DIFFERENT TOOLS USED IN

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SPECIALIZATIONS 1: WEEK 3
01 WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

Is a project management tool that

takes a step-by-step approach to
complete large projects with several
moving pieces. By breaking down the
project into smaller components, a
WBS can integrate scope, cost and
deliverables into a single tool.
02 CRITICAL PATH METHOD (CPM)
The critical path method (CPM) is
a popular scheduling technique in the
construction industry due to its simplicity
and effectiveness.
It generates a graphical view of a
project and calculates how much time and
resources are required to complete each
activity. It also determines critical
activities requiring attention so that the
project can be completed on time.
03 PROGRAM EVALUATION AND REVIEW
TECHNIQUE (PERT)
Is a project management tool used in
project planning to calculate the
amount of time it will take to
realistically finish a project. Using
the technique helps project
planners identify the start and end
dates, as well as interim required
tasks and timelines. The information
is displayed as a network in chart
form.
04 GANTT CHART

Is a commonly used graphical

depiction of a project schedule. It's
a type of bar chart showing the start
and finish dates of a project's
elements such as resources,
planning, and dependencies.
 PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
PEOPLE INVOLVED IN PRE-CONSTRUCTION
ACTIVITIES
SPECIALIZATIONS 1: WEEK 4
 Before a construction project can begin, there is a lot of planning,
number-crunching, designing, and scheduling that needs to occur. The bulk
of all project planning occurs during the preconstruction phase, which sets
the tone for the entire project.
Preconstruction, often called simply “precon,” is the initial phase of a
construction project during which planning, design, and engineering
activities take place.
 Preconstruction generally establishes two baselines: an initial
budget and a preliminary schedule. While neither is final, they do provide
the customer with an idea of anticipated costs and completion timeframe.
This information helps the client determine whether the project is feasible
for their needs.
Architects generally refer to preconstruction simply as “design,”
and break the process down into five steps:
1. SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The goal of the schematic design phase is for the
architect to create plans that establish the size and
shape of the building (known as massing) and the
overall concept. The architect will meet with the client
to discuss how individual spaces within the building
will be used, and develop floor plans and elevations.
These drawings give the client something to picture
and provide feedback on before moving to the next
stage.
2. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE
Design development picks up where
schematic design leaves off, essentially adding
more detail and specifics to the established
schematic. This includes more in-depth
sketches and elevations, as well as choosing
finishes and materials. Also, building systems
such as the electrical system, HVAC, and
plumbing become part of the plans. Interior
elevations are also part of the design
development phase.
 3. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
PHASE
The construction documents phase is the largest
stage of construction project design. It entails the
architect creating a full package of drawings for the
building that code enforcement will use for permitting.
The construction documents phase also involves putting
together sets of plans for contractors to review to
develop bids.
4. BIDDING/PROCUREMENT
The bidding stage, also known as
procurement, is where the owner will begin
selecting contractors to handle the job. They
may either choose a contractor they know or
accept multiple bids. The architect may assist
the project owner in assessing the bids and
choosing qualified contractors, however,
owners should prequalify their contractors as
well.
PEOPLE INVOLVED IN PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
On a traditional design-bid-build project, precon may include an architect and
engineering firm, while design-build preconstruction typically also involves a general
contractor or construction manager as well.
During preconstruction, an architect, designer, and/or design-bid contractor will perform
planning and engineering services for a prospective project owner, providing them with the
information they need to move forward.
Throughout this phase, the designer will meet with the client to define the project. The
designer helps the client develop budgets, schedules, potential issues, the scope, and other
details related to the planning of the entire project. It’s at this point that the client can
determine whether the project is feasible or not.
The services provided during preconstruction can vary, and they’re based on several
factors. Those factors include the type of job the client wishes to undertake, the location of
the project, and the scope and size of the job, among others.