Introduction
Built environment projects are some of the most complex projects ever carried out. From high-end technological computations, all the way down to the laborious work carried out, construction projects can demand a lot in terms of manpower and skill.
With construction projects requiring detailed parameters and time constraints, putting together a successful project doesn’t come easy. This is where construction project management steps in.
They are the glue that holds down a project, ensuring things stay on track and goals are met on time. “From high-end technological computations, tedious takeoff services, all the way down to the laborious work carried out, construction projects can demand a lot in terms of manpower and skill”
What Is Construction Project Management?
Construction project management, as can be inferred from its title, refers to the job of handling a construction project by utilizing project management skill sets. Construction project management teams are involved in the organization, planning, and management of a project’s timeline. They also ensure that the contractor provides a performance bond in construction, which guarantees the completion of the project according to the agreed-upon terms.
They are often involved in areas such as project budgeting, scheduling, risk assessment, and project analysis. These are similar areas in which project management teams in other industries dwell as well. However, the personnel that project management in the construction industry deals with differs to a large extent like dealing with boom & bucket excavators.
Construction project management teams work closely with architects, engineers, owners, and contractors. Want rollers for hire? Click the link above!
Who Is Involved In A Construction Project Management Team?
Construction project management teams often consist of people with different skills working in different industries within and related to the built environment sector. This includes the likes of architects, ground crew members, engineers of different specialties depending on the type of project, and logistic personnel. Other members may include the likes of financial planners, executives, and most important of all, the project manager.
The project manager is said to be the most important member of a project management team, as he or she is in charge of the overall process of the project and is heavily involved on the management side.
What Does The Project Manager Do?
The project manager oversees the work carried out by the project management team and ensures that the project is following through as planned. However, the project manager has the added responsibility of being the person directly in touch with stakeholders or a board of directors, often conferring with them regarding assessed risks.
The Key Stages Of Construction Project Management
Construction project management is a complex discipline that revolves around a largely holistic approach. This means that there is no set way to go about managing a construction project as a team due to the flexible nature of the job scope. However, there are certainly a few aspects that are the backbone of construction project management and should be applied in most, if not all, projects.
Planning And Development
The planning and development stages of a construction project are some of the most important parts of the entire process. The key to a successful process is to ensure that things go as smoothly sailing as possible and this involves knowing how to mitigate risks and deviations.
Planning and the developmental stages of a project are to put it simply, preparation before the big game. Projects are complex entities that require months or even up to years of planning to minimize losses and maximize efficiency.
This complex process involves numerous stages. Initial stages may see the likes of feasibility studies being conducted, data gathering, and analysis done. Budgeting and cost analysis are also key parts of the developmental stages.
The planning and development stage of a construction project can make or break a project’s success, and what often follows inadequate planning is a myriad of problems that will eventually snowball. Proper planning allows for risks and problems to be well dealt with incisively. Also, you can prefer distribution companies that help in your construction management.
Design And Preconstruction
The design stage involves ideation and conception. This is where the fun typically begins. Producing ideas and throwing them in there is all part of the process, but what is important is what follows — refining the mess of initial sketches on the drawing board.
Coming up with ideas without detailed plans will amount to nothing in the construction industry. Producing a physical end product from an idea has to come from precise measurements and detailed plans. Projects come to life when creativity is met with technicality.
Furthermore, the design process has to be done with whatever had been discussed in the planning stages kept in mind. This means that the end product of the design stage has to fit within budgetary constraints, timelines, and even the availability of manpower.
The preconstruction phase is also closely related to the design phase in which the construction process has to be designed. This will allow for efficient execution during the construction process. Also, you can contact the Bryn Thomas Cranes that make your construction work easier.
Procurement
Getting all your logistical needs and materials ready before the construction process begins is part of ensuring that the project can carry on smoothly without sudden logistical problems. This means procuring the materials needed has to be done, and this involves dealing with the supply chain side of things.
Chances are, a project management team would have someone from logistics or supply, and they are the ones to turn to for input during the planning stage so that this process happens smoothly.
The procurement process is a key stage of the project as this is where the most cost is incurred. Materials and logistical needs are subject to price fluctuations depending on supply and demand factors, meaning that proper planning is needed to not burst the budget so early on in the project.
Monitoring And Evaluation
Whilst the project is ongoing, monitoring and evaluating the progress is crucial. Regular updates on the project development allow for the proper next step to be made. Furthermore, no project is without its ups and downs. Evaluating key steps in the project’s progress allows for the team to be prepared when challenges occur out of the blue. This all works towards creating efficiency and hence reducing costs in the long run.
Conclusion
Construction project management is what keeps teams working on different aspects of the project in line with the entire process. Proper project management strategies are the backbone of any successful project.
