HOW YOU CAN RESPOND TO CHALLNGES DURING

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

EMMANUEL OBEMBE

Associate: SKAAP CONSULT

Non-Destructive Testing
As a civil engineer or a builder at a construction site, you may encounter several
challenges and problems that can make your job hectic and stressful.

Remember being an engineer at a construction site requires professionalism,

adaptability and continuous learning to overcome this problems and deliver
successful projects.

Amos Olakunle on Linkedln Quoted:

“During my last construction project, I faced many challenges. The client was late with
payments, which delayed the project. I reimbursed my team from the company account,
and we were able to start the first stage of the project. Later, I guided the consultants to
avoid dampness in the foundation and lintel level."

Construction project management challenges often require project managers to find

solutions to keep a construction site running smoothly, safely, within schedule, and on
budget by effectively resolving problems. They have to ensure that everyone has what
they need to complete and deliver the construction project on time.

A study by mckinsey says that 98% of construction projects go over budget, and 77% of
them endure delays. Reasons for these delays may vary as per project working
conditions.

The stakeholders, property owners, lenders, suppliers, and subcontractors have

different aspects and interests that come in the way of the project. Except this, the
project manager face issues, like government regulation and unfavorable weather
condition, causing further delay

Construction project management involves directing and organizing each part of the
project life cycle, from ideation to completion. It’s a holistic practice with the goal of
delivering projects on time and under budget. Construction project management is a
complex discipline that requires addressing many important concerns, including cost
control, scheduling, procurement, and risk assessment. Project managers interact with

ii
all team members involved in a construction project, from architects to
owners/stakeholders to contractors.

While working on big construction projects, it comes to first important thing is managing
the construction project effectively. Here are the top 10 construction project
management challenges or issues that every project manager has to face every time:

1. Absence Of Clear Objectives

2. Budget Limitation
3. Poor Communication
4. Inflated Aspirations
5. Time Management
6. Limited Skills
7. Lack Of Structure
8. Inadequate Risk Management
9. Obstructed Cash Flow
10. Safety Issues/Security Concerns

1. Absence Of Clear Objectives

In the absence of clear objectives, contractors are forced to make their own
assumptions about where or what they think the client wants. And This lack of
objectives results in wasted resources, duplicated effort, lost time, and
miscommunication – all of which cost your project money and delay your ability to
achieve your goals.

iii
Understand The Difference Between Goals And Objectives. ...

In the context of construction, goals are high-level, overarching statements of what you
want to achieve, while objectives are specific, measurable, and time-bound targets. For
example, a goal might be "to complete the construction project on time and within
budget," while an objective might be "to complete the foundation within the next three
weeks." Goals provide the overall direction and purpose of the construction project,
while objectives help break down the goal into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Ask The Right Questions. ...

To ask the right questions when setting clear objectives for construction projects, you
need to consider the following:

- What is the ultimate goal of the project?

- What are the specific outcomes you want to achieve?

- What are the constraints and limitations of the project?

- What resources are available?

- What are the risks and challenges?

By asking these questions, you can narrow down the objectives to something that is
both achievable and measurable. It's also important to remember that objectives should
be SMART - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Try To Get Ahead Of Assumptions Or Miscommunication. ...

To avoid assumptions and miscommunication when setting clear objectives in

construction, it's important to take the following steps:

iv
- Define the goal clearly and specifically.

- Gather input from all relevant stakeholders.

- State the objectives in measurable terms.

- Make sure everyone understands and agrees on the objectives.

- Establish a clear communication plan.

- Monitor progress and adapt objectives as needed.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and there is no
room for assumptions or miscommunication.

Map Out A Chain Of Communication. ...

In order to map out the chain of communication when setting clear objectives in
construction, it's helpful to create a communication plan with the following steps:

- Identify all stakeholders involved in the project.

- Determine the most effective communication channels for each stakeholder.

- Define who is responsible for communicating with each stakeholder.

- Establish the frequency and format of communication.

- Document the communication plan and make it available to all stakeholders.

This plan should be clear, concise, and easy to follow, so that everyone knows who to
communicate with, when, and how

v
Final Thoughts.

A few final thoughts on setting clear objectives in construction:

- Be specific, but flexible - objectives should be clear, but also adaptable to changing
circumstances.

- Prioritize objectives - not all objectives are equally important, so prioritize them based
on their impact and feasibility.

- Align objectives with resources - make sure the resources and time available are
sufficient to achieve the objectives.

- Review and adjust objectives as needed - periodically review the objectives and make
necessary adjustments based on progress and feedback.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your objectives are clear, realistic,
and achievable.

