JOURNAL May 2021 - Construction Management/ Infrastructure - Ardmore Roderick
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
JOURNAL May 2021
Construction Management/
Infrastructure
Construction Management 101
Basics for a Successful Project
C
onstruction Management involves the application of integrated
systems to reach the goals of a construction project throughout
In principle, the development of a the planning, design, pre-construction, construction, and
closeout phases. The construction industry recognizes the following
project may seem simple, but it is main functions of a construction project: cost, time, quality,
rather a complex process requiring sustainability, safety, risk, and management and administration.
the integration of numerous Additional critical soft elements required for a successful execution
of a construction project include effective communication, positive
stakeholders and variables. attitude, trust development, disciplined adherence to processes and
procedures, and a focused commitment to the project goals.
In principle, the development of a project may seem simple,
but it is rather a complex process requiring the integration of
numerous stakeholders and variables. An owner identifies a need
for an infrastructure or building project and assembles a team of
professionals with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to meet their
need. Depending on the selected project delivery method, the owner
plays different roles. For the traditional design-bid-build model, the
owner will hire a designer, typically an architectural engineering
Eric M. Jiménez, PE, PMP, CCM firm (A&E), and subsequently hires the general contractor (prime)
Vice President through a separate contractual agreement. Occasionally the owner
may hire multiple prime contractors. In the design-build model, the
Ardmore Roderick
20 | JOURNAL Florida Engineering Society | MAY 2021 fleng.org
owner executes one established. The PEP serves as the basis for
contract with a firm the development of a Project Management
performing all scope Plan (PMP), which with a Project Procedures
of work, including Manual serves to develop each function of
planning, design, the project. An organizational chart defining
construction, and roles and responsibilities for the project
closeout. Frequently, staff and stakeholders including consultants,
the design-builder subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers, is all
is a partnership or part of the PMP.
joint venture of The project description is an important
separate design and part of the PMP and requires the development
construction firms. of overall site logistics including safe access,
Another delivery
method commonly
used is Construction Effective cost management, including
Management
(CM), in which the
value engineering during planning
owner delegates the
management of all
and design, and change management
aspects of the project during preconstruction and
to a CM firm. The
owner maintains the construction, becomes a critical function
contracts with other
stakeholders such as for the success of a project.
the designer and prime
contractor, unless the
Construction Manager security requirements, laydown area, material
is hired in a CM at handling, and temporary facilities. For
Risk contract. In this projects with space limitations, site logistics
case, the CM firm are constantly adjusting as the project
holds the subcontract progresses. Not having a proper plan for site
agreements and is logistical adjustments due to construction
responsible for executing the construction phasing is frequently a cause for additional
phase. cost and potential claims. Unfortunately,
One of the most important elements for often it is not until a contractor is selected
the success of a construction project is the and integrated into the project team that
development of a project charter defining many site logistical issues are properly
the framework under which the project considered. In other instances, changes to the
will be executed. During my 30+ years of scope of work may have a significant impact
experience in this industry, I have learned on the site logistical plans, hence another
that to finish right, one must start right. good reason to have the scope of work well
Within the charter, or Project Execution Plan defined early in the project development
(PEP), key stakeholders and communication process.
protocols are defined, project champions When defining the scope of work, it is
are identified, funding sources and project critical not only to understand the client’s
administration platforms are recognized, limitations, restrictions, and requirements,
contract type and structures are developed, but also those that are inherent due to
procurement strategies are determined, location, local laws and regulations, and
budgets and schedule baselines are set, current market conditions. This involves
and the client goals and expectations are continued on next page
fleng.org MAY 2021 | JOURNAL Florida Engineering Society | 21Construction Management 101 continued from page 21
client should all be
considered in the
Change Management
Plan. This plan
should also assess
conflict prevention
and resolution, a
vital factor in the
success of a project.
