MCSM Core Courses
CSM 852 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT RESEARCH
Research methodology applied to the construction industry. The course objective is to learn the basic skills and knowledge associated with formal business research.
CSM 860 FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS
Theory of financial management as it relates to the financial challenges faced by the building construction firm. This course illustrates the special nature of the structure, management and control of the construction firm.
CSM 861 CONSTRUCTION CONTROL SYSTEMS
The development and analysis of cost, resource and quality control programs for a company's construction projects. The objective is to examine the responsibilities of the project management team in both the traditional and construction management systems for delivery of the typical medium to large commercial/industrial building project. The case study method is augmented by lectures presented by a number of professional constructors.
Prerequisite: Estimating, scheduling and project management fundamentals.
CSM 862 PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT & NEGOTIATIONS
The role of management and unions in the construction industry. Topics include contract negotiation, collective bargaining, dispute resolution and management for productivity improvement. The need to improve productivity in the construction industry is well documented, and effective personnel management is the most important factor in reaching the goal of improved productivity. The course examines the whole field of personnel management in construction and the ways in which productivity may be improved. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CSM 863 ADVANCED PLANNING AND SCHEDULING
Analysis and control of construction projects using advanced techniques for planning, scheduling and resources control. This course helps students develop advanced skills in scheduling building construction projects.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CSM 864 BUSINESS STRATEGY AND MARKETING
Advanced techniques for business strategy and marketing of construction management, design-build or single-contract project delivery services and companies. The course helps students develop skills in cost analysis and the marketing of construction project delivery beyond the basic level usually associated with undergraduate courses in estimating and quantity survey. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CSM 865 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Theory of project management and control with special emphasis on the role and responsibilities of the resident project representative and the project manager. Students will develop an understanding and professional competence regarding the authority and responsibility of the resident project representative in the effective administration of the building construction project. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CSM 889 SPECIAL PROBLEM
Special research design problem on a construction-related topic. This is an independent study with no formal classroom instruction. Each student has his or her own research adviser. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Develop a research-based proposal on an approved construction-related topic; 2. Demonstrate mastery of formal research methodology and terminology through conducting a project on an approved construction-related topic; 3. Prepare and present in writing (in APA format) and orally a formal research report;
and 4. Prepare a paper for presentation to an approved research refereed journal.
Prerequisite: CSM 852 or consent of department chair.
CSM 891 MASTER'S THESIS RESEARCH
With the approval of his or her advisory committee, the student conducts independent research and analysis. The thesis is presented orally and in writing and in strict compliance with the guidelines of Clemson's Graduate School. Research and analysis of a specific approved subject relating to construction management such as "The Selection of the Most Effective Manner of Managing the Construction of High-Rise Construction."
OTHER MCSM MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
(NOT PART OF CORE REQUIREMENTS)
CSM 655 REDUCING ADVERSARIAL RELATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION
This course focuses on the study of the delivery of projects and how adversarial relations can affect the successful completion of the venture. Topics include the management of human resources, understanding the needs and processes of the participants, where the problems lie, and methods of avoiding and settling disputes. The objective of this course is to prepare students from both disciplines to work together as a professional team. Prerequisite: Construction science and management or architecture major, or approval of instructor.
CSM 881 PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR
Detailed study of new and emerging methods for managing the construction or construction-related firm. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Present his or her findings from studying one or more methods of managing a construction firm; 2. Professionally review and constructively evaluate the presentations of others on managing construction firms; and 3. Evaluate and compare the various methods of managing a construction firm presented in actual case studies.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
CSM 890 DIRECTED STUDIES
Comprehensive studies and research of special topics not covered in other courses. Emphasis is on field studies, research activities and current developments in building science. Upon completion of this course the student should be able to: 1. Explain the research methodology used to study the specialized topics; 2. Describe the proposal for the topic(s) to be studied and the findings of their research; and 3. Present and discuss the area of study and the conclusions.
Please refer to Directed Studies link for more information.
OTHER non-MCSM MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Any 600 or 800-level, department-approved graduate course will be acceptable in the program.
