Project Management is a comprehensive report that explains the function of project management within construction, and discusses its increasing importance. Here’s what you can expect from Construction World’s ‘Project Management 101’:
- What is meant by construction project management
- Modern project management strategies
- The industry’s best project management companies
- Project management tools and software
- Information on construction project management training through industry associations and educational institutions
What is building construction project management?
A project is an activity with a designated start and end time. It is not a routine operation and often involves a group of people who don’t normally work together, from different organizations, industries, and locations. In order for these projects to go as smoothly as possible, the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques are necessary to carry out the activities needed.
In an article by Business News Daily, they discuss the various types of project management methodologies that are commonly practiced. Depending on the specific type of job, any given company or project manager may use a different method that best suit a particular project. Below is a list of some common construction technology services.
- Traditional Project Management: This is a step-by-step process that assesses a project based on 5 stages: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and completion. Each stage is done in chronological order, with stages only starting once the previous phase has finished. This traditional type of building construction project management is suited for linear work, where little change is expected.
- Critical Path Method: This strategy is when each task is given a specific time frame before determining what resources are needed to carry out each task. This process is designed to accomplish projects in the least amount of time, in the most efficient manner possible.
- Event Chain Methodology: With this method, it is best applied to tasks that initiate a chain of events. When each task is finished, a new event or task is created. Events are not always anticipated, which makes the role of project managers even more important. This strategy best works for projects that are not linear in nature.
- Agile: Agile project management is an approach where projects are divided into small sections called iterations. After each iteration, the team reviews, and critiques the work done and decides what the next steps for the project will be. This method is ideal for companies that can make quick decisions on their own, without needing approval from a board or committee.
- Scrum: This project management strategy is derived from the agile method where many small teams work in an interdependent manner. With scrum, iterations are done quickly and frequently with a high level of intensity.