Project Management
Public Employees Leadership Institute
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Modules
1. Project planning and programming
2. Management of construction projects
3. Documentation & materials testing
4. Project “close out” and audit
5. US 30: challenges and victories
6. Ingersoll Ave: a 4- to 3-lane process
7. Using electronic tools for system planning
This course provides an excellent form of instruction for the beginning project manager with training on the identifiable fundamentals of planning, developing and managing a construction project. Emphasis on the process is provided by the examination of an actual bridge project example that utilized most every conceivable step possible. A thorough review of construction inspection fundamentals and the tools needed to effectively perform those duties is provided. Preparation for a clean project close out at audit time begins at the time of letting with the clear and concise plans, notes and specifications. Using proper forms and methods for item note keeping, a diary, and specific quantities from the start of and throughout a project can insure a successful audit (and full reimbursement) at completion.
Actual case studies of two major projects (a multi-year highway/bridge construction and a complete street reversion) involved all these principles but also included many difficult (and trying) challenges. The circumstances provided by these examples provide both enlightenment and education to even those experienced inspectors and project managers, while again emphasizing the importance of the basics discussed earlier.
Utilization of an asset management system by a city is described and explained as a management tool used to differentiate the need for management of both maintenance and construction work. Using this type of planning/management tool allows an agency to be able to conduct the most efficient and effective combinations to meet an their budget and/or condition goals.
Skills are developed by knowing:
- The basic steps involved with in project management
- The proper order of project development to avoid audit problems
- The proper forms and documentation needed
- Where training is available
Once completed, participants should be able to:
- Identify key components of managing parts of (or all) of projects
- Know where to find forms and get assistance for accurate records
- Recognize that challenges are inevitable and must be taken care of and recorded as provided in the specifications, using the engineer’s judgment
Key concepts:
- Project management begins with the concept
- There is a proper order for project development
- Proper construction inspection begins by knowing the project documents
- Documentation and proper record keeping is invaluable
Instructors
Cathy Nicholas
Position
Black Hawk County Engineer; Black Hawk County, Iowa
Education
BSE; Iowa State University
MSE; University of Washington
Experience
Cathy Nicholas has been the Black Hawk County Engineer since June 2008. Prior to that, she worked for the Federal Highway Administration for 17 years. Her most recent position there was serving as the Construction and Materials Engineer in the Olympia, Washington Division Office.
Cathy has a BSE from Iowa State University and a MSE from the University of Washington. She is a licensed professional engineer in Iowa and Washington State.
Other Institute course(s)
Finance
Brian Moore
Position
Wapello County Engineer
Education
Graduate of Iowa State University
Experience
The assistant and county engineer in Ringgold County for 3½ years, and then named as Wapello County engineer, serving for 9½ years.
Professional affiliations
Active member of the Iowa County Engineers Association and the National Association of County Engineers (NACE)
Brenda Boell
Position
Field Review Technician, Office of Local Systems, Iowa Department of Transportation
Education
Graduate of Iowa State University
Experience
Before beginning work at the IDOT, she worked for R.L. Craft, a PCC patching contractor in Denison, as a concrete finisher and for four years as a HMA plant inspector for Henningsen Construction in Atlantic. She started working for the IDOT in 1988 as an inspector in the Council Bluffs Residency. In 1989, she took a promotion and went to the Denison Construction Residency. In 1993, she was promoted to a Materials Technician 4 in the District 1 Materials Office where she was a lab chief for two years and the Structures Tech for three years. In 1998 she was promoted into her current position.
Dean Wiebke
Position
Iowa Department of Transportation Engineering Technician Senior
Experience
Over 32 years of experience with the DOT, with 13 years in the District 2 Materials Department and the last 19 years with District 2 Construction, working mainly in project administration/close-out/audits.
Doug McDonald
Position
Resident Construction Engineer, Marshalltown, Iowa Department of Transportation
Education
BS from State University
Experience
Doug McDonald graduated from Iowa State University with BS in Civil Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Iowa. He worked for both Pittsburg Des Moines Steel in Des Moines and for the State of Connecticut DOT before coming to the Iowa DOT. Doug has been with Iowa DOT for 30 years and was the Resident Construction Engineer in Marshalltown for 23 years. Doug is now the District Construction Engineer for the Iowa DOT’s District 6 Office in Cedar Rapids.
Gary Fox
Position
Retired Principal Traffic Engineer, City of Des Moines
Education
BS and MS from Kansas State University
Experience
Gary worked for the Iowa DOT as an accident Surveillance Engineer for six years before beginning work for the City of Des Moines as the Principal Traffic Engineer. Three years later he was promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Traffic and Transportation and served as the City’s Traffic Engineer after 1997.
Professional affiliations
Gary is a licensed engineer in both Iowa and Kansas and active in the Institute of Transportation Engineers, member and past president of the Missouri Valley section of ITE, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a past president of the Iowa section of that organization. He is also a member of the International Municipal Signal Association, Inc. and the International Parking Institute.
Joseph Cory
Position
Deputy Public Works Director, City of West Des Moines, Iowa
Education
BS in Civil Engineering, Iowa State University
MS in Public Administration, Drake University
Experience
Joe Cory is the Deputy Public Works Director at the City of West Des Moines. The position provides the direction, coordination, and oversight for the Public Work Department which includes the following areas; environmental, transportation, construction and development. Joe also assists in administering the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and ensures that public improvements are constructed in accordance with State laws and accepted Engineering Standards while minimizing risk to the public as a result of these improvements and that the public resources are managed responsibly.
Other Institute course(s)
Sustainability in Public Works