significance.
Construction Project Management
(Ontario College Graduate Certificate)
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- develop and use strategies to promote continuous professional learning in the construction industry
- monitor and support workplace health and safety practices and procedures which are compliant with current legislation and regulations
- assess construction project* operations for compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in construction methodology
- analyze and monitor construction processes to ensure that sustainability practices* are implemented in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements
- establish and manage relationships among diverse project stakeholders* to achieve construction project* goals
- manage the production, storage, retrieval and communication of project-related digital documents according to best practices, to meet construction project* deadlines and goals
- perform a feasibility study to inform decisions in the planning phase of a construction project*
- schedule, manage and evaluate the progression of construction projects* by applying the principles, practices and tools of construction project management* to complete projects on time and within budget
- prepare estimates and manage procurement processes to control costs in accordance with best practices in construction project management*
- develop and oversee quality assurance and control* processes involved in the completion of construction projects* to meet project specifications and industry quality standards
- analyze and manage project risks to mitigate their impact throughout the construction project lifecycle*
- formulate human resource management strategies to optimize personnel requirements for construction project* completion
- build and lead multidisciplinary teams throughout the construction project lifecycle* to accomplish construction project* goals
The vocational learning outcomes
Note: The learning outcomes have been numbered as a point of reference; numbering does not imply prioritization, sequencing, nor weighting of significance.
1. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
develop and use strategies to promote continuous professional learning in the construction industry.
Elements of the performance
- keep abreast of changes in the construction industry in general and in the construction project management* field in particular
- seek out and act upon constructive feedback to enhance work performance
- identify the roles and benefits of professional organizations and certification for example, Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Gold Seal Certification
- develop a plan to keep pace with and adapt to changing workforce demands and trends, as well as technological advances in the construction project management* field
- identify strategies for building a professional network and for participating in professional associations and activities
2. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
monitor and support workplace health and safety practices and procedures which are compliant with current legislation and regulations.
Elements of the Performance
- identify employee rights and responsibilities associated with health and safety practices
- identify health and safety training needs and plan opportunities to conduct training
- work in collaboration with health and safety managers and specialists to support a safe and healthy workplace
- analyze a workplace setting and initiate action to handle, collect, transport and dispose of unsafe or hazardous material
- prepare and analyze accident reports and take immediate and appropriate action to prevent any reoccurrence
- comply with all requirements of the Ontario Health and Safety Act, 1990 and Employment Standards Act, 2000, including the conspicuous posting requirements of health and safety documentation
- monitor that workers maintain all required health and safety training and certification such as First Aid, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS, 2015), Working at Heights and Confined Space Safety training where appropriate
- provide that health and safety documentation is displayed conspicuously
- support the development, and monitor the implementation of a project-specific health and safety plan
- identify and report any deviation or non-compliance in safety protocols
- develop and support a culture of safety in the workplace
3. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
assess construction project* operations for compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in construction methodology.
Elements of the performance
- determine relevant legislation and bylaws that apply to specific construction projects*
- identify and apply legal principles affecting the review and administration of contracts
- assess and interpret a range of contracts, contract offers and acceptances
- read and interpret relevant building drawings, specifications and codes, i.e., National and Ontario Building Codes
- determine required building permits and licenses and monitor construction projects* through required approval processes
- monitor that all inspections are performed and reported as required
- apply the most current information regarding codes and standards
- apply current legislation, standards, codes and regulations, occupational health and safety and labour laws to construction projects*
- monitor and ensure that equipment, materials and practices adhere to current relevant law, legislation, standards, codes and bylaws
- identify codes of ethics of the applicable provincial associations, societies or workplaces
- apply ethical reasoning to social and contractual issues that evolve when overseeing a construction project*
4. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
analyze and monitor construction processes to ensure that sustainability practices* are implemented in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements
Elements of the performance
- identify legislative requirements for environmental compliance
- analyze impact studies and assessments and report the results to project stakeholders*
- identify and attempt, where possible, to reduce the negative economic, social and environmental impacts of construction projects*
- monitor environmental site assessments and document identified remediation strategies implemented
- apply the principles of sustainable development, combining environmental stewardship and economic performance in project work
- promote sustainability practices* across the building lifecycle and rehabilitation/renewal practices
- recommend the use of sustainable construction materials, methods and systems to reduce impact on the environment
- direct subcontractors to conform to the environmental protection laws and regulations
- review and submit relevant documentation for green certification
5. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
establish and manage relationships among diverse project stakeholders* to achieve construction project* goals.
