Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor Background
| Industry Experience | Teaching Experience | Education |
| Frio Construction Consulting, 2022 - Present | The University of Oklahoma, 2022 - Present | Ph.D. - Leadership Studies |
| President | Adjunct Instructor | Our Lady of the Lake University |
| Jordan Foster Construction, 2011-2022 | Texas A&M University, 2022 - Present | M.S. - Construction Management |
| President - Commerical Group | Visiting Lecturer | Texas A&M University |
| Executive Vice President | The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2007-2014 | B.S. - Agricultural Systems Management |
| Swinerton Builders, 1996-2011 | Lecturer | Texas A&M University |
| Vice President | Professional Affiliations | Other |
| Business Development Manager | Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) | OSHA 30-Hour Certification |
|
Project Manager |
Past Chairman, South Texas Chapter, 2021 | USGBC Legacy LEED AP |
|
Superintendent |
Young Presidents Organization (YPO) | Fluent in Spanish |
| Project Engineer | Learning Chair, Construction Industry Network, 2019-2020 | Eagle Scout |
| San Antonio Federal Credit Union, 1994-1996 | ||
| Interim Construction Specialist | Texas A&M University - Construction Industry Advisory Council |
Course Description: CNS 5612 - Construction Business Development
The purpose of this course is to explore strategies for connecting with potential clients, nurturing relationships with industry partners, developing proposals, and setting goals that will lead to company success.
Course Prerequisites
Graduate standing and majors only.
Course Materials
Any reading material for this course will be distributed during class.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching approach is to use three methods to help each student understand and apply the topics discussed in class. I will:
- Use constructs to help develop and guide us towards a baseline understanding of the ideas and concepts
- Provide examples of these concepts that I have experienced during my time in the construction industry
- Use team and individual projects to help us apply what we are learning and develop a useful understanding of those ideas and concepts
Grades
Final Grade
Your final grade will be based on two team deliverables, one individual deliverable, class participation and a final exam. One-half of your final grade is based on the grade you receive as a member of a team, the other half is based on individual assessments which include participation, a best practices plan, and the final examination. Below is a summary of the course activities along with their respective points.
Breakdown
| Activity | Description and Due date/time | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Team Deliverable #1 | Proposal Checklist, due April 14, 2022, at 7:00 PM Central | 250 |
| Team Deliverable #2 | Capture Plan, due April 28, 2022, at 7:00 PM Central | 250 |
| Individual Deliverable | Personal Best Practices Plan, due May 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM Central | 200 |
| Final Exam | To be taken during the class period on May 12, 2022, due by 9:00 PM Central | 200 |
| Class Participation | To be determined at the end of the semester | 100 |
| TOTAL | Total | 1,000 |
Scale
| Point Distribution | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 895 - 1,000 | A |
| 795 - 894 | B |
| 695 - 794 | C |
| 595 - 694 | D |
| 0 - 594 | F |
Course Components
Team Deliverable #1 - Proposal Checklist
Each team will create a proposal checklist for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a commercial construction project. Preparing a qualified response to RFQs/RFPs is an important component of securing work in the construction industry.
Team Deliverable #2 - Capture Plan
Each team will create a capture plan for a commercial construction opportunity. Capture plans are used to improve our ability to secure profitable projects that match our business plan and core competencies through a formal capture planning process.
Individual Deliverable - Personal Best Practices Plan
Each student will develop a personal best practices plan. Creating this plan and implementing its' action items will place your organization in a position to "win" work and bolster your professional growth.
Final Exam
The Final Exam is an opportunity for each student to demonstrate that they have learned the material presented in class. It is not an opportunity to measure a student’s ability to memorize or list content from the class. You are expected to demonstrate that you can make connections among the different ideas presented and make a compelling argument that your answer is the correct answer.
Course Policies
Attendance
Although attendance will not be taken, students are expected to attend each course and participate. There are eight class meetings during the term so our time together will be quick. Ask engaging questions.
Communication
The best way to communicate with me is via my OU email address (lrocchio@ou.edu), I check it at least once a day. I will respond to most emails within 24 hours. Should we need to have a discussion, email me and we will set up a time to meet via Zoom.
I will return graded assignments within one week.
Class Participation
You are expected to have understood the material and participate in active discussions during class. This is a contributing factor to your class participation grade. Ask questions. Ask questions that are relevant and help others with understanding the constructs and ideas to be discussed during class time.
Absences
Class attendance and participation is an individual student's responsibility. Students are expected to attend class and to complete all assignments. Students are responsible for the content of courses in which they are enrolled. Students have a responsibility to inform me prior to absences whenever possible.
Late Policy
There are two team deliverables and one individual deliverable for this course. The deadlines were published at the start of the course. Late work will not be accepted. Submitting work prior to the deadline is encouraged.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|