CONSTRUCTION METHODS
AND
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Prepared by:
Engr. LORNA VICTORIA B. RAMIS
Professor
1. OVERVIEW
This course deals with the principles of construction methods and equipment,
management and their applications. It is the practice of applying knowledge, skills, tools, and
techniques to complete a project according to specific requirements. This module covers the
project management cycle. As future project managers, your knowledge on how a project
evolves from the time of its conception until turnover will greatly help you in the successful
delivery of the project.
1.1 PURPOSE
The purpose or objectives of this module is for you, my dear students, to
understand the construction project cycle from inception, planning, execution, testing
and certification.
1.2 Module Title and Description
MODULE 1 – METHODS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT, KEY PLAYERS,
MANAGEMENT TOOLS, PROJECT MANAGEMENT LIFE
CYCLE – INITIATION PHASE
1.3 Module Guide
This module is about project management cycle. As you go along the
discussion imagine yourself as manager and visualize how a project is started,
planned, implemented, quality controlled, and turned over to the client or owner. If
necessary, write down the activity to know who is/are the concerned person/team that
you know are part of the project cycle process. This way you will be able to analyze
the important activities and its sequence in every part of the project cycle.
1.4 Module Outcomes
After this module, you should be able to:
Identify the activities needed in a project life cycle.
Know what methodology of management system will be best suited to a
certain kind of project.
Know what tools to use in managing a project.
Know who are the Key Players.
1.5 Module Requirements
Requirements for this module will be given after every topic for this will form
part of the whole management process. Submit your activity in short bond paper with
1” x 1” visible line margin. Make a cover page and staple at the upper left corner.
Place it in an envelope so as not to get lost during the submission process.
Submission of Activities will be on or before the distribution date of the second
module. NO activity, NO module.
2. KEY TERMS
We will define key terms as we go along the way.
3. LEARNING PLAN
3.1 Activating Student’s Schemata
Since you are already in 5th year of your course, I assume that you have now a
clear vision of what your career will be in the near future.
3.2 Learning Objectives
Let us start in defining “What is a PROJECT?”
A project is temporary in that it has a defined beginning and end in time, and
therefore defined scope and resources.
A project is unique in that is not a routine operation, but specific set of
operations designed to accomplish a singular goal
Projects can be broken into:
Tasks
Deliverables
Constraints
Milestone
Project Management in its Most Basic Form is:
What you aim to achieve
How you plan to achieve it
How much time you have
The Costs
Two (2) Methods of Project Management
1. Waterfall Method
A linear project management approach where stakeholder and customer
requirements are gathered at the beginning of the project, and then a sequential
project plan is created to accommodate those requirements. This method is so
named because each phase of the project cascades into the next, following steady
down like a waterfall.
It is a thorough, structured methodology and one that’s been around for a long
time, because it works. Construction industry is one of the industries that regularly
use this method.
Requirements customer requirements are gathered
Design initial and final design
Implementation construction works
Verification if done according to plan and
specifications
Maintenance repair of punchlist until
client is satisfied
2. Agile Methodology
A methodology that is commonly used to deliver complex projects due to its
adaptiveness. It emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, continuous improvement, and
high quality results.
AGILE
METHODOLOGY
Incremental approach
Flexible
A collection of many different projects
WATERFALL METHODOLGY
Sequential design process
Rigid
Completed as one single project
THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE
PROJECT
1. The Project Executives
2. Stakeholders
3. Project Sponsors
4. Project Team
1. Project Executives
Workplace management that directly manages short and long term projects
Communicating with upper management
Monitoring project performance both internally and externally.
2. Project Stakeholders
People who are invested in the project
They will be affected by your project at any point along the way
Stakeholder input can directly impact the outcome of a project
3. Project Sponsor
A person or group who provides resources and support for the project,
program or portfolio and is accountable for enabling success
A project sponsor is one level above a project manager
4. Project Team
Staff resources who together have all the needed skills/expertise to complete
the project
Project teams are made up of:
- Dedicated Staff
- Part-time staff
Team member activities include:
- Providing their expert advice
- Completing deliverables & objectives
- Ensuring documents are updated
- Work with the team to make the project a success
Is it the project owner, the project team or the project sponsor?
