Every construction project brings together teams of people and a variety of resources that must be effectively managed. The project manager is a professional with the requisite training for understanding all facets of a project. A good project manager should also be capable of adapting to changes and new technologies.
Understanding construction Project Management
Basically, a construction project manager supervises the details of a project regardless of type or scale. The manager must aim to meet the client’s needs within the scope of the budget and the proposed timeframe. There is also a need for an effective line of communication with all parties involved, such as the community, laborers and contractors. Project types include residential, commercial and industrial.
What the Job Entails
A project manager has numerous responsibilities and may bring different skills to bear depending of the type of construction involved. This professional has knowledge of all areas and keeps abreast of these from the planning phases to completion. Typical tasks include:
- Working out the budget
- Setting up work schedules
- Developing the right strategies for each project
- Exploring construction methods and choosing the right one for the project
- Working out cost estimates
- Communicating with clients regularly
- Monitoring activities on the construction site
- Going over contracts
A construction project manager is not required to be a construction professional, but the job requires coordinating with these tradesmen.
Managing the Project
Conflict is a fact of life, and it is a reality for construction project management. One of the duties of a manager is resolving conflicts to the satisfaction of the parties involved. The success of the project is depending on getting the right equipment and workforce, and deploying them effectively. The construction project manager also has the responsibility of choosing the contractor. Before this can be done, it will be necessary to meet with a number of contractors. The process will involve examining different bids to deliver value and quality to the client. The phases of the construction management process are:
- Initiation: determining whether the project is feasible and determining the basis for the plan
- Planning: covering details such as the work structure, the team and the budget. The project manager must figure out how these aspects will come together
- Execution: putting the plan into action and monitoring the process as it moves forward
- Closing: an assessment will indicate whether the goals of the project have been met and if it has been completed within the budget and timeframe.
Construction project management is a monumental undertaking due to the myriad of responsibilities and personalities. Staying abreast of new tools and techniques is imperative to continued success in the field.