What is construction project management. Construction projects (whether building a shopping center or a residential home) are a highly structured endeavor. They have many factors that must be precisely coordinated.
Just like any other project, construction project management also has stages from design and planning to scheduling and self-construction. Each of these steps is complex on its own, but becomes exponentially more complex in relation to the overall project.
This is why project management software exists. But is the project management software enough to bear the weight of a strong and dynamic structural project? Before answering this question, it is important to first understand what construction project management is exactly.
What is construction project management?
Regarding the distinction of managing a construction project compared to other types of projects, it can be said that construction is mission-based. This means that the project organization ends when the construction of the project ends.
While project management is generally defined as the management of resources throughout the life cycle of a project through various tools and methods to control scope, cost, time, quality, etc., when working in the construction industry, your perspective should be broader. be
This usually includes broader restrictions that are specific to the design and construction of construction projects. Construction project management can communicate with different types of disciplines throughout the life of a project; From architecture to public works and urban planning.
All kinds of construction projects
There are different types of construction projects depending on the different sectors of construction. There are two sectors in construction: residential and commercial. Depending on the sector, there are four different types of projects:
- Construction and renovation of residential houses
- Heavy industrial construction
- Commercial and institutional construction
- Engineering construction
This means that there are many different types of construction projects that require construction management to be successful. Construction management may be required to build a simple house or a large bridge, from dam construction engineering to an airport seismic retrofit project. After that, construction project managers manage the start and end of project construction and often perform on-site management to ensure safe and successful construction.
Construction project manager
Construction project management is handled by a construction project manager. This person is responsible for planning, coordinating, budgeting and supervising the construction project.
The construction project manager is responsible for the following tasks:
- Estimating and negotiating project costs
- Formulation of the budget
- Create a timetable and work plan
- Manage work orders
- Determining which methods and strategies are appropriate for the project
- Communicating with clients and stakeholders about budgets, progress, etc
- Guiding workers, teams and others on technical and contract details
- Work with building, construction and regulatory professionals
Key principles of construction project management
Construction project management requires a variety of skills along with the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of agencies and individuals to bring a project from concept to construction. It is important that construction project managers follow the principles of project management at every stage of the project.
Conception and initiation of the project
You shouldn’t start a project unless you know you can finish it. First, the necessary care is taken to determine the feasibility of the project. How do we understand this? You should do a feasibility study, or what is often called a business case, where the goals, cost, and timeline are reviewed to see if you have the resources within these constraints to achieve a successful project.
You also need to define the rationale behind the project and ensure that it is sound. In this case, you create a project charter to help get the project started. Also, at this stage, you will identify possible issues and risks.
Project definition and planning
Now that you have the approval, how are you going to succeed? Identify tasks within the timeline and indicate project milestones and resources required to accomplish those tasks within the allocated budget. Be clear on the schedule, so everyone is on the same page and understands what needs to be done throughout the project lifecycle.
This includes details of cost, scope, duration, quality and communications used in the project. This is also the time when you can choose the best project team and start the process of assembling them.
Launching the project
Now you run the program with all the changes and issues that can arise in such a process. What you promised must be done within the specified time frame. Now you’re dealing with stakeholders and customers and teams. The last tasks need to be done, which means workload management and resource allocation. During this phase you will set up meetings and report regularly. This is where your project management tool will really be tested.
Project performance follow-up
If you don’t have a way to monitor the progress of the project, you won’t know about it. You’ll do this in earlier phases of the project, but it’s just as important as it requires a separate phase in project management. You need a way to track progress, so it’s best to set KPIs for cost, time, and quality.
If you can keep these figures high, the probability of project failure will decrease significantly. Therefore, be flexible at all times so that you can adapt quickly and make changes when problems arise.
4 stages of construction project management
When managing a construction project, there are certain goals to consider. You reach them step by step. Just like any project, you can achieve them by breaking down your goals. Below are four steps you can take to organize and manage a successful construction project.
Designing
The construction project design has four parts. It is the responsibility of the project manager to ensure that the design complies with building codes and other regulations.
Concept: What are the needs and goals of the project? You will decide based on the size of the project, the space allocated for construction and the actual design of the building. It contains a list for each room or space being investigated that includes all the important data.
Schematic design: This is a design that specifies all the different parts, materials, sizes, colors, textures, etc.
Design Development: This step requires research. What materials are there to use? What equipment will be needed? How much is the material? Now modify the original maps from the previous step to reflect these decisions. Knowing the local building codes and following them will be important at this stage.
Compilation of contract documents: This includes the final design and construction specifications. Foreign contractors use them to bid for work.
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