Jefe de obra

A 90-minute, 4-round basic Express simulation for Spanish vocational training (Formacion Profesional), module 0566 Planificacion de construccion of the Tecnico Superior en Organizacion y Control de Obras de Construccion (Real Decreto 636/2015), also taught in Proyectos de Edificacion and Proyectos de Obra Civil.

The learner is Nerea Ibarrola, a newly qualified site manager running her first build: a fictional block of 42 flats on six floors over two basements, 52 weeks and a 6.2 million euro contract, from February 2027 to January 2028.

Four situations set the build's course: the first day, and how the build is programmed (a network of precedences with the critical path and the floats, not every front opened at once or each subcontractor on its own programme) and who works on the site (accredited subcontractors entered in the Libro de Subcontratacion, not the cheapest bid or a chain of self-employed crews); the structure, and how the build is supplied (orders scheduled from the critical path, not every material bought now at a discount) and lifted (a tower crane through the structure and the envelope, not bought or taken down to save the rent); August, and where the extra crew goes (on the critical path only, not on what is most behind in percentage or overtime for everybody) and how the facade is built safely (the scaffold to its plan and the edge protections kept); and the last phase, and how the build is certified and paid (measured with the direccion facultativa, subcontractors paid within 60 days) and closed (snagging before the handover).

Two critical errors cap the round: a subcontracting chain outside Ley 32/2006 and certifying work not installed. Some mistakes look fine on the day they are made and come back later through the fronts, the stockpiles and the crews. KPIs: production on programme, direct cost, cash tied up and lost-time accidents. Lesson: only the activities on the critical path delay the build. Spanish primary, English parity.

Fictional company, build and people; real curriculum and laws cited.

An introductory simulation that assumes no prior knowledge of the subject, designed for undergraduate courses. It also works in vocational and high-school programmes and in onboarding sessions.