Elements of the Performance
- initiate and maintain liaisons with clients, engineers, architects, sub-contractors and vendors and use effective individual and group interpersonal skills
- identify project stakeholders* and validate stakeholders’ expectations, perceptions and motivation
- formulate and implement stakeholder management strategies to maximize positive influences and mitigate negative impacts
- collaborate with clients, engineers, architects and others to determine the implementation of construction projects*
- collaborate with local building and planning authorities
- obtain contracts with architects, vendors, contractors and other workers
- lead stakeholder meetings and report, in written, graphics and oral formats
- use appropriate interpersonal skills and terminology suited to the situation and project stakeholders*
- use communication technologies to facilitate clear and concise communication among project stakeholders* for example, email, file transfer etc.
- use conflict/dispute resolution strategies to resolve conflicts arising during the implementation of construction projects*
6. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
manage the production, storage, retrieval and communication of project-related digital documents according to best practices, to meet construction project* deadlines and goals.
Elements of the performance
- select and use appropriate technologies and applications to enhance work performance and support functions, processes and documentation within the construction project management* field
- apply principles of records management to hard copy and digital project records
- retrieve and review a range of construction drawings such as architectural, structural, plumbing, electrical and HVAC drawings
- develop project records including equipment and material inventories, time sheets, projected-related and actual-costs records and quality assurance and control* records
- manage the distribution, storage and retrieval of hard copy and digital project documents
- ensure accurate, clear and timely project-evaluation records
- establish criteria, organize, coordinate and prepare documents according to industry standards e.g., Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC)
- prepare and present formal technical reports, budget forecasts and project estimates
- use and share project data in accordance with relevant privacy legislation, guidelines and data sharing agreements
7. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
perform a feasibility study to inform decisions in the planning phase of a construction project*.
Elements of the performance
- consult with project stakeholders* and regulatory authorities to determine scope of construction project*
- perform appraisals of project goals, deliverables, approaches and finances to determine project feasibility
- assess requirements for business planning and management based on project stakeholders* needs
- evaluate historical, geographical and environmental site information for use in planning construction projects*
- align project goals with preliminary drawings and specifications
- determine the use of construction methods, processes and materials based on project requirements
- assess the need for construction equipment considering equipment capabilities and/or production rates
- complete feasibility analysis and cost estimate, for green and alternate strategies, materials and processes
8. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
schedule, manage and evaluate the progression of construction projects* by applying the principles, practices and tools of construction project management* to complete projects on time and within budget.
Elements of the performance
- establish the phases of the project and their component activities
- develop a project schedule using project management tools and methods e.g., MS Project, Critical Path, Q Scheduling and/or Gantt Chart
- produce and manage accurate and timely project-related reports using computers and appropriate software
- evaluate project schedules against baselines to ensure timely execution for both schedule and cost
- identify schedule-adherence problems and make necessary adjustments
- evaluate financial resources, human resources and time-lines of construction projects*
- resolve problems that arise related to inclement weather, emergencies or unforeseen circumstances and adapt the schedule as necessary
- resolve project cost, time and quality deviations
9. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
prepare estimates and manage procurement processes to control costs in accordance with best practices in construction project management*.
Elements of the performance
- apply principles of value engineering* and project life cycle* costing to obtain optimal solution to construction methods
- prepare cost control plan using contract requirements, project data and analysis of costs
- conduct research to determine proposed labour costs, materials and timing
- review offers and quotes by subcontractors or vendors
- select and use software for costing analysis, forecasting and budgeting
- prepare and submit accurate preliminary and detailed budget estimates
- calculate accurate updated cost estimates and actual costs
- analyze labour-production-time studies to produce accurate unit prices of construction activities
- apply principles of construction accounting to prepare cost plans, elemental estimates, budget forecasts and project estimates
- measure and categorize quantities by using accepted methods of measurement such as, the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) standard methods of measurement
- coordinate the delivery of supplies according to project priorities
- manage construction procurement and supply chain to successfully minimize project costs and optimize other project requirements
- develop and implement strategies for optimal resource planning and utilization
10. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
develop and oversee quality assurance and control* processes involved in the completion of construction projects* to meet project specifications and industry quality standards.
