MC2 MANAGEMENT COMPUTER CONTROLS INC. REVIEW
REVIEW SUMMARY |
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The University of Louisiana at Monroe's School of Construction spends two years teaching students the fine art and science of estimating by hand, and uses Management Computer Controls, or MC², for their two-week training on computer-based estimating software.
"I prepare students to work on commercial building construction projects," said Bobby Ensminger, a teacher at the university. "We're dealing with students who have practically zero experience in estimating. We spend a lot of time teaching estimating by hand, about two years, and then spend a couple of weeks on estimating with software."
Ensminger explains that while many corporations tap estimating software programs' extensive capabilities, the university could actually use a simpler version to eliminate lost time due to students' natural exploration of the program that go much deeper than the course's requirement. "I am teaching basic [construction] estimating, so I don't need a lot of the features that are available for more knowledgeable users," he added.
Ensminger rated MC² estimating software an 8 out of 10.
USER PROFILE |
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| User: | Bobby Ensminger |
| Company: | University of Louisiana at Monroe |
| Location: | Monroe, LA |
| Website: | http://www.ulm.edu |
| Type of business: | University construction-management program |
| Business size: | The primary purposes of The University of Louisiana at Monroe are instruction, research, creative activity and service. Degree programs are offered by the five Colleges and the Graduate School. |
| Experience: | 25 years in the construction industry; six years in education |
| Software tools used: | Management Computer Controls Inc. (MC²); Primavera SureTrak
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| Tool & Version | Management Computer Controls Inc. (MC²) |
REVIEW DETAILS |
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What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
How long have you been using this tool?
Where did you obtain it?
How much did you pay?
How are you using this product?
Why did you pick this product?
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one? What was it you didn't like about them (or made this product better)?
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?
Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?
What would you change about the product if you could?
Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
Who would you recommend use this tool?
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help? What was your experience like?
How would you rate the user documentation? Is it helpful?
When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?
What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
The ULM School of Construction was founded in 1966 and is committed to being the premier institution of construction education in the State of Louisiana. Our mission is to provide the construction industry and related fields with highly trained and motivated graduates who are prepared for a professional career through specialized managerial, financial and technical course work. The program was accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) in 1976 and continues to maintain its accreditation.
I prepare students to work on commercial building construction projects.
How long have you been using this tool?
I have been using MC² for six years.
Where did you obtain it?
It was provided by the software company.
How much did you pay?
It was free, the vendor donated the software to the university.
How are you using this product?
We're dealing with students who have practically zero experience in estimating. We spend a lot of time teaching estimating by hand, about two years, and then spend a couple of weeks on estimating with software.
Why did you pick this product?
MC² donated it. Most of the estimating software programs are all about the same. MC²'s is simple to teach and simple to learn.
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one? What was it you didn't like about them (or made this product better)?
Not reall,y since MC² gave us the software.
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?
Not much has changed since I used MC² when I worked in construction.
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?
It's simple for students to learn. It gives them knowledge of estimating software that they can use when they enter their construction careers.
Can you estimate how much time or money you have saved or other measurable benefits your firm has realized using this tool?
We're a university, so our goal is teaching students how to use leading estimating software programs.
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
It is simple to use and simple to teach.
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?
Not really applicable, since we received it for no cost.
What would you change about the product if you could?
I'd like to see a few less bells and whistles -- perhaps a student's version of the more basic estimating software capabilities. Then students can learn the fancier features when they get their first estimating jobs.
Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
I am teaching basic estimating, so I don't need a lot of the features that are available for more knowledgeable users.
Who would you recommend use this tool?
Any estimators.
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
Our students have enough computer knowledge to use this estimating software.
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
We spend about two weeks teaching students the estimating software.
Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help? What was your experience like?
No, I have never called.
How would you rate the user documentation? Is it helpful?
I have not used it.
When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?
Yes, if they make it available to universities at no cost.
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?
8