Construction Methods and Project Management Notes

Construction Methods and Project Management Notes

Introduction

  • Project management procedures can vary widely among companies and individuals.
  • Key parties involved in project management:
  • Owner
  • Designer
  • Contractor

Steps in Project Management

  1. Project Definition
  • Understanding the project's intended use upon completion.
  • Establishing necessary configurations and components.
  • Consider whether it's a project or an activity.
  1. Project Scope
  • Define the work to be accomplished.
  • Identify quantity, quality, and tasks required.
  1. Project Budgeting
  • Determine the permissible budget set by the owner.
  • Calculate direct and indirect costs plus necessary contingencies.
  1. Project Planning
  • Assign project staffing.
  • Identify tasks required for accomplishing the project work.
  1. Project Scheduling
  • Arrange activities logically.
  • Link costs and resources with scheduled activities.
  1. Project Tracking
  • Measure and report work, time, and costs expended.
  • Compare actual progress against planned metrics.
  1. Project Close Out
  • Final testing and inspections.
  • Archive documents and confirm payments.
  • Officially turn over project to the owner.

Understanding Projects

  • A project is defined as an endeavor undertaken to achieve specific results requested by a party.
  • Three primary components of a project:
  • Scope: The work to be accomplished, including quantity and quality.
  • Budget: Costs associated, measured in dollars and/or labor-hours.
  • Schedule: The logical sequencing and timing of tasks.

Project Management Triangle

  • Scope, Budget, Schedule are interconnected; balance is crucial for project success.
  • Quality is integral and must meet owner satisfaction.

Responsibilities of Parties

  • Owner: Sets operational criteria for the completed project.
  • Designer: Produces design that meets owner's needs.
  • Contractor: Executes the work per contract documents.

Role of Project Manager

  • Project managers coordinate the project team.
  • Responsibilities span planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling.
  • Must navigate risks and challenges unique to each project.

Functions of Management

  1. Planning: Course of action from project initiation to completion.
  2. Organizing: Arranging resources systematically to fit the project plan.
  3. Staffing: Selecting individuals with expertise for the project team.
  4. Directing: Guiding and leading the project work effectively.
  5. Controlling: Monitoring and evaluating project deviations and ensuring corrective actions.

Key Concepts of Project Management

  1. Assign one person responsible for scope, budget, and schedule.
  2. Begin work only with a signed contract.
  3. Establish an approved scope, budget, and schedule.
  4. Lock in project scope; avoid uncontrolled growth.
  5. Organize project around tasks, not keeping people busy.
  6. Ensure explicit operational work plans are in place.
  7. Use a well-defined work breakdown structure (WBS) for manageability.

Additional Organizational Support

  • Various organizations support project management through research, workshops, and publications, including:
  • Philippine Constructors Association (PCA)
  • Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE)
  • Society of Philippine Accredited Consultants (SPAC)
  • others relevant for project management development.