The Project Manager is at the center, reports to the project sponsor and reports to the
stake holders. He also reports to the project team to update the team regarding matters
pertaining to the project sponsor and stake holders.
The Project sponsor as mentioned, is one level higher than the project manager. But
their tasks are complimentary to each other. The success of the project largely depends
on them.
If your involved people or team for the project is complete, most likely the project will be a
success. Correct?
How do you measure success?
Quality is essential in any project. Your success depends on it. A quality project delivery
will produce a satisfied client. Quality means customer satisfaction.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Monday.com
Jira
Office Timeline
AceProject
Buildertrend
3.3 ACTIVITY 1:
3.4
There are Five (5) Phases in a Project Management Life Cycle
1. Initiation Phase – Define the project and set up expectation
2. Planning Phase – Create a plan with schedules, tasks, resources & budget.
3. Execution Phase – Start implementing the project plan.
4. Monitoring and Control Phase – Make sure the execution is in line with the project
plan.
5. Closing Out Phase – When you have reached the project goal and compiled all the
documents and reports.
3.5
OBJECTIVES:
How to identify scope
- Project goals & objectives
- Deliverables & milestones.
To explain Feasibility studies
Identify the stakeholders & their interest & influence
Know stakeholder register
Make the project charter
SCOPE CAN BE BROKEN DOWN INTO:
Timeline
Deliverables
Milestone
Reports
It will cost more if time frame for the project is not met
DEFINING THE PROJECT
The three steps described below provide a planned approach for collecting the
project information necessary for planning, scheduling and controlling the project.
These are:
• Defining the project scope;
• Creating the work breakdown structure;
• Estimating costs and developing budgets.
Identifying the project scope
The project scope sets the stage for developing a project plan. It clearly states the
project’s objectives and deliverables. Scope definition provides an administrative plan
that is used to develop your operational plan, i.e. the plan for how you are going to
run the project. Scope definition should be as brief as possible, but complete. Poorly
defined scope leads to project failure. The development of the scope must involve
the project manager, sponsors, performing organizations and beneficiaries.
In summary, close liaison with your customer is necessary to develop a project
definition that meets all requirements of the customer. Clear scope definition ensures
you will know when a change in scope occurs. A clear project scope definition is the
most important requirement for development of your Work Breakdown Structure
(WBS).
SCOPE STATEMENT DEFINITIONS
Project Objective Project Objectives
To construct 3 bedroom house for 350 To define the major objectives of the project
families in the informal settlements in Metro
Manila within 60 months at a cost not
exceeding $7.5 million
Deliverables Deliverables
350 finished 3 bedroomed houses as per The expected outcomes over the life of the
specifications laid down by the project – what is it that is going to be
Department of Human Settlement and delivered
Urban Development
Skills Development and Training for the
head of each of the 350 families
Hand over the finished homes to the 350
families at a high profile public event
Milestones Milestones
1. Permits approved – 5 March 2022 A milestone is a significant event in a project
2. Foundation poured – 28 January 2023 that occurs at a point in time. The milestone
3. Civil Works, Plumbing, Electrical and schedule shows only major segments of
Mechanical Inspections passed – 4 July work; it represents first, estimate of time,
2026 cost, and resources for the project.
4. Final Inspection of Houses – 15 March Milestones are important control points in the
2027 project. They should be easy for all project
5. 350 Trainees receive training certificates participants to identify.
– 15 December 2026
6. Handover to 350 families – 21 March
2027
Technical Requirement Technical requirement
1. The houses must meet government A product or a service will have technical
specifications and building codes, 350 requirements to ensure proper performance
trainees must receive recognized
certificates after completion of training
Limits and Exclusions Limits and Exclusion
1. The houses will be built according to the The limits of scope should be defined as they
specifications and design of the original point to what can or cannot be done during
blueprints provided by Department of the course of the project. Failure to do so can
Human Settlement and Urban lead to unreasonable expectations and the
Development; wastage of resources and money
2. Contractors responsible for work done by
subcontractors
3. Site work is limited to Monday through
Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm
Customer Review Reviews with Customer
Representative: International Development
Agency
Signature:
3.6 Activity 2:
Identify a project that you would like to undertake. Then identify your Project
objective, Deliverables and Milestone.
