Construction Management JumpStart: The Best First Step Toward a Career in Construction Management

The bestselling introduction to Construction Management updated and expanded

Construction Management Jumpstart is the definitive introduction to the field, providing a detailed walkthrough of each stage of a project from the construction manager s perspective. Authoritative coverage of fundamental concepts and practices clearly delineates the construction project manager s role, while step–by–step guidance provides valuable instruction for essential management duties. The third edition has been updated to reflect the field s current environment and best practices, giving students a highly–relevant introduction to an evolving industry. Expanded chapters on Virtual Design and Construction and the Construction Contract, and three new chapters include insightful discussion of the pre–construction phase, project team management, and sustainability; challenging chapter review questions help reinforce important concepts and translate them to practice. 

Construction managers and project managers use many of the same tried–and–true techniques but construction managers must also adhere to a vast array of industry–specific standards and regulations, and manage risks uniquely associated with the complexities of the building process. This book helps you build a foundation in critical concepts and practices while tailoring traditional project management techniques to the construction management sphere.

Understand essential management roles and responsibilities for each stage of a construction project Learn how to estimate costs, administer contracts, manage operations, monitor performance, assess risks, and more Explore critical concepts in planning and scheduling that help keep projects running on–time and on–budget

Evolving regulations, advancing technology, and economies in flux all impact the construction industry in a number of ways; management s job is to clear obstacles to delivery and streamline the project s completion. To be effective, construction managers must stay up to date on the latest tools and best practices, and have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of the role. Construction Management Jumpstart provides a practical, highly–relevant introduction to the field.

Barbara Jackson, PhD, is Director of the Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management in the Daniels College of Business, at the University of Denver. She is also a Professor of Construction Management and Design–Build at DU.  She holds a BS in Housing and Design, an MS in Construction Management, and a PhD in Education and Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed contractor and design–builder, she is a nationally recognized speakers and consultant on alternative project delivery, integrated project leadership, and the transforming culture of the AEC industry.