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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

There are millions on the line when it comes to construction projects. Bound by struct
time parameters and financial constraints, with the utmost consideration of safety and precision,
avoiding constant mistakes becomes priority number one and every detail and contingency must
be accounted for.

Construction Managers possess a distinctive blend of academic knowledge and practical

expertise. They collaborate effectively with the owner, architect, general contractor, and various
stakeholders to strategize the most optimal construction procedure, and develop a detailed
schedule and budget, while also establishing plans for project safety and security and helping the
owner manage risk.

As stated by the Construction Management Association of America, Construction

Management stands as a professional service that delivers proficient oversight of a project's
timeline, expenses, quality, safety, scope, and functionality to its owner(s). Construction
management seamlessly integrates with various project delivery approaches. Irrespective of the
context, a Construction Manager (CM) bears the duty towards both the proprietor and the
achievement of a prosperous project.

Outside the role of the construction manager, there are three parties that comprise a capital
project:

1. The owner–who initiates the project either provides direct funding or employs various
financing methods.
2. The architect–who is responsible for crafting the project's plans and specifications.
3. The general contractor–who is tasked with supervising daily activities and coordinating
subcontractors.

While it is the CM's responsibility to represent the owner's interests and provide direct
oversight over the entire project for the owner, it is also their mandate to work with every
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stakeholder to deliver the project on time, within budget, and to the owner's expected quality,
scope, and function.

Based on a 2013 study by McGraw-Hill Construction, hiring professional CMs saves

money, avoids or mitigates construction problems, and produces higher-quality results for
owners. With their industry-standard practices to manage projects successfully, their body of
knowledge and standards of practice address all six areas of construction management services,
which are: schedule, cost, safety, quality, function, and scope.

Construction Management According to SPP Document 204-B

According to SPP Document 204-B, which addresses Construction Management

Services, the escalating complexity of construction projects has generated a heightened demand
for more efficient cost management and faster project implementation, while maintaining a
high-standard quality of work. Consequently, Construction Management Services were
established to address this requirement within the construction sector.

The role of the CM may be assumed by an individual on the owner's staff, an independent
professional, or a firm engaged by the owner to oversee a specific project's construction. The
Architect can also undertake the responsibilities of the CM. Their training in the coordination of
diverse specialties equips them to supervise and ensure diligent oversight of all construction
activities, encompassing aspects of quality, workmanship, and cost.

LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

(Based on SPP Doc. 204-B)

When the Architect serves as the Construction Manager (CM), they report directly to the
owner for all construction-related matters, including planning, coordination, ensuring quality,
managing costs, and keeping the project on schedule. In this dual role, it is crucial that the
Architect does not get involved in the Contractor's work to avoid any confusion about assuming
the Contractor's responsibilities, as outlined in Article 1723 of the Civil Code and similar
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provisions. It is also advised against introducing methods, systems, or designs that could
significantly disrupt the construction timeline or undermine the Architect's original design
concept.

The CM also does not hold any liability in case equipment fails to function or if a portion
of the building collapses. If there are issues with the design that the CM did not review or
approve, or if construction problems arise despite the CM fulfilling their role faithfully during
the project, the CM is not legally liable for these deficiencies.

Construction Management Skills

Having the right construction management skills can help construction managers
complete their duties with ease and efficiency. Both technical skills and certain soft skills are
necessary to aid in overseeing a construction project. Having these skills can ultimately be
helpful in completing construction projects successfully. (Indeed, 2023)

1. Communication
Effective communication skills enable construction managers to liaise with
diverse stakeholders, facilitating project success through streamlined collaboration,
paperwork management, and timeline clarity.
2. Flexibility
Flexibility in responding to unforeseen changes and informed decision-making
while considering project factors is crucial for construction managers, who must also
ensure transparent communication with their entire team regarding the necessity and
rationale behind any project adjustments.

3. Industry Knowledge
Staying current with the latest construction materials and techniques enables
construction managers to employ innovative strategies, fostering efficiency and success
in their projects.
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4. Risk Management
Leveraging their risk management expertise, construction managers can
proactively plan projects, establish contingency measures, and promptly address potential
issues, such as anticipated delays in building supplies, to ensure effective project
preparation and execution.

5. Negotiation
Construction managers frequently employ their adept negotiation skills to
facilitate effective communication with stakeholders, enabling them to navigate budget
allocation, employee scheduling, and order modifications, resulting in favorable
outcomes for both projects and team members.

6. Delegation
Construction managers rely on delegation skills to efficiently distribute tasks to
their team members, fostering timely completion of their own responsibilities and
ensuring the project progresses effectively by matching duties with individual strengths
and weaknesses.

