What I Learned in Construction Project Management - Essay Example

What I learned in Construction Project Management The construction project management has been helpful in understanding both general and specific concepts related to project management. As a student, I have learnt the different skills that are needed during the management of projects and especially those related to construction. I have noted that project management requires knowledge of practical skills not only in construction but also in relating with project owners, their representatives, the public, work teams and designers. Role of the Project Manager The construction project manager is responsible for the successful planning, management and closing of the project much similar to the way project managers in other fields are. In particular, the project manager is responsible for the creation of clear and attainable project aims, construction and project requirements as well as managing project constraints that include materials, quality, time, scope and cost. The project manager in many cases is a representative of a client and therefore is charged with the responsibility of determining and implementing the exact needs of the customer, based on the organization that he/she represents. It is important for the manager therefore to be adaptable to different internal procedures of the party that contracts. Further he/she must be also be able to form, with nominated representatives, close links with an aim of ensuring that customer satisfaction is realized even after taking into consideration the various constraints that exist. In many cases, the project manager seldom participates directly in the construction work, but rather engages in measures that will ensure that progress is realized and that mutual interaction is of positive consequence. In other words, the project manager must ensure that different parties engaged in the implementation of the project perform their tasks in such a manner as to minimize costs, maximize benefits, and minimize the risk of ultimate failure. Project Tools I learnt that there are well established tools and techniques that can be used in project management. For example, tools such as critical path method, Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), earned value management and work breakdown structures are quite applicable in ensuring that waste in time and resources do not occur. It is noted that the effective application of project management techniques and tools alone does not constitute good management. On top of these, the project manager must be knowledgeable in the application of at minimum four areas of expertise. These may include general management skills, ISO regulations and standards for project managers, project environment management and application area knowledge among others. Project Teams and Potential Risks I have learnt that during project implementation, teamwork is of great importance. The person in charge of managing the project must appreciate the technical skills of every worker, their key roles and their relationships with one another. Also, I have noted that the project team may generally consist of three parties; the contracted team, the core team and the project manager. Several risks during project management come into being as a result of uncertainty. This is the reason project managers have to ensure that all kinds of risks are reduced to minimum while also adhering to open voicing of concerns and opinions by all parties. During construction, work standards as describe by various authorities must be adhered to. The standards in particular give direction for the construction of projects based on sound principles. Project Description and Lifecycle For every construction project the typical lifecycle includes initiation, design, building/construction, commissioning and closing. Like it is with other projects, construction projects have both an end and a beginning. Since projects vary in size, their budgets, scope and schedule vary quite considerably. It is also noted that the amount of effort exerted for each project depends on its phase, type and size. Cost Estimation I have noted that the cost of a facility include maintenance and operation as well as the initial capital which are normally incurred by the investor. Capital costs include land acquisition, feasibility studies and planning, engineering and architectural design, materials, equipment and labor, finishing, taxes and insurance and inspection costs. Maintenance and operation costs among others include utilities, taxes and insurance and rent. While the construction cost takes up the hugest amount in capital investment during the life of the project, other costs are also significant and should always be kept at minimum. Since unexpected costs may be incurred in the implementation of the project, a contingency fund should always be set aside. During project cost estimation, three basic approaches can be adopted; production function, empirical cost inference and unit costs that are used for making bill of quantities. The basic costs may always be classified as material, labor, construction supervision, construction equipment and general office overhead. Common types of estimates are design estimates, control estimates and bid estimates. Project Planning and Scheduling I have noted that construction planning is a challenging albeit basic activity in the execution and management of construction projects. Planning involves defining work tasks, choosing technology to be used, estimating the duration of each task and resources required to complete each particular task, and identifying interactions between various tasks. It is from a good plan that more accurate and realistic work schedules and budgets are derived. Even if not formally recorded, the development of a construction plan is a critical task for the smooth implementation of the project. During planning, primary emphasis may be put on schedule control, cost control or on both depending on a variety of factors. Computer programs such as Project management software, AutoCAD and ArchiCAD may be of great use during the making of plans, estimation of space and preparing bill of quantities. It is important to understand the precedence relationships that exist between activities to come up with a workable and realistic working plan and critical paths. Equally important is the understanding of approximate durations for each task. In this area, I learnt how to make and use Gantt charts/project schedule, arrow diagrams, and network/critical path diagrams. In order to produce high quality results, project managers should ensure that prescribed procedures are followed when performing certain tasks, and standards are adhered to. In some cases, an experienced consultant may be hired to ensure that all safety and quality standards are met. Controlling Project Cost, Time, and Quality In order to ensure that financial resources are effectively used, a budget is made and used as a control tool. The budget is an estimate of costs to be incurred at a future time. Different cost accounts should be prepared to keep track of how resources are used. Use of PERT and critical path schedules helps in keeping track of time. Yet again, I have learnt that different regions have different laws and regulations that govern construction works. Some of these relate to health and safety and must be abided by at all costs. Conclusion During the construction of a public or private project, the project manager must be able to understand and appreciate the different elements of the project, the working environment, the chronology of the project and the different responsibilities of the wide range of professionals involved in the project. In view of the fact that changes occur in the market, project managers in my understanding must be dynamic and adaptable to change. Key to successful project management are elements such as proper and effective control, scheduling, administration, management, leadership and estimation. The construction project management course has helped me learn quite a number of things that I previously did not know about. Indeed whatever is taught in the course is practical and goes a long way in ensuring that a construction project is completed successfully. Read More