Construction

Management
ENGR.M.ABUBAKAR TARIQ|
Project Planning,
Scheduling and Resource
Levelling
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Context
Projects are becoming progressively larger and more complex in terms of physical size and cost.
In the modern world, the execution of a project requires the management of scare resource:
manpower, materials, money and machines must be managed throughout the life of the project-
from conception to completion.
Although the objectives are different, the principles of project management apply to
construction, manufacturing, etc. projects.
Construction of a building, bridge, a highway requires different trades and knowledge but the
management, scheduling, costing, and control of these projects utilize the same tools and
techniques, and are subject to constraints of time, cost and quality.
As our society becomes more knowledgeable and sophisticated, the demands place on a project
increase. Today it is inconceivable to initiate a large projects without considering the impacts on
the environment and economy.
Project
According to Project Management Institute BoK (PMI):
A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result.
Temporary endeavour means defining beginning and an end (objectives achieved, project
terminated, not required anymore).
Temporary does not necessarily means short in duration, or apply on product or service. Projects
can also have social, economic and environmental impacts that far outlasts the projects itself.
Every project creates a unique product, service or result. Although there may be some repetitive
activities, nevertheless, the fundamental uniqueness of the project does not change.
Due to unique nature of projects, there may be uncertainties about the product, service or
result that the project creates.
Project
A project (construction or otherwise) is a unique undertaking for essentially a single purpose
which is defined by scope, quality, time and cost objectives. The scope could be to provide a
facility of a bride revise an organisation, produce a product and so on. The cost and quality
objectives are met by the use of limited resources.
A construction project is characteristically a capital venture which therefore requires a well-
defined start and end point.
Project
Project task can be a new work for the team that necessitates more careful planning as
compared to routine work.
A project may include a single person, a single organisational unit or multiple organizational
units, an organization or even consortium of companies i.e. joint ventures and partnering.
Can projects includes different countries?
A project can include:
1. A product that can be a component of a product or an end product in itself
2. A capability to perform a service (e.g. a business functions that supports production or
distribution)
3. A result such as an outcome or document (e.g. research project that creates knowledge that
can be used to determine whether a trend is present or benefit a society)
Project
Examples of a project includes but not limited to:
1. Developing a new product or services
2. Effecting a change in structure, staffing, or style of an organization
3. Developing or acquiring a new or modified information system
4. Constructing a building or infrastructure, or
5. Implementing a new business process or procedure
Difference
There is a difference between project and day-to-day activities.
Day-to-day activities of an organisation are called Business-as-Usual (BAU).
Few differences can be:
Projects BAU
Unique Routine
Uncertain Less uncertainty
More risky tasks Less risky tasks
Teams are made and disbanded Teams are made and not disbanded
One time event Repetitive
Project Management
According to PMI BoK:
Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project
activities to meet the project requirement.
A construction project involves a series of complex interrelated activities and tasks that consume
resources to achieve some specific objectives. It has to be completed with given set of
specifications within a limited budget. A project is regarded as a key to accomplish the business
strategy of any organisation, as it is the means by which strategy is implemented, and a project
is therefore not an isolated event but a realization of objectives through concerted efforts of
different participants to various phases of project life cycle.
Construction Project Management
The goal of construction project seems simple enough- building a project on time, within
budget, with the stated quality standards, and in a safe environment. Looks so simple!
Yet, research shows that less than 20% of most construction projects meet the four
requirements mentioned above.
Construction projects management is known for continual problems and the companies involved
have a continual record of poor performance.
In the context of construction project, it implies designing building, installation and
commissioning of items of civil, mechanical, electrical, telecommunication and other utility
works, necessary for building a specified construction-related facility or service.
A construction project is a high-value, time bound, special construction mission of creating a
construction facility or service, with predetermined performance objectives in terms of: quality
specification, completion time, budgeted cost and other specified constrains. Each missions
starts with a project go-ahead and ends with the accomplishment of the mission purpose.
Phases of a Construction Project
The term phases, stages and steps are used interchangeably in project management literature.
The phases can be defined as top-level breakdown and a construction project is distinctly
characterized by a number of phases or stages during its life cycle, though there may be some
overlaps between the characterization of two phases.
There is no single standard nomenclature available to describe the different phases of a
construction project. Below is the generic approach to describe the different project phases
under three broad categories-the pre-project phase, the project phases and the post-project
phase.
Phases of a Construction Project
1. Pre-project phase
I. Initiation or idea phase
II. Project concept phase
III. Feasibility phase
a. Conceptual
b. Project strategy
c. Estimate
d. Approval

2. Project phase
I. Basic design phase
II. Detailed design phase
III. Tendering phase
Phases of a Construction Project
3. Execution or construction phase
4. Closure and completion phase
5. Post-project phase
I. Utilization phase
II. Close-down phase
Thank you!