Imagine you’re navigating a ship. It requires careful coordination, a clear objective, and meticulous planning to keep the ship on course, ensuring it arrives safely at its destination. Construction Project Management (CPM) isn’t much different.
In the U.S., around 98% of construction projects experience some form of rework, which is why CPM is a crucial element within the industry, facilitating smooth coordination and execution of all aspects of construction processes – from strategic planning to the finer details of on-ground operations.
Who uses construction project management?
From civil engineers to property developers, it’s a tool many stakeholders adopt to ensure that construction projects remain on track and within budget, maximizing productivity and efficiency.
To understand CPM, you’ll need to grasp the rules and responsibilities of a construction manager and the different phases involved in the construction planning process.
Key Responsibilities of a Construction Manager
A Construction Manager plays an essential role in ensuring the successful completion of a construction project. Their responsibilities are varied and diverse, impacting every phase of the project.
Planning & Oversight of Construction Activities
This can range from managing workers and ensuring safety regulations are adhered to, and ensuring work is progressing as per the planned schedule. A thorough planning phase is one of the best ways to reduce costly issues and delays during construction. For instance, issuing comprehensive private utility locates before digging can reduce the risk of utility strikes by up to 50%.
Budget Management
From setting the initial budget estimates to monitoring actual expenses and controlling costs to avoid overspending, the manager plays an instrumental role. They have to negotiate with contractors, review bids for services, manage change orders, and implement cost-control strategies to maintain the financial health of the project.
Quality Assurance
This involves setting the quality standards for the project in accordance with regulatory guidelines and client expectations.
Throughout the construction process, the manager ensures that the standards are upheld by conducting regular inspections, facilitating audits, and maintaining robust communication with the project team. If any quality issues arise during the project, the manager oversees corrective measures and mitigation strategies.
The Phases of the Construction Project Planning Process
| Phases | Description | Key Activities |
| Initiation | This is the first phase where the project idea is born. | Project conception and feasibility checks, stakeholder identification, and project charter development. |
| Planning | This involves devising a plan detailing how the project will be delivered on time and within budget. | Develop project management plan, scope planning, schedule and cost estimation, risk assessment, and procurement planning. |
| Execution | The actual construction work begins during this phase based on the plans made. | Direct and manage work execution, Perform quality assurance, staff acquisition, and team development, and distribute information and stakeholder management. |
| Monitoring & Control | This phase involves tracking the project’s progress to ensure it’s on track, within scope, and under budget. | Monitor and control project work, Integrated change control, Scope verification and control, Schedule and cost control. |
| Closure | This phase marks the ending of a project, which may involve winding up all operations and conducting post-project review and reporting. | Close project or phase, Procurement closure, Output handover, and project review. |
Streamlining Construction Project Management with UtiliSource
As we’ve seen, construction project management entails meticulous budgeting, hands-on oversight, and strict quality control. Fortunately, with UtiliSource, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
We offer a range of services, such as private utility locating, GIS mapping, utility design, and compliance consulting to enhance the planning phase of your construction process. Working with UtiliSource means putting your pre-dig prep in the hands of seasoned professionals, including precise utility location to avoid unanticipated delays, detailed mapping, and effective asset administration.
Contact us to discuss the construction project management needs for your next project!
