Defining the Art of Construction Project Management

[ Article was originally posted on www.constructconnect.com ]

By: Shawn Sauve,

When it comes to construction management, it starts with an understanding of the project design, construction planning, execution process, along with the effective use of resources. Considering the definition of Project Management Institute, construction project management is defined as the coordination between human and material resources that helps to achieve the defined construction goals while driving the goals related to cost, time, scope, and quality.

Even though the introduction of modern tools and technology has made the process quite simplified, the effectiveness of construction project management is the only thing that defines the potential of a construction firm. In other words, effective construction management needs a clear understanding of the project to ensure an outcome-oriented completion of goals.

When it comes to successful construction projects, it involves planning that can define the objectives and ensure the strategic accomplishing of goals. Besides this, the entire process of construction project management should also have a clear projection of milestones as it helps the contractors to align well with the modern construction management technology.

Also, when it comes to construction project management, it becomes quite necessary to have a detailed understanding of the framework, strategic objectives, and key elements to have progressive use of technology such as Microsoft construction management software.

So, let us take a quick walk through all the basic framework and process of construction project management to have detailed insights of the same as a significant aspect of the construction world.

Construction Project Management: The Framework

When it comes to construction specifically, the project management turns to be a task of leading essential operations within a resource-constrained environment. But most of the time, it turns to be a clash of tasks when factors, like cost, scope, time, and quality intervene. However, effective project management allows resolution to such clashes by improving the overall functioning of the construction project.

And when it comes to the framework, the project managers and other field staff have to start from the very beginning to achieve the goals against the constraints. This starts with the specification of objectives, scheduling, and drawing KPIs. Further, the process aligns to meet the efficiency goals through labor procurement, material planning, and equipment management as per the schedule and execution plan.

Moreover, to reduce the chances of error or conflicts, project management also demands effective communication at all stages to meet the defined objectives.

Strategic Planning

When it comes to strategic planning, it is a significant part of the construction management process that depends on demand and resources. Also, it helps to underline the priorities and schedule tasks for timely completion. Even if the construction firms are relying on a construction project accounting software for ERP, CRM, and project management needs, the standard operating process needs to be designed on general planning combinations i.e.

• Sequential (Stage driven construction)
• Parallel (Independent tasks based planning)
• Staggered (Overlapping tasks based planning)

The key elements to look for when adopting a construction project management software:

When it comes to Project Management, some specific tasks need to be kept in check for meeting the needs related to project planning. It starts with the idea of integration of the technology to establish coordination amongst various fields. Once done with the integration, the next thing that needs to be worked is to define the scope of the work including time, cost, quality, and resources. 

Besides this, project managers, contractors, and project owners must have a clear idea of the potential risks that may show during the development stages. This will help meet the challenges and avoid complexities with the varying needs of the projects.

The Introduction of Technology

Over the years, the idea of project management in construction has been redefined with the introduction of the technology. The introduction of business solutions such as Microsoft construction software has brought Power BI, Cloud, and Mobile advantages adding greater ease to the management.

Though the initial or the ground planning for developing a construction project has not changed at all, the technology has made it somewhat easier to meet the goals related to project integration management, scope management, resource management, quality management, and human resource management.

These benefits not only help to deliver on time and budget but also have improved the level of quality control through improved communication on the project progress.

All in all, construction project management is the process that involves several complicated tasks that demand strong communication at all stages. Moreover, technology has helped contractors develop a deeper understanding of the building process with the intelligence to work on problem-solving. Otherwise, construction project management is more of a complex task that needs to meet the goals related to finances, law, and business, all variable for varying projects.

SOURCE: https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/defining-the-art-of-construction-project-management