BCM10001 Introduction to Construction Management

The poster presented at the IMPACT Symposium 2014 outlines the redesign of BCM 10001 (Introduction to Construction Management)

Toward A Zero Energy Home: Applying Swiss Building Practices/Attitudes to U.S. Residential Construction

This project evaluated typical U.S. and Swiss homes to identify construction practices that are most energy efficient and have economic payback. A net zero energy home (ZEH) produces as much energy as is consumed in it over time. Students in a College o f Technology in a Midwest Indiana State University and a technical University in Switzerland resulted in developing models of homes that combined U.S. and Swiss standards. The project was completed in two phases: during the first phase o f this project, construction costs, energy use, and economic payback was calculated for six homes that were designed using both Swiss and U.S. standards. During the second phase of the project, cultural norms that influence energy use were explored. A survey was used to compare U.S. and Swiss college students’ lifestyles and energy habits. All homes had the same basic size and layout, but some used construction practices typical for the United States and others were designed according to Swiss guidelines for residential construction. The results of the study showed that a Swiss-style low-energy home is not cost effective for the Midwestern United States if energy costs remain low, but it could become attractive if energy rates escalate significantly. It was also recognized that technology by itself will not minimize energy consumption, a result o f the second part o f the project that explored cultural norms that influence energy use. From the survey of both U.S. and Swiss college students’ lifestyles and energy habits, it was revealed with a high level of confidence that Swiss students are more energy conscious than their U.S. counterparts

Construction and Nursing Students, Building a Playground for Bauer Family Services

Poster Sessio

Factors that influence students\u27 choice of careers in Construction Management

The goal of this study was to explore the demographics, career influences in terms of experiences and relationships, and self-efficacy of students currently enrolled in accredited Construction Management (CM) programs in one Midwestern state. Numerous factors influence students who enter CM programs, however, insufficient information exists to explain the characteristics of these students. Obtaining a better understanding of students currently enrolled in construction management programs can reveal perceptions of the construction industry and enlighten CM programs for future marketing. Four accredited CM programs in one Midwestern state were surveyed. Four research questions were posited and analyzed yielding 504 completed and usable survey instruments. The findings showed that females in CM programs are underrepresented with 8% (n=44) reporting. Of the students reporting, 91% (n=460) entered the CM programs directly from high school. The rural and urban high school graduates enrolled in the CM programs were equally balanced in number of students from each area. All students had some work experience, but fewer reported technical and career training in high school. Students reported that hands-on type activities and interest in construction were the largest influences. The high school counselor was the least influential person. According to the general self-efficacy (GSE) instrument, 75% of the CM students reported scores in the totally confident range of the GSE scale. The findings aligned with previous research on students in business and science majors. The recommendations for future research included using expanded populations and samples, further examination of gender, age, rural, influences, and associations, and additional uninvestigated areas of high school activities related to construction

Improving process throughput of Cardiac catheterization using Six Sigma Training

Healthcare is changing daily with the introduction of technology. Heart catheterization is one area that has excelled in the new technology that is constantly being introduced. Facilities are being built which provide patients with diagnostics and treatments that save lives daily. Due to the continual improvement of healthcare processes, it is also important to review process and continually improve efficiency. The catheterization lab patient care process must provide quality patient care that exceeds expectations of all involved. A project was completed to train a team that would implement process improvement. The team was made up of the technicians, nurses and administrative personnel who worked daily in the lab. Using six sigma as a basis of process control, training was executed on a weekly basis with deliverable outcomes that were implemented for improvements. A team of professionals worked to optimize current practices regarding patient through put. This was completed by applying six sigma concepts to communications, scheduling, documentation, and resource utilization of the unit. As a team, resources were compared to the needs of patients’ and regulatory requirements. Interval steps of discovery occurred as the project proceeded. This paper will outline the process, difficulties and outcomes of the project in general terms which provides a basis of validating the time spent on six sigma training