Master of Technology Management Plan II Graduate Projects

Date of Award

Summer 2014

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Technology Management-Construction Management

First Advisor

Dr. Alan Atalah

Second Advisor

Dr. Alan Atalah

Abstract

This study evaluates the particular scheduling and estimating challenges faced by Cypress Construction Incorporated, a small, privately owned residential construction company based in Baltimore, Maryland. The study, via the usage of primary data collection in the form of personal interviews and site observations, determines the nature of the scheduling and estimating functions conducted by Cypress Construction Inc.’s owner This data is then analyzed to ascertain why the scheduling and estimating functions of Cypress Construction Inc. are unique to the firm and are in need of amelioration. Furthermore, the study includes a literature review to compare the experiences of Cypress Construction Inc. to preexisting scholarly data on the subject of scheduling and estimating challenges faced by small residential contracting companies more generally. Lastly the study concludes that while some of the scheduling and estimating challenges faced by Cypress Construction Inc. are the result of the highly divergent nature of niche renovations in historic areas, others are the result of a lack of human capital and organization, and may effectively be addressed by structural changes on the part of Cypress Construction Inc. The study concludes by offering logical and implementable solutions to some of the scheduling and estimating difficulties that hinder the functionality, productivity and profitability of Cypress Construction Inc.

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