University of Toledo

Construction Engineering Technology

Master Syllabus

 

 

Course Title:       Contracts & Specifications                         Course Code & Number:      ARCT-2160

 

Credit Hour Total:     3

 

       Lecture Hours:   3                 Lab Hours: 0                     

 

Prerequisite(s):  CET-1100, CET-1150

 

Text:                      Construction Contracts
                               Jimmie Hinze                       ISBN: 0-07-232172-5

Software:             None

 

 

A.     Course Description  (Approved catalog description.)

Fundamentals of construction contract documents, relationship of drawings, specifications, critical  path planning, scheduling, and contracts.  Composition of construction specifications. 

B.     Related Program Outcomes: 

1.      Effective communication skills related to the construction environment though the proper usage of oral, written and graphic techniques. 

2.      An understanding of codes and specifications in the implementation of building and highway projects. 

3.      A development and understanding of the proper management techniques of construction projects relative to budget, schedule, organization and contractual obligations. 

C.    Course Objectives: 

Upon completion of this course the student will have:

1.      An understanding of basis construction business and contractual relationships. 

2.      The ability to write basic, yet definitive, “scopes of work”  for contracts utilizing the specifications

3.      An understanding of the execution of the contract between contractor and owner, contractor and subcontractor, contractor and material supplier. 

D.    Course Outline 

1.      Construction Business and Contractual Relationships
a.                Construction business terminology
b.                Titles and substance of standard contracts
c.                Familiarity with common construction contracts
d.                Unit Price, Lump Sum and Negotiated contracts
e.                Obligations


2.      Reading  specifications and translating its obligations into Subcontracts and Purchase Orders
a.                Specifications as commonly outlined by the Construction Specifications Institute 16                            divisions. Review each division
b.                Writing “scopes of work” for purchase orders and subcontracts

3.      Administering Contract Agreements
a.                Invoicing and Payments
b.                Insurances, safety programs, change orders
c.                Debates based on actual industry experiences- demonstrate understanding of                            specifications (see paragraph B2 above) .
d.                Ethics on accepting bids and awarding contracts(with guest speakers from Industry)
e.                Shop drawing submittal process

E.     Suggested Laboratory Tests 

One in-class debate over interpretation of specifications- proper use of oral techniques.  One out-of-class debate contest versus another program’s students  over interpretation of specifications and contractual obligations.