Common reasons
for change orders in
construction projects
are ambiguous or
inaccurate drawings
and specifications,
unforeseen conditions
at the site, unrealistic
budgets, unattainable
schedules, and
delays in delivery of
materials. These items
should be addressed in
the Risk Assessment
and Mitigation Plan
consideration of labor force, equipment for the project.
availability, and cost of materials. Another critical function of a project is
Sustainability requirements including project scheduling. A Master Schedule should
LEED certification and other environmental be developed as part of the Project Execution
factors should also be considered when Plan. As scope is defined and parameters
developing the scope of work. All these established, the schedule is expanded to
elements will influence the establishment include all activities. The interaction and
of a realistic project budget, which is a dependencies of these activities are set up
key project function impacting how the in milestone and detailed schedules, which I
project is planned, designed, constructed, strongly suggest should be resource and cost
and closed. Cost estimates with appropriate loaded. Proper and timely communication
contingencies are developed considering time plays a critical role in the development
constraints, quality, and client goals. Ideally, and monitoring of a construction schedule.
cost estimates are developed following a Given its complex nature due to the
work breakdown system (WBS) that aligns interdependencies of many activities,
with the client’s accounting code system and the scheduler relies on the information
the schedule of values of the contractors. received from all stakeholders to set up the
Effective cost management, including value schedule and monitor and track progress.
engineering during planning and design, and It is important to understand the impact of
change management during preconstruction changes of one stakeholder in the overall
and construction, becomes a critical function plan when changing sequencing of activities
for the success of a project. Procedures for or recovery plans due to delays caused by
time extension, handling contractor change productivity, material delays, or other causes.
orders, and potential scope creep by the Providing timely and accurate schedule
22 | JOURNAL Florida Engineering Society | MAY 2021 fleng.orgupdates with a narrative report is a good ensuring safety of construction personnel and
practice in a successful construction project. nearby public. Safety considerations are vital
During my career, reminding myself of the in project designs, and the project leaders
Russian proverb “trust but verify” has been must show strong safety leadership to ensure
very useful when monitoring and tracking proper support for project safety. Nothing in
activities in a construction schedule. the construction process is more important
Another function of a construction than executing and providing a safe project.
project is quality. Quality control and quality As engineers, we have a duty to protect the
assurance plans are implemented to ensure public’s health, welfare, and safety through
the project is executed in accordance with our services as well as the execution of our
industry standards and the client’s needs, plans. It is our obligation to also protect our
goals, and expectations as defined in the personnel and all project stakeholders.
construction plans and specifications. The Firms using lessons learned from
plan identifies the quality team and clearly previous projects, industry benchmarking,
defines roles and responsibilities, as well as and project-specific metrics to measure
the forms and checklists, required testing, progress are better positioned to provide
reports, and processes and procedures during added value to a project. Clients should strive
all phases. Quality must be engrained in the to partner with firms that align with their
day-to-day operations of all stakeholders and business culture and can bring the knowledge
throughout all phases of the project. Review and expertise needed to meet project goals
and approval processes may include parties and client expectations. Personalities play a
that are not project stakeholders such as key role in teambuilding, and the attitude of
utility companies and government agencies personnel, safety leadership, and willingness
having jurisdiction over the project. During to resolve conflicts promptly and amicably
the last few decades Building Information can make a significant difference in the
Modeling (BIM) has been a significant successful completion of a construction
contributor to the enhancement of the quality project.
of the design and construction processes by Applying these functions as the basic
providing a virtual environment to manage tenets of a construction project help to reach
the project throughout its duration. established goals throughout the project
The integration of functions in a lifetime and achieve a successful project
construction project comes at a risk of completion for all stakeholders.
multiple potential failure points throughout
the process. This is why a risk analysis
and mitigation plan is essential. A Project About the Author
Risk Analysis serves as the basis for the Eric M. Jiménez, PE, PMP, CCM
development of a Risk Management Plan is Vice President and Director of
which helps define contract terms and Operations at Ardmore Roderick, a
conditions, as well as insurance and bonding design and construction management
needs. The stakeholders must identify all firm headquartered in Chicago with a
potential risks and provide a mitigation for regional office in Orlando, Florida. He
has completed over $1B in projects
each before the project starts.
and has over 30 years of industry
The project-specific Safety Plan is an experience applying management
integral part of the risk assessment and techniques to complex industrial and
mitigation plan, although it is a standalone commercial projects with demanding
function of the project. The Safety Plan must requirements and challenging
be developed as early in the construction schedules. Eric currently serves on
process as possible, outlining the safe the board of FECON and is Vice Chair
execution of all phases following minimum of the Industry Advisory Board for the
OSHA guidelines and regulations, and School of Engineering, Design and
Construction at Seminole State College
of Florida.
fleng.org MAY 2021 | JOURNAL Florida Engineering Society | 23You can also read
