Research on work experience has shown that professionals with a background in conventional construction, but who worked on disaster recovery projects for the first time, desired more knowledge about relief and recovery before they could fully hit their stride. Extra knowledge goes a long way to avoid undesirable outcomes when working in the demanding world of disaster recovery.
Purdue’s online Disaster Recovery Certificate offers an opportunity to learn about preparations and procedures for disasters of any kind. The course walks you through the challenges and rewards of the ever-changing world of disaster recovery. What makes disaster recovery management so different and challenging is the unannounced nature of the work. Every job demands attentive service to disaster victims and the opportunity to be especially helpful to people in need. Time and logistics are critical, and the work demands immediate, accurate and thorough response at all hours and any day of the week.
The four-module Purdue certificate presumes a larger regional disaster in much of its material, based on the idea that if a professional can plan and execute a large independent recovery operation effectively, then adapting to a disaster of less scope should not be an issue.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the differences between conventional construction and disaster recovery work in order to justify differences from conventional operations
- Enhance your conventional project planning and execution skills for the special challenges of disaster recovery projects
- Judge how appropriate it is to apply various restoration equipment, expertise, supplies and technology on a project
Download the Course Outline
Module Descriptions
Develop a working knowledge of the special nature of disaster recovery work and how it might differ from conventional construction. Conceptualize the differences between conventional construction and disaster recovery work in order to justify differences from conventional operations.
Topics:
- Types of Disasters
- Phases of Building Recovery Work
- The Project Environment
Develop a working knowledge of management techniques and concerns necessary to prepare for disaster recovery work. Enhance your conventional project planning and execution skills for the special challenges of disaster recovery projects.
Topics:
- Bids, Proposals and Delivery Mechanisms
- Contracts
- Planning, Organizing and Mobilizing
Develop a working knowledge of management techniques and concerns necessary to prepare for disaster recovery work. Enhance your conventional project planning and execution skills for the special challenges of disaster recovery projects.
Topics:
- Time, Cost and Quality Control
- Logistics, Material Management and Procurement
- Communication and Documentation
- Health, Safety, Environment and Security
- Demobilization and Closeout
Become familiar with technical processes, equipment, supplies, and materials necessary to execute disaster recovery work. Learn to judge the appropriateness of applying various restoration equipment and supplies on a project.
Topics:
- Restorative Drying
- Fire and Smoke Restoration
- Microbial Remediation
- Personal Property Restoration
- Disaster Debris Management and Demolition
Each self-guided module includes access to the required textbook and supplemental materials, as well as interaction with the instructor and other students. Professor Rapp will be available to consult on technical industry questions and assist with the learning process throughout the course.
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Meet the Professor
Randy R Rapp, D.Mgt, P.E., C.C.P
Recently named Purdue's Disaster Restoration and Reconstruction Management faculty member, Randy is an Associate Professor in the School of Construction Management Technology. Over the years, he has succeeded in an assortment of progressively more sensitive and complex construction and engineering supervisory positions in both operational and supporting functions, from direct leadership of construction site operations to the executive office; from small project teams to large, diverse organizations. Six years of international work included Project Controls Manager and Deputy Program General Manager of the Restore Iraqi Oil Program. He also served in management and technical disaster recovery contractor positions for major projects following Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. He has often planned urgent, logistically challenging mobilizations akin to what is commonly required for major disaster recovery work. Since coming to Purdue in 2008 he has devoted himself to satisfying academic needs of the disaster recovery subsector of the construction industry. He is the author of the book “Disaster Recovery Project Management.”
For more information on Randy, check out his profile.