Construction Management

Nature of Construction Industry

• The construction industry is the second largest industry in India after agriculture.

• It accounts for about 11% of India as GDP.

• It makes significant contribution to the national economy and provides employment to large
number of people.

• Construction industry, with its backward and forward linkages with various other industries like
cement, steel bricks etc. catalyses employment generation in the country.

• Broadly construction can be classified into 3 segments Infrastructure, Industrial and Real
Estate.

• Infrastructure segments involve construction projects in different sectors like roads, railways,
ports, irrigation, power etc.

• Industrial construction is contributed by expansion projects from various manufacturing sectors

like oil and gas refineries, pipelines, textiles etc.

• Real estate construction can be sub-divided into residential, commercial, malls/multiplexes etc.

Role of Architects in Construction industry

1) Project Discussion
•
• The initial step involves understanding the client’s requirement through a detailed discussion. A
careful note on his/her objectives and the expectations are taken.

• discussion about the expected budget, the characteristics of the site and other planning
regulation of the area under consideration.

• Understanding the limitations and potential of the site.

• Discussing about the financial targets

• Suggesting and studying all possible solutions if the work is renovation or rehabilitation or a
new construction

• Bringing and presenting the feasibility study

• Different choice of site or building based on the requirement

• Provision of different options to overcome different administrative procedures
• Procedures planned and prepared are kept in line to make communication easier.

2)Preparation of Drawings

• A construction project has enormous design drawings that have to be prepared all before the
execution of the work on site. Any errors have to be pre-checked before implementing it.
•
• This early submission of drawings helps in avoiding the delaying of the project. The drawings
are the basis on which detailed estimation, material procurement and work at site is carried out.
•
• The different drawings an architect can render will include the floor plan, the site plan, the
elevation and the isometric views, Other detailed structural drawings, 3D models and 3D views.

3) Cost Estimation of Construction Project

• The estimation of the costs at different stages of the project progress helps in having a control
over the budget. This keeps the client and the project team alert before a bigger budget issue is
faced.
4) Construction Contracts

• The bidding of the tender and allowing the building contract can be carried out with the
architect’s assistance. This helps the client to choose the correct procurement form. This way
the whole contract procedure is well coordinated.
•
• The activity of contract agreement must be transparent and fair. The architects have role in
suggesting and choosing the contractors for different activities of construction.
•
• After receiving the tender, the architect carries out a tender analysis report. These results are
compared with the client’s expectations and budget.
•
• the architect will coordinate the construction activity as per the standard codes and regulations.

• The architect has the role of checking the invoices at the month end to check the payment
requested is corresponding to the completed works at the site.

5) Marketing

• Architects gain popularity through marketing their works to the public. They bid new works
and designs based on the creativity developed in the form of buildings. This helps in developing
their career.
Role of project Manager in Construction industry

Construction project managers shoulder the responsibility of keeping the project moving according
to plan. The goal is to manage the project so that it finishes on schedule and within budget, while
still meeting building codes, plans, and specs. A construction project manager may also be charged
with setting the parameters, finances, and calendar; vetting and hiring subcontractors and on-site
workers; developing a strategy for potential conflict resolution; and more.

Common responsibilities of a construction manager fall into these seven categories:

• Project management planning

• Cost management
• Time management
• Quality management
• Contract administration
• Safety management

Special Characteristics of Construction activity

• The project should have a specified target.

• The project should be unique and cannot be replicated with the same task and resources giving
the same results.

• The construction project should satisfy the owners requirement and expectations from the
project.

• The construction project should not be a routine work, although there are some aspects that are
routine.
•
• The construction project shall consists of a number of associated activities contributing to the
project as a whole.

• The time limit for completion of project shall be defined.

• The Construction project is complex and it involves a number of individuals from different
departments. So, right coordination shall be setup within departments.
• The project manager must be flexible to accommodate any change that might occur during the
project.

• There are factors of uncertainty such as the performance of individuals, how their skills adapt to
unfamiliar work, and other unknown external influences.

• The total cost of construction project shall be defined and project shall be completed within the
given budget.
• The project should provide unique opportunities to acquire new skills.

• The project gives impetus to the project manager to adapt to working under changing
circumstances, as the nature of the project is change.

• There are risks with each step of the project, and the project manager should manage those risks
to reach the project goal.

Development of Construction Management

• For centuries, the person overseeing the construction of a complex building was often the
architect, which is thought to be the case in ancient structures like the Great Pyramids of Egypt
and the aqueducts of Rome.

• Into the Renaissance, individual architects began to be known for their designs, like Sir
Christopher Wren of England. Wren had a breadth of knowledge that would foreshadow the
types of skills needed on a complicated construction project, with expertise in advanced
mathematics and physics, as well as in design. He was on his building sites every day
overseeing every phase of the works.

• The rules of project management began to take shape across corporate America around the time
of World War II, and by the 1950s, they were guiding civil construction projects. This meant
that the phases and tenets of managing a construction engineering project were now being
applied to a variety of corporate projects.