2. Budget Limitation

Budget limitations can pose a significant challenge in construction projects, as they can
impact the project's scope, timeline, and quality. For example, budget constraints may
require reducing the scope of the project or using less expensive materials, which can
lead to delays and compromises in quality. To overcome this challenge, it's important to
have a clear understanding of the project's budget and to prioritize the most important
objectives within that budget. Additionally, it's helpful to explore creative solutions and
cost-saving measures to stay within budget while still achieving the desired results.

To avoid budget limitations in construction projects, it's important to:

- Conduct a thorough cost analysis at the start of the project.

- Build a contingency fund into the budget.

vi
- Regularly monitor and track expenses throughout the project.

- Seek cost-saving solutions such as value engineering or alternative materials.

- Make budget adjustments as needed to stay within the allocated budget.

- Stay organized and efficient to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

By following these steps, you can help avoid budget limitations and keep your
construction project on track.

3. Poor Communication

Poor communication is a common challenge in construction projects, as it can lead to

confusion, misunderstanding, and mistakes. When project stakeholders don't
communicate effectively, it can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even legal issues. To
overcome this challenge, it's important to:

- Establish clear communication channels and protocols.

- Encourage open and honest communication between all stakeholders.

- Use technology to facilitate communication, such as project management software.

- Hold regular meetings and status updates to keep everyone informed.

- Follow up on all communication to ensure everyone is on the same page.

4. Inflated Aspirations

Inflated aspirations, or "scope creep," can be a major challenge in construction projects.

This occurs when the client or other stakeholders add additional requirements or
expectations to the project that were not included in the original scope. This can lead to

vii
delays, increased costs, and frustration on all sides. To avoid this challenge, it's
important to:

- Establish a detailed and well-defined scope of work at the start of the project.

- Clearly communicate the project scope to all stakeholders.

- Document all changes to the scope of work and ensure they are approved by all
parties.

- Monitor the scope of work throughout the

5. Time Management

Time management is a critical challenge in construction projects, as delays can lead to

increased costs, lost productivity, and even legal disputes. Time management can be
affected by a variety of factors, including weather, material availability, labor shortages,
and unforeseen circumstances. To effectively manage time in construction projects, it's
important to:

- Develop a detailed project schedule at the start of the project.

- Monitor and track progress against the schedule on a regular basis.

- Establish milestones and deadlines to keep the project on track.

- Adjust the schedule as needed to accommodate delays or changes.

- Communicate any changes in schedule to all stakeholders.

viii
 6. Limited Skills

One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry is the shortage of skilled
workers. This issue is caused by a variety of factors, including an aging workforce, a lack
of interest in construction jobs among young people, and the limited availability of
training programs. The lack of skilled workers can lead to delays, cost overruns, and
poor quality work. To address this challenge, it's important to:

- Invest in training and development for construction workers.

- Create apprenticeship programs to train new workers.

- Offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain workers.

- Use technology to make construction work more efficient.

7. Lack Of Structure

Construction projects are inherently complex, and they often involve many different
stakeholders, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Without a
clear structure and organization, these projects can quickly become chaotic and
disorganized. This can lead to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and conflicts between
parties. To avoid these issues, it's important to establish a clear structure for the project,
including:

- A detailed project plan.

- Clear roles and responsibilities for all parties involved.

- A communication plan to keep everyone informed.

- Regular progress meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page.

- A process for resolving conflicts and disputes.

ix
 8. Inadequate Risk Management

Inadequate risk management can be a major challenge in construction projects. This is

because risk management involves identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential risks
to the project's success. If risks are not managed effectively, they can lead to cost
overruns, schedule delays, and even project failure. Some common construction risks
include weather delays, material shortages, and unexpected site conditions. Good risk
management involves assessing these risks and developing contingency plans to migrate
them

9. Obstructed Cash Flow

Obstructed cash flow can be a major challenge for construction projects, as it can cause
serious financial problems. Cash flow refers to the money coming in and going out of a
project, and it's essential for paying bills and keeping the project on track. If cash flow is
obstructed, for example by delayed payments from clients, it can lead to delays in
paying subcontractors and suppliers, which can cause a ripple effect of problems. In
some cases, obstructed cash flow can even lead to project failure.

10. Safety Issues/Security Concerns

Safety and security issues can be a major challenge in construction projects, as they can
lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Construction sites are inherently
dangerous, and workers are at risk of falls, electrocution, being struck by objects, and
other hazards. Additionally, the construction site itself is vulnerable to theft and
vandalism, which can cause costly delays. To manage safety and security concerns, it's
important to have a comprehensive safety plan, and to ensure that all workers are
properly trained and equipped with the necessary safety gear.

x
With hard work, focus and dedication in t hese areas and others, engineers stand to
make a big difference in the world. The challenges are there to be solved, and the role
of the engineer in society certainly isn’t going away anytime soon.

xi