Creating the work breakdown structure (WBS)
Once the scope and deliverables have been identified, the work of the project can be
subdivided into smaller work elements. The outcome of this process is called the work
breakdown structure.
All the elements/steps that make up WBS are called work packages. It is very useful as
the structure clearly points to what has to be done and in what sequence (order). It divides
the work and responsibility into individual work packages which makes it easy for the project
manager to manage and monitor the implementation for the project by:
making it possible to plan, schedule and budget;
providing a framework for tracking and monitoring cost and work performance;
defining communication channels;
assisting in understanding and coordinating many parts of the project;
pointing to problems and ensuring they are quickly addressed
EXAMPLE:
Final Project
Deliverables
Final inspection Training High profile public
of 350 Houses Completed event to hand over
homes to
Fixtures Appoint Service
Provider for skills Appoint Service
development and Provider for events
training management
Electrical
Tender Process Tender Process
Plumbing
Civil Works
Approval of Fig. 2 Work Breakdown Schedule
Permits
Estimating cost and developing budgets
Project status reports to stakeholders depend on reliable cost estimates and
budgets. The accuracy of the cost estimates is good when work packages are clearly
defined, as in the WBS example above. At the work package level, estimates should
be made by the people most familiar with the task. They will give an estimate based
on their experience and best judgment. Here are typical kinds of costs found in a
project:
Direct costs – These costs are chargeable to individual work package in
the WBS.
o Labor
o Materials
o Equipment
o Other
Project Overhead Costs – represents project costs that cannot be tied to
specific deliverable but serve the entire project. For example, a temporary
shed may be set up that will be used to store tools and equipment of
various contractors, host the training and the handing over function.
General and Administrative (G&A) overhead costs – these represent
organizational costs incurred by the firm managing the project. G&A
overhead costs are usually allocated as a percentage of total direct cost
and may vary from one project manager to another.
The Total Cost of Government Projects are composed of Direct Costs and Indirect
Costs. Direct Costs covers the Labor Wages, Material Costs, & Equipment
Rentals. Indirect Cost covers the Overhead Costs and Miscellaneous, Contractors
Profit, and Government Taxes.
3.7 Assigned Readings
Please search in the internet regarding our topics discussed to enhance your
knowledge in project management cycle. You can also read books in the library.
3.8 Assessment
Activities will serve as your assessment for this topics. Evaluation/examination
will be arranged prior to announcement of schedule.
3.9 Feedback
This module is an introduction of construction methods and project
management, so I think we will all agree that you have at least the basic idea based
from you previous subjects and On Job Training. I know you can do the activities if
you put your heart into it. Remember that your knowledge in this subject will help you
a great deal in your professional endeavors in the near future.
3.10 Summary
What is a Project?
- A temporary endeavor with unique goal
What is project Sponsor?
- A person or group who provides resources and support for the project,
program, or portfolio and is accountable for enabling success.
What is Project Stakeholder?
- Stakeholders are people who are invested in the project.
What is a Project Executive?
- Someone who is monitoring project performance internally and externally.
What are the Phases in Management Cycle?
- Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Control, and Closing Out
Initiation Phase
- First phase within the project management cycle
4.1 SUGGESTED READINGS:
Project Management for Engineering and Construction, latest edition
Internet E-books on Construction Project Management
Browse in the Internet for samples of general specifications and detailed
specifications for Civil Works
5.1 REFERENCES:
1. https://www.levelset.com/blog/construction-specifications/
2. http://www.civilprojectsonline.com/civil-projects/purpose-of-specifications-and-types-
of-specifications/
3. Construction Methods and Management, Seventh Edition
S. W. NUNNALLY Consulting Engineer Professor Emeritus North Carolina State
University
4. https://lecturenotes.in/notes/16875-note-for-construction-management-cm-by-
madhusudhan-reddy-a?reading=true&continue=2