• More and more details of managing a construction project can be done digitally, and that trend
is expected to grow. Mobile-friendly technology and software are set to play a major role in the
field, as a younger workforce is more comfortable with the technology, and it will allow the
work to be managed and tracked from anywhere.

Scope of Construction Management

The function of the Construction Manager is to work on behalf of the owner to complete a project
within the plans and specifications provided. In the last few years construction practices have
changed dramatically. Technology, materials, government bureaucracy, financing, design, and
engineering have all advanced. With the complexity of the construction process increasing, owners
demand accountability and accurate guidance during the entire planning and construction process.

Emphasis on Construction Management has been to provide clients a “team approach” to total
project coordination.Project Manager’s role is not to replace any other profession or craft, but to
assist all involved in meeting their goals and to create an environment where all are working
together as a team, on behalf of the owner. This team’s goal is to provide a project on time, within
budget, and with the greatest value-to-cost ratio.
The Construction Manager, from the inception of the project, is there to provide a cohesive planning
and delivery effort and to act on the owner’s behalf. Construction management services may be
divided into two main categories: (1) The Planning, Design, & Pre-Construction Phase; and (2) The
Construction & Delivery Phase.

1. Planning, Design, & Pre-Construction Phase

The assistance provided by Construction Management Team at this point includes:

• Assist the architect/engineer in defining the owner’s needs and setting the project criteria.

• Providing a value/cost analysis to both the owner and architect/engineer.

• Advising the owner of construction methods, materials, and structural components as the
project plan matures.

• Budgeting and cost estimating.

• Bid packaging and coordination with the architect/engineer.

• Establishment of operational procedures.

• Identification of long lead time material items.

• Organization of responsibilities and work flow projections.

• Research of the labor market.

• Bid assessment and qualifying.

• Awarding of contracts.

• Contract review and execution.

2. Construction & Delivery Phase

• Services provided by the Construction Manager during the Construction Phase include:

• Providing on-site construction administration, supervision, and coordination.

• Scheduling and conducting all job site and construction meetings.

• Developing and maintaining construction schedules.

• Maintaining cost accounting and cost control records.

• Reviewing with the owner and architect/engineer the monthly status reports, including these
areas:
a) Cost vs. Budget.
b) Construction progress vs. schedule.
c) Change order summary.
d) Quality of workmanship review.

• Processing change orders initiated by the owner.

• Preparing punch lists in advance of completion and establishing management systems for
correction of any deficient work by the appropriate contractor.

• Arranging for inspections by the appropriate governing authorities.

• Monitoring adherence to safety programs & coordinating all safety requirements.

• Coordinating all general condition items including temporary facilities.

• Accepting delivery and arranging storage, protection, and security for all owner purchased
materials, systems, and equipment.

• Assisting the owner/architect/engineer with selection of the surveyor and testing labs.

Qualities of Construction Project Managers

Communication skills

Communication skills lie at the heart of nearly every activity on the planet, and construction project
managers need to understand and apply effective communication throughout a project. A great
construction project manager must be able to transcribe intricate project details into smaller, easy-
to-complete activities. Furthermore, clear communication skills lead to the delegation of tasks.

Delegate Tasks

Project managers must be able to delegate tasks to skilled workers throughout project timeliness.
This may include selecting different workers with alternate duties to perform specific activities or
delegating individuals to oversee smaller portions of the overall project.

Reassess the Current Project Status and Prioritize Activities

Throughout a project, discrepancies in available versus needed resources, including workforce and
physical resources, require project managers to frequently reassess the current project’s status and
prioritize activities and tasks appropriately.
For example, a sudden change in weather could result in failure to complete roofing activities. As a
result, these workers may be reassigned to other tasks. This example may also be broadened to
encompass general contractors who may be experiencing their own issues with available workers
outside of the company.
Problem Solving Skills
Every construction project comes with challenges, obstacles, and problems hidden in the
background from conception. While it would be nice to believe nothing will go wrong, it’s best to
err on the side of caution by planning for the unknown. However, no one will be able to identify
every possible worst-case scenario, and construction project managers need to have advanced
problem solving skills. This will allow a project to adapt and grow as the project develops.
Furthermore, construction projects may experience additional problems, such as community
backlash or political opinions, which threaten to hinder progress. Problem solving skills are
especially crucial when a re-evaluation of progress results in changes to project deadlines.

Understanding the Importance of Teamwork

Although much of a project’s outcome relies on the skills of the construction project manager, the
end result would not exist without the cooperation of all workers and team members in a project. A
great construction project manager understands this, and he or she will need to make every effort to
create a “let's-work-together” environment of trust and appreciation. This may be something
as simple welcoming feedback through communication, or project managers may spend additional
time in the field with workers.
Being a construction project manager is not enough to guarantee the success of a project. Great
construction project managers utilize five skills, ranging from communication to teamwork, to
ensure a project’s success and a high return on investment.

Selecting the Right Construction Project Management Partner

Over the last several years, the process of designing, permitting and constructing a project has
become increasingly more complicated. More and more companies are turning to professional
construction project managers for assistance with their projects. A professional project manager acts
as the client’s representative and manages the entire design and construction team from start to
finish, ensuring that the project stays on budget and on schedule. However, not all project managers
are the same and selecting the right manager for a project is a crucial front-end decision.

