Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Planning & Scheduling (Face-to-Face)

CM 3880-01

Course: CM 3880-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ET
CRN: 10675

Course Description

Learn extensive knowledge of construction planning and scheduling processes, and recognize its importance in the construction area. Learn the concepts of different planning and scheduling techniques, resource leveling, time-cost relationships, and monitoring work progress. The course incorporates the use of computers in the planning and scheduling process. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): (CM 1000 and CM 2030) or (CCET 1040 and ENGR 1050) - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C-

Required Texts

No textbook required. Students will use instructor-generated and Web-based materials.
Required Software: 
  1. BlueBeam
  2. Procore
  3. MS Project

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Foundations of Planning and Scheduling
  • Explain the fundamental role of planning, scheduling, organizing, and controlling construction projects throughout the project life cycle.
  • Describe the importance of time, cost, resources, and financial control within construction schedule development.
  • Identify the components of an effective project schedule and the constraints that influence schedule performance.
Scheduling Methods and Techniques
  • Apply critical path method (CPM) scheduling techniques to analyze, develop, and manage construction schedules.
  • Construct network diagrams, determine activity relationships, calculate float, and identify critical activities.
  • Use quantitative scheduling tools to manage time, cost, resource allocation, and project sequencing.
Planning Framework and Project Controls
  • Implement a planning and scheduling framework that includes organizing, planning, monitoring, controlling, and learning from project outcomes.
  • Evaluate project progress using established control methods and make adjustments to maintain time and cost targets.
  • Analyze the impacts of schedule changes, delays, resource constraints, and acceleration strategies on project performance.
Practical Application and Industry Tools
  • Develop a complete project schedule for a construction project using industry-standard software and CPM-based techniques.
  • Apply hands-on scheduling practices to a continuous example project, such as a highway bridge, to demonstrate activity sequencing, resource management, acceleration, and time/cost tradeoffs.
  • Interpret scheduling outputs, such as Gantt charts, network diagrams, and resource histograms, to support project decision-making.
Professional Practice and Management
  • Assess the effectiveness of scheduling methods used in field construction projects and identify best practices for management control.
  • Integrate scheduling practices with real-world constraints involving project finance, labor, equipment, materials, and contract requirements.
  • Communicate schedule information clearly to stakeholders, including owners, designers, subcontractors, and project teams.
Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
  • Evaluate potential scheduling risks and uncertainties and determine appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Analyze competing project constraints to inform decisions on time, cost, and resource trade-offs.
  • Adapt scheduling frameworks and CPM methodologies to suit organizational, contractual, and project-specific needs within an A/E/C environment.

Course Requirements

To successfully complete CM 3880, students are expected to participate in a combination of lectures, assignments, computer labs, certifications, projects, and exams. The total course grade is based on 1,000 points, distributed across the following components:
1. Class Participation – 100 points
Students are expected to actively participate in lectures, case studies, demonstrations, and class discussions. Attendance and professional engagement are essential for understanding CPM scheduling concepts, project planning frameworks, and applied project control methods.
2. Hands-On Assignments (Individual Evaluation) – 100 points
Assignments reinforce the concepts discussed in lectures by providing opportunities to apply scheduling theories to practical examples. These exercises include background readings, case-based problems, planning worksheets, and short application tasks designed to strengthen individual skills in project planning and scheduling.
3. Quizzes (Individual Evaluation) – 100 points
Short quizzes assess students’ understanding of scheduling techniques, project-planning processes, CPM calculations, time–cost relationships, and project control concepts. Quizzes ensure consistent progress and comprehension throughout the semester.
4. Computer Labs (Individual/Group Evaluation) – 100 points
Students will work with Microsoft® Project 2018 to complete structured lab activities involving:
  • Deterministic time scheduling
  • Schedule updating
  • Resource leveling
  • Cash flow analysis
  •  Computer labs provide hands-on experience with professional planning and scheduling software.
5. Procore Certifications – 50 points
Students are required to complete the following Procore Construction 101 online certifications:
  • Successful Project Planning
  • Successful Project Scheduling
 These certifications ensure students understand industry-standard digital project controls and scheduling practices.

6. Term Project (Group Evaluation) – 150 points
For the term project, student teams (approximately five per group) will function as a construction contractor to develop a complete planning and scheduling package, including:
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  • Project time planning
  • CPM network and time scheduling
  • Resource planning
This project simulates professional scheduling responsibilities and emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and project control skills.
7. Mid-Term Exam – 200 points
The mid-term exam measures students’ proficiency in:
  • CPM network development
  • Critical path identification
  • Float calculations
  • Time–cost tradeoffs
  • Scheduling principles and terminology
The exam includes conceptual and quantitative components.
8. Final Exam – 200 points
The final exam evaluates cumulative understanding of planning and scheduling concepts. It may include network diagram problems, scheduling scenarios, resource and cost control analysis, and interpretation of project planning outputs.

Total: 1,000 Points
Successful completion of CM 3880 requires active participation in lectures, timely submission of assignments, demonstrated competency with Microsoft® Project, completion of Procore certifications, effective teamwork in developing the term project, and strong performance on both exams.

