Project Management Fundamentals for Construction
Project Administration
Project administration is the art of integrating planning, organization, management, monitoring, and evaluation within a project.
Planning
Planning is the pre-implementation stage of a project, requiring detailed knowledge of the project’s environment. It involves organizing and developing operational processes for smooth project progress and completion.
Planning Means
- Setting achievable targets and goals.
- Establishing effective processes to achieve objectives.
- Setting deadlines for each project stage.
- Determining resource needs.
- Defining assessment checkpoints.
Basic Planning Principles
- Anticipatory action: Avoid improvisation.
- Creative activity: Explore various alternatives for optimal results.
- Fact-based decisions: Use background information and data.
- Teamwork: Essential for complex projects.
Resource Management
Human Resources
- Determine the number of workers and required workforce.
- Identify staff qualifications and ideal income levels.
- Assess the need for subcontractors.
Material Resources
- Specify materials, usage amounts, and timing.
- Determine material availability and cost-effectiveness.
Machinery, Tools, and Equipment
- Specify equipment needs and usage times.
- Determine equipment availability.
Space
- Assess available space and resource allocation.
Time
- Define project deadlines and company registration periods.
- Determine the optimal time of year for project implementation.
Cost
- Establish a project budget.
- Identify cost reduction and profit maximization strategies.
Project Definition
A project is a defined sequence of events with a clear beginning and end, focused on achieving a specific objective. The project manager is responsible for guiding the project to completion within established parameters of time, cost, and resources while maintaining specified quality. A project differs from a process in that it has a defined completion point.
Project Characteristics
- Unique set of objectives.
- Limited duration.
- Defined project leader.
- Allocated budget.
- Integrated materials and efforts from all affected company sectors.
Project Triangle
The Project Triangle model represents time, cost, and scope as interconnected sides. Changes to one side impact at least one other.
Project Management Vision
Project management applies knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet requirements and achieve goals. This involves identifying requirements, establishing clear objectives, balancing competing demands (quality, scope, time, cost), and adapting to various concerns and expectations.
Project Management Knowledge Areas
- Integration
- Scope
- Time
- Cost
- Quality
- Human Resources
- Communications
- Risk
- Procurement
All project management requires a strategic plan.
Organization
Organization involves dividing the organization into units (divisions/departments) and subunits (sections) with specific responsibilities and structure. Classical organization theory is based on Henri Fayol’s management principles:
- Division of labor for specialization.
- Unity of direction for common goals.
- Balance of centralization and decentralization.
- Authority and responsibility.
Advantages
- Focused specialization and staff competence.
Disadvantages
- Potential lack of interdepartmental cooperation.
- Creation of boundaries between departments.
Territorial Organization
Structure based on geographical units.
Leadership
Administrators must lead and coordinate effectively with partners for organizational success. Leadership involves daily contact, guidance, and inspiration to achieve team and organizational goals.
Productivity
Productivity is linked to transformation processes, using input resources to produce a material and a final product. Key construction resources include:
- Materials: Efficient use and loss reduction.
- Manpower: Critical factor influencing pace.
- Machinery and Equipment: Important cost factor; avoid unnecessary overuse.