We all have a system that we follow for work purposes. We develop our style over time and create key signature details that catch on in time. Successful construction project managers are always on the lookout for new ways to improve project management in some way. We have put together 8 powerful ways to improve your construction project management system in 2017.
Communication
We want to start with communication because that’s the key to a successful project completion. A project manager who fails to communicate effectively will not have a good portfolio of successful jobs.
Thoroughly Document Project Requirements
Proper and thorough documentation will allow you to keep track of the project with ease. You can also outline the scope of the project and prevent scope creep. You will be able to see the scope and requirements at a quick glance.
Take it to the Cloud!
Cloud based project management tools allow everyone to share information simultaneously. Notifications are sent to each person who has permission to see or modify certain parts of the project. The foreman and supervisors, for example, will be able to see when things are on schedule or if they need to pick things up a bit.
Scheduled Milestones
Scheduled project milestones are a great way to assign daily tasks for everyone involved on the project. Daily milestones can be something simple and weekly milestones envelop a little more work or a detailed project. Milestones, however you split them into duties, are a great way to keep everything on track. Make sure you have a great method to track milestones and measure their successful completion.
Capture Lessons Learned
Improve project management by improving your ability to properly assess risks and manage those as well. Every time something goes wrong, write it down. Keep a journal of everything that happened, what the odds of the risk were, and what could have happened to prevent it. Also make note of what went right throughout the project so you can learn from rights as much as wrongs.
Listen to People who are Smarter than You
Subject matter experts are generally people who are smarter than we are. They’ve been in the business longer; maybe they’ve completed some pretty impressive projects that leave us feeling envious. Communicate with them from time to time and engage them in social media. Read their blog if they write.
Better Your Education and Qualifications
Certifications look good on your resume regardless of your field of work. Construction project management requires us to maintain a certain level of continued education year after year. Pursuing more knowledge and keeping up to date on important areas of our industry shows that we care and we truly value our work.
Document Reasons and Benefits
Visualize why your project is being constructed. This will help you understand the reasons behind your work as well as how the finished project will be used. The more you understand your project, the better the end results will be.