Course Outline

Part 1: Foundations of Construction Planning
Module 1: Construction Project Planning
Introduction to the course and project team formation.
  • CPM procedures and planning fundamentals.
  • Identifying job activities and logical sequencing.
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) development.
  • Precedence and PERT diagrams, network formats, and lag relationships.
  • Precedence diagramming for a highway bridge project.
  • Repetitive operations, master networks, subnetworks, and network interfaces.
  • Computer applications for project planning.
Assignment: Project Planning (Module 1).
Software Introduction – Microsoft Project
  1. Getting started with MS Project 2018.
  2. Setting up a project file, entering tasks, notes, and milestones.
  3. Understanding project calendars and task structures.
Procore Certification (Part 1)
  • Construction 101 – Successful Project Planning.
Part 2: Construction Scheduling Methods
Module 2: Construction Project Scheduling – Gantt / Bar Charts
  • Five basic steps to develop a Gantt/Bar chart.
  • Planning and scheduling activities using bar-chart techniques.
  • Cost distribution and resource planning using bar charts.
  • Examples of computer-generated bar charts.
Assignment: Scheduling with Bar/Gantt Charts (Module 2).
Module 3: Construction Project Scheduling – Critical Path Method (CPM)
  • Scheduling procedures and activity duration estimating.
  • Time contingency and network time computations.
  • Early/Late times, float calculations, and identification of critical/float paths.
  • Early start schedules, time–scaled networks, and calendar-date scheduling.
  • Sorts, lags, interface computations, and hammock activities.
  • Repetitive operations scheduling and software applications.
Assignment: CPM Scheduling (Module 3).
Quiz: CPM Scheduling Concepts.
Supporting Software – Microsoft Project
  • Manipulating tasks and constraints.
  • Managing dependencies, links, and scheduling logic.
Term Project Workshops (Phase 1)
  • Workshop: Developing the Project WBS.
  • Workshop: Project Planning (full logic design).
  • Workshop: Preliminary Project Scheduling.
Part 3: Linear Scheduling & Mid-Term Evaluation
Module 4: Linear Scheduling Method (LSM)
  • Introduction to linear scheduling concepts.
  • Creating linear schedules and interpreting velocity diagrams.
  • Forecasting conflicts, buffers, time, and space analysis.
  • Roadway-construction example and linear-scheduling applications.
Assignment: Linear Scheduling (Module 4).
Quiz: LSM Concepts.
Mid-Term Exam Preparation & Testing
  • Comprehensive review covering Modules 1–4.
Mid-Term Exam.
Part 4: Time Reduction, Time Management & Project Acceleration
Module 5: Project Time Reduction
  • Need for duration reduction and schedule compression.
  • General time-reduction procedures and shortest-path evaluation.
  • Activity time–cost relationships and trade-offs.
  • Reducing highway bridge duration and analyzing total project cost vs. time.
Assignment: Time Reduction (Module 5).
Quiz: Time-Reduction Methods.
Term Project Workshops (Phase 2)
  • Fence Project workshop (time reduction and scheduling).
  • Applying time–cost tradeoffs to the term project.
Part 5: Project Time Management & Reporting
Module 6: Project Time Management
  • Key aspects of time management and milestone planning.
  • Detailed schedules and schedule breakdown structures.
  • Progress measurement and reporting methods.
  • Weekly progress reports and progress analysis.
  • Network updating and project progress curves.
Assignment: Project Time Management (Module 6).
Quiz: Time Management Concepts.
Part 6: Resource Management & Allocation
Module 7: Project Resource Management
  • Labor-resource tabulation and manpower planning.
  • Manpower summary, resource demand, and leveling.
  • Numerical examples of workforce management.
  • Equipment scheduling, equipment management, and software applications.
  • Material, subcontractor, and expediting schedules.
Assignment: Resource Management (Module 7).
Quiz: Resource Management Concepts.
Software Application – Microsoft Project
  • Resource management and allocation using MS Project (Lab Sessions).
  • Applying leveling and resource-allocation strategies in software.
Term Project Workshops (Phase 3)
  • Workshop: Resource Allocation and Leveling (multiple sessions).
  • Integration of planning, CPM scheduling, LSM, time reduction, and resource leveling into a final project schedule.
Part 7: Final Review & Course Completion
Course Wrap-Up
  • Comprehensive review of planning, scheduling, CPM, LSM, time reduction, and resource management.
  • Final integration of all term-project components.
Review for Final Exam.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  1. Missed Lectures: Students are responsible for all material covered in class during an absence. Students who are absent from a lecture should ask a classmate or the instructor for lecture notes. The PowerPoint slides do not cover everything discussed in class. 
  2. Missed/Late Assignments: Contact the instructor to check about missed assignments. Students are responsible for completing assignments made on time during their absence. Assignments handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.
  3. Missed Quizzes: Quizzes are usually given during the first 10 minutes of class. There will be no makeups for missed quizzes. 
  4. Missed Labs: In-class portions of the labs cannot be made up. An absence will result in a 0 for that day’s lab activity, and the lowest lab grade will be dropped. When students are asked to finish a lab at home, labs handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for Face-to-Face, Synchronous Remote, or Hybrid courses. If you are ill, you may request that a faculty member record the class and share it with you or request other reasonable accommodations. Your instructor will work with you to develop a plan for completing coursework. To receive academic accommodations and ensure that your request is communicated to faculty, you must submit this self-report form.

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.