A proven track record

One of the best indicators of future success in project management is projects that have been
successfully delivered in the past. You will want to establish:
• The type and size of projects that have been delivered previously.
• Whether the projects were delivered to time, budget, quality and requirements (scope).
• Any significant risks or issues that the projects ran into and how they were resolved.
• How the project dealt with stakeholders and other interested parties.

Areas of expertise

Certain project managers or organizations will specialize in certain types of project, sectors or
industries. It will be helpful if you can identify:
• The type of projects that have been delivered previously (e.g. prototyping, construction, IT
delivery, infrastructure).
• The sectors that the projects have been delivered in (e.g. biotech, medical, retail, financial,
tech).
• Resources and understanding of particular industries and sectors.

Qualifications and methodologies

The framework used to deliver a project can vary between the type of project and the people
involved in making it happen. Certain methodologies are better suited to some types of projects than
others, and you’ll want to be confident that a project manager and their team have the right level of
training and experience.

Reassurance of work quality and guarantees

If possible, try to get some reassurances and guarantees of project delivery and quality built into a
formal understanding with the project manager and their team. This could include:
• Bonuses if the project is delivered on or ahead of time, budget, quality and scope.
• Penalties if the project is delivered late, over budget or not to the right quality or
requirements.
• Regular tracking and reporting on progress.

• Excellent management of risks, issues or other areas that could impact on the
delivery of a project.
• Communications to keep everyone involved in a project informed, including internal teams,
business stakeholders and other third parties.

Details of project services that are included, before during and after
project delivery
It’s important to understand exactly what will be included in the project management service; areas
to consider include:
• Preliminary work such as business requirements gathering, forecasting, high-level planning,
business case analysis and business value measurement.
• Ongoing administration such as providing reporting, tracking and communications,
attending meetings and involvement in a department’s day-to-day activities.
• Project management work such as detailed planning, resource management, allocation of
tasks, relationship management, risks and issues mitigation and more.
• Project testing such as troubleshooting, ‘what if’ scenarios and introduction into the
production environment.
• Project closedown such as a complete project review, lessons-learned and final project
analysis.

Contract Management
Contract Management involves making timely decisions and monitoring the flow of information
across various levels in order to achieve successful closure of contracts. It enables the client to
determine the conformity of work as per the contract documents and provides an opportunity to
detect any inaccuracies, ambiguities or inconsistencies in the contract and deploy appropriate
mitigation.

Contracts review

• Examination of the process of entering into contractual relationships 


• Analysis of due diligence or the precedent conditions to be adhered to in accordance with

the contracts 


• Appreciation of the contract compliance issues in project management 


• Gap analysis of the contract through robust document review 


• Review of the strengths and weaknesses of your contracts based on our recognised industry
experience 

Contracts administration

• Understanding of the contracts: How to read, interpret and evaluate

• Examination of the key aspects of contract administration as well as the claims process

• Appreciation of the contractual issues surrounding variations, delays and defects, as well as
development of procedures to effectively deal with these issues

• Analysis of effective document control, reporting and communication systems

• Discovery of cooperative negotiation as well as partnering skills for dispute avoidance and
resolution 


• Development of contract claims procedures 


• Termination or suspension of contracts due to default 


• Closing of contracts 

Project managers’ services include

• Contract awareness to increase the efficiency in contract management

• Identification of contractual risks and advice on mitigation measures

• Monitoring of the payment to subcontractors based on mutually agreed contractual terms and
conditions as well as avoiding overpayments

• Determining of roles and obligations of the various parties to the contract

• Maximise the contractual benefits and safeguard the interest of the project
• Secure profit and save on cost

• Reduce risks related to contractual obligations

• Avoid unjustified claims

• Avoid the threat of litigation

• Keep the management updated with the current status of their contract management and suggest
the best practices

• Avoid contractual disputes

• Mitigate disputes arising from the contract in time to avoid disruption of construction work

References:
"Indian Construction Industry Overview." Indian Construction Equipment Industry :: Construction
Equipment Manufacturers,Construction Machines Exporter,Construction Machinery
Exporters,Suppliers of Constructions Machines,India - Construction Equipment Directory. Accessed
September 09, 2018. https://www.indianconstructionindustry.com/overview.html.
•
Gopal Mishra. "CHARACTERISTICS OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT." The Constructor. June
27, 2014. Accessed September 09, 2018. https://theconstructor.org/construction/characteristics-of-a-
construction-project/8807/.
•
http://www.marawood.com/constmanagement.pdf

https://www.pwc.in/assets/pdfs/consulting/forensic-services/contract-management.pdf

"Construction Project Management 101." Smartsheet. August 23, 2018. Accessed December 05,
2018. https://www.smartsheet.com/construction-project-management-101.

Collins, Jeff. "5 Qualities of Great Construction Project Managers." Scalable Project Management
and Control Solutions. Accessed December 05, 2018. https://www.ims-web.com/blog/5-qualities-
of-great-construction-project-managers.