7. Team Management
Construction managers utilize their team management skills to facilitate seamless
collaboration among team members, guiding them toward shared objectives and
addressing issues with a collaborative, professional, and prompt approach.

8. Organization
Strong organizational skills are essential for construction managers to effectively
manage multiple responsibilities, reduce stress, prioritize crucial tasks, and establish
productive daily routines.

9. Financial Management
Construction managers employ their financial management skills to formulate
budget plans, conduct financial projections, monitor project expenditures, and explore
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alternative financing avenues, ultimately enhancing resource utilization efficiency within

a construction project.

10. Assertiveness
Construction managers leverage their assertiveness to enact project changes,
including the introduction of new crew plans, while also using this trait to communicate
their rationale effectively and engage collaboratively with others in pursuit of mutually
agreeable solutions.

11. Technology
A solid grasp of technology aids construction managers in recognizing and
implementing the most current technological advancements, which can enhance crew
communication, project efficiency, and overall quality, thereby necessitating a continual
evaluation of valuable technology for project integration.

12. Openness to Feedback

Construction managers exhibit openness to feedback by embracing constructive
criticism, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and fostering an environment where
clients and colleagues feel comfortable sharing observations, followed by expressions of
gratitude and a commitment to addressing the feedback received.

Construction Management vs. Project Management

Construction managers and project managers are two professionals responsible for
overseeing a construction project. However, in the industry, if the roles are not properly defined,
it could be hard to distinguish between the two.

According to Indeed, a career guide website, on small projects, a project manager may
complete the duties of a construction manager. These two professionals often collaborate on huge
projects to develop new buildings. These roles share some similarities, but it is important to note
these key differences:
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A construction manager may have the following responsibilities:

● Supervising a construction team and delegating tasks

● Overseeing the daily construction process on the job site
● Collaborating with contractors and material suppliers
● Maintaining material inventory and ordering new items
● Checking local construction guidelines to ensure the project meets all requirements
● Creating schedules for the team members
● Writing cost estimates for the construction tasks
● Observing the building project's progress and updating the project manager

A project manager's duties can include:

● Meeting with a client to discuss a new project design

● Creating a project budget and plan
● Selecting a project location and working to secure the land for a new building
● Designing a project timeline with deadlines for each stage
● Recruiting and hiring team members, including the construction manager
● Writing cost estimates for all elements of a project, including the marketing and hiring
process
● Managing a project's paperwork, including the initial plans and zoning documents

It is essential to recognize that these professions may entail distinct work environments.
A Construction Manager primarily operates on-site, where they supervise construction activities.
In contrast, a Project Manager may visit the site but also conduct office-based work and travel to
meet with clients for project discussions.

Professionals in these fields engage in collaboration with various counterparts, yet the
nature of their interactions can differ significantly. A Construction Manager frequently interacts
with construction laborers at the construction site, deliberating on steps and procedures. They
may also liaise with suppliers, architects, and surveyors. On the other hand, a Project Manager
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maintains close ties with the client or project owner. They may participate in the selection of a
Construction Manager in collaboration with the client and then oversee the Construction
Manager's activities while keeping the client informed of the project's progress.

While Construction Managers orchestrate the physical execution of projects, Project

Managers bridge the gap between clients and the construction process. The symbiotic
relationship between these roles underscores their collective importance in driving successful
construction projects.

Conclusion

With all these said, Construction Management plays a pivotal role in overseeing building
projects (Indeed, 2022). Skilled professionals known as construction managers are entrusted with
supervising the construction phase of new projects. Their duties encompass activities like
acquiring construction materials, delegating tasks to construction teams, and fostering
collaboration with subcontractors. Typically, they work directly at construction sites, where their
responsibilities span team management and meticulous oversight of quality and safety standards
throughout the construction process. These responsibilities go beyond traditional supervision,
encompassing a diverse range of tasks that are crucial for the effective, secure, and successful
completion of contemporary construction projects.
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REFERENCES

Construction Project Management: Definition, Processes, and More. (2023). Hexagon.

Retrieved from https://www.ecosys.net/knowledge/construction-project-
management/
Indeed Editorial Team. (2022, July 13). Construction Management vs. Project
Management: What's the Difference? Retrieved from
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/construction-management-vs-project
-management
Indeed Editorial Team. (2022, June 25). 12 Construction Management Skills and Why
They're Important. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/
career-development/construction-management-skills
The 2010 Standards of Professional Practice (SPPS)
What is Construction Management? (n.d.) CMAA. Retrieved from https://www.cmaanet.
org/about-us/what-construction-management