Elements of the performance
- apply the principles and tools of quality management to construction project management*for example, ISO 9000, Six Sigma
- develop and integrate quality assurance and control* strategies into the construction project life cycle*
- review and analyze project records including equipment and material inventories, time sheets, projected-related and actual-costs records and quality assurance and control* records
- ensure that project cost and timelines remain within desired limits
- lead, document and report quality assurance and control* activities
- consider and report on the costs/benefits of methods employed
- create deficiency lists and recommend solutions
- monitor, report and correct deficiencies and non-compliance with project specifications
- resolve project quality and cost deviations
- meet relevant quality specifications and standards such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA), ASTM International Standards for Building Design and Construction
11. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
analyze and manage project risks to mitigate their impact throughout the construction project lifecycle*.
Elements of the Performance
- use data gathering techniques, for example, brainstorming, SWOT analysis or interviewing, to identify project risks throughout the construction project life cycle*
- complete a risk analysis to determine risks associated with specific construction projects* for example, socioeconomic factors, environmental requirements, organizational relationships or technological problems associated with the design, site or construction processes
- integrate risk management strategies into construction project management* plan
- plan and implement strategies to eliminate or mitigate identified projects risks
- use tools to track potential project risks, triggers, occurrences and re-occurrences
- evaluate risk responses and modify strategies to produce intended responses throughout the construction project life cycle*
- prepare and present risk assessment reports
12. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
formulate human resource management strategies to optimize personnel requirements for construction project* completion.
Elements of the Performance
- determine the human resource plan required to meet construction project goals
- identify and adhere to labour-management principles and practices
- interpret and work within various collective agreements
- identify and comply with current labour legislation and human rights regulations
- monitor workers’ productivity and provide motivation and positive feedback to accomplish tasks and project goals
- prepare and present performance reviews as required
13. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
build and lead multidisciplinary teams throughout the construction project lifecycle* to accomplish construction project* goals.
Elements of the Performance
- adapt leadership strategies to a range of team members and dynamics
- use collaborative leadership skills to communicate and to influence diverse project team members
- apply team building and coordination skills within multidisciplinary teams
- integrate negotiation and problem solving skills into leadership style
- use conflict resolution skills to resolve workplace discord
- establish and communicate performance expectations to team members
- coordinate and lead meetings including interdisciplinary meetings,
pre-construction and ongoing site meetings and project closure meetings - develop and implement strategies to effectively manage changes in project scope, time and budget
Glossary
Construction projects – includes the pre-construction, construction and project close-out phases of building construction projects. Construction projects may include a wide range of projects within the residential, industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) and civil infrastructure construction sectors.
Construction project life cycle – refers to the “cradle to grave” phases of a construction project, including initiation, planning and design, project construction, project monitoring and control and final project close-out phases.
Construction project management – is the overall management, planning, coordination and control of a construction projects from initiation through to the completion of the project.
Project stakeholders – any group or individual who has a vested interest in the project including clients, architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, sub-contractors, tradespersons, suppliers, management team, government authorities, building operators, building users and the public.
Quality assurance and control – quality assurance refers to a system of planned initiatives designed to prevent quality deficiencies and to ensure a project meets contractual requirements and industry quality standards. Quality control includes the monitoring and control of construction project deliverables by sampling, inspecting, testing, correcting and enhancing performance.
Sustainability practices – includes the planning decisions and activities that apply the concepts of environmental, economic and social sustainability and lifecycle assessment into the planning, design, operation and evaluation of construction projects (adapted from The Canadian Society of Civil Engineering , “Entrusted to Our Care” Guidelines for Sustainable Development, 2007 ).
Value engineering – a process or multiple step process during concept, designing and construction phases of projects with the goal of maximizing a construction project’s value, sustainability and function while maintaining the financial budget.
Acknowledgements
The ministry acknowledges with thanks the significant contribution of the many individuals and organizations who participated in the development of this program standard. In particular, the ministry would like to acknowledge the important roles of:
- all individuals and organizations who participated in the consultations
- the faculty, coordinators and deans of the Construction Project Management (Ontario College Graduate Certificate) programs for their assistance throughout the project
- the project officer who led the development of the vocational standard, Christine Foster
© 2017, Queen’s Printer for Ontario
ISBN 978-1-4868-0711-6 HTML