Project management is something you can come up with in different industries. However, they are most represented in construction. Construction projects are the most complicated ones that require more precision, and respect, but also the largest number of resources. In construction projects, the figures they deal with are definitely the highest. When we say that this type of project is the most complicated, then we do not mean only the phase of implementation or preparation of the project itself. Statistics show that only 33% of project tasks in construction are completed. That says a lot about the scope of this work. Every area, from planning, and compiling to running here is very demanding and specific. Every, even the smallest mistake here is very visible. Considering the various foreseen and unforeseen circumstances, these projects usually break deadlines, but also the scope of the budget.
When we talk about projects in construction, we inevitably open up one very wide topic concerning project management in construction. Management in this sense refers to defining the direction, all regulations but also the supervision of the project itself. So everything: from the earliest phase of the project development to its complete completion. The goal of this management is certainly the functionality of the project and a satisfied client. Its requirements need to be fully met both in terms of deadlines and in terms of budget and terms of a job well done. Although each project has its standard phases, there are still some basics of project management in construction that should be managed. We will dedicate this text to these basics. Let’s go in order:
Contents
1. Integration management
This is one of the most important parts of project management. It includes all phases that the project must go through and their integration. Here, needs and possibilities are identified, defined, and combined. It also manages different segments of the project. This is, so to speak, the head of every project. If everything is assessed and applied properly, the client will be satisfied and the task completed. However, this is not a job that requires certain decisions and details to be made in a day or two. This is a process that requires daily efforts, the anticipation of problems, preventive reactions and making, sometimes very difficult and uncertain decisions.
Within this area, we include the following parts that are of key importance: development of the terms of reference; determining project plans; implementation of project activities; control and monitoring of the same; change management; and finally, the closure of the project.
2. Project scope management
The scope of the project could be most simply explained as a set of all the activities necessary to undertake for the project goal to be met. Here it is necessary to include Project scope management which will take care that everything goes according to plan and control the process. Thus, the goal of the project is defined and neither less nor more can be expected from it.
The essence of this part is that the total activities of the project are divided into small parts and then into even smaller ones, and so on until we get to so many small parts and activities that can certainly be fully followed. For them, we will know exactly when they can start and when they can end, but also the cost price. In this way, the project cannot fail.
Precisely for all the above, the best tool for breaking down a project into smaller parts is WBS (Work Breakdown Structure). It defines resources and estimates the duration of activities as well as how much they will cost.
3. Time management
Everyone is happy when the job is done on time. Giving and respecting precise deadlines says a lot about the professionalism of project managers.
If we have defined deadlines for the smallest project activities through WBS, we are going backward at this stage. It is simple: the defined deadlines for each activity are assembled into certain phases according to the order, and each phase together forms the whole project. Here it is very important to pay attention to the interdependence of activities and phases. Very often one depends on the other, so it is necessary to arrange them correctly to get a complete and clear picture.
Not only do we need to define the time here, but we also need to define how the tasks will be monitored and in which way the control will be performed.
4. Cost management
Cost estimation is something that tells us whether a project can or cannot be realized depending on the projected budget. Sometimes it is necessary to look for additional sources of income, but we do not know that until we define and estimate the cost of the project. This part of the project defines planning, forecasting, creation and cost control.
Direct or indirect costs must not be left out at any stage of the project. This is not at all simple and not at all naive. If you are not sure whether you have estimated the costs well or simply want to check the costs of the project, we recommend Jonas Premier.
5. Quality management
Project quality management is responsible for this part of the project. Whatever is undertaken, each activity must go through certain procedures and meet certain standards. This part is often neglected, which can often lead to the collapse of the entire project. Checking, measuring and testing are safe paths and a guarantee of a successful project.
6. Human resource management
Here we come to the concept of project teams which are assigned different responsibilities and roles within the project. All team members should be involved and give their maximum through each phase of the project.
7. Risk management
An integral part of any business is dealing with certain risks. Therefore, each project must plan, and identify certain risks. They are identified through various researches, quantitative and qualitative analyzes. Risk responses, as well as their control, are also planned. In this way, the probability that the project will end according to the planned plan increases.
8. Communications management
True and timely information can sometimes be crucial to the success of an entire business. Therefore, it is necessary to have a quality connection between the persons who are active in the project and the information. Good communication involves planning, managing and controlling communication. This includes reports and meetings, as well as communication with stakeholders.
